Salted Caramel Cream Cold Brew | Best Starbucks Recipe

Dive into the world of exquisite refreshment with our deep dive into the Salted Caramel Cream Cold Brew—a beverage that marries the robust depth of cold brew coffee with the luxurious sweetness of salted caramel and the velvety richness of cream. This guide isn’t just a simple recipe; it’s a journey into the craft of coffee, a testament to the creativity of modern cafés, and a homage to the sophisticated palates of today’s coffee enthusiasts.

Our exploration of the Salted Caramel Cream Cold Brew doesn’t merely skim the surface. We delve into the intricacies of selecting the perfect beans, the science behind the cold brewing process, and the art of balancing flavors to create a drink that is as indulgent as it is refreshing. Whether you’re a seasoned barista or a curious coffee lover, this article promises to enrich your understanding and appreciation of one of the most beloved coffee trends.

But why should you care about this particular cold brew concoction? Because it represents more than just a fleeting trend; it’s a glimpse into the future of coffee culture, where innovation meets tradition. As you read on, you’ll discover the secrets behind the irresistible allure of salted caramel, the reasons why cold brew continues to capture hearts, and how to recreate this masterpiece at home or appreciate it more deeply the next time you visit your local café.

Prepare to be captivated by the allure of the Salted Caramel Cream Cold Brew. This article isn’t just informative—it’s an invitation to savor and appreciate the craftsmanship behind your coffee cup. Let’s embark on this flavorful journey together, uncovering the nuances that make the Salted Caramel Cream Cold Brew a modern classic in the world of coffee.

Learn About Salted Caramel Cream Cold Brew

The Salted Caramel Cream Cold Brew is a sweet, salty, and creamy iced coffee drink made popular by Starbucks. This chilly beverage features cold brew coffee topped with house-made sweet caramel syrup, velvety salted cold foam, and a sprinkle of sea salt for a touch of savoriness.

Cold brew coffee has become a popular trend for its smoother, less acidic taste compared to traditional iced coffee. With the addition of the salted caramel flavors, this drink takes your average joe to a decadent dessert-inspired treat. The layered effect of the syrup, cold foam, and salt provides contrasting textures and tastes in every sip.

While only available seasonally at Starbucks, this drink has developed a cult following. The good news is that it’s easy to recreate at home! We’ll share tips on how to craft each element from scratch to make your own crave-worthy Salted Caramel Cream Cold Brew.

Ingredients and Substitutions

The Salted Caramel Cream Cold Brew consists of just a few main components. We’ll cover how to make each element from scratch using ethical and healthier alternatives when possible.

Caramel Syrup

• Brown sugar
• Butter or coconut oil
• Heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk
• Vanilla
• Sea salt

Aim for organic, fair trade sugars and responsibly sourced dairy. Grade B maple syrup can sub in for brown sugar. Coconut oil makes a vegan swap for butter.

Salted Cold Foam

• Milk of choice
• Ice
• Sea salt

Use regular dairy milk or try oat or soy milk for plant-based versions. Add just a pinch of flaky sea salt.

Step-by-Step Recipe

Follow these simple steps to craft all the components for Starbucks copycat Salted caramel Cream Cold Brew.

Making the Cold Brew

Cold brew concentrates keep in the fridge for up to 2 weeks, so make a big batch to have on hand whenever a caffeine craving strikes.

You’ll need:

• 1 cup coarsely ground coffee
• 4 cups filtered water
• Quart-sized mason jar or French press

Steps:

1. Combine coffee grounds and water in mason jar or French press. Give a quick stir to integrate.
2. Refrigerate for 12-24 hours. The longer it steeps, the stronger the concentrate.
3. Press down filter to strain grounds if using French press.
4. Dilute concentrate with water or milk when ready to drink. Generally use a 1:1 ratio.

Crafting the Caramel Syrup

This 5-ingredient caramel syrup comes together in just 15 minutes. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to one month.

You’ll need:

• 1 cup brown sugar
• 6 tbsp butter or coconut oil
• 1/4 tsp sea salt
• 1/2 cup heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Steps:

1. Combine sugar, butter, and salt in a small saucepan. Heat on medium, stirring frequently, until melted and smooth.
2. Once mixture starts bubbling, let it cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until thickened.
3. Remove pan from heat and carefully pour in cream or coconut milk. The mixture will bubble rapidly.
4. Add vanilla and whisk until fully incorporated.
5. Allow to slightly cool before transferring to an airtight container.

Creating the Salted Cold Foam

This airy foam only requires milk and a dash of salt. A frother makes quick work but you can also use a mason jar and elbow grease.

