Last time I was on the West coast, I tried out some Dutch Bros, and I’m sure glad that I did! Of course, when I returned home, I had to find a way to satisfy that craving since there aren’t any near me. This strawberry horchata chai is, I think, pretty close to the original and quite delicious!
The strawberry horchata chai is a non-coffee drink formerly found on the Dutch Bros menu. While it’s still on the “secret” menu so to speak, it’s not a regular offering. So, even if you have one near you, you may still want to be ready to make your own!
What’s not to love? Vibrant strawberries mix with cream and cinnamon, with warmth from the chai for a complex and delicious combination. It’s a perfect drink for summer that’s cool and refreshing, but the horchata notes make this a great non-alcoholic option for Cinco de Mayo too!
Now, in full disclosure, there are a lot of syrups involved to get the flavor just right. If you’re not running a coffee shop, you may find it off putting to have this many on hand. I, however, just see it as a way to try more creative and delicious drinks!
Strawberry Horchata Chai Dutch Bros Ingredients List
Dutch Bros uses Torani brand syrups. If you cannot find or get them at a store near you (and don’t want to order them) you can substitute other brands. However, this will alter the flavor slightly. You can also use sugar-free if desired (in fact, my store only had sugar free strawberry, but again, the flavor will be a little different)
The same goes for the chai – you can use another prepared brand, but the taste will change
Any kind of milk is fine, or you can use half and half if you want a really creamy, rich drink. Substitute almond, coconut, or rice milk for a non-dairy option
This recipe is easily scaled up depending on number of drinks desired, but as written it should give you around one 12-ounce sized beverage (once ice is added, the liquid itself is only 8-9 ounces), equivalent to a Dutch Bros ‘small’
Step By Step Instructions
Add everything but the ice into a glass, cocktail shaker, or similar
Stir well or shake until the syrups blend into the rest of the drink (you can also use a frother if you have one to save your arms the trouble)
A strawberry horchata chai is a delicious and refreshing beverage that combines the creamy flavors of horchata with the aromatic spices of chai tea, and a hint of fresh strawberry sweetness.
The drink was popularized by coffee chain Dutch Bros, which is found primarily in the West and South of the United States.
Can I Customize the Recipe for Strawberry Horchata Chai?
Yes, absolutely! While this recipe is intended to be similar to the Dutch Bros version, the beauty of homemade drinks is that you can customize them to suit your taste preferences. Experiment with different brands, flavors, and amounts of syrups.
You can also experiment with different chai tea blends, or add different types of milks to create different consistencies and flavors.
Is Strawberry Horchata Chai Vegan?
The strawberry horchata chai is not vegan, but can be made vegan-friendly. Use plant-based milk such as almond or rice milk for the horchata base, and choose a chai tea blend that is vegan certified.
Torani white chocolate syrup is also not vegan, so you’ll need to find a vegan-approved brand for that. Make sure to check the other varieties just to be safe, as they can change their recipes.
Can I Make a Large Batch of Strawberry Horchata Chai in Advance?
While it’s best to enjoy this drink fresh for optimal flavor, you can certainly prepare a larger batch of the mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator in a pitcher for a day or two.
When ready to serve, give it a stir, then pour into an ice-filled glass for serving.
What Occasions Are Suitable for Serving Strawberry Horchata Chai?
Strawberry horchata chai is perfect for breakfast, warm weather gatherings, brunches, or as a refreshing afternoon pick-me-up. It’s a versatile drink that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with your favorite snacks or desserts.
It’s also a great non-alcoholic beverage option for Cinco de Mayo, as the horchata notes pair well with Mexican cuisine.
Recipe Pro Tips
Serve your strawberry horchata chai in some variety of highball glass (like a pint glass, Collins glass, large mason jar, or can glass) or tumbler
Storage Tips
Store any leftovers in a pitcher in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
This recipe scales well for parties! Mix your strawberry horchata chai ahead of time and keep in a pitcher in the fridge. Then, simply stir and pour into individual ice-filled glasses for serving. This is great for entertaining!
This strawberry horchata chai is a refreshing and delicious drink. It’s got notes of sweet strawberry, cream and cinnamon, plus the smooth finishing balance of white chocolate and caramel.
It’s a copycat of the Dutch Bros coffee company drink, but even if you’ve never had one, you can still enjoy this fruity, flavorful beverage!
The strawberry flavor is perfect for summer, while the horchata notes lend well to Cinco de Mayo too. It’s a great non-alcoholic option that kids and adults alike can enjoy, and it scales well for parties, so you can kick back and sip your way to summer bliss!
Add everything but the ice into a glass, cocktail shaker, or similar
½ Tbsp Torani strawberry syrup, ½ Tbsp Torani cinnamon syrup, ½ Tbsp Torani caramel sauce, ½ Tbsp Torani white chocolate sauce, ½ cup Oregon chai tea latte concentrate, ½ cup milk
Stir well or shake until the syrups blend into the rest of the drink (you can also use a frother if you have one to save your arms the trouble)
Pour into a tall glass and fill with ice
Ice cubes
Enjoy!
Notes
If you cannot find or get Torani brand syrups at a store near you (and don’t want to order them) you can substitute other brands. However, this will alter the flavor slightly. You can also use sugar-free if desired (in fact, my store only had sugar free strawberry, but again, the flavor will be a little different)
The same goes for the chai – you can use another prepared brand, but the taste will change
Any kind of milk is fine, or you can use half and half if you want a really creamy, rich drink. Substitute almond, coconut, or rice milk for a non-dairy option
This recipe is easily scaled up depending on number of drinks desired, but as written it should give you around one 12-ounce sized beverage (once ice is added, the liquid itself is only 8-9 ounces), equivalent to a Dutch Bros ‘small’
Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, type of milk, any swaps, additions, or adjustments, and actual quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
I enjoy trying new recipes, creating my own, and dabbling with new techniques all the time. My husband loves to protest when I make him my guinea pig, but it’s all for the love of food!
My cooking philosophy is that great tasting food doesn't have to be complicated or time consuming to make. I'm a home cook with over 20 years of experience feeding myself and others. I've learned from a variety of different people, things I've learned online, and some trial and error as well.
I enjoy cooking a variety of foods, from convenience to comfort foods, as well as international cuisine. You can rest assured that all of my recipes have been actually made, thoroughly tested, and most importantly: tasted! I want you to enjoy my food as much as I do!
