Imagine pulling up to your favorite coffee shop and ordering that perfectly balanced drink with a smooth espresso kick and creamy sweetness that hits just right every single time. The Dutch Bros Rebel is one of those drinks that feels indulgent yet refreshingly simple, and the best part is you can recreate it at home without any fancy equipment.
This copycat recipe captures the signature blend of Dutch Bros’ most beloved energy drink mixed with their signature espresso and cold brew base. What makes this drink special is how the bright, citrusy energy drink pairs with the deep coffee notes to create something that tastes nothing like what you’d expect, but everything you actually want in a pick-me-up.
Whether you’re a devoted Dutch Bros fan or just curious about making cafe-quality drinks at home, this recipe delivers the real deal in minutes. Let’s get started so you can enjoy that signature Rebel taste whenever the craving hits.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The Dutch Bros Rebel combines the best of both worlds: the smooth sophistication of espresso with the electric energy of a popular energy drink. You’ll save money making this at home while enjoying a drink that tastes identical to the coffeehouse version.
- Quick and simple to prepare with just a few basic ingredients
- Delivers a serious energy boost that actually tastes incredible
- Customizable to your exact strength and sweetness preferences
- Perfect for mornings, afternoon slumps, or when you need focus fast
- Costs a fraction of what you’d pay at the drive-thru window
My Experience Making This Recipe
I first tried replicating this drink on a lazy Sunday morning when I was tired of paying five dollars for something I could make at home. The moment I took that first sip, I realized how clever the flavor combination actually is, because the citrus notes from the energy drink cut through the coffee bitterness in the most satisfying way.
My roommate skeptically watched me combine the ingredients, but after tasting it, she demanded I teach her how to make it. Now we both make this for ourselves on weekday mornings, and it has genuinely replaced our coffeehouse runs.
The best part about making it at home is that you can control exactly how much ice, how much espresso, and how much energy drink goes into your cup. This means you can dial in your perfect ratio without having to negotiate with a barista or settle for what they think is best.
Recipe Overview
- Recipe Name: Dutch Bros Rebel
- Servings: 1
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 minutes
- Course: Beverage
- Cuisine: American
- Calories per Serving: 180
Equipment You Will Need
- Espresso machine or Moka pot
- Large cold beverage glass (16 oz or larger)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Stirring spoon
- Ice maker or ice from freezer
- Optional: milk frother for whipped cream
Ingredients for Dutch Bros Rebel
For the Drink
- 2 shots of espresso (freshly pulled, about 2 ounces)
- 8 ounces of energy drink (the original Monster or Dutch Bros Rebel energy drink if available)
- 4 ounces of cold brew coffee (or chilled strong coffee)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 tablespoon sweetened condensed milk (optional but recommended)
- Ice cubes (as needed to fill the glass)
- Pinch of sea salt (optional, enhances flavor complexity)
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
- Espresso: The espresso forms the foundation of this drink with its bold, concentrated coffee flavor. If you don’t have an espresso machine, use a double shot of very strong brewed coffee instead, though the flavor won’t be quite as rich.
- Energy Drink: The original Dutch Bros Rebel uses their signature energy drink which gives the drink its characteristic citrus and tropical notes. Monster Energy Original, Red Bull, or any citrus energy drink works as an alternative, though the taste will vary slightly.
- Cold Brew Coffee: Cold brew adds smoothness and prevents the drink from becoming too sweet or one-dimensional. Chilled regular coffee works, but cold brew’s naturally lower acidity and sweeter profile is superior here.
- Heavy Cream: The cream adds richness and a creamy mouthfeel that balances the sharp energy drink notes. Half-and-half or even milk works, but you’ll lose some of that luxurious texture that makes this drink special.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: This adds a subtle vanilla sweetness and creaminess that rounds out the drink beautifully. Agave syrup or simple syrup can substitute, but they won’t provide quite the same texture or flavor depth.
How to Make Dutch Bros Rebel
Step 1: Prepare Your Espresso Shots
Pull two fresh shots of espresso into a small cup or shot glass. Use freshly ground beans and pull the shots within the last minute before you assemble your drink, as espresso oxidizes quickly and loses its vibrant flavor.
Step 2: Fill Your Glass With Ice
Grab a large cold glass (16 ounces or bigger) and pack it completely full of ice cubes. The ice not only keeps your drink cold but also controls how diluted it becomes as it sits, which is why filling it all the way matters.
Step 3: Add the Cold Brew Coffee
Pour 4 ounces of cold brew coffee directly over the ice. Cold brew’s smooth, sweet profile helps balance the intensity of the espresso and the energy drink, creating a more cohesive flavor.
Step 4: Pour in the Energy Drink
Slowly pour 8 ounces of the energy drink down the side of the glass to avoid excessive fizz and foaming. The citrus and tropical notes from the energy drink are what make this drink unique compared to a standard cold brew.
Step 5: Add the Fresh Espresso Shots
Pour both shots of hot espresso into the glass carefully, watching as it creates that beautiful color gradient. The hot espresso will slightly warm the drink and blend the flavors together instantly.
