Table of Contents
Hey, I’m Alex.
For years, I was a dedicated student of coffee culture, but when it came to Dutch Bros, I felt like I was failing the final exam every single time.
I’d see these incredible, dessert-like creations on social media—the Flapjack Cold Brew, the Molten Lava, the Strawberry Mocha Tuxedo—and I’d get inspired.
I’d pull into that famously friendly, high-energy drive-thru line feeling confident.
And then, the moment a “Broista” jogged up to my car window, my brain would short-circuit.
I remember one particularly mortifying attempt.
I wanted to order the Flapjack Cold Brew.
“I’ll have a…
uh…
Flapjack?” I mumbled.
The Broista, patient as ever, smiled and began the interrogation.
“Awesome! What size? Did you want that as a cold brew? Iced or blended? What kind of milk?” My confidence evaporated.
I was holding up the line, I didn’t know the answers, and the vibrant, limitless menu suddenly felt like an insurmountable wall.
I ended up defaulting to a plain black coffee, defeated.
This was my core struggle: I loved the idea of Dutch Bros’ creativity, but the unwritten rules and endless options gave me a paralyzing case of “ordering anxiety”.
The real turning point came when I stopped trying to memorize the menu.
I realized the Dutch Bros system isn’t a static list of items; it’s a language.
It has a vocabulary and, most importantly, a grammar.
This epiphany changed everything.
By learning the simple “parts of speech”—the base drinks, the flavors, the milks—and the proper “sentence structure” for ordering, I could not only replicate any “secret menu” drink but confidently invent my own.
This report is the result of that journey.
It’s designed to teach you the language of Dutch Bros. We’re going to deconstruct the entire system, piece by piece, so you can transform from a hesitant order-taker into a confident drink-creator.
By the end, you’ll have transcended the secret menu and gained the power to design your own perfect cold brew with absolute ease.
In a Nutshell: The Foolproof Ordering Formula
Before we dive deep, here is the single most important tool you’ll learn—the “sentence structure” for a perfect Dutch Bros order.
Broistas prefer this sequence because it’s logical and efficient, and it will eliminate any ordering anxiety.
The Formula: ** + + + [Flavor(s)] + [Milk Choice] +**
Example: “Can I get a Medium Iced Cold Brew with caramel syrup and white chocolate sauce, made with oat milk, and topped with Soft Top?”
Master this syntax, and you’ve already won half the battle.
Now, let’s learn the words.
Section 1: The Canvas — Choosing Your Cold Brew Foundation
Every great work of art begins with the right canvas.
At Dutch Bros, your cold brew choice is that canvas.
It’s the foundational decision that dictates the final drink’s texture, boldness, and character, influencing every subsequent ingredient you add.
There are two primary options, each offering a distinct experience.
The Standard Cold Brew: Smooth, Bold, and Versatile
Dutch Bros’ signature Cold Brew is described as “smooth and bold,” a classic take on coffee that boasts a higher caffeine content than traditional brews.
This is your all-purpose canvas.
Its robust but relatively neutral coffee flavor makes it the perfect foundation for a vast array of flavor combinations, from simple vanilla to complex dessert-inspired creations.
It allows the added syrups and sauces to be the star of the show without being overpowered.
A key feature that many customers overlook is the ability to order this cold brew “toasted,” or hot.
This isn’t just a novelty; it’s a game-changer for a specific type of coffee drinker.
Cold brewing naturally results in a coffee with lower acidity compared to traditional hot brewing methods.
For individuals who love the warmth and comfort of a hot coffee but are sensitive to its acidic bite, a “toasted” cold brew offers the best of both worlds: the smooth, low-acid flavor profile of cold brew served at a steaming 150-155 degrees Fahrenheit.
The Nitro-Infused Cold Brew: Silky, Creamy, and Elevated
The Nitro-Infused Cold Brew represents a more craft-oriented approach.
By infusing the cold brew with tiny nitrogen bubbles, Dutch Bros creates a drink with a fundamentally different “silky texture and enhanced flavor”.
The experience is all about mouthfeel.
The nitrogen creates a rich, cascading crema-like head and a velvety smoothness that coats the palate.
This inherent creaminess has significant implications for customization.
A Nitro-based drink is already partway to being a rich, full-bodied beverage without any additions.
