Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew (Starbucks Copycat) Recipe
Introduction
If you love the rich, smooth taste of Starbucks’ Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew, you can easily make it at home. This refreshing coffee drink combines bold cold brew with creamy vanilla-infused sweetness for the perfect pick-me-up.

Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons vanilla syrup
- 1 cup cold brew coffee
- 1 cup ice
- ¼ cup half & half
- 1 tablespoon vanilla syrup
Instructions
- Step 1: Stir together the half & half and 1 tablespoon of vanilla syrup to make the sweet cream. Set aside.
- Step 2: Pour 2 tablespoons of vanilla syrup into a glass, followed by 1 cup of cold brew coffee, then add 1 cup of ice.
- Step 3: Gently pour the sweet cream over the cold brew and ice. Give it a slight stir if desired, and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- Use homemade vanilla syrup for a fresher flavor by simmering equal parts water and sugar with a vanilla bean or extract.
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less vanilla syrup to suit your taste.
- Swap half & half with oat milk or almond milk for a dairy-free option.
Storage
Store leftover sweet cream in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cold brew coffee can be kept in the fridge for up to a week. To serve again, build the drink fresh with ice and sweet cream.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular brewed coffee instead of cold brew?
While you can use regular brewed coffee, cold brew has a smoother, less acidic flavor that works best in this recipe.
How do I make vanilla syrup at home?
Combine equal parts sugar and water in a saucepan, add a vanilla bean or vanilla extract, and simmer until the sugar dissolves. Let it cool before using.
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Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew (Starbucks Copycat) Recipe
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This recipe recreates the creamy, smooth Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew coffee from Starbucks. Combining rich cold brew coffee with a velvety vanilla-infused sweet cream, this refreshing iced beverage is perfect for coffee lovers seeking a flavorful and indulgent treat at home.
Ingredients
Vanilla Sweet Cream
- ¼ cup half & half
- 1 tablespoon vanilla syrup
Cold Brew Coffee
- 2 tablespoons vanilla syrup
- 1 cup cold brew coffee
- 1 cup ice
Instructions
- Prepare the Sweet Cream: Stir together the half & half and 1 tablespoon of vanilla syrup in a small bowl or cup until fully combined. Set this aside to use as your vanilla sweet cream topping.
- Assemble the Cold Brew: In a tall glass, pour 2 tablespoons of vanilla syrup first, followed by 1 cup of cold brew coffee, then add 1 cup of ice cubes on top to chill the drink.
- Add the Sweet Cream: Slowly pour the prepared vanilla sweet cream over the iced cold brew. Serve immediately and enjoy the creamy, sweet flavors melding with the rich cold brew coffee.
Notes
- Use a good quality cold brew coffee for best results.
- You can adjust the amount of vanilla syrup to taste for sweetness.
- Half & half can be substituted with heavy cream or whole milk, but half & half offers the best balance of creaminess without being too heavy.
- For a vegan version, use a vanilla plant-based creamer instead of half & half.
- This drink is best served immediately to enjoy the contrasting layers of cream and coffee.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: vanilla sweet cream, cold brew coffee, Starbucks copycat, iced coffee, creamy coffee beverage