You’ll need:

• 1/4 cup milk of choice
• 1/8 tsp sea salt
• Electric frother, stand mixer, or mason jar

Steps:

1. Combine ingredients in a frother, stand mixer bowl or mason jar.
2. Whip on high speed for 45 seconds if using electric method. If using mason jar, shake vigorously for 60 seconds.
3. Pour foam gently into a glass and use immediately before it deflates.

Assembling Your Drink

Time to put it all together. For each cold brew:

• Fill cup with ice
• Pour in 8 oz cold brew concentrate diluted with water or milk
• Top with 2-3 tbsp salted caramel syrup
• Float 2-3 tbsp cold foam on top
• Sprinkle a pinch of salt over foam
• Insert straw and serve immediately

Garnish with caramel drizzle on the insides of the glass for extra decadence.

Drink Customizations

This basic template invites creativity. Change up flavors based on preference or season.

Fall – Pumpkin pie: sub pumpkin puree for caramel and add spices
Winter – Peppermint mocha: swap syrup for chocolate sauce and peppermint extract
Spring – Honey lavender: infuse honey and dried lavender into the cold foam
Summer – Strawberry cheesecake: blend frozen strawberries into cold foam and rim glass with graham cracker crumbs

What custom combos can you concoct? Share your fave iterations in the comments below. We’ll feature reader submissions on Instagram.

Storage and Freshness

Follow these guidelines to keep ingredients at peak quality:

• Cold brew concentrate: Store in airtight container in fridge for up to 2 weeks
• Caramel syrup: Refrigerate in airtight container for up to 1 month
• Salted cold foam: Foam should be made fresh every time

If cold brew concentrate starts tasting stale, use it up faster by pouring over ice and adding milk for an iced latte.

Nutritional Information

Starbucks	Homemade
270 calories	220 calories
38 g sugar	27 g sugar

See more : Is Ice Cream Good For Sore Throat? Treating Quickly

When making it yourself, you control the quality of ingredients. Choosing organic milk and an ethical coffee source reduces pesticides and chemicals.

Cost Analysis

On average, a grande-sized Salted Caramel Cream Cold Brew costs $5-6 at Starbucks. If you make it at home, the ingredients for one drink come out to:

• Cold brew – $0.30
• Caramel syrup – $0.15
• Milk – $0.10
• Total: $0.55

That’s up to 90% savings per drink by preparing it yourself. The upfront investment of ingredients pays for itself after just a few batches.

Environmental and Ethical Considerations

When sourcing ingredients, prioritize ethical brands that use sustainable practices.

Look for coffees certified Fair Trade, Rainforest Alliance, or Smithsonian Bird-Friendly. These ensure fair wages for farmers and eco-friendly growing methods.

Choose organic and grass-fed dairy when possible to avoid hormones and support small farms. Products packaged in glass over plastic reduces waste.

Making more meals and beverages at home decreases reliance on takeout packaging and long supply chains. That’s a double win.

Health and Caffeine Content

Cold brew tends to be gentler on digestion due to the lower acidity of the chilled extraction method. The milk and sweetener also help buffer the coffee’s bitterness. Those sensitive to caffeine may find cold brew’s mellow smoothness more palatable.

To reduce caffeine levels, use a 1:4 coffee to water ratio, instead of a stronger 1:2 brew. Or dilute the finished concentrate with more water or milk. Decaf beans are another option for zero caffeine. Kids and pregnant women can enjoy the flavors minus the buzz with a chai tea latte base instead.

Food Pairings

Sip this sweet and salty treat alongside:

• Pancakes or waffles
• Fresh fruit
• yogurt parfaits
• Oatmeal
• Homemade scones or muffins
• Savory breakfast sandwiches

The creamy, dessert-like flavors pair especially nicely with morning meal options that have a touch of sweetness. Starting your day with a nutritious breakfast alongside your Salted Caramel Cold Brew makes it feel even more special.

Tips for the Perfect Recipe

Having trouble getting your homemade version just right? Try these tips:

• Brew coffee coarsely ground at a 1:2 ratio for optimal flavor extraction
• Simmer caramel to 235°F on a candy thermometer for perfect thickness
• Use whole milk or half and half for richest foam texture
• Pour syrup first so it lines the cup before layering on foam
• Mix and match your favorite syrups and flavors
• Add an extra pinch of salt to really make the sweet caramel pop

What tweaks worked for you? Let us know in the comments for feedback.

Conclusion

Starbucks’ Salted Caramel Cream Cold Brew is irresistibly sweet, creamy, and refreshing. With a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can recreate this decadent treat at home for a fraction of the cost while controlling the quality. Customize the drink to your taste and enjoy alongside a nourishing breakfast. Let us know how your homemade version turns out using the hashtag #DIYColdBrew.