Starbucks Copycat Chocolate Cream Cold Brew Recipe

Indulge in the irresistible taste of Starbucks right at home with this delectable copycat recipe for Chocolate Cream Cold Brew. This refreshing beverage combines the rich flavors of cold brew coffee and creamy chocolate, making it the perfect treat to satisfy your coffee cravings on a warm summer day!

Starbucks copycat chocolate cream cold brew in a tall glass and drizzled with chocolate sauce.

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You're probably aware of my undying love for coffee and my particular fondness for Starbucks. There's something about being able to recreate my favorite Starbucks drinks that makes me ecstatic, and I can't help but break into a happy dance whenever I succeed. (Some even say I resemble Elaine from Seinfeld… lol). 🙂

Anyway, this chocolate cream cold brew is a delightful twist on the classic cold brew coffee. The combination of smooth coffee and silky chocolate cream adds a velvety and luxurious touch to the coffee, creating a truly irresistible drink.

Making chocolate cream cold brew is a breeze and requires only a few simple ingredients. If you love chocolate, this copycat recipe just might become your favorite new drink this summer season!

If you're a coffee lover, you might also enjoy my other cold drinks, such as my Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew, Iced Coffee, Cold Brew Concentrate, and Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso. These recipes are easy to make at home and will definitely elevate your coffee game.

💗 Why You Will Love This Recipe

If you're a fan of chocolate and coffee, this recipe is a match made in heaven. You will love the classic combination of coffee with the silky chocolate cream cold-foam.
You can enjoy the indulgence of a coffee shop drink without leaving your home.
The Starbucks version - Grande size - has 250 calories and 25 g of sugar, while this homemade version has 99 calories and 16 g of sugar.
You can create a rich and creamy chocolate cream cold brew with just a few ingredients.
You can adjust the sweetness level and chocolate intensity according to your taste.
Making your own chocolate cream cold brew saves you money and allows you to customize it.
It's a delightful and refreshing creamy treat to enjoy on a hot day or as an afternoon pick-me-up - and perfect for chocolate lovers!

☕ Ingredient List + Substitutions

To create this chocolatey delight, you'll need a handful of simple ingredients that you can easily find at your local grocery store.

Ingredients for chocolate cream cold brew measured out and placed on a wooden table.

Milk: I recommend using skim milk or 1% milk to make the cold foam. Skim milk has a lower fat content; thus, it holds its shape longer. You can also use almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk for a dairy-free version. However, it will take longer for plant-based milk to foam up - for best results, use varieties labeled "barista". Just be patient and continue frothing until the milk becomes light and airy.
Cold brew concentrate: You can either purchase pre-made Starbucks cold brew concentrate or make your own cold brew coffee at home.
Chocolate syrup: I whipped up a batch of homemade chocolate syrup by combining cocoa powder, sugar, water, and a hint of vanilla extract. Of course, if you prefer a more convenient option, use store-bought chocolate syrup.
Vanilla simple syrup: This adds a touch of sweetness and a light hint of vanilla flavor. I made my own homemade vanilla syrup by heating equal parts of sugar and water in a saucepan until the sugar was dissolved, then adding vanilla extract. This is so easy to do, and it lasts for about 2 weeks in an airtight container in the fridge. However, you can use store-bought vanilla simple syrup if you like. You could also use maple syrup, honey, or brown sugar syrup instead.

See the printable recipe card for exact measurements and the full list of ingredients.

🍫 How To Make Chocolate Cream Cold Brew

Step 1 - Make the Cold Brew Concentrate

Grind 1 cup of coffee beans to a coarse consistency. In a large jar, pitcher, or French press coffee maker, combine the ground coffee and 4 cups of cold water. Stir well to ensure all the coffee grounds are saturated. Cover and let it steep in the fridge for 12 to 24 hours - depending on how strong you like your coffee. (I always do mine for 12-14 hours). After steeping, strain the cold brew concentrate using a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a clean container. If using a French press, you can skip this step and just push the plunger down. Discard the coffee grounds. For detailed instructions, refer to my Homemade Cold Brew recipe.

The coffee grounds and water in a French press coffee pot.

The cold brew being poured into a large mason jar.

Step 2 - Make Vanilla Simple Syrup

Make a homemade vanilla simple syrup by combining 1 cup of boiling water and 1 cup of sugar in a small saucepan or mason jar. Stir until the sugar dissolves, and add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Let cool before using. Store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

The vanilla simple syrup cooling in a saucepan.