It requires less “help” from heavy milks or creamers to achieve a luxurious feel.
This makes it a superior choice for those who want a rich-tasting drink with fewer calories, as a simple splash of flavor syrup into Nitro can mimic the mouthfeel of a standard cold brew laden with cream.
It’s also the ideal base for drinks where a velvety texture is the primary goal, like the “Dream Weaver Nitro Cold Brew,” which combines this silky base with white chocolate and hazelnut.
The Verdict: Which Canvas is for You?
Your choice of canvas sets the stage for your entire drink.
To make the decision simple:
- Choose Standard Cold Brew if: You prioritize bold coffee flavor and maximum versatility for adding other ingredients. You want the option of a “toasted” hot drink or a classic iced coffee experience.
- Choose Nitro Cold Brew if: Mouthfeel and a creamy, silky texture are paramount. You’re looking for a craft coffee experience or want to achieve a rich-tasting drink with potentially fewer milk-based calories.
Section 2: The Vocabulary — Mastering Syrups, Sauces, and Milks
Once you’ve chosen your canvas, it’s time to learn the vocabulary you’ll use to paint your masterpiece.
In our “Drink Grammar” analogy, these are the nouns and adjectives of your order.
The most crucial distinction to master, one not explicitly explained on any menu, is the functional difference between syrups and sauces.
The ‘Nouns’ of Your Drink: The Critical Difference Between Syrups and Sauces
While both add flavor, syrups and sauces play fundamentally different roles in the architecture of your drink.
Understanding this difference is the key to unlocking next-level customization.
Syrups: The Flavor Agents
Syrups are the primary flavor “nouns.” They are thin, liquid, and designed to mix seamlessly into the drink, delivering a clear and specific taste.
When you ask for “vanilla” or “raspberry,” you are asking for a syrup.
Dutch Bros offers a massive library of these, including fruit flavors like strawberry and peach, nutty options like hazelnut and almond, and dessert profiles like cupcake and Irish cream.
Sauces: The Texture and Richness Agents
Sauces are thicker, richer, and more viscous.
They contribute both flavor and, more importantly, significant body and texture.
Think of them as flavor nouns that also add weight and creaminess.
The three core sauces are Caramel, White Chocolate, and Dark Chocolate.
The functional purpose of this distinction becomes clear when you analyze a popular drink like the “Flapjack Cold Brew,” which calls for both vanilla and caramel syrups and white chocolate sauce.
The syrups provide the distinct pancake-and-syrup flavor notes, while the thick white chocolate sauce provides the rich, full-bodied consistency that holds the entire theme together.
This knowledge empowers you to make more intelligent requests.
Asking for “extra caramel sauce” will result in a thicker, richer drink.
Asking for “extra caramel syrup” will simply make it sweeter without altering the texture.
The ‘Adjectives’ of Your Drink: A Deep Dive into Milks and Creamers
Milk choices are the “adjectives” of your drink order; they modify the base and define its final character, richness, and texture.
Failing to specify a milk will result in the drink’s default, so understanding your options is critical for getting exactly what you want.
Dairy Options:
- 2% Milk: This is the standard, baseline milk used for a regular Latte.
- Kick Me Mix (Half-and-Half): This is the signature, rich base for all Breves. It’s the default ingredient in classics like the Kicker (Irish cream breve) and the Annihilator (chocolate macadamia nut breve), providing their characteristic creaminess and full body.
- Chocolate Milk: This is the foundational liquid for all Mochas, including the Caramelizer (caramel mocha) and Cocomo (coconut mocha). It’s not an addition to these drinks; it is the drink’s primary liquid component.
Non-Dairy Options:
Dutch Bros offers three primary dairy-free alternatives:
- Oat Milk: This is the crowd favorite. Users consistently praise its superior creaminess and relatively neutral flavor, which allows it to substitute for dairy milk without dramatically altering the drink’s taste profile. It’s often recommended as the best all-around dairy alternative.
- Almond Milk: A widely available and popular choice, though some find it has a more pronounced nutty flavor that can become part of the drink’s overall profile. It’s a solid option, especially in hot drinks.
- Coconut Milk: The perfect thematic choice for tropical or coconut-flavored drinks (like a Cocomo). However, some users caution that it can occasionally separate or create a strange texture in blended drinks like Freezes.
