There’s something about that first sip of Starbucks’ cold brew blend, delicately swirled with velvety vanilla sweet cream, that seems to make the entire world pause — if only for a moment. The smooth coffee, the subtle sweetness, the creamy texture… it’s a symphony of flavors that dances on the palate, a daily indulgence that many of us have come to cherish. But as delightful as treating ourselves to this signature Starbucks Premium Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew Coffee Beverage is, frequent visits to our beloved coffee house can quickly add up.
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How to make Starbucks Premium Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew Coffee Beverage
Starbucks Premium Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew Coffee Beverage is a bottled version of Starbucks’ popular Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew, which you can buy at grocery or convenience stores.
Ingredients:
For the Cold Brew:
- 1 cup coarsely ground coffee (Starbucks or your favorite brand with a bold, rich flavor)
- 4 cups cold, filtered water
For the Vanilla Sweet Cream:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup 2% milk (or your choice of milk)
- 2-3 tablespoons vanilla syrup (adjust according to your sweetness preference)
Instructions:
Cold Brew Preparation:
- In a large jar or pitcher, combine the coarsely ground coffee with cold, filtered water. Stir gently to ensure all grounds are fully saturated.
- Cover and leave to steep at room temperature for 12 to 24 hours, depending on your taste preference. A longer steeping time will result in a stronger brew.
- After steeping, strain the coffee through a fine-mesh sieve, coffee filter, or cheesecloth to remove the coffee grounds. Your cold brew concentrate is now ready. You can dilute it with water or milk to taste, though it’s recommended to start with a 1:1 ratio.
Vanilla Sweet Cream Preparation:
- In a bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, milk, and vanilla syrup until well blended.
- Taste and adjust the sweetness with additional vanilla syrup if desired. The sweet cream should be velvety and lightly sweetened, complementing the robust flavor of the cold brew.
Assembling your Beverage:
- Fill a glass with ice cubes to about three-quarters full.
- Pour the cold brew concentrate over the ice, leaving room for the sweet cream.
- Gently pour the vanilla sweet cream over the cold brew. It will beautifully swirl into the coffee creating that signature look and creamy taste.
- Stir lightly or let the layers remain distinct for visual appeal.
Tips for the Perfect Beverage:
- Coffee Choice Matters: The quality of coffee used for the cold brew is crucial. Opt for a medium to dark roast for a rich and robust flavor.
- Perfecting Vanilla Sweet Cream: For best results, use real vanilla in your syrup or purchase high-quality vanilla syrup. The flavor of the syrup significantly affects the overall taste of the drink.
- Customization is Key: Adjust the ratio of coffee to vanilla sweet cream according to your preference. Some like their coffee strong and bold with a hint of cream, while others may prefer a creamier beverage with a milder coffee flavor.
- Serving Suggestions: If you’re serving this beverage at a gathering, keep the cold brew and vanilla sweet cream in separate pitchers and allow your guests to create their own perfect mix.
What to serve with
Complementing your meticulously made Starbucks Premium Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew with the right accompaniments can elevate your coffee enjoyment to new heights.
Classic Breakfast Items
- Croissants: The buttery flakiness of a croissant pair wonderfully with the smooth, creamy texture of the Starbucks Premium Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew. The combination balances the sweetness and adds a touch of European flair to your coffee experience.
- Avocado Toast: For a more savory companion, try a hearty slice of avocado toast sprinkled with red pepper flakes and sea salt. The creaminess of the avocado and the kick of spices combine beautifully with the velvetiness of the cold brew.
- Belgian Waffles: Light and crispy waffles drizzled with maple syrup or topped with fresh berries provide a sweet canvas that complements the rich coffee flavor.
Sweet Treats
- Chocolate Chip Cookies: There’s hardly a more classic pairing than cookies and coffee. The chocolate chips and sweetness of the cookie are perfect for dipping into the cold brew, creating a delicious melding of flavors.
- Coffee Cake: A slice of moist, cinnamon-strewn coffee cake not only shares the coffee theme but also offers a comforting, sweet bite that pairs beautifully with the nuanced flavors of your drink.
- Scones: Opt for vanilla, blueberry, or cranberry scones for a slightly sweet, slightly crumbly treat that balances the creamy sweetness of your cold brew.
Ingredients Substitutes
Creating your own version of Starbucks Premium Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew can be satisfying, and knowing how to substitute different ingredients allows for customization according to personal preferences or dietary restrictions.
For the Cold Brew Coffee:
Original Ingredient: Coarsely ground coffee
Substitute: If you cannot find the Starbucks Cold Brew blend, you can substitute it with any other quality cold brew coffee grounds. Ideally, choose beans with a mellow and smooth profile to mimic the original flavor.
Original Ingredient: Filtered water
Substitute: While filtered water is recommended for the cleanest flavor, bottled water can also be a good alternative to tap water to avoid any off-flavors if you do not have a filter.
For the Vanilla Sweet Cream:
Original Ingredient: Heavy cream
Substitute: If you’re looking for a lower-fat alternative, you can opt for half-and-half or whole milk. These will result in a lighter cream but will still add a silky texture. For a non-dairy alternative, use full-fat coconut milk or any creamy plant-based milk, such as oat or soy milk.
Original Ingredient: 2% milk
Substitute: Skim milk can be used if you want to reduce the fat content. Whole milk, on the richer side, can be substituted for a creamier texture. For a dairy-free version, almond milk, cashew milk, or any preferred plant-based milk can be a great substitution.
Original Ingredient: Vanilla syrup
Substitute: If you don’t have vanilla syrup, you can use pure vanilla extract, starting with a small amount and adjusting to taste, as it’s stronger than syrup. You can also make a simple vanilla syrup at home with equal parts sugar and water and a vanilla pod or a bit of vanilla extract. For a sugar-free alternative, consider using a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol and combine it with vanilla extract to taste.
Final Thoughts
Recreating Starbucks Premium Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew at home not only satisfies your coffee craving but also adds a personal touch to your beverage.
More Cold Brew Recipes:
- Copycat La Colombe Cold Brew Recipe
- Copycat Dutch Bros Cold Brew Recipe
- Homemade Stok’s Cold Brew Recipe
- Dunkin’ Cookie Butter Cold Brew Recipe
Ingredients
For the Cold Brew:
- 1 cup coarsely ground coffee
- 4 cups cold, filtered water
For the Vanilla Sweet Cream:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup 2% milk (or your choice of milk)
- 2-3 tablespoons vanilla syrup
Instructions
Cold Brew Preparation:
- In a large jar or pitcher, combine the coarsely ground coffee with cold, filtered water. Stir gently to ensure all grounds are fully saturated.
- Cover and leave to steep at room temperature for 12 to 24 hours, depending on your taste preference. A longer steeping time will result in a stronger brew.
- After steeping, strain the coffee through a fine-mesh sieve, coffee filter, or cheesecloth to remove the coffee grounds. Your cold brew concentrate is now ready. You can dilute it with water or milk to taste, though it's recommended to start with a 1:1 ratio.
Vanilla Sweet Cream Preparation:
- In a bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, milk, and vanilla syrup until well blended.
- Taste and adjust the sweetness with additional vanilla syrup if desired. The sweet cream should be velvety and lightly sweetened, complementing the robust flavor of the cold brew.
Assembling your Beverage:
- Fill a glass with ice cubes to about three-quarters full.
- Pour the cold brew concentrate over the ice, leaving room for the sweet cream.
- Gently pour the vanilla sweet cream over the cold brew. It will beautifully swirl into the coffee creating that signature look and creamy taste.
- Stir lightly or let the layers remain distinct for visual appeal.
