Starbucks Chocolate Cream Cold Brew: Copycat Recipe
Making a Starbucks Chocolate Cream Cold Brew at home is easier than you think. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create a creamy, chocolatey drink that rivals the version you get from your neighborhood barista.
To start, you will need cold brew coffee, vanilla syrup, and heavy cream. These ingredients combine to create a rich flavor that is hard to resist. When you pour the cold brew over ice and add the chocolate cream topping, you’ll have a refreshing drink that is perfect for any time of day.
Once you master this recipe, you can customize it to your taste. Consider adding toppings or adjusting the sweetness to make it your own. Follow along to discover how to whip up this delightful drink and impress your friends and family.
What is a Chocolate Cream Cold Brew?
In case you’re out of the loop, the Chocolate Cream Cold Brew is a popular coffee drink at Starbucks. It combines cold brew coffee with a rich chocolate cream topping.
Here are the key components:
- Cold Brew Coffee: Brewed slowly with cold water, this coffee is less bitter than traditional hot coffee.
- Chocolate Cream: Made with ingredients like heavy cream, chocolate syrup, and vanilla syrup, this topping adds a delicious chocolatey flavor.
- Ice: Served over ice, it keeps the drink cool and refreshing.
Chocolate Cream Cold Brew is often sweetened to enhance its taste. You might find it topped with whipped cream or a drizzle of chocolate syrup.
You can easily recreate this drink at home. With just a few ingredients, you can enjoy a Starbucks-style experience in your own kitchen. Popular recipes involve mixing cold brew with chocolate cream and sweeteners to achieve your desired flavor.
This drink is perfect for hot days or whenever you’re looking for a sweet coffee fix. The blend of smooth cold brew and creamy chocolate is both satisfying and energizing.
Necessary Ingredients
To make a delicious Starbucks-style chocolate cream cold brew, you will need the following ingredients:
- Cold Brew Coffee: Use about 1 cup of cold brew. You can make this by steeping coarsely ground coffee in water for 12-24 hours.
- Vanilla Syrup: You need 3 tablespoons. This adds sweetness and flavor.
- Heavy Cream: About 2 tablespoons for the chocolate foam.
- Milk: Use 2 tablespoons. You can choose any type, like whole or almond milk.
- Malted Milk Powder: This adds a nice depth to the flavor, requiring 1 tablespoon.
- Cocoa Powder: You’ll also need 1 tablespoon for that rich chocolate taste.
For the Chocolate Cream Cold Foam, combine:
- 1/2 cup Heavy Cream
- 1/4 cup Milk
- 2 tablespoons Vanilla Syrup
- 2 tablespoons Malted Milk Powder
- 2 tablespoons Cocoa Powder
Make sure to have ice on hand to serve your drink cold.
Gathering these ingredients will help you create a refreshing and flavorful chocolate cream cold brew at home. With these items set, you’ll be ready to enjoy your drink just like at Starbucks.
Essential Equipment
To make a Starbucks Chocolate Cream Cold Brew, you’ll need some key equipment. Here’s a simple list to get you started:
- Cold Brew Coffee Maker: You can use any method, such as a cold brew mason jar or a dedicated cold brew maker. This will let you steep the coffee grounds properly. To make your life easier, you could also buy Starbucks already-made cold brew at pretty much any supermarket.
- Fine-Mesh Strainer or Cheesecloth: This helps you separate the coffee from the grounds after brewing.
- Pitcher or Jar: Use this to hold your cold brew. A glass jar is great for easy pouring.
- Blender or Electric Frother: This is important for creating the chocolate cream. A handheld frother can work well.
- Tall Glasses: You need sturdy glasses to serve your drink, preferably insulated to keep your brew cold.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precision is key when adding syrup, milk, and cream.
- Ice: Make sure to have enough ice on hand to keep your drink refreshing.
With these items, you can create a delicious copycat version of the Starbucks Chocolate Cream Cold Brew at home.
Preparing the Cold Brew Coffee
To create the perfect Starbucks Chocolate Cream Cold Brew, you need to focus on three key areas: choosing the right coffee, grinding the beans, and mastering the cold brewing process. Each step is essential to ensure you achieve a rich and smooth flavor.
Choosing the Right Coffee
Selecting the right coffee is the foundation of a great cold brew. For this drink, you should use a medium to dark roast coffee. These roasts bring out rich and chocolaty notes.
Look for coffee labeled as cold brew or steeped-style. Popular choices include coffee from regions like Colombia or Brazil. You can find pre-ground options, but whole beans offer fresher flavor. Choose a blend that you enjoy drinking hot, as its taste will translate into the cold brew.
Grinding Coffee Beans
The grind size of your coffee beans is crucial for proper extraction. For cold brew, a coarse grind is best. This size allows for a slower extraction, avoiding bitterness.
You can use a burr grinder for consistency, aiming for pieces like coarse sea salt. Avoid a fine grind, which can lead to over-extraction and a gritty texture.
