Dutch Bros Strawberry Horchata Chai: Flavor, Calories & More
Ever had a drink so rich and comforting it feels like a hug in a cup? That is exactly what Dutch Bros Strawberry Horchata Chai gives you. A bold blast of sweet strawberries meets creamy horchata and warm, spiced chai in a single glass. It is not just a drink, it’s a feeling.
The mix of juicy strawberry, cinnamon-rich horchata, and strong chai creates a taste that is creamy, spiced, sweet, and crisp all in one sip. Whether you love chai or you are trying horchata for the first time, the Dutch Bros Strawberry Horchata Chai gives you something unforgettable. In this guide, you’ll learn everything about Strawberry Horchata Chai, including its flavor, nutrition, customization, and copycat recipe.
Dutch Bros Strawberry Horchata Chai Recipe
Dutch Bros Strawberry Horchata Chai is a bold mix of sweet strawberry, creamy horchata, and spiced chai. To make it at home, steep spiced chai tea, stir in chilled horchata, and add thick strawberry syrup. This blend creates a refreshing and slightly spicy drink, just like the one served at Dutch Bros Coffee.
Ingredients
Horchata Base
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (rinsed)
- 4 cups cold water
- 1 whole cinnamon stick
- ½ cup sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Strawberry Syrup
- 1 cup fresh strawberries (chopped)
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ cup water
Chai Tea
- 2 chai tea bags or 2 tablespoons loose chai
- 1 cup boiling water
- ½ cup Oregon brand chai (optional, for stronger flavor)
Creamy Touch
- ½ cup milk (2% or your choice)
- ½ tablespoon caramel sauce
- ½ tablespoon white chocolate sauce
To Serve
- Crushed ice or ice cubes
- Sliced strawberries for garnish
- Cinnamon or chai spice for topping
Instructions
Step 1: Soak the Rice
- Take 1 cup of rinsed long-grain white rice.
- Add 4 cups of cold water and 1 cinnamon stick.
- Place in the fridge for 4 hours or overnight.
- Soaking makes the horchata smooth and gives it an authentic flavor.
Step 2: Blend and Strain
- After soaking, blend the rice, water, and cinnamon until smooth.
- Strain the mix through a cheesecloth or fine-mesh sieve into a pitcher.
- Press firmly to extract all the liquid.
Step 3: Sweeten the Horchata
- Mix in ½ cup sugar.
- Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
- Stir well, taste, and adjust sweetness as needed.
- Chill in the fridge.
Step 4: Make the Strawberry Syrup
- In a small pot, combine 1 cup chopped fresh strawberries, ½ cup sugar, and ½ cup water.
- Heat on medium and stir until the sugar dissolves.
- Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Strain the syrup and discard the fruit solids.
- Let it cool completely.
Step 5: Brew the Chai
- Steep 2 chai tea bags or 2 tablespoons loose chai in 1 cup boiling water for 5 minutes.
- If you prefer a stronger base, add ½ cup Oregon brand chai.
Step 6: Build the Creamy Base
- Pour ½ cup of milk into the drink.
- Add ½ tablespoon caramel sauce and ½ tablespoon white chocolate sauce.
- Stir everything together until combined.
Step 7: Combine Everything
- In a glass, pour 1 cup chilled horchata.
- Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of strawberry syrup.
- Add the brewed chai tea.
- Stir well.
Step 8: Serve Cold
- Fill the glass with ice cubes or crushed ice.
- Garnish with sliced strawberries.
- Sprinkle cinnamon or chai spice on top.
- Serve immediately and enjoy.
Nutritional Information
Here’s the nutritional guide on Dutch Bros Strawberry Horchata Chai:
Type | Size | Total Calories (kcal) | Total Fat (g) | Total Carbs (g) | Total Sugars (g) | Protein (g) | Caffeine (mg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Iced | Small | 230 | 2.5 | 48 | 45 | 5 | 15 |
Iced | Medium | 310 | 3.5 | 62 | 58 | 7 | 25 |
Iced | Large | 390 | 5 | 75 | 72 | 10 | 35 |
Ingredient Substitutes
- Horchata base: Long grain rice can be replaced with jasmine rice for a slightly lighter flavor or brown rice for a richer, nuttier taste.
