Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew Recipe (Starbucks Copycat)

Calling all coffee lovers! If you're looking for a delicious way to enjoy your caffeine fix this summer, you have to try this Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew recipe! This Starbucks copycat version is made with smooth and flavorful cold brew coffee, homemade vanilla simple syrup, and a creamy sweet cream mixture. With its rich and indulgent taste, this fancy iced coffee drink is the perfect pick-me-up on a hot day!

PIN the recipe to try it later!

A tall glass of vanilla sweet cream cold brew with a mason jar of cold brew in the background and a french press.

Want to save this recipe?

Enter your email & I'll send it to your inbox. Plus, get great new recipes from me every week!

Starbucks vanilla sweet cream cold brew is a delicious and indulgent coffee drink that's perfect for a hot summer day.

It's a sweet and creamy variation of the classic cold brew coffee, made with a combination of cold brew concentrate, half-and-half, and vanilla simple syrup.

The sweet vanilla cream adds a rich and indulgent touch to the cold brew, making it a favorite among coffee lovers.

Making a vanilla sweet cream cold brew is easy and can be done with just a few simple ingredients. Simply mix the ingredients together and pour over ice for a refreshing and delicious coffee drink.

If you're a fan of coffee drinks, you might also enjoy my other coffee recipes, such as my Iced Coffee recipe, my Cold Brew Concentrate recipe, my Homemade Latte recipe, my Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso, and my Chocolate Cream Cold Brew recipe. These recipes are easy to make at home and are perfect for satisfying your coffee cravings.

So, grab your favorite glass and treat yourself to this delicious coffee - you deserve it! 🙂

💗 Why You Will Love This Recipe

If you are a coffee lover, you will love this easy recipe.
You can enjoy a delicious coffee drink without having to leave your house.
It's easy to make with just a few simple ingredients.
You can customize the sweetness level to your taste preferences.
The sweet vanilla cream adds a creamy and indulgent touch to your cold brew.
It's a great way to save money by making your own fancy coffee drinks at home.
It's a refreshing and delicious way to start your day or enjoy as an afternoon pick-me-up.

☕ Ingredient Notes + Substitutions

This delicious iced coffee drink needs only a handful of simple ingredients that you can easily find at your local grocery store.

Ingredients needed to make vanilla sweet cream cold brew measured out and placed on a wooden table.

Milk. I used 2% milk, but you can use any milk. You can even use coconut milk, almond milk, or oat milk instead for a dairy-free version.
Heavy whipping cream. Heavy cream makes this coffee super rich and creamy, but you could use half and half instead.
Cold brew concentrate. You can either use store-bought or make your own homemade cold brew in a French press with cold water. Check out my homemade Cold Brew Coffee Recipe for a step-by-step guide on how to make it. You can also brew double strength hot coffee if you like, just make sure to chill it before using. I like the rich flavor of Starbucks brand dark roast coffee beans.
Vanilla simple syrup. You can recreate Starbucks vanilla syrup at home by combining sugar, water, and vanilla extract or vanilla beans. You can substitute the sugar syrup with maple syrup, brown sugar, or monk fruit sweetener. You can also use your favorite sugar substitute if you want a sugar-free version of this recipe.

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

🫘 How To Make Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew

Make cold brew: To make cold brew, you will need ground coffee and filtered water. You can use a mason jar or a French press to make cold brew. First, coarsely grind the whole beans and add them to a large jar, French press, or container. Then, pour cold water over the coffee grounds and stir well. Let the mixture sit in the fridge overnight (or for at least 12 hours). Once the cold brew is ready, strain the coffee grounds using a cheesecloth or a coffee filter. If you use a French press you can skip this last step. Check out my Homemade Cold Brew for instructions.

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

The cold brew concentrate being poured into a mason jar from the coffee pot.

Make homemade vanilla simple syrup: To make your own vanilla syrup, you will need sugar, water, and vanilla extract. In a small saucepan, combine equal parts sugar and water. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves. Remove the pan from the heat and add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Stir well and let the syrup cool.