After grinding, measure out your coffee. A common ratio is 1 cup of coffee for every 4 cups of water. Adjust according to your taste preference.
Cold Brewing Process
Now it’s time to brew your coffee. Start by combining the coarsely ground coffee with cold water in a large jar or pitcher. Stir gently to ensure all grounds are soaked.
Seal the container and let it steep in the refrigerator for 12 to 24 hours. The longer the coffee steeps, the stronger the flavor. After steeping, strain the mixture through a coffee filter or a fine mesh strainer into another container, discarding the grounds.
(Remember, you can use something like the County Line Kitchen Cold Brew Mason Jar which comes with its own filter).
Your cold brew is now ready! You can dilute it with water or milk if it’s too strong for your liking. This concentrate serves as the base for your chocolate cream cold brew.
Creating the Chocolate Cream
To make the chocolate cream for your Chocolate Cream Cold Brew, you will blend chocolate flavors with rich cream. This process involves mixing a chocolate base and whipping the cream to create a light and fluffy texture.
Mixing the Chocolate
Start by gathering your chocolate ingredients. You will need cocoa powder, malted milk powder, and vanilla syrup. The combination of these ingredients creates a rich flavor.
In a bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder with 2 tablespoons of malted milk powder. Then, add 3 tablespoons of vanilla syrup to enhance the sweetness. Mix these ingredients until they are well blended.
You can also adjust the sweetness and chocolate intensity according to your taste. If you want it sweeter, add more vanilla syrup. To make the chocolate cream smooth, consider adding a splash of milk.
Make sure everything is properly combined before moving on to the next step. This mixture is what gives the cold foam its chocolate flavor.
Whipping the Cream
For the cream, you will need heavy cream and skim milk. Using a handheld frother or a mixer, pour 2 tablespoons of heavy cream and 2 tablespoons of skim milk into a mixing bowl.
Whip this combination until it doubles in volume and becomes light and fluffy. This process usually takes only a few minutes. The goal is to achieve a texture that can hold its shape when added to your cold brew.
Once whipped, gently fold in the chocolate mixture until fully incorporated. Be careful not to deflate the cream. This will ensure a smooth and airy texture.
Your chocolate cream is now ready to top your homemade Starbucks-style cold brew!
Layering the Drink
Layering your Starbucks Chocolate Cream Cold Brew adds a visual appeal and enhances the flavor experience. The key is to create distinct layers with the coffee, chocolate, and cream for the best taste and presentation.
Combining Coffee and Chocolate
Start by preparing your cold brew coffee using your favorite blend. Pour it into a tall glass filled with ice, filling it about halfway. This allows the coffee to stay cold without watering down quickly.
Next, add a splash of vanilla syrup. This sweet element balances the coffee’s bitterness and complements the chocolate.
In a separate bowl, mix your chocolate elements. Combine cocoa powder, chocolate syrup, and heavy cream or milk. Gently pour this mixture over the back of a spoon, so it floats on top of the coffee. This technique helps maintain clear layers in your drink.
Enjoying the layered experience is an essential part of savoring your drink.
Customization Tips
You can easily customize your Chocolate Cream Cold Brew to suit your taste. Here are some ideas to try:
- Sweeteners: Use different syrups like caramel, hazelnut, or almond for unique flavors. Adjust the amount based on your sweetness preference.
- Milk Choices: Swap regular milk with alternatives like almond, oat, or coconut milk. Each will give a different taste and texture.
- Chocolate Variations: Experiment with different types of chocolate. Dark chocolate powder can add richness, while milk chocolate gives a creamier feel.
- Add-Ins: Consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of vanilla extract for added flavor complexity.
- Froth Level: Adjust the thickness of your cold foam by blending it for a longer time. A thicker foam can create a more indulgent drink.
- Ice Levels: Change the amount of ice for a stronger or milder coffee taste. More ice will dilute the drink less.
- Serving Size: Make it in a larger pitcher if you’re sharing. You can easily scale up the ingredients.
Feel free to mix and match these tips to create a drink that is perfect for you. Enjoy crafting your ideal Starbucks-inspired beverage!
Serving and Presentation
When you’re ready to serve your Chocolate Cream Cold Brew, choose a tall glass to showcase the drink’s layers. Fill the glass halfway with ice for a refreshing touch.
Next, pour your cold brew coffee into the glass. This is where the rich coffee flavor meets the creamy texture.
For the star of the show, add the chocolate cream cold foam on top. This foam adds a smooth finish to your drink and should be spooned gently over the coffee.
Optional Garnishes:
- Drizzle chocolate syrup over the foam for added sweetness.
- Sprinkle cocoa powder or chocolate shavings for a fancy touch.
To elevate the presentation, consider using a straw or a long spoon. This allows for easy mixing and looks appealing.
If you want a more personalized touch, label your drink with a chalkboard sign or a fun straw. This is great for gatherings or parties.
Serving your Chocolate Cream Cold Brew in a clear glass with added garnishes makes it visually appealing. Enjoy your delicious creation with friends or family!