If you’re a fan of cold coffee beverages, there’s nothing quite like a well-made cold brew topped with rich and frothy homemade cold foam. This Cold Brew Coffee with Homemade Cold Foam recipe is perfect for those who crave a delicious, refreshing coffee drink, whether you’re recreating popular Nespresso recipes or seeking a copycat Starbucks recipe that you can enjoy at home. With the velvety texture of vanilla sweet cream cold foam, this recipe offers a refreshing twist on your classic cold brew.
What is Cold Brew Coffee?
Cold brew coffee is made by steeping coarsely ground coffee beans in cold water for an extended period, typically 12–24 hours. This slow extraction process results in a smoother, less acidic coffee that’s perfect for refreshing iced beverages. Unlike traditional iced coffee, which is brewed hot and cooled down, cold brew coffee retains its natural sweetness and rich flavor, making it a popular choice for cold coffee drinks.
Homemade Cold Foam: The Perfect Topping
Cold foam is a creamy and frothy topping that adds a velvety texture to your cold beverages. It’s often used in copycat Starbucks recipes to enhance the experience of drinking cold brew coffee or iced lattes. The key to creating the perfect homemade cold foam is to use a milk frother and the right proportions of milk and sweeteners.
One popular variation is vanilla sweet cream cold foam, which combines the richness of cold foam with a subtle hint of vanilla sweetness. This variation adds a layer of indulgence to your cold brew coffee, making it feel like a special treat.
Ingredients for Cold Brew Coffee with Homemade Cold Foam
To make this recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Cold Brew Coffee:
- 1 cup coarsely ground coffee beans
- 4 cups cold water
- Optional: ice cubes (for serving)
For the Homemade Cold Foam:
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup milk (whole milk works best for a creamy texture)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla syrup or vanilla extract
- Optional: sweetener (like sugar or honey), to taste
How to Make Homemade Cold Brew Coffee
Making homemade cold brew coffee is simple, and it requires minimal equipment. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to prepare your own cold brew:
- Grind Your Coffee Beans: Start by grinding your coffee beans to a coarse consistency. The grind should resemble sea salt, as a finer grind can make your cold brew taste bitter. If you don’t have a grinder, you can buy pre-ground coffee labeled as “cold brew coffee.”
- Mix Coffee and Water: In a large jar or pitcher, add 1 cup of coarsely ground coffee beans and 4 cups of cold water. Stir to ensure the coffee grounds are fully saturated.
- Steep the Coffee: Cover the jar or pitcher and let the coffee steep in the fridge for 12–24 hours. The longer it steeps, the stronger and more concentrated the flavor will be.
- Strain the Cold Brew: After the steeping process is complete, strain the cold brew using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth. Discard the coffee grounds, and transfer the cold brew into a clean pitcher or jar for serving.
- Serve the Cold Brew: To serve, pour the cold brew into a glass filled with ice. You can adjust the strength of your cold brew by diluting it with water or milk if you prefer a milder flavor.
How to Make Homemade Cold Foam
Creating homemade cold foam is simple and requires just a few ingredients. The key to achieving the perfect texture is using heavy cream and milk in the right proportions.
- Froth the Cream and Milk: In a mixing bowl or glass jar, combine 1/2 cup of heavy cream and 1/4 cup of milk. Use a milk frother to froth the mixture until it becomes thick and creamy. This should take about 30 seconds with an electric frother or a couple of minutes with a handheld whisk.
- Add the Sweetener: Once the mixture has reached a frothy consistency, add 1 tablespoon of vanilla syrup or vanilla extract. You can also add a sweetener of your choice, such as sugar or honey, to taste. Stir gently to combine the vanilla and sweetener with the cream and milk.
- Top Your Cold Brew Coffee: Gently spoon or pour the cold foam over the cold brew coffee. The foam will float on top of the coffee, creating a beautiful contrast and a creamy, velvety texture as you sip.
Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Foam Variation
For those who love the sweet, vanilla-flavored cold foam found in Starbucks drinks, you can create a vanilla sweet cream cold foam with a slight twist. The process is similar to the homemade cold foam recipe above, but you’ll add more vanilla syrup to give it that distinct sweet cream flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons vanilla syrup (or more for a sweeter taste)
Instructions:
- Combine the heavy cream and milk in a mixing bowl.
- Use a milk frother to create a creamy foam.
- Add the vanilla syrup to the foam and stir gently.
- Spoon the vanilla sweet cream cold foam over your cold brew coffee for that signature Starbucks flavor at home.
Tips for the Best Cold Brew Coffee with Cold Foam
- Experiment with Different Milk: If you prefer a dairy-free option, try using oat milk, almond milk, or coconut milk. These alternatives can froth well and complement the cold foam topping.
- Adjust the Sweetness: Depending on your preference, you can adjust the amount of vanilla syrup or sweetener in the cold foam. If you prefer a less sweet drink, use less syrup.
- Chill the Cold Foam: If you want your cold foam to last longer on top of your cold brew, make sure it’s chilled before pouring. Cold foam tends to deflate faster if it’s warm.
- Make It a Nitro Cold Brew: For an extra smooth and creamy texture, you can add nitrogen gas to your cold brew coffee, transforming it into a nitro cold brew that’s even creamier. You can do this with a nitro cold brew maker or by using nitrogen-infused coffee beans.
Why Cold Brew with Homemade Cold Foam is a Game-Changer
The combination of cold brew coffee with homemade cold foam offers a perfect balance of bold, smooth coffee and creamy sweetness. The cold brew itself is rich and mellow, while the cold foam adds a frothy, luxurious texture that elevates the experience. Whether you’re making this drink for yourself or impressing friends, it’s a fantastic alternative to sugary, store-bought coffee beverages.
Additionally, making homemade cold foam means you can skip the artificial ingredients and adjust the sweetness to your liking. By using fresh, high-quality ingredients like heavy cream and milk, you’ll be able to enjoy a homemade version of the vanilla sweet cream cold foam that tastes even better than the Starbucks version.
Copycat Starbucks Recipes at Home
For coffee lovers who crave their favorite Starbucks drinks but prefer to make them at home, this Cold Brew Coffee with Homemade Cold Foam is a great addition to your repertoire of copycat Starbucks recipes. The vanilla sweet cream cold foam is a staple of many Starbucks cold brew beverages, and with this recipe, you can replicate that same rich flavor and texture without leaving your kitchen.
By customizing the recipe to fit your tastes—whether that’s adjusting the sweetness or adding extra vanilla syrup—you can create your perfect cold brew with cold foam every time.
Conclusion
Cold Brew Coffee with Homemade Cold Foam is the perfect way to enjoy a creamy, refreshing coffee treat that rivals your favorite café beverages. Whether you’re following Nespresso recipes or making your own copycat Starbucks recipes, this cold brew with vanilla sweet cream cold foam will become a go-to drink. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can indulge in the luxurious experience of cold brew topped with smooth, homemade cold foam, all from the comfort of your home.
