Dutch Treat

The Dutch Treat is a rich, creamy, non-alcoholic chocolate drink, a solid contender when you need something sweet and comforting without the booze. It’s more substantial than your average chocolate milk, making it a satisfying choice for designated drivers, kids, or anyone craving a decadent, blended dessert in a glass. This one hits the spot when you want a proper treat.

Dutch Treat

4.30 from 10 votes

Calories: 123kcal

Prep Time: 3

Total Time: 3

Instructions

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Place all ingredients into a blender jar. Cover. and whiz on medium speed until well blended. Pour into a collins glass. and serve.

Estimated Nutrition:

Calories: 123kcal (6%)Carbohydrates: 27g (9%)Sugar: 26g (29%)

Mocktail

Where it came from

The name “Dutch Treat” often refers to everyone paying their own way, but in the context of this drink, it likely points to the use of Dutch process cocoa or a general European comfort food tradition. Recipes for blended chocolate and milk drinks have been around for generations, evolving in home kitchens and diners across North America as a popular non-alcoholic indulgence. It’s a classic for a reason.

This drink sits firmly in the comfort beverage family, a close cousin to a rich chocolate milk or a cold horchata. Unlike a simple glass of chocolate milk, the Dutch Treat incorporates honey and cinnamon sugar, and the blending process gives it a unique, frothy texture. It’s a step up from the basic, offering a more complex flavor profile.

You’d find a drink like the Dutch Treat on the menu at a family-friendly diner, a cozy coffee shop, or a brunch spot looking to offer interesting non-alcoholic options. It’s also a perfect candidate for a home bar, easy to whip up when you’re looking for a sweet, satisfying sip that doesn’t involve breaking out the spirits.

What it tastes like

The Dutch Treat delivers a comforting sweetness upfront, primarily from the honey and cocoa. As it settles on the palate, the creamy milk provides a smooth body, while the vanilla extract adds a subtle depth. The finish is a gentle echo of the chocolate, rounded out by the delicate warmth of cinnamon sugar, leaving a pleasant, lingering sweetness.

This drink is entirely non-alcoholic, making its ABV a clean 0%. It’s comparable to a sweetened soda or a fruit juice in terms of alcohol content, meaning you can enjoy as many as you like without worrying about a buzz. It’s a pure indulgence designed for flavor, not for effect.

The technique

Building a Dutch Treat is straightforward. Combine all your ingredients in a blender jar. Secure the lid and give it a good whiz on medium speed until everything is thoroughly incorporated and the drink achieves a smooth, frothy consistency. Pour it into a chilled collins glass, or any tall glass you have on hand, and serve it up.

The most crucial technique here is ensuring a thorough blend. If you don’t blend long enough, you risk leaving unincorporated cocoa powder at the bottom or clumps of honey that haven’t fully dissolved. A well-blended drink ensures every sip is consistent, smooth, and perfectly balanced in flavor and texture.

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Ingredient Spotlight

The bottles that make or break this drink.

Milk

Use: Whole milk is the go-to for its rich mouthfeel and creamy texture. If you’re going dairy-free, oat milk or cashew milk offer a similar luxuriousness.
Skip: Skim milk or water. They’ll make the drink thin and watery, seriously compromising the intended richness and body.
Why: Milk is the foundation of this drink, providing the creamy base that carries the chocolate and spice flavors. It’s essential for the comforting, satisfying texture.

Cocoa Powder

Use: Unsweetened Dutch process cocoa powder for a deep, mellow chocolate flavor. Standard unsweetened cocoa powder also works well if Dutch process isn’t available.
Skip: Pre-sweetened hot chocolate mixes. These often contain extra sugars, powdered milk, and other additives that will throw off the balance of this specific recipe.
Why: Cocoa powder is the primary flavor driver, delivering the rich chocolate notes that define the Dutch Treat. Its quality directly impacts the drink’s overall character.

Three Variations

Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink. Same idea, three different jackets.

Spiced Dutch Treat

A warmer, more aromatic take.: Add a pinch of nutmeg, a dash of allspice, or a couple of drops of almond extract to the blender for an extra layer of flavor.

Adult Dutch Treat

For when you want a little something extra.: Introduce 1.5 ounces of dark rum, Irish cream liqueur, or a coffee liqueur to the blender for a boozy, dessert-style treat.

Mocha Dutch Treat

A caffeine kick with your chocolate.: Add 1 ounce of cold brew coffee concentrate or a shot of espresso to the blender for a chocolate and coffee fusion.

What if I don't have…

Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.

No Milk?

Use a creamy dairy alternative like oat milk, cashew milk, or almond milk for a similar texture and flavor profile.

No Honey?

Maple syrup, agave nectar, or a simple syrup can be swapped in for honey, adjusting to taste for sweetness.

No Cinnamon Sugar?

Use a pinch of ground cinnamon and a teaspoon of granulated sugar.

No Blender?

You can whisk all ingredients vigorously in a bowl, but the texture won’t be as smooth or frothy. A cocktail shaker with a good hard shake might also work in a pinch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.

What is in a Dutch Treat?

A Dutch Treat typically contains milk, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, honey, and cinnamon sugar, all blended until smooth.

Is Dutch Treat alcoholic?

No, the traditional Dutch Treat recipe is a non-alcoholic mocktail, perfect for all ages.

Can I make Dutch Treat hot?

While the recipe is for a cold, blended drink, you can gently heat the milk and whisk in the other ingredients for a warm version, omitting the blending step.

What kind of milk should I use?

Whole milk is recommended for the richest flavor and creamiest texture, but any milk or dairy alternative will work.

Can I use different sweeteners?

Absolutely. While honey is traditional, you can substitute with maple syrup, agave nectar, or granulated sugar to taste.

Is Dutch Treat a dessert drink?

Yes, with its rich chocolate and sweet profile, the Dutch Treat is often enjoyed as a comforting dessert or a sweet treat.

What glass do I serve a Dutch Treat in?

A collins glass is standard, but any tall, chilled glass will present the drink well.

Can I prepare Dutch Treat in advance?

It’s best made fresh, but you can blend it a few hours ahead and keep it chilled. Give it a quick stir or re-blend before serving if it separates.

From the Drink Lab catalogue

Drink Lab has been collecting cocktail recipes since 2013. Some we wrote ourselves, plenty came in from readers, and the rest got passed across a bar somewhere along the way.

Last updated May 8, 2026 · 1 min read