How To Make a Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew Recipe

Vanilla sweet cream cold brew is a delicious drink that's popular among coffee lovers and while most of us had our first taste of it at a coffee shop it can easily be made at home.

This delectable coffee drink is a mixture of vanilla sweet cream and the smooth rich flavors of cold brew coffee, resulting in a refreshing beverage that's perfect for a warm day or a morning pick-me-up. 

In this post, you'll find an easy recipe made with a handful of simple ingredients allowing you to create this delicious cold coffee drink in the comfort of your own home and, if you're like me, it will save you a lot of money and a lot of stops at your favorite coffee shop and if copycat drinks are your thing, you might just love my simple recipe for a McDonald's Mocha Frappe!

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Jump to:

• Ingredients and Preparation
• Assembling the Drink
• Starbucks Copycat Recipe 
• Making It Healthier
• Alternative Flavor Options
• Coffee-Related Products and Tools
• 📖 Recipe

Ingredients and Preparation

This is an overview of the ingredients. Full instructions and amounts can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of the page.

Cold Brew Coffee Recipe

Before you start, make sure to gather all the necessary ingredients, which can easily be found at your local grocery store, to make your homemade cold brew. 

• Coarsely ground coffee (preferably dark roast but if you prefer a milder flavor medium roast coffee beans are great options) 
• Water (filtered is best)
• Ice
• French press, mason jar, or large container for brewing

First, take your coarsely ground coffee and add it to either a French press or your jar. Next, pour in the filtered water to cover the coffee. A general guideline is to use a 1:8 ratio of coffee to water (for example, ½ cup of coffee for every 4 cups of water). Stir the coffee and water mixture gently, cover the container, and let it steep in the refrigerator for at least 12-24 hours. When the brewing time is complete, strain the coffee through a cheesecloth or coffee filters. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. 

Sweet Vanilla Cream

Finally, prepare the Vanilla Sweet Cream using these ingredients:

• Heavy cream, half and half, or whole milk 
• sweetened condensed milk 
• vanilla extract

In a 1-quart jar or airtight container combine the ingredients above and then store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Shake well before serving (make sure the lid is sealed - you don't want to make a mess!). 

Assembling the Drink

Start by gathering all the ingredients and tools you'll need:

• A 16-ounce tall glass
• Ice cubes
• Cold brew coffee
• Vanilla syrup - you can make your own vanilla syrup (I have a recipe in the recipe card) or purchase your favorite brand (Starbucks vanilla syrup is a great choice)
• Vanilla Sweet Cream

First, add the desired amount of vanilla syrup to your glass. I suggest you use about 1 tablespoon, but you can adjust this to your taste preferences. Next, pour in the cold brew coffee, filling the glass about two-thirds of the way full. If using cold brew concentrate, make sure to dilute it first by mixing it with equal parts of water to achieve regular strength.

Now it's time to add the ice. Fill your glass with ice cubes, leaving just enough room at the top for the vanilla sweet cream.

Finally, pour the vanilla sweet cream over the ice in your glass. You can add as much or as little as you like; some people prefer just a splash, while others enjoy a creamier and more indulgent coffee.

Give your vanilla sweet cream cold brew a good stir to combine all the ingredients, and enjoy your refreshing and delicious beverage!

Starbucks Copycat Recipe 

When you're craving a delicious Starbucks Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew, you'll be amazed at how simple it is to recreate this popular beverage at home. With just a few ingredients and some patience, you can achieve that refreshing taste in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Make the cold brew drink as above or purchase pre-made cold brew. 

Next, prepare the vanilla sweet cream with the following ingredients:

1. Combine 1 cup of heavy whipping cream with a 14-ounce can of sweetened condensed milk and a dash of salt in a saucepan.
2. Scrape the seeds from 1 vanilla bean and add them to the saucepan.
3. Heat the mixture over low heat, stirring constantly until it reaches a smooth consistency.

Now it's time to assemble your drink:

1. Fill a glass with ice.
2. Pour 1 tablespoon of vanilla syrup over the ice.
3. Add 1 cup of cold brew coffee.
4. Top it off with the homemade vanilla sweet cream.

There you have it—your very own homemade Starbucks Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew! Enjoy your refreshing beverage knowing you've successfully recreated that delicious Starbucks flavor.

Making It Healthier

To make your Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew healthier, consider the following variations:

• Substitute half and half or heavy cream with a lower calorie milk option, such as skim milk or unsweetened almond milk

Alternative Flavor Options

If vanilla isn't your favorite flavor or if you're looking for a new twist to your cold brew, try these alternative options:

• Add a dash of cinnamon for a warm, spicy flavor.
• Use a sugar-free caramel syrup instead of vanilla, for a rich caramel experience.
• Mix in cocoa powder for a decadent chocolate flavor.
• Experiment with different flavored syrups such as hazelnut, peppermint or pumpkin spice to find your personal favorite.

By exploring these variations, you can customize your Cold Brew to perfectly suit your taste buds. 

Coffee-Related Products and Tools

When it comes to making a delicious vanilla sweet cream cold brew at home, having the right tools and ingredients is essential. This section will guide you through some essentials that'll elevate your coffee-making experience.

First of all, you'll need a quality blender or frother to create a smooth and creamy texture for your sweet cream. You can opt for a handheld milk frother, which is an affordable and easy-to-use tool to achieve that perfect frothy finish on top of your cold brew.

Now let's talk about coffee beans. To make a top-notch cold brew, it's essential to use coarsely ground coffee to achieve the appropriate extraction rate. You can play around with various coffee bean options, such as light or dark roasts, to discover your personal preference.

As for flavor, you can't go wrong with vanilla beans. Not only do they add a touch of elegance to your cold brew, but they also impart an exquisite aroma and flavor that's hard to beat. Simply split a vanilla bean and scrape out its seeds to blend with your sweetened condensed milk and heavy whipping cream mixture.

Lastly, proper storage is essential for your cold brew and the sweet cream. It's best to keep both components in sealed containers in your refrigerator until you're ready to assemble the drink. Both can be stored for up to two weeks. 

By having these essential products and tools at hand, you'll be able to enjoy a fancy iced coffee drink anytime you want one! 

Quick and Budget-Friendly Options

To make cold brew coffee quickly, you can use a cold brew coffee maker or try a shortcut like using instant coffee mixed with cold water. Just remember that the taste might not be the same as the traditional cold brew method.

Customize Your Sweetness

Love extra sweet cream? You can easily adjust the recipe by adding more heavy cream to the mix. If you prefer a stronger vanilla flavor, feel free to add more vanilla syrup to your cold brew. Remember that you can always adjust the sweetness level according to your taste preferences.

Frothing Techniques

For a lush and decadent experience, try making a sweet cold foam. You can achieve this by using an electric milk frother with cold foam functionality, a handheld frother, a whisk, an immersion blender or a regular blender. Keep in mind that when using a blender, be careful not to blend for too long, as this could affect the texture of the foam.

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📖 Recipe

In summary, making a delicious vanilla sweet cream cold brew is easy and versatile. With these helpful tips and tricks, you can create a delightful beverage tailored to your preferences, budget, and time constraints. Enjoy your cold brew journey!