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Dutch Bros’ soft top is all about creating a delicious, beautiful, sip-worthy experience.
This delicate dollop of luscious sweetness elevates the taste and texture of even my most favorite drinks.
But what exactly is the soft top and why do I prefer it to regular whipped cream?
I’m going to cover all the ins-and-outs, along with a homemade soft top recipe to enjoy without having to leave the house.
Key Takeaways
What Exactly Is A Dutch Bros Soft Top?
The Dutch Bros Soft Top is a creamy cross between a cold foam and marshmallow fluff that adds sweetness and a creamier texture to DB drinks.
This topping is created by whipping buttermilk, heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla extract or vanilla syrup together until fluffy.[1]
Taste
Dutch Bros’ sweet drink topper is sweet and fluffy with an airy texture. I think of it like a thicker meringue with a subtle sweetness and underlying notes of vanilla.
If I had to describe it, I’d say it tastes like the cream filling inside of a Twinkie.
It’s mildly-sweet, pourable, drinkable, with a light texture perfect for layering on top of everything from espresso to Rebel energy drinks.
Rather than overpowering the coffee taste, the soft top’s smooth and delicate sweetness complements bold espresso.
The velvety mouthfeel with every sip is super indulgent and satisfying, too!
Appearance
A soft top coffee topping looks like a little 2 oz. cloud of soft-yet-dense cream with a fluffy, white appearance.
However, rather than melting into your drink like whipped cream, the soft top is thick enough to sit and float on top of it, supporting drizzles, exemplified on drinks like the Dutch Bros Golden Eagle.
The well-defined white layer contrasts beautifully against espresso-based and fruity drinks, alike, making it too pretty to not take a photo!
Nutritional Information
The sweet soft topping comes in at around 50 calories per serving, 4 grams of fat, and 2 grams of sugar.
While it may not make for a Dutch Bros keto drink, it’s actually not too bad in terms of sugar.
Most of the calories in a soft top come from fat, so it likely wouldn’t even spike blood sugar.
When used as a treat rather than a daily addition, it’s not going to make a big difference in a diet or general nutrition.
What Drinks Does a Soft Top Go Best With?
This simple extra layer of perfection is so good, but it goes better with some drinks over others.
Here are some of my personal favorites:
My number one absolute favorite drink to add a soft top to is the Pumpkin Pie Cold Brew, as it tastes like a slice of pumpkin pie on Thanksgiving with the creaminess of the soft top!
It’s also great with a regular Nitro Cold Brew with pumpkin sauce added.
My second-favorite drink to add the soft top to is the Kicker!
The Irish cream syrup and espresso blend create a smooth canvas of flavor that the velvety, vanilla soft top combines seamlessly with.
Barista HQ Tip
It is possible to try the soft top with every item on the Dutch Bros menu, so I’ve gotten a bit experimental...with discretion. Whether it’s a frost, iced or hot coffee, or a Rebel, it tastes amazing.
How to Make A DB Soft Top at Home
It took me an embarrassingly long amount of time to figure out the exact way to make a soft top dense enough that it sits on top of the drink.
However, I’ve finally got it down!
This copycat Dutch Bros soft top recipe brings quite the joy to my life when I don’t feel like hopping in my car to get a drink.
Equipment:
Ingredients:
Instructions:
- 1Place jug or pitcher into the freezer for a few minutes beforehand until cold.
- 2Put ingredients into jug or blender.
- 3If using a milk frother, froth the mixture for 30 seconds or so, keeping frother just below the surface to create that foam. If using a blender, blend at medium speed for 30 seconds to a minute until foamy.
- 4The desired effect is for the mixture to have soft loose peaks and to have doubled in size.
- 5Prepare coffee or other drink of choice.
- 6The final step is to carefully spoon the mixture on top in a thick layer.
- 7Place any excess into a mixing bowl or other container and place it in the fridge to chill. I recommend using it the same day to avoid the whip from becoming too thin.
Tips:
Commonly Asked Dutch Bros Soft Top Questions
Can you buy Dutch Bros soft top for home use?
Yes, you can buy Dutch Bros Soft Top for home use. This isn’t exactly advertised, but Rich's Soft Top is what DB Broistas use. [2]
Is there an upcharge for adding Dutch Bros soft top?
The soft top does have an upcharge (usually around 25 cents) when added to drinks.
Does Starbucks have a soft top?
Starbucks does not have a soft top exactly, but they do have cold foam available. This foam is popular and is often paired with Starbucks cold brew, nitro coffee, or iced lattes.[3]
Try Adding A Soft Top To Your Drink!
For a more sweet-tempered espresso or a creamier Rebel energy drink, the Dutch Bros soft top is my customization of choice.
Enhancing flavor, texture, and aesthetic appeal, it’s well worth the few extra calories and cents if you ask me!
References:
1. https://www.dutchbros.com/menu/extras
2. https://www.richsusa.com/products/toppings-creams/on-top-whipped-topping/09229/
3. https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2018/introducing-cold-foam-at-starbucks/
As a native Southern Oregon, I remember when Dutch Brothers first opened in Grants Pass. They soon opened a drive threw in Medford Or. Both my sister and I would stop by every day on our way to work.
They were just developing their drink menu and would often write the regular customers name next to their drink order on the drop down wood panels.