Copycat Dutch Bros Candied Cherry Recipe

Let’s talk about the Dutch Bros Candied Cherry recipe, a vibrant drink that’s been turning heads (and taste buds!) at drive-thrus everywhere. Whether you’re a die-hard Dutch Bros fan or love experimenting with flavored drinks at home, the candied cherry flavor is a fun way to bring a little boldness to your beverage lineup.

What Is Dutch Bros Candied Cherry?

Dutch Bros Candied Cherry is a trio of seasonal drinks featuring a prominent cherry-forward flavor paired with almond, described by the chain as a “candy bomb of flavor”, a sweet, nostalgic treat perfect for the fall season.

Ingredients:

• Cherry Syrup: 2 tablespoons (Torani, Monin, or any quality cherry syrup)
• Vanilla Syrup: 1 tablespoon (adds that “candied” twist)
• Club Soda or Lemon-Lime Soda: 1 cup (for fizz; use Sprite for extra sweetness)
• Crushed Ice: 1 to 1½ cups.

Optional:

• Maraschino cherries for garnish
• Whipped cream for a decadent finish
• A splash of cream or half & half for a creamy variation.

Instructions:

1. Prepare Your Glass: Fill your favorite tall glass about 3/4 full with crushed ice.
2. Mix the Syrups: In a small cup, combine the cherry syrup and vanilla syrup. Pour over the ice.
3. Add the Fizz: Pour the soda (club soda for less sweet, Sprite for sweeter) over the syrups and ice. Stir gently to mix.
4. Top and Garnish: If desired, add a dollop of whipped cream on top. Drop in a maraschino cherry for garnish and a pop of color.
5. Make it Creamy (Optional): For a “frost” or Italian soda effect, float a splash of cream or half & half on top before the whipped cream. Stir gently.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Add a fun straw and serve immediately while icy cold and bubbly.

Tips For The Perfect Candied Cherry:

• Adjust Sweetness: Customize to your tastes! Add more or less syrup depending on how sweet you like it.
• Experiment with Syrups: Try black cherry syrup for a deeper berry flavor, or add a hint of almond (just ¼ tsp) for extra “candy” vibes.
• Make a Large Batch: Hosting? Multiply the recipe and mix in a pitcher, then pour over ice as needed.
• Energy Version: Want it like Dutch Bros’ energy drinks? Substitute club soda with Red Bull (classic or sugar-free) or a similar energy drink, but be mindful of the caffeine!
• Non-Dairy: Use oat, coconut, or almond milk if you add cream and want to keep it dairy-free.

What To Serve Dutch Bros Candied Cherry With

Sweet Treats:

• Sugar Cookies or Cherry Thumbprint Cookies: The vanilla and cherry flavors of the drink complement soft bakery cookies, especially ones with a cherry or almond twist.
• Cheesecake Bites: Mini cheesecake squares or bites (plain or topped with cherry compote) make a creamy, rich counterpoint to the bright Dutch Bros Candied Cherry drink.
• Chocolate Brownies: The deep chocolate flavor contrasts beautifully with the sweet, tangy cherry.
• Pastries: Try fruit turnovers, cherry Danishes, or almond croissants.

Light Savory Snacks:

• Mini Sandwiches: Serve finger sandwiches like cucumber, ham and Swiss, or turkey and cheddar. The fresh, lightly salted flavors go well with the drink.
• Cheese & Fruit Board: Pair the drink with a cheese platter (mild cheddar, brie, or gouda) and fresh fruit like grapes, strawberries, or apple slices.
• Herbed Popcorn or Pretzels: The salty, crunchy texture of popcorn or pretzels makes a fun and easy snack alongside your cherry drink.

Brunch Favorites:

• Waffles or Pancakes: Opt for a stack with whipped cream and a cherry or berry topping, mimicking the flavors of the drink.
• Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad with cherries, pineapple, and strawberries will echo the drink’s fruity vibe.
• Breakfast Sliders: Mini breakfast sandwiches or sliders offer savory satisfaction to balance the sweetness.

Special Occasions:

• Cupcakes: Vanilla or cherry cupcakes with bright frosting are festive and pair well flavor-wise.
• Ice Cream Floats: Pour the candied cherry drink over vanilla or cherry ice cream for a twist on the classic float!