The vanilla simple syrup cooling in a saucepan.

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

Fill a tall glass with ice: Take a tall glass and fill it with ice cubes.

Add cold brew concentrate to the glass: Pour ½ cup of cold brew concentrate into the glass over the ice.

A tall glass filled halfway with ice cubes, and a jar of cold brew in the background.

Cold brew concentrate poured into the tall glass with ice cubes.

Whisk together heavy whipping cream, milk, and vanilla simple syrup: In a separate bowl, whisk together ½ cup of heavy whipping cream, ½ cup of milk, and 2 tablespoons of vanilla simple syrup. Whisk the mixture well to combine. You can also use a handheld frother, but not for too long, or you'll end up with whipped cream. 😉

Vanilla simple syrup being added to a small glass bowl with the heavy cream and milk.

A whisk mixing the ingredients in a glass bowl for the vanilla sweet cream.

Pour the vanilla sweet cream over the cold brew: Pour the vanilla sweet cream mixture over the cold brew in the glass.

The vanilla sweet cream being poured into the tall glass with the cold brew.

The sweet cream being added to the glass of cold brew and ice.

Stir well and enjoy! Finally, stir the mixture well with a spoon and enjoy your homemade vanilla sweet cream cold brew!

A tall glass of vanilla sweet cream cold brew with a mason jar of cold brew concentrate in the background with a French press coffee pot.

💭 Expert Tips

Use high-quality coffee beans: The quality of your coffee beans will greatly affect the taste of your cold brew. Choose a high-quality coffee bean brand for best results.
Let the cold brew steep for at least 12 hours: When making your own cold brew, it needs time to develop its rich, smooth flavor. Letting it steep for at least 12 hours (or even longer) will give you the best results.
Use a French press to strain the cold brew: Using a French press to strain your cold brew will make the process much easier. Simply pour the cold brew into the French press and press down the plunger to remove the coffee grounds.
Use a high-fat cream for the sweet cream: Using a high-fat cream (like heavy whipping cream) will give your sweet cream a rich, creamy texture.
Use a whisk to combine the sweet cream ingredients: Whisking the heavy whipping cream, milk, and vanilla simple syrup will help create a smooth, creamy texture.
Adjust the sweetness to your liking: Use more or less vanilla syrup to adjust the sweetness. Start with less; you can always add more later. 😉
Use cold foam: Switch up this sweet cream recipe by using cold foam instead. Froth ½ cup skim milk and 2 tablespoons of vanilla syrup together - follow this cold foam recipe for step-by-step instructions.
Add more sweet vanilla flavor: If you are a vanilla fanatic like me, add a tablespoon of vanilla simple syrup to the cold brew coffee when you first put it in the glass. It is soooo good!

❓ Recipe FAQs

Can I use sugar-free vanilla syrup in this recipe?

Yes, you can use sugar-free vanilla syrup if you prefer a lower-sugar option.

Can I use regular cream instead of heavy whipping cream?

Yes, you can use regular cream, but it will have a thinner consistency and won't be as rich and creamy as heavy whipping cream.

Can I use a different type of milk?

Yes, you can use any type of milk you prefer, such as almond milk or soy milk. However, high-fat milk (like whole milk) will give you a richer, creamier texture.

Can I make the sweet cream ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the sweet cream ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just give it a good whisk before using it.

Can I use a different type of sweetener?

Yes, you can use any sweetener, such as honey or maple syrup. Just adjust the amount to your liking.

Can I use pre-made cold brew concentrate?

You can use pre-made cold brew concentrate instead of making your own. Just follow the instructions on the package for how much to use.

A tall glass of sweet cream cold brew with a jar of cold brew concentrate and a French press in the background.

☕ More Easy Drink Recipes

The beauty of this coffee recipe is that it's an easy and delicious way to enjoy a fancy coffee shop drink in the comfort of your own home. You can create a creamy vanilla sweet cream cold brew with just a few simple ingredients to satisfy your coffee cravings.

If you like this post on this Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew recipe, please take a moment to rate the recipe 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 and leave a comment below with your thoughts!