Vanilla simple syrup in a glass jar with vanilla beans beside it.

Step 3 - Make Chocolate Cream Cold Foam

Next, froth ½ cup of skim milk in a small container until doubled in size. You can use a handheld milk frother or immersion blender to do this. Then, add 1-2 tablespoons of chocolate syrup and continue to froth until well combined.

Skim milk frothed until doubled in size.

Chocolate syrup mixed into the cold foam.

Step 4 - Assemble the Chocolate Cream Cold Brew

Fill a tall glass or mason jar halfway with ice cubes. Pour ½ cup of cold brew concentrate into the glass over the ice - making sure to leave some space at the top.

Cold brew concentrate poured over the ice cubes.

Add 2 tablespoons of vanilla simple syrup to the glass and stir to combine.

The vanilla simple syrup added to the glass.

Mixing the vanilla simple syrup and cold brew concentrate with a long spoon.

Now for the best part. Slowly pour or spoon the prepared chocolate foam over the cold brew in the glass - allowing it to create a layered effect.

Take a spoon or a straw and gently stir the contents of the glass to ensure the chocolate cream and cold brew are thoroughly combined.

Pouring the chocolate cold foam over the cold brew.

Mixing the ingredients with a long spoon to combine.

If desired, garnish with a sprinkle of cocoa powder, a drizzle of chocolate syrup, some chocolate shavings, or even some whipped cream.

Now take your first sip and savor your Starbucks-inspired Chocolate Cream Cold Brew!

Enjoy!

The chocolate cream cold brew in a tall glass and garnished with chocolate sauce.

🍫 Variations

Mocha Madness: Add an extra tablespoon of chocolate syrup to the cold brew mixture for an extra chocolatey flavor.
Caramel Delight: Drizzle caramel sauce over the layers of the cold brew and chocolate cream for a sweet and indulgent twist.
Minty Fresh: Infuse the cold brew concentrate with a few drops of peppermint extract and top it off with a dollop of mint-flavored whipped cream.
Vegan Alternative: Substitute the skim milk with your favorite non-dairy milk, such as almond milk or coconut milk. Use a vegan-friendly chocolate syrup, or make your own.

💭 Expert Tips

Adjust the strength of your cold brew by steeping it for a shorter or longer period. The longer it steeps, the stronger the coffee flavor will be.
Prepare the cold brew concentrate, vanilla simple syrup, and chocolate syrup in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator. Assemble the drink just before serving.
For best results, use high-quality store-bought syrup or homemade chocolate syrup. The quality of the syrup will greatly impact the taste of your chocolate cream cold brew.
Add more or less chocolate syrup to achieve your desired level of chocolate flavor.
Adjust the amount of vanilla simple syrup to make it more or less sweet.
Add garnishes such as cocoa powder, chocolate shavings, or a drizzle of chocolate syrup.
Froth the milk until it forms stiff peaks for a thicker and more luxurious texture. Prepare the chocolate cream cold foam just before serving to ensure it doesn't deflate.

❓ Recipe FAQs

Can I use store-bought cold brew instead of making it at home?

Yes, you can use store-bought cold brew concentrate as a time-saving option. I recommend the Starbucks brand for the best flavor.

Can I use regular brewed coffee instead of cold brew concentrate?

Cold brew concentrate is recommended for this recipe because it provides a smoother and less acidic flavor compared to regular brewed coffee. However, if you prefer using regular brewed coffee, make sure it is chilled before using it in the recipe.

Can I add ice cream to my chocolate cream cold brew?

Absolutely! Adding a scoop of your favorite ice cream, such as chocolate or vanilla, can take your chocolate cream cold brew to the next level. It will add extra creaminess and a delightful touch of indulgence.

Does chocolate cream cold brew have sugar?

Starbucks' Chocolate Cream Cold Brew Grande has 25g of sugar per serving. My Starbucks copycat recipe has about 16 g of sugar. You can reduce the amount of sugar by using sugar-free vanilla simple syrup and sugar-free chocolate syrup.

Chocolate cream cold brew in a tall galss.

👩🏻‍🍳 More Starbucks Coffee Drinks

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💗 Why You Will Love This Recipe

☕ Ingredient List + Substitutions