Step 6: Stir in the Sweetened Condensed Milk
Add one tablespoon of sweetened condensed milk and stir the drink well for about 15 seconds. The condensed milk dissolves into the drink, adding sweetness and a subtle vanilla undertone that ties everything together.
Step 7: Add Heavy Cream
Pour 4 ounces of heavy cream or half-and-half slowly into the drink while stirring gently. The cream will swirl through the drink, creating those beautiful cream ribbons and adding a luxurious mouthfeel that makes this feel like a specialty coffeehouse drink.
Step 8: Final Stir and Taste Test
Stir the entire drink for another 10 seconds to ensure all ingredients are well combined and the flavors are balanced. Taste it and adjust sweetness or creaminess if needed by adding more condensed milk or cream.
Step 9: Optional Salt Finish
For an advanced touch, add a tiny pinch of sea salt on top and stir it in just before drinking. Salt amplifies the sweetness and energy drink flavors while cutting through any cloying richness, adding complexity to an already impressive drink.
Pro Tip: Make your espresso shots within one minute of pouring them into your drink, because fresh espresso loses its complexity and brightness extremely fast once pulled.
Tips for the Best Dutch Bros Rebel
- Use fresh, high-quality espresso beans ground just before brewing, as stale beans will result in a flat, dull-tasting drink that can’t be fixed with other ingredients.
- Keep your energy drink as cold as possible by chilling it in the fridge several hours before making the drink, rather than relying on ice to cool it down.
- Invest in a decent espresso machine or Moka pot if you plan to make this drink regularly, since proper espresso extraction makes a massive difference in the final taste.
- Pour ingredients in the exact order listed because the layering creates the best flavor distribution and visual presentation.
- Don’t skip the cold brew step and try to make it with just hot coffee, since hot coffee will dilute too quickly and won’t give you that smooth coffee backbone.
- Experiment with the cream-to-drink ratio until you find your perfect balance, as some people prefer it creamier while others like more of the citrus energy drink to shine through.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using old or pre-ground espresso that’s been sitting around will give you a bitter, hollow-tasting drink that nobody will enjoy no matter what else you do.
- Pouring hot espresso into warm energy drink will cause it to taste thin and watered down, so make sure your energy drink is properly chilled beforehand.
- Skipping the ice or using insufficient ice means your drink will become diluted and warm within minutes, ruining the refreshing quality that makes this drink special.
- Stirring too aggressively or too little will either blend all the flavors into an unbalanced mush or leave you with separated, unbalanced sips.
- Using cheap sweetened condensed milk or skipping it entirely removes the subtle sweetness and texture that separates a truly great Rebel from just a random coffee and energy drink combo.
Serving Suggestions
The Dutch Bros Rebel is absolutely perfect on its own as a standalone energy drink and coffee hybrid. That said, here are some fantastic companions that will make your drink experience even better.
- Pair with a buttery croissant or pastry for a balanced breakfast that tastes like an upscale cafe moment at home
- Enjoy alongside a light breakfast sandwich if you’re making this as part of your morning routine
- Have it with fresh fruit or a yogurt bowl for a complete, energizing breakfast setup
- Serve with a piece of cake or donut if you’re using this as an afternoon pick-me-up that doubles as a treat
- Pair with a savory egg dish to balance the sweetness and create a full, satisfying meal
Variations to Try
- Extra Creamy Rebel: Increase the heavy cream to 6 ounces and add a tablespoon of Irish cream liqueur for a dessert-like variation that tastes like a sweet coffee cocktail.
- Iced Rebel with Coconut Cream: Replace the heavy cream with full-fat coconut cream and use coconut-flavored energy drink for a tropical twist that shifts the flavor profile entirely.
- Spiced Rebel: Add a pinch of cinnamon and a tiny bit of vanilla extract to create warmth and depth that makes the drink feel more autumnal and complex.
- Rebel with Oat Milk: Substitute the heavy cream with creamy oat milk for a slightly less rich but still satisfying version that’s naturally a bit lighter on the palate.
- Double Shot Rebel: Use four espresso shots instead of two if you want an absolutely aggressive caffeine hit that still tastes balanced and delicious.
Dietary Adaptations
- Dairy-Free: Replace heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream and use agave syrup instead of sweetened condensed milk for a creamy texture without any animal products, though you’ll lose some of the original vanilla sweetness.
- Vegan: Use oat milk or soy milk for the cream component and substitute sweetened condensed milk with coconut cream and agave, creating a plant-based version that tastes nearly identical to the original.
- Low-Carb/Keto: Skip the sweetened condensed milk entirely and use a keto-friendly sweetener like erythritol, then use heavy cream as your only dairy component to keep carbs minimal while maintaining richness.
- Gluten-Free: This drink is naturally gluten-free since it contains no grains or typical gluten sources, making it perfect for anyone with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity without any modifications needed.
- Sugar-Free: Replace the sweetened condensed milk with a sugar-free sweetener and choose a sugar-free energy drink alternative, though the flavor will be slightly different and less sweet overall.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerator
Store any leftover drink in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, though the espresso will fade in flavor and the cream may separate slightly. The energy drink and coffee base will stay fresh and drinkable, but it won’t taste as vibrant as a freshly made version.
