How to Make Starbucks Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew at Home

Are you craving the smooth, subtly sweet taste of Starbucks Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew but want to enjoy it from the comfort of your home? With the right ingredients and a little preparation, you can recreate this refreshing coffeehouse favorite while customizing it to your taste and potentially saving money.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you through every step of making Starbucks Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew at home, including expert-backed brewing techniques, ingredient recommendations, and pro tips to perfect your drink. Additionally, we’ll cover key details such as the caffeine content, calorie count, the type of coffee Starbucks uses for its cold brew, and whether this popular beverage is gluten-free.

Understanding Starbucks Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew

Starbucks Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew is celebrated for its ultra-smooth, slightly sweet flavor and low acidity. Its distinct taste comes from a unique brewing process in which coarsely ground coffee is steeped in cool, filtered water for approximately 20 hours. Unlike traditional iced coffee, which is brewed hot and then chilled, cold brew relies on slow extraction, producing a rich and naturally sweet profile. The drink is then elevated with a hint of vanilla syrup and a luxurious float of house-made vanilla sweet cream, which cascades into the coffee for a velvety, well-balanced finish.

How to Make Starbucks Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew at Home

Ingredients and Equipment

• Coffee Beans: Opt for a medium or dark roast to achieve a bold flavor similar to Starbucks’ cold brew.

• Grinder: A burr grinder ensures a consistent coarse grind for optimal extraction.

• Filtered Water: Using clean, filtered water enhances the purity and taste of your coffee.

• Brewing Vessel: A large mason jar, French press, or dedicated cold brew maker will work well.

• Fine Mesh Strainer & Cheesecloth/Coffee Filters: Essential for effective filtration to achieve a smooth brew.

• Vanilla Syrup: Use store-bought vanilla syrup or make your own (recipe below).

• Sweet Cream: A rich blend of heavy cream, 2% milk, and vanilla syrup.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Cold Brew Coffee

• Measure & Grind the Coffee: Starbucks recommends using 4 tablespoons (22 grams) of coarsely ground coffee per 6 fluid ounces (180 milliliters) of water. A grind consistency similar to sea salt prevents over-extraction and bitterness.

• Combine Coffee and Water: Add the coarsely ground coffee to your brewing vessel, then pour in cold, filtered water, ensuring all grounds are fully saturated.

• Steep the Mixture: Cover the vessel and let it steep at room temperature or in the refrigerator for approximately 20 hours. This extended steeping time allows for maximum flavor extraction.

• Filter the Brew: Strain the mixture using a fine mesh strainer to remove the bulk of the grounds. For a smoother texture, strain it again through a coffee filter or cheesecloth.

2. Prepare the Vanilla Syrup

Ingredients:

• 1 cup water

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1 vanilla bean (split) or 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. In a small saucepan, combine water and sugar. If using a vanilla bean, add it to the mixture.

2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves completely.

3. Remove from heat and let it cool. If using vanilla extract, stir it in after cooling.

4. If you used a vanilla bean, remove it before storing the syrup.

3. Prepare the Vanilla Sweet Cream

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

• 1/4 cup 2% milk

• 2 tablespoons vanilla syrup

Instructions:

1. In a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine heavy cream, milk, and vanilla syrup.

2. Shake well to mix thoroughly.

3. Store in the refrigerator for up to a week.

4. Assemble the Drink

Ingredients:

• Cold brew coffee

• Ice

• Vanilla sweet cream

Instructions:

1. Fill a glass with ice.

2. Pour cold brew coffee over the ice, leaving some space at the top.

3. Add 1-2 tablespoons of vanilla sweet cream on top.

4. Watch as the cream cascades into the coffee, naturally sweetening it as it mixes.

Starbucks Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew: Nutrition & Caffeine Content

How Much Caffeine is in Starbucks Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew?

Understanding the caffeine content in this beverage can help you manage your daily intake:

• Tall (12 fl oz): ~140 mg of caffeine

• Grande (16 fl oz): ~185 mg of caffeine

• Venti (24 fl oz): ~275 mg of caffeine

• Trenta (30 fl oz): ~320 mg of caffeine

How Many Calories in Starbucks Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew?

• Tall (12 fl oz): ~90 calories

• Grande (16 fl oz): ~110 calories

• Venti (24 fl oz): ~200 calories

• Trenta (30 fl oz): ~250 calories

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What coffee does Starbucks use for its cold brew?

A: Starbucks uses a custom blend of 100% Arabica coffee beans, specifically sourced for their cold brew process. The beans are medium-to-dark roasted to enhance their natural sweetness and smooth texture.

Q: Is Starbucks Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew gluten-free?

A: While the core ingredients (coffee, vanilla syrup, sweet cream) do not contain gluten, Starbucks cannot guarantee that any unpackaged products are allergen-free due to shared equipment in their stores. If you are highly sensitive to gluten, consider making your own at home with gluten-free vanilla syrup and carefully sourced ingredients.

Q: Can I customize my homemade Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew?

A: Absolutely! Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less vanilla syrup, swap the heavy cream for oat or almond milk, or experiment with flavored syrups like caramel or hazelnut for a unique twist.