Understanding the “default state” of named drinks is crucial.
A “Kicker” is a breve, meaning it is defined by its use of Kick Me Mix.
Ordering a “Kicker with Oat Milk” is a perfectly valid and delicious request, but you are fundamentally changing the drink’s identity from a rich breve to a flavored oat milk latte.
This isn’t a simple substitution; it’s a conscious design choice that you are now empowered to make.
Table 1: The Dutch Bros Customization Matrix
To consolidate this vast vocabulary, the following table serves as an at-a-glance reference guide.
It combines information from over a dozen sources into a single, actionable tool, laying out your entire creative toolkit.
| Component Type | Name | Sugar-Free Available? | Key Function & Flavor Profile |
| Syrup | Almond (Orgeat) | No | Sweet, nutty, marzipan-like flavor |
| Banana | No | Sweet, candy-like banana flavor | |
| Blackberry | No | Sweet and tart berry flavor | |
| Blue Raspberry | No | Sweet, tangy, artificial berry flavor | |
| Cane Sugar | Yes (as SF Vanilla) | Pure sweetness | |
| Chocolate Macadamia Nut | Yes | Rich, nutty, sweet chocolate flavor | |
| Cinnamon | No | Warm, spicy cinnamon flavor | |
| Coconut | Yes | Sweet, tropical coconut flavor | |
| Creme de Menthe | No | Cool, sweet mint flavor | |
| Cupcake | No | Sweet, vanilla cake and frosting flavor | |
| Grapefruit | No | Tangy, slightly bitter citrus flavor | |
| Hazelnut | Yes | Toasted, nutty flavor | |
| Irish Cream | Yes | Creamy, sweet, vanilla-and-caramel notes | |
| Kiwi | No | Sweet and tangy tropical fruit flavor | |
| Lime | No | Bright, tart citrus flavor | |
| Orange | No | Sweet, zesty orange flavor | |
| Passion Fruit | No | Sweet, tangy, tropical fruit flavor | |
| Peach | Yes | Sweet, juicy peach flavor | |
| Pomegranate | No | Tart, slightly sweet, deep fruit flavor | |
| Raspberry (Red) | Yes | Sweet and tart berry flavor | |
| Salted Caramel | No | Sweet caramel with a savory salt note | |
| Strawberry | Yes | Sweet, classic strawberry flavor | |
| Vanilla | Yes | Classic, sweet, creamy vanilla flavor | |
| Watermelon | No | Sweet, refreshing watermelon flavor | |
| Sauce | Caramel | Yes (Caution*) | Rich, buttery, thick caramel flavor and texture |
| Dark Chocolate | Yes (Caution*) | Rich, semi-sweet, thick chocolate flavor and texture | |
| White Chocolate | Yes (Caution*) | Very sweet, creamy, cocoa butter flavor and texture | |
| Dairy Milk | 2% Milk | N/A | Standard latte base, light texture |
| Kick Me Mix (Half-and-Half) | N/A | Rich, creamy breve base | |
| Chocolate Milk | N/A | Sweet, creamy mocha base | |
| Non-Dairy Milk | Oat Milk | N/A | Creamiest non-dairy option, neutral flavor |
| Almond Milk | N/A | Lighter texture, distinct nutty flavor | |
| Coconut Milk | N/A | Creamy, distinct tropical flavor | |
| Topping | Soft Top | No | Sweet, fluffy, marshmallow-like cream topping |
| Whipped Cream | No | Classic, light, airy cream topping | |
| Sprinks (Sprinkles) | N/A | Includes Birthday, Cinnamon, and seasonal varieties | |
| Drizzle | Caramel, Dark/White Choc. | Yes (Caution*) | Flavorful sauce drizzled on top or around the cup |
*Note on Sugar-Free Sauces: These are not zero-carb and should be used with caution on strict low-carb diets.
This will be covered in detail in Section 5.
Section 3: The Syntax — How to Build Your Perfect Drink ‘Sentence’
Knowing the words is essential, but speaking the language requires syntax.
This section provides the foolproof ordering formula—the grammatical structure—that Broistas themselves recommend for maximum clarity and efficiency.
Using this structure bridges the gap between the brand’s promise of “limitless creativity” and the operational need for a fast, accurate ordering process.