- Cinnamon: If you don’t have cinnamon sticks, use ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon instead. Add more only if needed.
- Sweetener: Honey, agave syrup, maple syrup, or coconut sugar can be used as a substitute for regular sugar. Each option adds its own flavor profile.
- Vanilla: Vanilla bean seeds work well in place of vanilla extract. A small amount of almond extract can also be used for a different flavor.
- Strawberry syrup: Frozen strawberries are a convenient substitute for fresh strawberries and produce a similar flavor and texture.
- Chai tea: If chai tea bags are unavailable, brew black tea with cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg to create a homemade chai blend.
Tips for Perfecting Your Dutch Bros Strawberry Horchata Chai at Home
- Pick Ripe Strawberries: Ripe strawberries create a sweeter syrup with better color and flavor. If the berries are underripe, the strawberry taste may not stand out in the finished drink.
- Use a Bold Chai: A bold chai helps balance the sweetness of the horchata and strawberry syrup. Strong spice notes also make the drink taste closer to the Dutch Bros version.
- Sweeten to taste: Start with a moderate amount of sugar and taste as you go. This helps you find the right balance without making the drink overly sweet.
- Keep the Horchata Well Chilled: Cold horchata creates a smoother and more refreshing drink. Chilling all ingredients before mixing also improves the final texture.
- Add White Chocolate: A small amount of white chocolate sauce can add creaminess and help tie the strawberry and chai flavors together without overpowering them.
- Freeze Horchata into Ice Cubes: Using horchata ice cubes keeps the drink cold while preserving its flavor. Unlike regular ice, they will not dilute the drink as they melt.
- Finish with a Soft Top: A soft top adds a creamy layer that complements the chai and strawberry flavors. It also gives the drink the rich finish many Dutch Bros fans enjoy.
- Adjust the Chai-to-Horchata Ratio: Some people prefer a stronger tea flavor, while others like a creamier drink. Experiment with the ratio until the balance matches your taste.
How to Order Dutch Bros Strawberry Horchata Chai
To order strawberry chai at Dutch Bros is simple. Here’s its ordering guide:
- Ask for a Strawberry Horchata Chai if your local Dutch Bros is familiar with the drink.
- If the barista does not recognize the name, order a Horchata Chai with added strawberry syrup.
- Choose your preferred size: Small, Medium, or Large.
- Select your milk option, such as 2% milk, oat milk, almond milk, or coconut milk.
- Adjust the sweetness level by requesting half sweet, less sweet, or extra strawberry syrup.
- Add a Soft Top if you want a richer and creamier finish.
- For extra caffeine, ask for a shot of espresso or white coffee.
- Confirm your customization choices before completing the order.
Customization Option
The Dutch Bros Strawberry Horchata Chai is one of the most customizable drinks on the secret menu. Here are the most popular tweaks:
- Milk Options: Choose 2% milk, oat milk, almond milk, or coconut milk based on your taste and dietary preferences.
- Sweetness Level: Ask for half sweet, less sweet, or extra strawberry syrup to adjust the flavor balance.
- Soft Top: Add Soft Top for a richer, creamier texture and a smoother finish.
- Extra Toppings: Cinnamon sprinkles or strawberry pieces can add extra flavor and texture.
- Extra Caffeine: Add a shot of espresso or white coffee for a stronger caffeine boost.
- Sugar Free Options: Ask about available sugar-free syrups if you want to reduce sugar content.
Conclusion
Dutch Bros Strawberry Horchata Chai earns its reputation. The combination of strawberry, spiced chai, and cinnamon-forward horchata is layered, balanced, and unlike anything else on a standard coffee menu. Whether you order it iced at the drive-thru or make a homemade version with the recipe above, the result is a drink that is both satisfying and surprising.
The real strength of the Strawberry Horchata Chai is its flexibility. Order it blended on a hot day, hot in the winter, or iced year-round. Swap the milk, dial back the sweetness, pile on the soft top, or add a shot of espresso. It holds up every way you build it.
