Do you love the refreshing taste of your favorite Starbucks Drinks? That first sip of a perfectly chilled coffee can really make your day. But the daily trips can add up, both in time and money. What if I told you that you could become your own favorite barista?
You can create that coffee shop experience right in your own kitchen. Today, we are diving into one of the most popular Cold Starbucks Drinks. Get ready to learn how to make a fantastic Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew. It is easier than you think!
Jump To:
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons to adore this homemade coffee recipe. First and foremost, you will save a lot of money. Crafting your own Starbucks Drinks at home costs just a fraction of the price you would pay at the cafe.
You also get complete control over the ingredients. You can adjust the sweetness, the strength of the coffee, and the type of milk. This means you can tailor it exactly to your liking. No more asking for extra shots or less syrup.
The flavor is simply amazing. The cold brew process creates a coffee that is incredibly smooth and low in acidity. It is less bitter than regularly brewed iced coffee. When you combine that with the rich, homemade vanilla sweet cream, the result is pure delight.
Plus, it is so simple to prepare. While the cold brew needs to steep overnight, the active prep time is minimal. You can make a big batch of the coffee concentrate and sweet cream to enjoy all week long. It is a fantastic part of many Starbucks Drinks Recipes.
Finally, let’s talk about the look. That beautiful cascade of cream pouring into the dark coffee is what the Iced Coffee Aesthetic is all about. It looks as good as it tastes, making your morning coffee feel like a special treat.
Ingredients
To get started on these amazing Starbucks Drinks, you will need to gather a few simple ingredients. We will break them down into two parts: the coffee and that delicious sweet cream.
For the Cold Brew Coffee
- 16 ounces water
- 1/2 cup coarsely ground coffee
For the Vanilla Sweet Cream
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup 2% milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Step By Step Instructions
Ready to make some magic? Follow these simple steps. Soon you will be sipping on one of the tastiest Cold Starbucks Drinks you have ever had. Let us start with the heart of the drink, the coffee.
Step 1: Make The Cold Brew Coffee
First, grab a French press or a large mason jar. This will be your container for brewing. Pour 16 ounces of cool or room temperature water into your chosen vessel.
Next, add your half cup of coarsely ground coffee to the water. Give it a gentle stir to make sure all the grounds are wet. The coarse grind is really important for getting a smooth, not bitter, flavor.
Now, place the lid on your container. If you are using a French press, do not press the plunger down yet. Put the entire container in the refrigerator and let it steep for at least 12 hours. You can even let it go for up to 24 hours for a stronger flavor.
Once the steeping time is over, it is time to separate the coffee from the grounds. For a French press, slowly push the plunger all the way down. Then, pour your fresh cold brew concentrate into another container for storage.
If you used a mason jar, you will need to filter it. Simply pour the coffee mixture through a coffee filter or a fine mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth. This step ensures you get a clean, grit free coffee.
Step 2: Create The Vanilla Sweet Cream
This sweet cream is what makes so many Starbucks Drinks special. We will start by making a simple vanilla syrup. In a small saucepan, combine two cups of sugar and one cup of water.
Place the saucepan over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally. You only need to cook it long enough for all the sugar to dissolve completely. This should only take a few minutes.
Once the sugar is dissolved, remove the saucepan from the heat. Let the sugar syrup cool down to room temperature. After it has cooled, stir in one tablespoon of vanilla extract. That is it! Your vanilla syrup is done.
Now, to make the sweet cream itself. In a small bowl or jar, combine a half cup of 2% milk, a half cup of heavy cream, and two tablespoons of the vanilla syrup you just made. Stir it all together until it is well combined. The cream should be smooth and luscious.
Step 3: Assemble Your Drink
This is the fun part where the Iced Coffee Aesthetic really comes to life. Grab a tall glass and fill it to the brim with ice. The more ice, the better for keeping your drink perfectly chilled.
Pour your prepared cold brew coffee into the glass. I suggest filling it about three quarters of the way full. You need to leave room for that glorious sweet cream, a key to delicious Starbucks Drinks Recipes.
Finally, slowly pour the vanilla sweet cream over the top. Watch as it beautifully cascades through the dark coffee. Give it a gentle stir if you like, or enjoy the layers as they naturally mix. Your homemade drink is ready to enjoy!
How To Store Leftovers
Since this recipe makes extra components, proper storage is key to enjoying your homemade Starbucks Drinks all week. You will have extra vanilla syrup and extra sweet cream, so here is what to do.
Store the cold brew coffee concentrate in an airtight container in the refrigerator. A sealed mason jar or bottle works great. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to a week.