It’s the key to eliminating anxiety and ensuring you get the exact drink you envisioned.
From Chaos to Clarity: The Foolproof Ordering Formula
Commit this sequence to memory.
It is the most logical and effective way to communicate your order.
** + + + [Flavor(s)] + [Milk Choice] +**
A Step-by-Step Breakdown of the Ordering Formula
Each component of this “sentence” is a crucial piece of information.
Providing it in this order allows the Broista to build your drink on their screen without having to backtrack or ask clarifying questions.
- Size: (Small, Medium, Large). Always start with the size. This is the first button the Broista needs to press. Be aware of the ounce differences: Hot drinks are typically 12 oz, 16 oz, and 20 oz, while Iced and Blended drinks are significantly larger at 16 oz, 24 oz, and 32 oz.
- Temperature: (Hot/Toasted, Iced, Blended). This is the second non-negotiable piece of information. Stating it early prevents confusion and ensures the drink is built correctly from the start.
- Base Drink: (e.g., Cold Brew, Nitro Cold Brew, Latte, Rebel, Lemonade). This is the “subject” of your order. It tells the Broista what kind of drink you’re building.
- Flavor(s): (e.g., “with vanilla and white chocolate sauce,” or by name, “as a Golden Eagle”). This is the “verb” or “action” of your sentence. List all the syrups and sauces you want.
- Milk Choice: (e.g., “made with oat milk,” “as a breve”). This is the “adjective” that modifies your base. If you don’t specify, you will get the default milk for that drink type (e.g., 2% for a latte, Kick Me Mix for a breve, chocolate milk for a mocha).
- Toppings & Modifications: (e.g., “with Soft Top,” “extra sweet,” “light ice,” “add caramel drizzle”). This is the “punctuation” that finishes your order. Include any final flourishes here.
Putting It Into Practice: From Simple to Complex
Let’s see the grammar in action.
- Simple Order Example:
- Goal: A medium iced cold brew with sugar-free vanilla.
- The Order: “Hi! Can I get a Medium Iced Cold Brew with sugar-free vanilla?”
- Analysis: This is a perfect, simple sentence. It follows the syntax precisely: Size -> Temp -> Base -> Flavor.
- Complex Order Example (Deconstructing and Customizing the Flapjack):
- Goal: A large iced Flapjack Cold Brew, but made with oat milk and topped with Soft Top.
- The Order: “Hi! Can I please get a Large Iced Cold Brew? I’d like it as a Flapjack, so that’s with caramel syrup, vanilla syrup, and white chocolate sauce. Could you make that with oat milk and top it with Soft Top?”
- Analysis: This is an expert-level order. It demonstrates complete mastery. You state the size, temp, and base first. You use the “secret menu” name for easy reference but immediately follow up with the exact ingredients, showing you know the recipe. You then modify the default milk and add a topping. This is a clear, unambiguous order that will be made perfectly every time.
By adopting this structure, you are not just ordering; you are collaborating with your Broista.
You are providing information in the exact way they need it, turning a potentially stressful interaction into a smooth, successful transaction for everyone.
Section 4: Deconstructing the Classics — The ‘Secret Menu’ Revealed
One of the biggest sources of both intrigue and anxiety at Dutch Bros is the famous “secret menu.” The truth is, the secret menu is a myth—and that’s the best news you could hear.
It’s not a hidden, official list that you have to be “in the know” to access.
Rather, it’s a living, breathing, crowdsourced library of successful “Drink Grammar” sentences created by inventive customers and Broistas.
This section will demystify the most popular secret menu cold brews by breaking them down using our “Drink Grammar” framework.
This will not only show you how to order them flawlessly but also demonstrate how they are simply creative combinations of the standard vocabulary you’ve already learned.
Cold Brew Classics: A Grammatical Breakdown
Let’s dissect some fan favorites to reveal their underlying structure.
- The Flapjack Cold Brew
- Flavor Concept: A stack of buttery pancakes drenched in syrup.
- Grammar: [Iced] + +
- Analysis: A perfect case study in the syrup vs. sauce distinction. The vanilla and caramel syrups provide the core “pancake” flavor notes, while the rich white chocolate sauce contributes the necessary body and buttery texture.
- The Double Torture
- Flavor Concept: An extra-strong vanilla mocha.
