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The first time I ordered a Dutch Bros Golden Eagle, I understood why people keep coming back to it.
It’s not a secret menu drink, but it’s one of the Dutch Bros orders I see mentioned most often.
So what is it, and why does it keep showing up?
I’m breaking down the recipe, the flavor, and a few ways I’ve seen it customized.
Key takeaways
Golden Eagle appearance & flavor
The Dutch Bros Golden Eagle has a unique flavor profile that combines the strong coffee flavor of espresso with the sweetness of syrups, the creaminess of half and half, and the subtle nuttiness from the cinnamon or nutmeg topping.
The ingredients are simple, but the drink doesn’t taste basic.
What stands out to me is that it isn’t just sweet on sweet.
The espresso gives it enough backbone to cut through the caramel and vanilla, and the half and half adds a richer texture than a standard latte.
That’s why it feels more like an indulgent coffee than an everyday cup.
I’ll order it hot or iced, but the iced version is the one that grabs my attention first.
The caramel lines the clear cup, and the whipped cream with extra caramel on top makes it look almost too much before the first sip.
What’s in the Golden Eagle Dutch Bros?
Recipe List:
- 2 shots of bold espresso
- 6 ounces of half and half
- 1 tbsp of vanilla syrup
- 1 tbsp of caramel sauce
- Ice
- Whipped cream
- Caramel drizzle
While it won’t be quite as luxurious in texture, the half and half can be substituted for a plant-based milk instead.
How to order the Golden Eagle at Dutch Bros
Ordering a Golden Eagle at Dutch Bros is pretty straightforward.
That simplicity is part of why I tried it early on.
You choose the size and pick hot, iced, or blended, then add customizations after that.
For example, ‘I’d like a Large Hot Golden Eagle Breve with almond milk and extra caramel drizzle’.
How To Order
- Ask for white coffee instead for a less bold espresso taste that lets the vanilla and caramel really come through.
- Ask for a shot of chocolate macadamia nut syrup instead of vanilla
- For a more savory drink, switch out the regular caramel drizzle for salted caramel drizzle.
5 Best Dutch Bros Golden Eagle customizations
One thing I’ve always liked about Dutch Bros is how easily this drink can change.
I’ve tried Golden Eagles with hazelnut and raspberry, and those additions push the flavor in very different directions.
Those are the modifications I reach for most often when I want to change it up.
The Dutch Bros Keto drink version is useful when I’m watching my carbs and sugar more closely.
Using almond milk and sugar-free syrup changes the drink more than I expected, but the Golden Eagle idea is still there.
Keto Golden Eagle Ingredients
- Espresso
- Heavy cream
- Sugar-free vanilla Syrup
- Sugar-free Caramel syrup
- Sugar-Free caramel drizzle
It still gives you plenty of flavor, just in a lighter way.
This low-calorie iced version uses zero-sugar caramel sauce and vanilla syrup.
Skipping the whipped cream makes it feel lighter, though the caramel-vanilla profile still comes through.
You can use the same approach for the hot version, too.
Low-Calorie Golden Eagle Ingredients
- Espresso
- almond milk
- Sugar-free vanilla Syrup
- Sugar-free Caramel syrup
- Sugar-Free caramel drizzle
3. Chai Golden Eagle
The Chai Golden Eagle is the one I think about when autumn rolls around.
It keeps the caramel and vanilla setup, but swaps the espresso for chai tea.
The Dutch Bros chai drink version comes out sweet, spicy, earthy, and creamy, and it’s the first one I reach for when I want the flavor without the caffeine.
Chai tea is often linked with health benefits, but I’d treat that as a general tea claim rather than the reason to order it.[2]
Golden Eagle Chai Ingredients
- Chai tea
- Half-n-half
- vanilla Syrup
- Caramel syrup
- caramel drizzle
- Whipped cream
4. Upside Down Golden Eagle
The standard Golden Eagle is made with espresso, half and half, caramel sauce, and vanilla syrup.
The main difference is that the milk is added to the bottom of the cup before the other ingredients are poured in before adding caramel drizzle to the top, so all the good stuff isn’t sitting at the bottom the whole time.
Upside Down Golden Eagle Ingredients
- Espresso
- Half-n-half
- vanilla Syrup
- Caramel Sauce
5. Soft Top Golden Eagle
And no, I’m not talking about the Jeep Wrangler.
This version keeps the usual espresso, half and half, caramel sauce, and vanilla syrup, but skips the whipped cream.
Instead, it comes topped with a marshmallow-like soft top that tastes a little like vanilla and reminds me of thicker cold foam.
Soft Top Golden Eagle Ingredients
- Espresso
- Half-n-half
- vanilla Syrup
- Caramel Sauce
- Marshmallow Cream
What sizes can you get?
At Dutch Bros, the Golden Eagle can be ordered in Small, Medium, or Large.