- Seal the container tightly to prevent the drink from absorbing fridge odors
- Stir well before drinking since separation may occur
- Best consumed within 12 hours for optimal flavor
Freezer
Freezing this drink is not recommended since the cream components will separate badly and the espresso flavor will degrade significantly. If you must freeze it, pour into an ice cube tray to make coffee cubes that can be blended into future drinks instead.
- Freeze in ice cube trays for future blended drinks
- Thaw at room temperature, not in the refrigerator
- Use frozen cubes within two weeks for best quality
Reheating
This drink is designed to be served cold, so reheating is not recommended as it will ruin the texture and flavor profile. If your drink has gotten warm, simply add fresh ice and stir, or make a new batch since it only takes two minutes anyway.
- Do not microwave as this will curdle the cream
- Add fresh ice if the drink has warmed up
- Always consume fresh Rebel drinks within 30 minutes of making them
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 |
| Total Fat | 9g |
| Saturated Fat | 5g |
| Carbohydrates | 22g |
| Fiber | 0g |
| Sugar | 21g |
| Protein | 2g |
| Sodium | 95mg |
| Cholesterol | 35mg |
These nutrition values are approximate and can vary based on the specific brands of espresso, energy drink, and cream you use in your recipe. The values assume using standard heavy cream and sweetened condensed milk, and they account for the caffeine content from both the espresso and energy drink combined.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this drink without an espresso machine?
Yes, you can use a Moka pot, AeroPress, or even a French press to make strong coffee that mimics espresso flavor. The taste won’t be quite as rich as true espresso, but it will still taste delicious and authentic.
What energy drink brand works best for this recipe?
The original Dutch Bros energy drink is ideal since that’s what the authentic recipe uses, but Monster Energy Original works extremely well as a widely available substitute. Avoid energy drinks that taste too medicinal or bitter, as they’ll throw off the balance of the drink.
Can I make this drink ahead of time for meal prep?
This drink is best consumed immediately after making it, but you can prepare all the components separately in containers and assemble them in two minutes when you’re ready to drink. Pre-mixing the drink more than a few hours ahead will result in separated, less flavorful results.
Is this drink safe to drink every day?
This drink contains caffeine from both espresso and energy drink, totaling around 250 to 300 milligrams of caffeine per serving, which is higher than most daily recommendations for some people. Consider your individual caffeine tolerance and speak with a healthcare provider if you plan to consume this daily.
What’s the difference between this and just mixing coffee with energy drink?
The addition of cold brew, fresh espresso shots, sweetened condensed milk, and cream creates a complex, balanced flavor that a simple coffee and energy drink mix can’t achieve. The espresso adds depth, the cold brew adds smoothness, and the cream and condensed milk add richness and texture that transforms it from a random mix into an intentional, sophisticated drink.
Can I use instant espresso powder instead of fresh espresso shots?
Instant espresso powder will work in a pinch, but the flavor won’t be as vibrant or complex as freshly pulled shots. Mix the powder with a tiny bit of hot water to dissolve it before adding to the drink for the best results.
How much caffeine is in one Dutch Bros Rebel?
A single Rebel contains approximately 250 to 300 milligrams of caffeine from the combination of two espresso shots (about 150 mg) and the energy drink (about 80 to 150 mg depending on brand). This is significantly more caffeine than a regular coffee, so this drink is designed for serious energy needs.
Final Thoughts
Making your own Dutch Bros Rebel at home transforms you from a regular coffeehouse customer into someone who truly understands how great drinks are constructed. The combination of fresh espresso, cold brew, energy drink, and creamy components creates something that’s greater than the sum of its parts, and you control every single element.
Give this recipe a try this week and experience that moment when you take the first sip of something you made yourself that tastes like it came from a professional barista. Your taste buds and your wallet will thank you, and you’ll probably never go back to paying premium prices for something you can now make perfectly at home.
Explore More Coffee Recipes
If you loved making this Dutch Bros copycat, check out more amazing coffee and energy drink recipes from our collection.
Try the Dutch Bros Kicker recipe for another caffeinated favorite that packs a serious punch. You might also enjoy the Golden Eagle Chai Dutch Bros recipe if you want to explore flavor combinations beyond traditional coffee drinks.
Dutch Bros Rebel
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Pull two fresh shots of espresso into a small cup or shot glass, using freshly ground beans and pulling shots within one minute of assembly.
- Fill a 16-ounce or larger glass completely with ice cubes to control dilution and keep the drink cold.
- Pour 4 ounces of cold brew coffee over the ice to add smoothness and balance.
- Slowly pour 8 ounces of energy drink down the side of the glass to minimize fizz and maintain layering.
- Carefully add the two hot espresso shots to the glass, allowing them to create a color gradient as they mix.
- Add 1 tablespoon of sweetened condensed milk and stir for 15 seconds until fully dissolved.
- Pour 1/2 cup of heavy cream or half-and-half into the drink while stirring gently to create creamy ribbons.
- Stir the entire drink for another 10 seconds to ensure all ingredients are evenly combined.
- Optionally sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top and stir just before drinking to enhance flavor complexity.