- Grammar: [Iced] + + [Chocolate Milk]
- Analysis: The “torture” refers to the potent caffeine kick from an extra double shot of espresso added to the already caffeinated cold brew. The crucial insight is its use of chocolate milk as the default liquid, which grammatically makes this a mocha-style cold brew.
- The Molten Lava Cold Brew
- Flavor Concept: A warm, spiced chocolate cake.
- Grammar: [Iced] + + +
- Analysis: A simple but highly effective pairing. This drink highlights the importance of “punctuation”—the whipped cream and drizzle are not just afterthoughts; they are essential for completing the “chocolate cake” theme.
- The Cookie Cold Brew
- Flavor Concept: A classic chocolate chip or macadamia nut cookie.
- Grammar: [Iced] + +
- Analysis: This drink combines a sauce (white chocolate) and a syrup (chocolate macadamia nut) to create a layered, complex cookie flavor. It’s a popular enough combination that it also forms the basis of the “Snickerdoodle” when cinnamon is added.
Table 2: Deconstructing the Secret Menu – Cold Brew Edition
This table is your practical “cheat sheet.” It translates the fun but un-orderable secret menu names into the precise, grammatical language that guarantees a perfect result.
| Secret Menu Name | The Grammatical Order Script | Core Flavor Profile |
| Flapjack Cold Brew | “Can I get a Iced Cold Brew with caramel syrup, vanilla syrup, and white chocolate sauce, with [Milk Choice]?” | Buttery Pancakes, Maple Syrup |
| Double Torture | “Can I get a Iced Double Torture Cold Brew?” (This is an official menu item, but often seen as secret. It’s a vanilla mocha cold brew with an extra shot.) | Extra-Strong Vanilla Mocha |
| Molten Lava Cold Brew | “Can I get a Iced Cold Brew with cinnamon syrup and dark chocolate sauce, with [Milk Choice], topped with whip and chocolate drizzle?” | Spiced Chocolate Cake |
| Cookie Cold Brew | “Can I get a Iced Cold Brew with white chocolate sauce and chocolate macadamia nut syrup, with [Milk Choice]?” | White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookie |
| Campout Cold Brew | “Can I get a Iced Cold Brew with chocolate macadamia nut syrup, vanilla syrup, and chocolate milk, topped with Soft Top and chocolate drizzle?” | Toasted S’mores, Marshmallow |
| Cake Batter Cold Brew | “Can I get a Iced Cold Brew with cupcake syrup, with [Milk Choice]?” | Sweet Vanilla Cake Batter |
| Strawberry Mocha Tuxedo | “Can I get a Iced Cold Brew with strawberry syrup, white chocolate sauce, and dark chocolate sauce, with [Milk Choice], topped with Soft Top?” | Chocolate-Covered Strawberries |
| Cold Brew Kicker | “Can I get a Iced Nitro Cold Brew with Irish cream syrup and half-and-half (Kick Me Mix)?” | Creamy Irish Coffee |
Section 5: The Specialist’s Guide — Navigating Sugar-Free and Keto Orders
For those with specific dietary needs, navigating a customizable menu can be especially challenging.
This section provides direct, unambiguous guidance for ordering sugar-free and keto-friendly cold brews, resolving a critical and potentially dangerous point of confusion in the Dutch Bros system.
The Sugar-Free Tightrope: The Hidden Danger of SF Sauces
When ordering sugar-free, you must understand one non-negotiable rule that could impact your health and dietary goals.
The Golden Rule: Sugar-Free SYRUPS are NOT the same as Sugar-Free SAUCES.
This distinction is paramount.
- The Safe Zone (Syrups): The sugar-free syrups are your go-to for flavor. They are generally considered safe for strict low-carb and keto diets. The available SF syrup library includes: vanilla, caramel, hazelnut, Irish cream, chocolate macadamia nut, strawberry, raspberry, peach, and coconut.
- The Caution Zone (Sauces): The sugar-free sauces (White Chocolate, Dark Chocolate, Caramel) are a different story. While they are “sugar-free” in that they don’t contain sucrose, they do contain sugar alcohols and other sweeteners that carry a carbohydrate count. Experienced keto dieters on forums explicitly warn that these sauces can be high enough in carbs to impact ketosis and are not suitable for a strict regimen.
