A Strawberry Horchata Chai is a wonderfully unique and refreshing beverage that harmoniously blends several distinct flavor profiles. It combines the creamy, subtly spiced, and sweet characteristics of horchata (a traditional Latin American rice or nut milk drink) with the warm, aromatic spices of chai tea (a spiced black tea beverage), all uplifted by the sweet and vibrant taste of fresh strawberries. This delightful fusion creates a complex and incredibly satisfying non-coffee drink.

The drink was notably popularized by the rapidly growing coffee chain Dutch Bros, which operates primarily in the Western and Southern United States, offering a diverse menu that goes beyond traditional coffee shop fare.

Yes, absolutely! While this recipe aims to closely replicate the popular Dutch Bros version, the true joy of making drinks at home is the freedom to **customize them precisely to your taste preferences.** Don’t hesitate to experiment with different brands, flavors, and quantities of the syrups to find your perfect balance. For instance, if you prefer a stronger strawberry note, increase that syrup. If you like more cinnamon spice, adjust accordingly.

You can also explore various chai tea blends – some are spicier, some sweeter, and others more vanilla-forward. Additionally, changing the type of milk (e.g., full-fat milk for richness, or oat milk for a creamy, slightly nutty flavor) can create different consistencies and nuanced flavors. Feel free to add a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of extra cinnamon for an even deeper, homemade touch.

The original Dutch Bros Strawberry Horchata Chai, and this copycat recipe as written with cow’s milk and specific syrups, is **not inherently vegan**. However, it can be easily adapted to be vegan-friendly with a few simple substitutions. To make it vegan, you’ll need to:

1. **Use plant-based milk:** Opt for non-dairy milk such as almond milk, oat milk, soy milk, or coconut milk for the base. Oat milk often yields the creamiest result.
2. **Check Chai Concentrate:** Ensure your chosen chai tea latte concentrate is vegan certified, as some brands may contain honey or other non-vegan ingredients. Most standard Oregon Chai concentrate is vegan, but always double-check the label.
3. **Verify Syrups and Sauces:** This is the most critical step. Torani’s white chocolate syrup, for example, typically contains dairy. You will need to find vegan-approved brands for strawberry, cinnamon, caramel, and white chocolate syrups/sauces. Many specialty syrup brands now offer dairy-free and vegan versions of their popular flavors, so explore those options. Always read ingredient labels carefully, as formulations can change.

With these careful substitutions, you can enjoy a delicious vegan Strawberry Horchata Chai!

Yes, you certainly can! While the freshest flavor is always achieved when the drink is made just before serving, you can **prepare a larger batch of the liquid mixture ahead of time** to save time and effort. Simply combine all the syrups, chai concentrate, and milk in a pitcher or airtight container. Store this mixture in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.

When you’re ready to serve, give the mixture a good stir (as some ingredients might settle), then pour it over ice-filled glasses. This is an excellent strategy for entertaining guests or for having a refreshing beverage ready to go throughout the week.

This versatile **Strawberry Horchata Chai** is suitable for a wide array of occasions! Its refreshing profile makes it perfect for a leisurely breakfast, a delightful brunch spread, or as an invigorating afternoon pick-me-up on a warm day. It’s a fantastic non-alcoholic beverage option that appeals to both kids and adults.

Given the horchata notes, it pairs exceptionally well with Mexican cuisine, making it an excellent choice for Cinco de Mayo celebrations or any festive gathering with a Latin-inspired theme. It’s also wonderful for summer picnics, backyard BBQs, or simply when you want to treat yourself to something special. Its unique flavor profile is sure to impress!

Horchata is a traditional beverage with roots in various cultures, but most commonly recognized in Mexico as a creamy, refreshing drink made from rice, cinnamon, and sometimes vanilla. It’s known for its sweet, milky, and slightly spiced flavor. In this recipe, the “horchata” flavor is achieved through a combination of cinnamon, white chocolate, and caramel syrups which mimic the complex, sweet, and creamy notes of authentic horchata.

Chai, often referred to as chai tea (though “chai” itself means “tea” in Hindi), is a flavorful tea beverage made by brewing black tea with a mixture of aromatic Indian spices and herbs. Common chai spices include cardamom, ginger, cloves, cinnamon, and black peppercorns. It’s typically consumed with milk and sugar. The chai concentrate in this recipe provides that signature warm, spicy depth that complements the sweetness of strawberry and the creaminess of horchata beautifully.

Absolutely! While the Dutch Bros Strawberry Horchata Chai is often enjoyed cold, it can be just as delicious served warm, especially on a cooler day. To prepare it hot, simply combine all the syrups, chai concentrate, and milk in a microwave-safe mug or a small saucepan. Heat gently until warmed through, stirring occasionally. Be careful not to boil the milk. Once hot, pour into your mug, optionally garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon, and enjoy a cozy, spiced strawberry treat!

• ½ Tbsp Torani strawberry syrup
• ½ Tbsp Torani cinnamon syrup
• ½ Tbsp Torani caramel sauce
• ½ Tbsp Torani white chocolate sauce
• ½ cup Oregon chai tea latte concentrate (original)
• ½ cup milk (I use 2%)
• Ice cubes

• Add everything but the ice into a glass, cocktail shaker, or similar
  ½ Tbsp Torani strawberry syrup, ½ Tbsp Torani cinnamon syrup, ½ Tbsp Torani caramel sauce, ½ Tbsp Torani white chocolate sauce, ½ cup Oregon chai tea latte concentrate, ½ cup milk
• Stir well or shake until the syrups blend into the rest of the drink (you can also use a frother if you have one to save your arms the trouble)
• Pour into a tall glass and fill with ice
  Ice cubes
• Enjoy!

Notes

Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.

Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.

To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.