Picture this: it’s an exciting Friday night and you’re driving to a bustling drive-through restaurant. You roll down your windows, speak to the intercom, then swiftly grab your food. Your delicious meal materializes in no time, allowing you to be back on the road within the speedy 5-minute mark.
Now, instead of a drive-through restaurant, think “preppy coffee shop” and pour in a dose of caffeine-infused happiness. That perfectly describes Dutch Bros- the newest Orange County location of the Oregon-based coffee chain.
Originating in 1992, Dutch Bros was started by (surprise surprise) Dutch Brothers Dane and Travis Boersma as an espresso business to make connections with their community. The franchise quickly spread across the northwest, using its influence to make a difference one cup at a time. With annual programs such as Dutch Luv, Drink One for Dance and Buck for Kids, Dutch Bros continue to raise funds for those in need while bringing joy to their customers as well.
The Fountain Valley branch, deemed the biggest opening in the history of the company, had customers lining up from 10 pm the night before. Dutch Bros is not only famous for its wide variety of drinks- from espresso shots, energy drinks to muffin tops- but also the hospitality they provide for their “Dutch Mafias,” or loyal Dutch Bros customers.
Here is a review of just a few popular drinks offered at Dutch Bros.
Vanilla Chai Latte with Cold Foam and Oat Milk
This sensational concoction is a chai latte featuring vanilla syrup, a touch of cinnamon, oat milk and a dollop of cold foam. The order was so complicated, you would think it was on the secret menu. However, all of the additions were 100% necessary- with just a few alternatives, the Chai Latte was elevated to another level.
The light cold foam added a level of creaminess to level out the strong tang of the chai, while the oat milk offered just a touch of nuttiness, perfectly balancing out the sweetness of the vanilla syrup. The chai latte was extremely flavorful but was not overwhelming at all, making it the perfect winter drink to start your day.
Poppin’ Boba Vanilla Freeze
Just as the name depicts, the Poppin’ Boba Vanilla Freeze is a blended vanilla coffee with popping honey boba.
At the time of ordering, the Poppin’ Boba had just come out, much to my excitement as a boba enthusiast. Different from the classic, chewy boba, the popping boba came in a bright orange color that burst with sweetness upon consumption- much like a jelly form of the popular candy “Gushers.”
To my disappointment, this drink did not live up to its hype. The combination served as an interesting sensation- a slushy-like drink with chunky toppings- perhaps not suitable with each other at all. The mixture of textures was overwhelming, and the taste of the boba did not come through. The coffee was just like any other- perfectly mild for a non-coffee drinker but not enough to serve as a wake-up call.
If the drink were to be unblended instead, each element would have shined more brightly, allowing for a more balanced and enjoyable sipping adventure.
Annihilator
Advertised as a “Dutch Favorite,” I was immediately drawn to the description of the drink- a blend of strong espresso and chocolate macadamia nut syrup- a perfect coffee mix to satisfy any sweet cravings.
However, upon the first sip, the Annihilator tasted just like any other coffee. The nutty flavor did not come through, though it was just the right level of strongness for a non-coffee drinker. While the drink doesn’t boast any exceptional features, it does make for a satisfying cup of coffee—a dependable choice for those seeking a routine and comforting drink to start off their day.
Banana Bread Latte with Soft Top
Are you familiar with the popular banana milk sold at those Asian grocery stores? This latte was truly the epitome of a fruity coffee mix- a blend between nostalgic banana milk and sweet vanilla coffee.
Initially sipping, my taste buds were immediately hit with the sweet embrace of banana. Though the flavor was overwhelming at first, the fruity freshness blended seamlessly with the espresso, providing a refreshing addition to the classic vanilla coffee. The creamy texture of the soft top added a luscious quality to the coffee, creating a harmonious taste of rich flavors.
Whether you are coming by on a walk or driving through before heading to work, be sure to check out Dutch Bros at 17954 Magnolia St, Fountain Valley; operating from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