The vanilla syrup should also be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for about two weeks. This recipe makes about 20 servings of syrup, so you will have plenty for future drinks.
For the vanilla sweet cream, place it in a sealed jar or container in your refrigerator. Because it contains fresh dairy, it will last for about three to four days. The recipe makes about eight servings of cream.
Tips
Want to make your homemade Cold Starbucks Drinks even better? Here are a few simple tips to try. Small adjustments can make a big difference in flavor and quality.
First, the coffee beans matter. For a classic cold brew flavor, choose a medium or dark roast. Look for beans with notes of chocolate or nuts. Always use a coarse grind to avoid a bitter taste.
Do not be afraid to adjust the coffee strength. If you want a stronger brew, let it steep for a full 24 hours. For a milder coffee, stick closer to the 12 hour mark. You can also dilute the concentrate with a little water if it is too strong for your taste.
Feel free to experiment with your syrup. Add a cinnamon stick to the saucepan while the syrup is cooling for a hint of spice. You could also try almond extract instead of vanilla for a different flavor profile.
You can also play with the milk. For a richer cream, use all heavy cream. For a lighter version, try using all whole milk. Dairy free milks can also work, though the texture might be a little different.
Conclusion
And there you have it. You are now fully equipped to make one of the most beloved Starbucks Drinks from the comfort of your home. It is a simple process that yields incredibly delicious results.
By mastering this recipe, you open the door to a world of homemade coffee creations. You can save money, customize your drink, and impress anyone who takes a sip. It is a rewarding and tasty skill to have.
So go ahead, give it a try. Brew a batch of cold brew, whip up some sweet cream, and enjoy a coffee that feels like a special treat every single time. Happy brewing!
FAQ
Can I Use Regular Brewed Iced Coffee?
You can, but the flavor will be different. Cold brew is much smoother and less acidic. Regular coffee that has been chilled can taste more bitter. For the authentic taste of these Starbucks Drinks, cold brew is the way to go.
Is There A Dairy Free Option For The Sweet Cream?
Absolutely. You can try using a combination of full fat oat milk and canned coconut cream instead of the dairy. The texture might be slightly different, but it will still be creamy and delicious. Many Starbucks Drinks Recipes can be adapted this way.
What Is The Best Coffee For Cold Brew?
A medium to dark roast is generally recommended for cold brew. Look for coffee beans that are specifically marketed for cold brewing, or choose your favorite blend. The most important thing is that the coffee is ground coarsely.
Why Is My Cold Brew Bitter?
Bitterness in cold brew usually comes from two things. The coffee grounds might be too fine, or you might have let it steep for too long. Ensure you are using a very coarse grind, and try steeping for a shorter period, like 12 to 18 hours.
Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew
Craft your own refreshing Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew at home, saving money and customizing sweetness. This easy recipe offers a smooth, low-acidity coffee paired with rich, homemade vanilla sweet cream for a delightful treat.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- First, grab a French press or a large mason jar. Pour 16 ounces of cool or room temperature water into your chosen vessel.
- Next, add your half cup of coarsely ground coffee to the water. Give it a gentle stir to make sure all the grounds are wet.
- Place the lid on your container. If you are using a French press, do not press the plunger down yet. Put the entire container in the refrigerator and let it steep for at least 12 hours. You can even let it go for up to 24 hours for a stronger flavor.
- Once the steeping time is over, for a French press, slowly push the plunger all the way down. Then, pour your fresh cold brew concentrate into another airtight container for storage.
- If you used a mason jar, filter the coffee mixture through a coffee filter or a fine mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth.
- In a small saucepan, combine two cups of sugar and one cup of water.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally. Cook until all the sugar dissolves completely.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat. Let the sugar syrup cool down to room temperature. After it has cooled, stir in one tablespoon of vanilla extract.
- In a small bowl or jar, combine a half cup of 2% milk, a half cup of heavy cream, and two tablespoons of the vanilla syrup. Stir until well combined.
- Grab a tall glass and fill it to the brim with ice.
- Pour your prepared cold brew coffee into the glass, about three quarters full.
- Slowly pour the vanilla sweet cream over the top. Give it a gentle stir if you like, or enjoy the layers as they naturally mix.
Notes
For a classic cold brew flavor, choose a medium or dark roast coffee beans. Always use a coarse grind to avoid a bitter taste.
Adjust the coffee strength: steep for 24 hours for stronger, closer to 12 hours for milder. Dilute with water if too strong.
Experiment with syrup flavor: add a cinnamon stick while cooling or try almond extract instead of vanilla.
Adjust milk: use all heavy cream for richer, all whole milk for lighter. Dairy free milks can also work.
Nutrition
Calories
Sugar
Fat
Carbs
