How to make a blondie and golden eagle

As a huge fan of those creamy, sweet coffee drinks, I used to spend a small fortune at the drive-thru. But after a little experimenting, I discovered that the iconic Dutch Bros Golden Eagle and 7 Brew Blondie are practically twins! Making them at home is not only a huge money-saver, but it's also incredibly satisfying to craft your own perfect cup. Here’s how I do it, along with some extra tips I've picked up. The real secret to both of these drinks lies in a simple combination: vanilla syrup and caramel sauce. From what I’ve seen, both companies often use Torani products, which are readily available. My go-to method is to pre-mix a 1:1 ratio of Torani vanilla syrup and Torani caramel sauce. I usually do 1 tablespoon of each for a regular sweetness, or 2 tablespoons if I'm feeling extra indulgent. Just a little tip: if you’re concerned about dairy, remember that some caramel sauces, like certain Torani varieties, do contain milk. Now, for the coffee base. While the original article is short, to truly replicate these drinks, you need a good espresso shot. Don't worry if you don't have a fancy espresso machine! I've experimented with several options. You can use instant coffee like Cafe Bustelo for a quick fix, or brew some strong Cafe Bustelo ground coffee. For a smoother, gourmet touch, I sometimes use a good quality ground coffee like Stumptown Coffee Roasters in my espresso maker or even pop in an espresso capsule. The key is a concentrated coffee flavor to stand up to the sweetness. Once you have your espresso, it’s time for the creamy goodness. Both the Blondie and Golden Eagle are known for their rich, milky texture. I typically add 6-8 ounces of half and half. For those wondering about a "breve," this is essentially what a breve is – a coffee drink made with half and half! So, if you're looking for a 7 Brew breve recipe, just follow these steps. For a slightly lighter version, whole milk works too, but half and half really delivers that authentic, decadent feel, especially brands like Land O Lakes. Next, the refreshing part: add ICE! Fill your glass with plenty of ice. Then, pour in your espresso, followed by the half and half, and finally, your pre-mixed vanilla and caramel concoction. Give it a good stir to ensure all those delicious flavors are well combined. And for the grand finale, the topping! This is where the Golden Eagle often shines with its cold foam, a feature the Blondie sometimes skips. But trust me, a good cold foam makes all the difference! You can easily make cold foam at home by frothing a little milk (dairy or non-dairy) until it's light and airy. If cold foam isn't your thing, whipped cream is a fantastic alternative. For an extra touch of perfection, I always finish with an optional caramel drizzle over the top. It just looks and tastes so much better! Regarding caffeine, many people ask "how much caffeine is in a medium Golden Eagle from Dutch Bros?" While I don't have the exact drive-thru numbers, generally, an espresso-based drink like this will have about 60-75mg of caffeine per shot of espresso. So, if your homemade version uses two shots, you're looking at around 120-150mg. It's enough to give you a nice boost without feeling jittery. I've also played around with variations. If you're craving that "7 Brew sweet and salty" vibe, a tiny pinch of sea salt added to your caramel and vanilla mix works wonders. Or, you can seek out a salted caramel sauce! And for those who prefer an even smoother coffee base, using a good quality cold brew instead of espresso is amazing. Many wonder if "Dutch Bros cold brew is good" – and yes, it is! You can replicate that smooth, less acidic profile at home by using your favorite homemade or store-bought cold brew concentrate as your base. This homemade approach is truly a game-changer. You get to control the ingredients, adjust the sweetness to your liking, and enjoy your favorite coffee shop drinks without the constant trips out. Give it a try – you won't regret it!