The Golden Eagle nutritional value
Golden Eagle Nutritional Breakdown (Iced - Without Modification) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Nutrients | Small | Medium | Large |
Calories | 340 | 480 | 560 |
Total Fat | 18G | 30G | 36G |
Total Carbs | 39G | 43G | 46G |
Sugar | 33G | 37G | 39G |
Protein | 6G | 10G | 12G |
Golden Eagle Nutritional Breakdown (Hot - Without Modification) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Nutrients | Small | Medium | Large |
Calories | 480 | 620 | 700 |
Total Fat | 30G | 42G | 49G |
Total Carbs | 43G | 47G | 50G |
Sugar | 37G | 41G | 43G |
Protein | 10G | 14G | 17G |
Golden Eagle Nutritional Breakdown (Blended - Without Modification) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Nutrients | Small | Medium | Large |
Calories | 580 | 780 | 1000 |
Total Fat | 18G | 24G | 31G |
Total Carbs | 92G | 122G | 153G |
Sugar | 84G | 112G | 141G |
Protein | 11G | 17G | 23G |
It’s probably a surprise to no one, but the Golden Eagle is pretty high in sugars, carbs, and calories.
I do not reach for the larger sizes very often, which is why this feels more like an occasional treat than an everyday coffee.[3]
Calorie content
Calorie counts vary by size and by whether you order it hot, iced, or blended.
The average blend comes in at around 550 calories per serving, but it is important to note that this will vary depending on adaptations and additions.
The keto version is lower in calories because it uses almond milk and sugar-free syrup, while half and half and full-sugar sauces add up quickly.
Caffeine content
I still pay attention to the caffeine total when I order one.
While the Golden Eagle’s caffeine content varies depending on the size and temperature, the drink offers around 256 mg of caffeine per 20 ounces.
It’s worth keeping an eye on total caffeine intake, since too much can cause adverse effects.[4]
The FDA recommends no more than 400 mg of caffeine a day for healthy adults.
How to make a Golden Eagle at home (Copycat recipe)
If you don’t have a Dutch Bros nearby, a copycat version can still get you close.
The base recipe is simple enough that you only need a few ingredients to make a decent stand-in.
Things you’ll need
For the blended version, these are the ingredients you’ll want:
Step by step instructions
Follow these steps to make a hot or iced drink:
- 1Begin by brewing two shots of espresso, and place the half and half somewhere to chill.
- 2Once the coffee is brewed, add half an ounce of the caramel sauce and mix well. Place the cup to one side when done.
- 3Take a tall glass and add ice if desired. Add caramel sauce drizzle to the insides of the glass.
- 4Add the caramel espresso, top with a shot of the vanilla syrup, mix and leave to settle.
- 5Once the mixture has settled, add the half and half for that blended Golden Eagle taste.
- 6Add whipped cream to the top if desired, and then add caramel sauce drizzle.
- 7Enjoy!
Brief history of the Dutch Bros Golden Eagle
The Golden Eagle is a Dutch Bros signature drink, and the chain started in the Pacific Northwest.
It first appeared in 1992 and has been on the menu ever since.
It’s now served in more than 350 locations across the United States and is widely ordered, though that can vary by market.
It has also built a loyal following, and I can see why some fans shorten it to ‘The Gold’.
The Dutch Bros Golden Eagle is a breve latte made with espresso, half and half, caramel sauce, vanilla syrup, and caramel drizzle on top.
It’s often finished with whipped cream, and some versions may include cinnamon or nutmeg.
FAQs
Is the Golden Eagle still available at Dutch Bros?
Yes, the Golden Eagle is still available at Dutch Bros, and you can order it in-store or online.
How much is a Golden Eagle at Dutch Bros?
On average, it’s around $3.75 at many stores, though local pricing can be different, and it sits roughly in line with Starbucks and similar outlets.
Is Dutch Bros Golden Eagle Drink worth the money?
For a drink this rich, I treat it as an occasional order. The flavor and texture make the splurge feel justified more than something I’d drink every day.
What is Dutch Bros Golden Eagle dairy content?
The Dutch Bros Golden Eagle contains half and half, which is equal parts whole milk and cream.
You won't regret trying this drink!
It’s rare that I’d call a drink broadly appealing, but this is one of the few that feels close.
That broad appeal is why it comes to mind so quickly when someone is trying Dutch Bros for the first time.
Hot or cold, it gives you sweet caramel and vanilla, a creamy body, and an espresso finish that keeps it from tasting flat.
References:
1. https://www.dutchbros.com/menu/dutch-classics/golden-eagle
2. https://artfultea.com/blogs/wellness/chai-tea-benefits
3. https://www.nutritionix.com/i/dutch-bros-coffee/golden-eagle-blended-m/d3ea121339e8c77037a182e0
4. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/caffeine-side-effects
