The Starbucks Chocolate Cream Cold Brew is a refreshing and indulgent drink that blends smooth cold brew coffee with a velvety chocolate cream cold foam, creating a perfect balance of bold and sweet.
This copycat recipe brings the beloved café favorite right into your kitchen, using simple ingredients like cold brew, chocolate syrup, vanilla, and heavy cream. It’s ideal for coffee lovers who enjoy a chocolaty twist to their daily caffeine fix.
Whether you’re looking to beat the heat or enjoy a luxurious homemade treat, this DIY version delivers all the flavor and creaminess at a fraction of the cost.
If you’re a fan of cold coffee beverages and can’t resist the creamy chocolatey charm of Starbucks’ Chocolate Cream Cold Brew, this copycat recipe will bring your coffee dreams to life right at home.
This refreshing and indulgent drink combines smooth cold brew coffee with a rich chocolate cold foam that melts into every sip. With a few simple ingredients and tools, you can whip this up in minutes—no long drive or long line necessary!
What Is Chocolate Cream Cold Brew?
Starbucks’ Chocolate Cream Cold Brew features their signature slow-steeped cold brew topped with a chocolate-flavored cream cold foam. The foam is light, airy, and subtly sweet, balancing the boldness of the cold brew. This drink is layered: strong coffee on the bottom, chocolatey cloud on top, and magic in every sip.
Starbucks Chocolate Cream Cold Brew Copycat Recipe
Description
The Starbucks Chocolate Cream Cold Brew Copycat is a deliciously smooth and indulgent iced coffee treat you can make at home.
It starts with bold, slow-steeped cold brew coffee poured over ice, then topped with a fluffy, cocoa-infused cold foam made from cream, milk, vanilla, and chocolate malt powder.
The result is a layered drink that’s slightly sweet, deeply chocolatey, and wonderfully refreshing.
Perfect for warm days or as a satisfying afternoon pick-me-up, this DIY version delivers all the flavor of the original without the café price. Customize sweetness or chocolate intensity to suit your taste.
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Cream Cold Foam
To Assemble
Instructions
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Make the Cold Brew Coffee (Optional)
If you’re making cold brew from scratch:
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In a large mason jar or cold brew pitcher, combine 1 cup of coarsely ground coffee with 4 cups of cold filtered water.
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Stir gently to ensure all grounds are saturated.
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Cover and refrigerate for 12–18 hours.
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Strain the coffee using a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth.
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Store the cold brew in the fridge for up to one week.
Note: If you prefer a quicker option, grab a bottled cold brew from the store (Starbucks, Stok, or Califia are great options).
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Make the Chocolate Cream Cold Foam
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In a small bowl or frother cup, combine:
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½ cup heavy cream
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¼ cup milk
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1½ tablespoons chocolate syrup
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½ teaspoon vanilla extract
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Optional: a tiny pinch of salt (enhances flavor)
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Use a milk frother or hand whisk to whip the mixture until it’s thick and foamy. You're looking for a creamy, pourable consistency—similar to melted whipped cream, not stiff peaks.
If using a blender, blend on low for about 10–15 seconds until light and fluffy.
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Assemble Your Drink
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Fill a tall glass with ice.
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Pour in 1 to 1½ cups of cold brew (adjust based on glass size and desired strength).
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Gently pour or spoon the chocolate cold foam over the top of the coffee.
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Optional: Drizzle extra chocolate syrup on top for a café-style presentation.
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Serve with a straw or drink straight from the glass for the full layered experience.
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Nutrition Facts
Servings 1
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 270kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 16g25%
- Saturated Fat 10g50%
- Cholesterol 50mg17%
- Sodium 70mg3%
- Protein 3g6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
The Starbucks Chocolate Cream Cold Brew is a fan-favorite for its rich, smooth, chocolatey cream topping layered over strong, smooth cold brew coffee. Making this drink at home isn’t just easy—it’s cost-effective and customizable.
With the right ingredients and a few pro tips, you can create a café-quality drink in your kitchen. Here’s how to do it right:
What You Need to Know First
Before diving into the recipe, understand the core components of the Chocolate Cream Cold Brew:
- Cold Brew Coffee – A strong, smooth base made by steeping coarsely ground coffee in cold water for 12–18 hours.
- Vanilla Syrup (in the cold brew) – Adds sweetness and rounds out the bitterness of the coffee.
- Chocolate Cream Cold Foam – A frothy, silky topping made with sweet cream and chocolate malt or cocoa powder.
Tips for the Perfect Copycat
1. Make a Strong Cold Brew
- Use coarsely ground dark roast beans.
- Mix in a 1:4 ratio (e.g., 1 cup coffee grounds to 4 cups cold filtered water).
- Steep for 12–18 hours in the fridge, then strain using a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth.
- Store in the fridge for up to 5 days.
2. Sweeten the Coffee Right
- Use vanilla syrup (homemade or store-bought) for the most authentic flavor.
