A mix of comfort and bold flavor, the Strawberry Horchata Chai from Dutch Bros takes the creamy richness of horchata, blends it with spicy chai, and tops it off with a burst of strawberry. It’s a flavor mash-up that surprises on the first sip and keeps delivering right down to the last drop.
Whether you’re craving something sweet, spiced, or refreshing, this drink hits all those notes. With simple ingredients and the right steps, this customer favorite can be enjoyed at home, too.
What Is the Strawberry Horchata Chai?
The Strawberry Horchata Chai combines traditional chai tea with horchata base and strawberry syrup. It has a creamy, spiced base, sweet strawberry flavoring, and can be ordered iced or blended. The drink may also include soft top (a Dutch Bros sweet cream topping) or whipped cream for an extra indulgent layer.
Dutch Bros fans love this drink for its unique flavor profile: spicy, milky, and fruity. It feels festive and cozy at the same time.
Ingredients Breakdown
To make a version at home, you’ll need a few specific items. Most are easy to find in grocery stores or online.
✅ Chai Tea Concentrate
A spiced black tea base, usually pre-sweetened and packed with cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves. The most popular choice is the Tazo Chai Latte concentrate, but others work too.
✅ Horchata Base
Horchata is a rice milk drink with cinnamon and vanilla notes. For a quick option, use horchata concentrate or pre-made horchata from the store. For DIYers, homemade horchata made from rice, water, cinnamon sticks, and sweetener also works.
✅ Strawberry Syrup
Dutch Bros uses flavored syrups to bring fruit into their drinks. Brands like Torani and Monin offer strawberry syrup perfect for this recipe.
✅ Milk
A base of whole milk or oat milk works well. It softens the spice and balances the sweetness.
✅ Ice
Since this drink shines cold, ice is a must. Blended or on the rocks it’s your choice.
✅ Optional: Soft Top or Whipped Cream
Dutch Bros often tops their iced drinks with a soft sweet cream. You can make your own by whipping heavy cream with a splash of vanilla and powdered sugar.
Strawberry Horchata Chai Recipe
Here’s how to make a 16 oz iced version that’s packed with flavor and refreshment.
🧊 Ingredients:
- ½ cup chai tea concentrate
- ½ cup horchata (pre-made or homemade)
- ¼ cup milk (whole, oat, or almond)
- 1.5 tablespoons strawberry syrup
- Ice cubes
- Optional: whipped cream or soft top
🥤 Instructions:
- Fill the Cup with Ice
Start with a 16 oz glass or reusable tumbler. Fill it halfway with ice. - Add Strawberry Syrup
Pour the strawberry syrup directly over the ice. This helps layer the flavor nicely. - Mix the Liquid Base
In a shaker or separate glass, combine the chai concentrate, horchata, and milk. Stir or shake well. - Pour Over Ice
Slowly pour the blended mix over the ice and strawberry syrup. - Top It Off
Add soft top or whipped cream if desired. You can even drizzle a little extra strawberry syrup on top. - Serve with a Straw
This drink is perfect for sipping on a hot afternoon or as a sweet pick-me-up.
Customization Ideas
Not everyone likes the same strength of spice or sweetness, so here are a few ideas to tweak your drink:
- Less Sweet? Use unsweetened chai and light syrup.
- More Creamy? Add extra milk or substitute half & half.
- Extra Kick? Sprinkle cinnamon or nutmeg on top.
- Vegan Version? Use oat milk, almond milk, and coconut whipped cream.
This is the kind of drink that adapts well. Play with the ratios until it suits your taste perfectly.
Iced vs. Blended
Fans of Dutch Bros know that many drinks can be ordered in multiple styles. The Strawberry Horchata Chai is no different.
- Iced Version: Best for sipping. You get clear layers of flavor, and it’s fast to make.
- Blended Version: Thicker and dessert-like. Blending the ice into the drink makes it smooth and extra chilly, ideal for hot days.
To blend: Add all ingredients and 1½ cups of ice into a blender. Blend until smooth. Top with whipped cream or sweet cream if you like.
How to Make Horchata from Scratch
Want to go fully homemade? Horchata only takes a few ingredients and a little planning.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup white rice
- 2½ cups water
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup sugar (adjust to taste)
Instructions:
- Rinse rice thoroughly.
- Soak rice and cinnamon stick in water overnight (or at least 4 hours).
- Blend mixture until smooth.
- Strain through cheesecloth or fine mesh.
- Add vanilla and sugar, then chill before using.
This gives you a creamy, fresh horchata that enhances the chai without being too heavy.
Nutrition Considerations
Depending on ingredients used, the drink may fall on the indulgent side. Store-bought chai and syrups can be sugary, so those watching sugar intake may want to use unsweetened options or low-sugar syrups.
For a lighter version:
- Skip the whipped cream
- Use almond milk or unsweetened oat milk
- Reduce syrup quantity
- Use homemade horchata with less sugar
This way, the drink stays flavorful without overloading on sweetness.
Why People Love It
Fans describe it as “dessert in a cup.” The blend of warm chai spices, cool creaminess, and bright strawberry makes it both cozy and refreshing. It’s popular among those who want a flavorful drink without going for coffee or energy drinks.
Dutch Bros made a hit by combining textures and layers that appeal across seasons. From summer afternoons to chilly evenings, it stays relevant year-round.
Serving Suggestions
The Strawberry Horchata Chai pairs well with:
- Cinnamon pastries
- Fruit bowls
- Chocolate muffins
- Light breakfast sandwiches
It’s a satisfying beverage that holds up as a treat all on its own, or it can complement a full meal.
FAQs About Strawberry Horchata Chai Dutch Bros
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Is this drink caffeinated?
Yes. Chai tea concentrate contains black tea, which has caffeine. However, it’s less than a typical coffee drink.
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Can I get it without dairy?
Yes. Replace milk and horchata with plant-based alternatives like oat or almond versions.
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How sweet is it?
The sweetness depends on syrup amount and chai concentrate. It can be adjusted easily to taste.
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Is the strawberry flavor natural?
Most syrups use artificial flavors. For a more natural option, add fresh strawberry puree.
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Can I use chai tea bags instead of concentrate?
Yes, but steep the tea strong and sweeten it to balance the other ingredients.