Copycat Dutch Bros Strawberry Horchata Chai Recipe

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This Dutch Bros Strawberry Horchata Chai recipe is a harmonious blend of sweet, spicy, and everything nice, creating a symphony of flavors that dance gracefully upon the palate. It’s not just a drink; it’s an experience, a journey to a world where the vivaciousness of strawberries meets the exotic allure of horchata and the warm, comforting embrace of chai spices.

How to make Dutch Bros Strawberry Horchata Chai

Dutch Bros Strawberry Horchata Chai is a unique beverage offered by Dutch Bros Coffee, a popular coffee chain in the United States. It combines several flavors to create a refreshing and slightly spicy drink.

Ingredients

To whip up this delightful Dutch Bros Strawberry Horchata Chai, you’ll need the following:

Horchata Base:

• 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
• 4 cups water
• 1 cinnamon stick
• ½ cup sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Strawberry Syrup:

• 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
• ½ cup sugar
• ½ cup water

Chai Tea:

• 2 chai tea bags (or 2 tablespoons loose chai tea)
• 1 cup boiling water

To Serve:

• Crushed ice
• Additional fresh strawberries for garnish
• Cinnamon or chai spice for garnish

Instructions

Preparing the Horchata:

1. Soak the Rice: In a blender, combine the rinsed rice, 4 cups of water, and a cinnamon stick. Let this mixture soak for at least 4 hours or overnight in the fridge for best results. This soaking process is crucial for achieving the authentic horchata flavor.
2. Blend & Strain: After soaking, blend the mixture on high speed until it’s as smooth as possible. Then, using a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth, strain the mixture into a pitcher. Ensure to press or squeeze out as much liquid as possible.
3. Sweeten: Stir in the ½ cup sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract into the strained liquid. Taste and adjust the sweetness as desired. Chill the horchata in the fridge until it’s ready to serve.

Making the Strawberry Syrup:

1. Combine Ingredients: In a small saucepan, mix the chopped strawberries, ½ cup sugar, and ½ cup water. Bring it to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar has dissolved completely.
2. Simmer & Strain: Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the strawberries have softened and the syrup has taken on a vibrant red color. Remove from heat and strain the syrup, discarding the solid bits. Allow it to cool.

Brewing the Chai:

1. Steep the Chai: Steep the chai tea bags or loose tea in 1 cup of boiling water for about 5 minutes or according to the tea’s brewing instructions. Aim for a strong brew, as it will be diluted with ice and horchata.

Assembly:

1. Mix: In a large glass, combine 1 cup of the prepared horchata with a desired amount of the strawberry syrup—start with a tablespoon and adjust according to your taste. Add the brewed chai tea. Stir well.
2. Serve: Fill the glass with crushed ice. Garnish with slices of fresh strawberry and a sprinkle of cinnamon or chai spice on top.

Tips for Perfecting Your Dutch Bros Strawberry Horchata Chai:

• Quality Ingredients: The quality of your chai and the ripeness of your strawberries can make a big difference. For the best flavor, opt for a good-quality chai and ripe, sweet strawberries.
• Adjusting Sweetness: The sweetness level of this drink can easily be adjusted according to personal preference. Feel free to tweak the sugar amount in the horchata and the strawberry syrup.
• Chill Your Horchata: For a refreshing drink, ensure the horchata is well-chilled before serving. You can even freeze some horchata in ice cube trays for an extra chilled beverage without diluting it.
• Experiment: Don’t be afraid to play around with the ratios of horchata, strawberry syrup, and chai. Making it a few times will help you find your perfect balance.

What to serve with

Dutch Bros Strawberry Horchata Chai is a flavorful and unique beverage that serves as a delightful pick-me-up all on its own. However, if you’re thinking of pairing it with some food to create a more comprehensive experience for a brunch, afternoon treat, or even a casual gathering, here are some suggestions:

Sweet Treats

• Cinnamon Rolls or Churros: Echoing the cinnamon notes in horchata, a warm cinnamon roll or freshly made churros with dipping chocolate can beautifully complement the flavors of your drink.
• Pound Cake or Coffee Cake: A slice of plain pound cake or a streusel-topped coffee cake will not overpower the delicate flavors of your Strawberry Horchata Chai, offering a lovely balance between sweet and spiced.
• Scones with Strawberry Jam: Continue the strawberry theme with classic scones, served with clotted cream and strawberry jam, which will marry well with the strawberry syrup in the drink.
• Fruit Tart or Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit tart or a simple fruit salad with a minty dressing can contrast the rich and creamy horchata chai.

