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It’s so easy to make the popular Dutch Bros Annihilator recipe at home!
This delicious drink, made with strong espresso, half-and-half and yummy chocolate macadamia nut syrup, is a great way to kick start your morning or elevate your afternoon cup of coffee.
The triple shot of espresso is ideal for any coffee lover, and the creamy texture might even fool your taste buds into thinking it’s dessert!
If you’re like me and you don’t live near a Dutch Bros location, you’ll love being able to duplicate this popular coffee drink at home.
Let me show you how to make this coffee shop favorite right in your own kitchen with only a few simple ingredients!
Ingredients for this Dutch Bros Annihilator Recipe
Here’s what you’ll need to make this indulgent drink:
- Brewed espresso. No worries if you don’t have an espresso machine. I’ll provide several alternatives further down in this post.
- Half-and-half
- Chocolate macadamia nut syrup. This flavored coffee syrup is widely available in many grocery stores and, when all else fails, Amazon to the rescue.
Is the Annihilator a Breve?
Sure is. One of the most popular drinks at Dutch Bros, a breve is a coffee drink made with strong brewed espresso, half-and-half and sugar.
The sugar often takes the form of a flavored syrup like vanilla syrup or Irish cream syrup, as with my Irish Cream Breve recipe.
So the Annihilator is basically just a chocolate macadamia nut breve. No type of milk – not even whole milk – will cut it here. If you want a breve, you’ve got to use half-and-half.
How to make a Dutch Bros Annihilator
Brew the Espresso Shots
Brew your espresso or very strong coffee. We’re going to use 3 shots of espresso, or 3 ounces, in our coffee drink.
Pour the espresso into your glass or mug of choice.
Steam the Half-and-Half
Heat the half-and-half over medium-low heat in a saucepan. You can also warm it in 20 second intervals in the microwave.
You just want the half-and-half to steam, not to scorch. So once you see tiny bubbles form on the surface, you’ll know that it’s ready.
Remove it from the heat and stir in the chocolate macadamia nut syrup.
Combine the Espresso and Half-and-Half
Now, pour the flavored half-and-half over the espresso. Give it a gentle stir, if desired.
And for a next level presentation, top your Annihilator with whipped cream, chocolate syrup and even some chocolate shavings.
How to Make an Iced Annihilator
To make the iced version of the Annihilator, follow these simple steps:
1. Brew your espresso and chill it in the refrigerator.
2. Pour cold half-and-half and chocolate macadamia nut syrup into a mason jar with a lid or another sealable container. Shake well.
3. Fill a tall glass with ice. Pour in the espresso, followed by the flavored half-and-half.
Variations on this Dutch Bros Annihilator Recipe
1. Sugar-Free Annihilator: If you’re looking to reduce the extra sugar, carbohydrates and calories in this coffee drink, sugar-free syrup is the perfect pick.
2. Hazelnut Annihilator: Swap out the chocolate macadamia syrup for hazelnut syrup for a different flavor twist.
3. Dairy Free Annihilator: For a plant-based option, substitute oat milk, soy milk, almond milk or coconut milk for the half-and-half.
4. Nonfat Annihilator: To reduce the overall fat content in this drink, use non-fat milk instead of half-and-half.
What if you don’t have an espresso machine?
Many coffee lovers out there think that they can’t make fancy espresso drinks without a machine. Not the case!
Here are alternative ways to get it done:
- Instant Espresso: Dissolve instant espresso powder in hot water to create a concentrated coffee. I keep espresso powder on hand to use in many cookie and baking recipes, and it’s an easy way to create the base for macchiatos, lattes and other specialty coffee drinks.
- Stovetop Moka Pot: A stovetop moka pot is a classic Italian coffee pot that can produce a strong, espresso-like coffee. It might not be true espresso, but it’s a great option for home brewing.
- French Press: While traditionally used for making coffee, a French press can be used to brew a strong coffee concentrate that can serve as the base for your macchiato.
- Aeropress: The Aeropress is a versatile coffee maker that can produce a concentrated coffee shot akin to espresso. It’s a popular choice among home baristas.
- Nespresso Machine: Another popular choice, you can have espresso in just the press of a button if you choose the right capsule.
How to Store the Annihilator
If you didn’t finish your Annihilator, don’t throw it away! Transfer your coffee drink to an airtight container and pop it into the fridge. The next time you want to enjoy it, simply reheat it in the microwave.
When you make this Dutch Bros Annihilator recipe, I’d love to hear about it! Drop a rating or leave a comment below. Enjoy!
For more coffee drink recipes, try these:
How to Make a Dutch Bros Annihilator (Copycat Recipe)
Ingredients
- 3 oz. brewed espresso
- 1 cup half-and-half
- 2 Tbsp. chocolate macadamia syrup
- whipped cream garnish, optional
- chocolate syrup garnish, optional
Instructions
- Brew the espresso. Pour into a glass or coffee mug.
- Heat the half-and-half over medium-low heat in a small saucepan until tiny bubbles form and you see steam. Remove from heat and stir in the chocolate macadamia syrup.
- Pour the steamed half-and-half over the espresso and stir gently.
- Top with whipped cream and chocolate syrup, if desired.
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