Copycat Starbucks Cold Foam Cold Brew Recipe

The Magic in the Bloom

Let’s start with the bloom. You pour hot water over the grounds. They puff up right away. It looks like the coffee is waking up. I think it’s saying hello.

This step wakes up the flavor. It lets the coffee breathe. Without it, your brew might taste a bit flat. That’s why it matters. Do you watch your coffee bloom? I still do. It’s a little morning show.

Patience Makes Perfect

Now comes the waiting. You stir in cold water and put it in the fridge. You must wait at least 12 hours. I know, it’s hard! But good things take time.

This long, cold brew is the secret. It makes the coffee smooth. It takes away the bitter bite. Fun fact: Cold brew is less acidic than hot coffee. Your tummy might thank you. What’s the hardest thing for you to wait for? For me, it’s always this coffee.

The Double Strain Shuffle

Time to strain. Use a sieve first to catch the big bits. Then, use a paper filter. This second step is key. It makes your coffee crystal clear.

No one wants gritty coffee. The filter catches the fine silt. It makes the drink feel special and clean. This little extra care matters. It turns homemade into “wow.”

Clouds of Foam

The best part is the foam. My grandson calls it the “coffee cloud.” You just froth some cold, light milk. A little handheld frother works great. Doesn’t that sound fun?

It sits on top like a fluffy hat. Each sip comes through the sweet foam. It turns a simple drink into a treat. What’s your favorite treat to make at home? Tell me about it.

Make It Your Own

Now, you are the boss. Pour your coffee over ice. Add a splash of cream if you like. Drizzle in homemade vanilla syrup. Top it with your cloud.

This is where you play. Try coconut syrup one day. Try caramel the next. Making it yourself lets you choose. That’s the real joy of cooking. What flavor syrup should I try next? I need a new idea.

Ingredients:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Coarsely ground coffee	1 cup
205°F water (simmering)	1 cup	Optional but recommended
Cold water	6-7 cups
Cold foam	For topping	Made from frothed cool skim or light fat milk
Ice	As needed
Milk or cream	To taste	Optional for serving
Homemade simple syrup	To taste	Optional for sweetening (e.g., vanilla, coconut, almond, or caramel)

My Homemade Coffee Treat

Hello, my dear! Come sit at the counter. Let’s make a special coffee drink. It’s just like the fancy one from the coffee shop. But we make it at home. It’s smooth, cold, and has a fluffy cloud on top. I call it my afternoon sunshine in a glass. Doesn’t that sound nice?

We start with patience. Good things take a little time. This coffee brews slowly in your fridge. It becomes so gentle and sweet. No bitter taste at all. I still laugh at that. My grandson thought it was magic. Here is how we do it.

Step 1: Get your coffee grounds ready. Pour the hot water right over them. Watch them puff up! That’s called the “bloom.” It smells so good. Let it sit for ten minutes. The coffee is waking up. I always use this time to wash a dish or two.

Step 2: Now, add all that cold water. Give it a gentle stir. Put a lid on your jar. Tuck it into the fridge. It needs a long, quiet nap. Leave it for half a day or more. (My hard-learned tip: write the time on a sticky note! I’ve forgotten it before).

Step 3: Time to strain! Pour the coffee through a fine sieve. Catch all those soggy grounds. Then, do it again with a paper filter. This makes it super clear. See how dark and pretty it is? Do you think the double strain is worth it? Share below!

Step 4: The fun part! Fill your glass with ice. Pour your cold coffee over it. Add a splash of milk if you like. Now, top it with your frothed milk foam. Spoon it on gently. It should float like a sweet, creamy hat. Doesn’t that look amazing?

Cook Time: 12-16 hours (mostly hands-off)
Total Time: 12 hours 20 minutes
Yield: About 6 cups of coffee concentrate
Category: Drink, Coffee

Three Tasty Twists

You can make this drink your own. Try one of these fun ideas. They are like little secrets for your cup.

Cinnamon Roll Swirl: Add a dash of cinnamon to your grounds before brewing. Use vanilla syrup. It tastes like a bakery.

Coconut Beach Day: Use coconut milk for the cold foam. A little coconut syrup in the coffee. It’s a tropical vacation.

Chocolate Midnight: Mix a spoon of chocolate syrup into your glass first. Then add the coffee and foam. So rich and cozy.

Which one would you try first? Comment below!

Serving It Up Right

This drink is a treat all by itself. But it’s even better with a little friend. Serve it with a buttery shortbread cookie. Or a small bowl of fresh berries. The sweet and bitter tastes dance together.

What to drink with it? For a fancy night, a glass of chilled amaretto is lovely. For every day, a simple glass of sparkling water with lemon. It cleans your palate. Which would you choose tonight?

Keeping Your Cold Brew Happy in the Fridge

Your cold brew concentrate is a strong friend. Store it in a sealed jar in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to a week. You can make a big batch on Sunday.

This saves you time all week long. I remember my first big batch. I felt so clever having coffee ready each morning. Batch cooking gives you little daily wins.

Never freeze your finished cold brew. It gets watery and loses its nice flavor. Just keep it chilled in the fridge. Always add ice and foam just before you drink it.

Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below! Having it ready matters. It turns a hectic morning into a calm moment.

Fixing Common Cold Brew Hiccups

Is your coffee too weak? You might not have brewed it long enough. Let it steep the full time for strong flavor. I once rushed it and was so disappointed.

Is the coffee too bitter? Your grind might be too fine. Use coarsely ground beans, like sea salt. A fine grind makes coffee taste harsh. Getting the grind right matters for smooth sips.

Is your foam too thin? Make sure your milk is very cold. Froth it until it looks like melted ice cream. This makes your drink feel special and fancy. Which of these problems have you run into before?

Your Cold Brew Questions, Answered

Q: Is this gluten-free? A: Yes, coffee and these ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Q: Can I make it ahead? A: Absolutely! The concentrate is perfect for making ahead.

Q: What milk is best for foam? A: Skim or light milk froths best. Even oat milk works well.

Q: Can I double the recipe? A: You can! Just use a bigger jar for steeping.

Q: Is the hot water step needed? A: It helps the coffee bloom. Fun fact: blooming releases the coffee’s best smells and flavors! Which tip will you try first?

A Final Sip of Wisdom

I hope you love making this coffee. It is a simple kitchen joy. Share your creation with a friend for extra happiness.

I would love to see your beautiful drinks. Your kitchen stories make my day. Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on Pinterest! You can find me at @ChloesKitchen.

Happy cooking!
—Chloe Hartwell.