Savory Snacks

• Cheese and Crackers: A platter of mild cheeses, such as brie or goat cheese, served with an assortment of crackers can be a great savory counterpoint to the sweetness of the Strawberry Horchata Chai.
• Vegetable Quiche: A slice of vegetable quiche with a buttery crust provides a hearty and savory complement that’s perfect for brunch alongside your horchata chai.
• Chicken or Pork Empanadas: The spiced meat filling pairs wonderfully with the drink’s creamy texture and sweet, spicy flavors, making for an indulgent combination.
• Spinach and Feta Puffs: Flaky pastry with a tangy spinach and feta filling offers a textural contrast and a flavor profile that can stand up to the sweetness of horchata chai.

Healthier Options

• Yogurt Parfait: Layer Greek yogurt with granola and fresh strawberries to mirror the flavors in your drink while adding a healthful touch.
• Banana Bread: Opt for a reduced-sugar or a whole-grain version of banana bread for a satisfying, healthier option.
• Nut and Seed Bars: Homemade or store-bought bars packed with nuts and seeds can provide a crunchy, nutritious snack that’s not overly sweet, balancing out your sweet beverage.

Ingredients Substitutes

Creating a delightful Dutch Bros Strawberry Horchata Chai can be a fun and rewarding experiment. However, sometimes you might find yourself missing an ingredient or two. Luckily, plenty of substitutes can help you get close to the original taste and texture with what you have on hand.

Horchata Base

• Long-Grain White Rice: If you don’t have long-grain white rice, any non-aromatic white rice will work, such as short-grain white rice or even jasmine rice for a slight floral hint. Brown rice is an alternative, though it will result in a darker and slightly nuttier horchata.
• Cinnamon Stick: If you don’t have a cinnamon stick, you can substitute ½ teaspoons of ground cinnamon. The flavor might be slightly more intense, so adjust according to your taste.
• Sugar: If you’re out of regular white sugar, feel free to use an equivalent amount of honey, agave nectar, or maple syrup. These will slightly alter the flavor profile, but they can add an exciting twist to the traditional horchata.
• Vanilla Extract: For those without vanilla extract, the inside of a vanilla pod can be scraped into the mix for a similar flavor. Almond extract can also work, but use it sparingly as it’s more potent than vanilla.

Strawberry Syrup

• Fresh Strawberries: When fresh strawberries aren’t in season, frozen strawberries are a perfect substitute. There’s no need to thaw them before use; just increase the simmering time slightly to reduce the liquid to the right consistency.
• Sugar: Besides the alternatives mentioned above (honey, agave nectar, maple syrup), you could also try coconut sugar for a slightly different sweetness. Adjust the amount based on the sweetness level of the fruit and the alternative sweetener’s sweetness compared to sugar.

Chai Tea

• Chai Tea Bags: If chai tea bags are unavailable, you can create a pseudo-chai with black tea bags and a homemade spice mix. Include ground spices like cinnamon, cardamom, clove, ginger, and nutmeg. For 2 chai tea bags, use 2 black tea bags and add ¼ teaspoon of the mixed spices directly to the brewing tea.
• Boiling Water: While not exactly a substitute for a stronger chai flavor, you can simmer the tea and spices directly in a pot of water on the stove instead of steeping them in boiling water. This method allows the spices to impart more flavor.

Final Thoughts

Dipping into homemade beverages can be immensely satisfying, especially when the result is as delightful as this Dutch Bros Strawberry Horchata Chai. Whether you enjoy it as a personal treat or share it with friends and family, this unique blend will impress.

More Dutch Bros Recipes:

• Sugar Free Syrup at Dutch Bros
• Campout Cold Brew (Dutch Bros Copycat)
• Dutch Bros Mangonada
• Dutch Bros Rebel Recipe