Name: Dutch Bros Creme de Menthe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: European
Ingredients: Coffee or Espresso; Milk; Chocolate Sauce; Creme de Menthe Syrup; Whipped Cream; Mint Leaves (optional)

What if I told you that you could recreate the magic of Dutch Bros Creme de Menthe at home? The same tantalizing flavors, the comfort of your kitchen, and the freedom to personalize every sip to your heart’s content. Whether you’re a seasoned barista or a curious newbie in the world of at-home coffee crafting, our upcoming deep dive into the Dutch Bros Creme de Menthe recipe will surely elevate your coffee game.

Table of Contents

How to make Dutch Bros Creme de Menthe

Dutch Bros Creme de Menthe is a flavor option offered by Dutch Bros Coffee, a popular coffee chain known for its various drinks and customizable options. It is a mint-flavored syrup that adds a refreshing and sweet minty flavor to beverages. You can find it in various drinks at Dutch Bros, such as espresso drinks, blended drinks, and lemonades.

Ingredients

Coffee or Espresso: Depending on your drink, you may need brewed coffee or a shot of espresso. Espresso is preferred for an authentic coffee shop flavor in a basic Creme de Menthe mocha.
Milk: You can use any milk you prefer here, whether cow’s milk or a non-dairy alternative like almond, oat, or soy milk.
Chocolate Sauce: Opt for a high-quality dark or white chocolate sauce, depending on your taste preference.
Creme de Menthe Syrup: This is essential for achieving that signature minty flavor. You can purchase Creme de Menthe syrup from various online retailers or specialty food stores.
Whipped Cream: This is for garnishing and adding an extra layer of indulgence.
Mint Leaves (optional) – For a fresh garnish that enhances the minty sensation.

Instructions

Prepare the Coffee/Espresso: Brew your coffee or take a shot of espresso. If you’re making a mocha, espresso is recommended for a stronger coffee base.
Mix the Flavors: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine one cup of milk with two tablespoons of chocolate sauce and two tablespoons of Creme de Menthe syrup. Stir continuously until the mixture is thoroughly mixed and just begins to steam. Avoid boiling to keep the milk sweet and creamy.
Combine and Serve: Pour the flavored milk mixture into a large mug over the coffee or espresso. If you’re using a blender for a frozen version, blend the coffee with the milk mixture and ice until smooth. For an extra luxurious touch, top with whipped cream and drizzle a little more chocolate sauce and Creme de Menthe syrup.
Garnish: If desired, add a sprig of mint on top for a pop of color and a burst of fresh mint flavor.

Tips for Perfecting Your Drink

Temperature Control: Monitor the temperature when heating your milk and flavor mix. Heating the milk too much can cause it to scald, which negatively alters the flavor.
Quality Ingredients: Use the highest-quality chocolate and syrups. The flavor of your drinks heavily depends on these ingredients.
Adjust to Taste: The sweetness and intensity of the mint flavor can be adjusted by varying the amount of syrup and chocolate used. Start with the recommended amounts and adapt according to your preference.
Experiment: Don’t hesitate to experiment with different types of chocolate and milk to find your perfect combination. Some might prefer a darker, more bitter chocolate, while others might enjoy the creamy sweetness of white chocolate.

What to serve with

When considering what to serve with your homemade Dutch Bros Creme de Menthe, balance and complimentary flavors are worth considering. Whether you’re enjoying it on a cozy afternoon or as a dessert after a meal, here are some suggested pairings:

Sweet Treats

Chocolate Biscotti: A classic chocolate biscotti complements the chocolate in the Dutch Bros Creme de Menthe and adds a satisfying crunch. The subtle flavors of the biscotti won’t overpower the minty freshness of your drink.
Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies: Embrace the mint chocolate combo fully with some mint chocolate chip cookies. Their chewiness alongside the creamy beverage makes for a decadent experience.
Cheesecake: A slice of plain or chocolate cheesecake with this minty drink can be a luxurious pairing. The richness of the cheesecake balances out the coolness of the mint.