Q: How long does homemade cold brew last?

A: Cold brew concentrate can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week. The vanilla sweet cream should also be kept refrigerated and used within a few days for the freshest taste.

Elevate Your Starbucks Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew Experience with Bazan Coffee

Crafting Starbucks Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew at home is a straightforward process that allows you to enjoy a refreshing and customizable beverage tailored to your taste preferences. By following the steps outlined above, you can replicate the smooth, rich flavors of this popular drink in your own kitchen.

At Bazan Coffee, we believe that the foundation of an exceptional cold brew experience lies in high-quality coffee beans. While Starbucks Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew is a popular go-to for coffee lovers, there’s nothing quite like brewing your own cold brew at home using specialty-grade coffee. With the right beans and brewing method, you can create a cold brew that not only matches but elevates the flavor of your favorite Starbucks drink.

The New Revolution: Fine Robusta from Vietnam

Fine Robusta – Krong Nang is a perfect choice for a bold and flavorful cold brew. Unlike the mass-produced Robusta beans found in most commercial cold brews, Bazan’s Fine Robusta – Krong Nang is carefully cultivated and processed to bring out deep, complex flavors that add richness and boldness to your cold brew. This coffee offers an intensity that truly stands out in your drink.

Why Choose Fine Robusta – Krong Nang?

• Grown at 650m in Krong Nang, Dak Lak: The volcanic soil of this region contributes to the coffee’s deep and complex flavor profile.

• 72-Hour Natural Anaerobic Fermentation: This innovative process unlocks rich caramelized sweetness and a smooth, creamy body, making it the ideal choice for cold brew.

• Bold & Full-Bodied: With higher caffeine content than Arabica, Fine Robusta – Krong Nang offers a bold coffee base that’s perfect for an energizing cold brew, with a strong kick that complements the sweetness of vanilla cream.

If you’re looking for a bold, rich cold brew with a caramelized sweetness and full-bodied texture, Fine Robusta – Krong Nang will provide the perfect foundation for your homemade cold brew.

Not Just Robusta – The Best of Both Worlds

For those who prefer a balanced and versatile cold brew, Bazan’s Special Vietnam Blend combines the best characteristics of high-altitude Arabica and Fine Robusta. This expertly crafted blend offers a harmonious mix of smooth floral notes, mild fruitiness, and a rich body, making it ideal for a well-rounded cold brew that matches the smooth flavors of Starbucks Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew.

Why Choose Special Vietnam Blend?

• A Fusion of Arabica and Fine Robusta: This blend brings together the bright acidity of Arabica and the bold richness of Robusta, creating a coffee that’s both complex and smooth.

• Tasting Note of Pineapple and Floral Aroma: These natural fruity note and floral aroma add sweetness and depth, making it an excellent choice for cold brew.

• Versatile Brewing: Whether you're brewing a traditional cold brew or preparing espresso, Special Vietnam Blend is perfect for a wide variety of coffee recipes.

If you’re looking for a smooth, well-balanced cold brew with complex, fruity undertones and natural sweetness, Special Vietnam Blend will elevate your cold brew experience.

For a More Refined Cold Brew: Specialty Arabica – Cau Dat

If you enjoy a more refined and aromatic cold brew, Bazan’s Specialty Arabica – Cau Dat offers a delicate, complex option. Known for its bright acidity and floral complexity, this coffee provides a clean, elegant flavor that pairs beautifully with the vanilla sweetness in your cold brew.

Why Choose Specialty Arabica – Cau Dat?

• Grown at 1,550m in Cau Dat, Da Lat: The high-altitude climate and fertile soil produce a premium Arabica coffee with refined, sophisticated flavors.

• Fully Washed Processing: This process ensures a clean, vibrant cup with caramel undertones, perfect for a more delicate, crisp cold brew.

• Complex Tasting Notes: With layers of bell pepper, spices, and caramel, Specialty Arabica – Cau Dat offers a nuanced profile that complements the sweetness and richness of vanilla cream in your cold brew.

If you prefer a bright, floral cold brew with complex, sophisticated notes, Specialty Arabica – Cau Dat is the ideal choice for your refined taste.

Which Coffee Should You Choose for Your Cold Brew?

• For a bold, full-bodied cold brew with deep caramelized sweetness → Fine Robusta – Krong Nang

• For a smooth, well-balanced cold brew with fruity complexity → Special Vietnam Blend

• For a refined, bright cold brew with floral and spicy notes → Specialty Arabica – Cau Dat

You’re Just One Brew Away from a Better Cold Brew

Your cold brew journey begins with choosing the right beans, and Bazan Coffee ensures that your brew is as flavorful and exciting as it can be. Whether you're preparing a single cup or a larger batch, our premium Vietnamese coffee will elevate your homemade cold brew experience to new heights.

Shop Bazan Coffee Today and Brew the Best Starbucks Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew!

Explore our selection of specialty-grade Vietnamese coffee beans and enhance your cold brew game today. Don’t settle for anything less than the finest beans from Bazan Coffee - your perfect Starbucks Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew is just one brew away!