Serving Tips:

• Match Intensity: Pair with mildly sweet or light salty snacks. Avoid foods that are too spicy or sour, as they may clash with the cherry flavor.
• For Kids: Serve with fun snacks like jellybeans, gummy candies, or popcorn for a playful treat.
• For Adults: Try pairing with chocolate truffles or cherry-filled pastries for a dessert board.

Ingredient Substitutes:

Cherry Syrup Substitutes:

• Homemade Cherry Syrup: Simmer equal parts fresh or frozen cherries with sugar (or honey) and a splash of water until thick. Strain and cool.
• Cherry Juice Concentrate: Use 2 tablespoons of cherry juice concentrate mixed with 1 tablespoon simple syrup for a similar depth and sweetness.
• Maraschino Cherry Juice: The juice from a jar of maraschino cherries (often found in the fridge for ice cream nights) works well in a pinch.
• Other Berry Syrups: Raspberry or strawberry syrup offers a similar fruity flavor and bright color.

Vanilla Syrup Substitutes:

• Homemade Vanilla Syrup: Combine sugar, water, and a splash of pure vanilla extract.
• Vanilla Extract + Sweetener: Mix ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract with 1 tablespoon honey, agave, or simple syrup.
• Flavored Coffee Syrups: Hazelnut or almond syrup can be swapped in for a twist on the flavor profile.

Fizz Or Base Liquid Substitutes

• Seltzer Water or Sparkling Mineral Water: For a lighter, less sweet version, use plain bubbly water.
• Diet Lemon-Lime Soda: Reduces sugar if you’re looking for a lighter drink.
• Tonic Water: Adds a little bitterness and zesty depth.
• Red Bull (for Energy Version): If you want the drink to mimic the Dutch Bros energy drinks, use Red Bull, but be mindful of caffeine content (there are sugar-free and flavored versions too).
• Unsweetened Iced Tea: For a totally different vibe, but complementary cherry-vanilla notes.

Cream Substitutes (Optional/Frost Variation)

• Almond, Oat, or Coconut Milk: Turndown the calories, and add subtle flavor.
• Non-Dairy Creamer: Plenty of plant-based creamers in vanilla or sweet cream flavors.
• Skip Cream: The drink is delicious even without any added cream.

Garnish And Extras:

• Fresh Cherries: Use pitted fresh cherries in season, or frozen ones.
• Other Fruits: Add slices of strawberries, oranges, or pineapple for color and taste.
• Whipped Topping: Swap dairy whipped cream with coconut whip or almond whip.

Final Thoughts

The Dutch Bros Candied Cherry drink is much more than a sweet sip, it’s a delightful experience that brings a burst of fruity fun to any occasion. Whether you whip it up at home using classic syrups, inventive substitutes, or a creamy twist, this vibrant concoction proves just how easy it is to recreate your favorite café flavors in your own kitchen.

More Latte Recipes:

• Heytea Cloud Coconut Blue Recipe
• Copycat Starbucks Tiramisu Latte Recipe
• Homemade Dutch Bros Caramel Pumpkin Brulée Chai Recipe
• Copycat Dunkin’ Cereal Milk Latte Recipe

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Dutch Bros Candied Cherry

Rating: 5.0/5

( 1 voted )

Serves: 7 Prep Time: 5 Minutes Cooking Time: 0 Minute 0 Minute Nutrition facts: 540 calories 0 gram fat

Ingredients

• Cherry Syrup: 2 tablespoons (Torani, Monin, or any quality cherry syrup)
• Vanilla Syrup: 1 tablespoon (adds that "candied" twist)
• Club Soda or Lemon-Lime Soda: 1 cup (for fizz; use Sprite for extra sweetness)
• Crushed Ice: 1 to 1½ cups.

Optional:

• Maraschino cherries for garnish
• Whipped cream for a decadent finish
• A splash of cream or half & half for a creamy variation.

Instructions

1. Prepare Your Glass: Fill your favorite tall glass about 3/4 full with crushed ice.
2. Mix the Syrups: In a small cup, combine the cherry syrup and vanilla syrup. Pour over the ice.
3. Add the Fizz: Pour the soda (club soda for less sweet, Sprite for sweeter) over the syrups and ice. Stir gently to mix.
4. Top and Garnish: If desired, add a dollop of whipped cream on top. Drop in a maraschino cherry for garnish and a pop of color.
5. Make it Creamy (Optional): For a "frost" or Italian soda effect, float a splash of cream or half & half on top before the whipped cream. Stir gently.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Add a fun straw and serve immediately while icy cold and bubbly.