Savory Snacks

Salted Nuts: If you’re looking for a savory contrast, a handful of salted nuts like almonds, pistachios, or cashews can provide a pleasant texture contrast and a balance to the sweetness.
Cheese Platter: A platter with various cheeses, particularly those that aren’t too strong, can be a nice savory balance. Cheeses like brie, gouda, or mozzarella can offer a creamy counterpoint without overpowering the mint.

Brunch Options

Quiche: For a fulfilling brunch, a slice of quiche with a flaky crust can be served next to a warm Creme de Menthe. The quiche’s savory notes complement the drink’s sweet and minty flavors.
Bagels and Cream Cheese: Choose plain, chocolate chip, or cinnamon-raisin bagels topped with cream cheese for a delightful brunch that pairs well with the creamy texture of the Creme de Menthe.

Desserts

Dark Chocolate Mousse: For a truly indulgent treat, serve your drink with a side of dark chocolate mousse. The lightness of the mousse and the depth of the dark chocolate enhances the drink’s minty notes.
Vanilla Ice Cream: If you’re enjoying the Creme de Menthe in its frosty form, a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side can make for a wonderful affogato-style experience.

Healthy Options

Fruit Salad: For a healthier pairing, consider a fresh fruit salad with melons, berries, and a hint of lime. The freshness of the fruit highlights the drink’s minty profile without adding extra sweetness.

Seasonal Pairings

Pumpkin Bread: During the fall season, the spices in pumpkin bread can warmly contrast the cooling sensation of the Creme de Menthe.

Ingredients Substitutes

If you’re looking to make a homemade version of Dutch Bros Creme de Menthe but need to substitute some ingredients due to allergies, dietary restrictions, or simply because you don’t have them on hand, here’s a list of potential substitutes for common ingredients in this type of drink:

For Mint Flavor

Mint Extract Instead of Fresh Mint: If you don’t have fresh mint, mint extract can be a good substitute. Use it sparingly, though, as it’s much more concentrated than fresh mint leaves.
Peppermint Oil: Similar to mint extract, peppermint oil is very concentrated, so you’ll need just a drop or two to replace a tablespoon of fresh mint.
Peppermint Tea: Brew some peppermint tea and allow it to cool. It can then be used as part of the liquid base for your drink, adding a subtle mint flavor.

For Chocolate

Cocoa Powder: If you don’t have chocolate syrup, you can dissolve cocoa powder in a bit of hot water to create a chocolate liquid. Add sweetener to adjust for the lack of sweetness in the cocoa powder.
Carob Powder: If you’re avoiding chocolate, carob powder can be a good alternative. Like cocoa powder, it needs to be dissolved and sweetened.
Chocolate Extract: If you are out of chocolate but still want that chocolate flavor, use a few drops of chocolate extract. Be mindful, as it can be pretty potent.

For Cream Base

Full-Fat Coconut Milk: For those avoiding dairy or just out of cream, full-fat coconut milk can serve as a creamy, non-dairy substitute in the Creme de Menthe.
Almond Milk/Cashew Milk/Oat Milk: These plant-based milk alternatives are less creamy than coconut milk but can be used as a substitute if you prefer their flavor or if they’re what you have on hand. You can blend in a banana or some avocado to enhance their creaminess.
Half-and-Half or Milk: If the recipe calls for heavy cream and you don’t have any, you could use half-and-half or a combination of butter with milk to mimic the richness of the cream.

For Sweeteners

Honey or Maple Syrup: These can be natural white sugar or sweetener alternatives. The honey or maple syrup flavor will impart a different character to the drink, which some might find desirable.
Stevia or Monk Fruit Sweetener: If you’re looking for a sugar-free option, stevia or monk fruit sweeteners can provide sweetness without the added calories. Note that these sweeteners are more potent than sugar, so you’ll need much less.

For Whipped Cream

Coconut Whipped Cream: You can make whipped cream from chilled coconut cream as a dairy-free alternative.
Store-Bought Non-Dairy Whipped Cream: Several brands offer non-dairy whipped cream made from ingredients like soy, almond, or chickpea aquafaba, which would work well on top of a Creme de Menthe.

Final Thoughts

With these ingredients, instructions, and tips, you can bring some Dutch Bros magic into your home. Enjoy making your own Dutch Bros Creme de Menthe concoction that can be tailored precisely to your liking – a delightful treat to enjoy any time of the day!

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