This creates a dangerous ambiguity.
Dutch Bros officially states that menu favorites like a White Mocha can be made “sugar-free”.
A customer might assume this is keto-friendly.
However, a “Sugar-Free White Mocha” is made with the sugar-free white chocolate sauce, which contains carbs.
This is a critical failure point for a strict dieter.
The truly safe approach is to avoid the sugar-free sauces entirely and build your drink using only the safe-zone syrups.
A truly keto-friendly “mocha,” for example, is not a “Sugar-Free Mocha.” It is a custom-built drink: Cold Brew + Sugar-Free Chocolate Macadamia Nut SYRUP + a keto-friendly milk.
This knowledge provides a genuine service and helps you avoid a common, potentially harmful mistake.
Building the Perfect Keto-Friendly Cold Brew
With the Golden Rule in mind, building a compliant keto cold brew is simple.
Just follow this formula:
- Base: Start with a black Standard Cold Brew or Nitro Cold Brew.
- Flavor: Add flavor exclusively from the “Safe Zone” list of Sugar-Free Syrups.
- Richness: Add a splash of heavy cream (if available), Kick Me Mix (half-and-half, but be mindful of its carb count), or an unsweetened non-dairy milk like almond or coconut milk.
Keto-Friendly Order Scripts:
- “Hi, can I get a Medium Iced Cold Brew with sugar-free hazelnut and a splash of heavy cream?”
- “I’ll have a Large Nitro Cold Brew with sugar-free raspberry syrup, please.”
- “Can I get a Medium Iced Cold Brew with sugar-free vanilla and sugar-free caramel syrup, made with almond milk?”
Table 3: The Keto & Sugar-Free Dutch Bros Survival Guide
This table removes all guesswork, providing a clear “Go / No-Go” list for dieters.
| Ingredient | Keto-Friendly Status | Critical Notes |
| Bases | ||
| Standard Cold Brew (Black) | ✅ Safe | Zero carbs, zero sugar. The ideal starting point. |
| Nitro Cold Brew (Black) | ✅ Safe | Zero carbs, zero sugar. Adds creaminess without dairy. |
| SF Syrups | ||
| SF Vanilla, Caramel, Hazelnut, Irish Cream, Choc. Mac., Coconut, Strawberry, Raspberry, Peach | ✅ Safe | Your primary source for flavor. Generally zero-carb. |
| SF Sauces | ||
| SF White Choc., Dark Choc., Caramel Sauce | ❌ Avoid | NOT for strict keto. Contains sugar alcohols and carbs that can affect ketosis. |
| Milks & Creams | ||
| Heavy Cream | ✅ Safe | Best option for richness with minimal carbs. Ask for a “splash.” |
| Kick Me Mix (Half-and-Half) | ⚠️ Use with Caution | Contains dairy carbs (~1g per oz). Use sparingly and track macros. |
| Unsweetened Almond/Coconut Milk | ✅ Safe | Good low-carb options for adding liquid volume. |
| 2% Milk / Chocolate Milk | ❌ Avoid | High in sugar and carbs. |
| Toppings | ||
| Soft Top / Whipped Cream | ❌ Avoid | High in sugar. |
Conclusion: From Drink-Taker to Drink-Maker
I think back to that day in the drive-thru, fumbling my order for a Flapjack Cold Brew, feeling a mix of embarrassment and frustration.
That version of me was intimidated by the endless possibilities of the Dutch Bros menu.
He saw a chaotic list of names he didn’t understand.
Today, I see a language—a simple, elegant grammar that unlocks infinite creativity.
My hope is that this guide has done the same for you.
You haven’t just memorized a few recipes from a “secret menu.” You’ve learned the entire system.
You know the foundational difference between a standard and a Nitro cold brew.
You understand the critical roles of syrups versus sauces, the “nouns” of your drink.
You can expertly deploy milks as “adjectives” to define your drink’s character.
Most importantly, you have mastered the syntax—the foolproof ordering formula that turns a complex idea into a simple, clear request.
You now have the tools to be your own Broista.
You can walk up to that window, not with anxiety, but with the confidence of a designer.
You can recreate any classic, modify it to your exact preference, or, even better, invent something entirely new.
The Dutch Bros code is cracked.
Now, go have fun with it.