- For homemade syrup: boil 1 cup sugar + 1 cup water + 1 tbsp vanilla extract.
3. Make the Chocolate Cream Cold Foam
- Combine:
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp milk (preferably 2% or whole)
- 1 tbsp chocolate malt powder (or 1 tbsp cocoa + ½ tsp malted milk powder + pinch of sugar)
- Blend using a milk frother or immersion blender for about 20–30 seconds until thick and airy—but still pourable.
Trick: Chill your mixing bowl and cream before frothing for better volume and texture.
4. Use the Right Ice
- Use medium or large ice cubes to avoid over-diluting the cold brew.
- Crushed ice looks fancy but melts quickly—use only if serving immediately.
5. Layering Like a Pro
- Add vanilla syrup to the bottom of your glass.
- Pour in cold brew until about ¾ full.
- Gently top with the chocolate cream using a spoon or pour down the back of the spoon to create a “layered” effect.
Variations & Customizations
- Mocha Lover? Add 1 tbsp chocolate syrup to the cold brew before topping.
- Low-Cal Option? Use skim milk and a sugar-free chocolate syrup.
- Vegan Version: Use oat milk or almond milk and coconut cream for the foam.
- Spiked Cold Brew: Add a splash of coffee liqueur or chocolate vodka for an adult twist.
Servings & Presentation Tips
- This recipe makes 1 tall serving (12 oz). Scale up for batch prep.
- Serve in a clear glass to show off the beautiful layering.
- Garnish with:
- Shaved chocolate or cocoa powder dusting on top of the foam
- A vanilla bean or a chocolate-dipped spoon
- Serve immediately after assembling for the best contrast between foam and coffee.
Pro Storage Tips
- Cold brew lasts in the fridge for up to 5 days in a sealed jar.
- Foam is best made fresh but can be stored for a few hours in the fridge (re-froth before serving).
Final Sips
Making your own Starbucks-style Chocolate Cream Cold Brew at home is not only satisfying but also a great way to control the sweetness, strength, and quality of your drink. With a few pantry staples and some simple tools, you can skip the line and enjoy a luxurious coffee shop drink anytime—chocolatey, creamy, and made just how you like it.
Pro Tips for the Best Copycat Drink
- Chill everything: Cold brew, cream, and even your glass—this helps keep the foam stable longer.
- Use quality coffee: A smooth, low-acid cold brew works best. Medium or dark roast beans give that rich Starbucks vibe.
- Homemade chocolate syrup: Mix cocoa powder, sugar, water, and a pinch of salt over heat for a customizable syrup with deeper flavor.
- Adjust sweetness: If you prefer sweeter drinks, add a teaspoon of simple syrup or vanilla syrup to the cold brew itself.
Flavor Variations
- Mocha Cold Brew: Stir 1 tsp chocolate syrup directly into your cold brew for an even richer chocolate base.
- Mint Chocolate Cream Cold Brew: Add a drop or two of mint extract to the cold foam for a cool twist.
- Cinnamon Chocolate Cream Cold Brew: Sprinkle ground cinnamon or cinnamon sugar on top of the foam.
Best Time to Enjoy
Perfect for spring and summer, or any time you crave a cold, creamy caffeine fix. Great as a mid-day pick-me-up, or a sweet treat on warm afternoons.
Final Sip
This Chocolate Cream Cold Brew copycat nails the balance between bold coffee and creamy indulgence. The dreamy chocolate foam melts into the cold brew as you sip, creating a café-quality drink you’ll crave over and over. Once you master this easy recipe, you might never need to wait in a Starbucks line again.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Starbucks Chocolate Cream Cold Brew made of?
The original Starbucks Chocolate Cream Cold Brew features cold brew coffee topped with a fluffy, chocolate-flavored cold foam and a hint of vanilla syrup. The rich chocolate cold foam is what sets it apart, offering a creamy texture and dessert-like flavor that blends beautifully with the smooth cold brew.
How can I make a copycat version at home?
To make it at home, brew or buy cold brew coffee and chill it. For the chocolate cold foam, whip together ½ cup cold heavy cream, 1 tbsp chocolate syrup (like Hershey’s), 1 tsp vanilla syrup, and a splash of milk or sweet cream until thick but pourable. Pour your cold brew into a glass with ice, and spoon the chocolate cream on top. Stir gently before drinking.
Can I make it dairy-free or vegan?
Yes! Use plant-based milk (like oat, almond, or soy) and a dairy-free whipping cream alternative (such as Silk Heavy Whipping Cream or coconut cream). Check your chocolate syrup ingredients to ensure it’s vegan-friendly. You can still get that luscious cold foam texture using a milk frother or hand mixer.
What’s the caffeine and calorie content?
A 16 oz (grande) Starbucks version has about 185 mg of caffeine and around 250–290 calories, depending on how much syrup and cream is used. For a homemade version, caffeine will depend on your cold brew strength, while calories can be customized by adjusting cream and syrup amounts.
