This Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew is a refreshing and sweet coffee drink that’s perfect for hot summer days! Combining smooth cold brew coffee with homemade vanilla sweet cream, this drink is easy to make at home and offers a delicious, creamy twist on traditional iced coffee. It’s a budget-friendly option that tastes just like the popular Starbucks version, with customizable flavors to suit your preferences!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
For the Simple Syrup:
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1/3 cup water
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1/3 cup granulated sugar
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1 vanilla bean (or 2 teaspoons vanilla extract)
For the Cold Brew Coffee:
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4 cups cold water
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3/4 cup coarsely ground coffee
For the Sweet Cream Cold Foam:
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1/2 cup heavy cream
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1/4 cup milk
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4 tablespoons simple syrup (from above)
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A dash or two of vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
For Serving:
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Ice cubes
Directions
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Make the Simple Syrup: Combine the water, sugar, and vanilla bean (or vanilla extract) in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves, then let it cool to room temperature. Remove the vanilla bean.
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Prepare the Cold Brew Coffee: Add coarsely ground coffee to a French press or large mason jar. Pour cold water over the coffee grounds and stir well. Cover and let the mixture steep in the fridge for 12-18 hours. After steeping, strain the coffee through a filter to remove the grounds.
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Make the Sweet Cream Cold Foam: Add heavy cream, milk, vanilla extract (or paste), and simple syrup to a mason jar. Seal the jar and shake vigorously until the mixture becomes frothy and thick.
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Assemble the Drink: Fill a glass with ice cubes. Pour the cold brew coffee over the ice, then top with the sweet cream cold foam. Stir to combine and enjoy!
Nutrients (per serving)
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Calories: 142
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Fat: 10g
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Saturated Fat: 6g
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Cholesterol: 40mg
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Sodium: 42mg
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Carbohydrates: 15g
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Fiber: 0g
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Sugars: 14g
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Protein: 1g
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Vitamin A: 3%
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Calcium: 6%
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Iron: 2%
Why Cold Brew?
Cold brew coffee has gained immense popularity in recent years, and for good reason. Unlike traditional brewed coffee, cold brew is made by steeping coarsely ground coffee beans in cold water for an extended period—usually 12 to 18 hours. This slow brewing process creates a coffee that is smooth, rich, and less acidic, which makes it perfect for those who find hot coffee too bitter or harsh. The resulting coffee is incredibly smooth and mellow, with a natural sweetness that shines through without the sharpness of hot coffee. When paired with sweet cream, the result is a perfectly balanced, refreshing drink that’s easy on the palate and perfect for summer sipping.
The Creamy Sweetness of Vanilla
What sets this Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew apart from traditional iced coffee is the sweet, velvety layer of vanilla cream that sits on top of the coffee. The homemade vanilla sweet cream brings a rich, smooth texture and a delightful sweetness without being overwhelming. Using real vanilla—either from a vanilla bean or vanilla extract—adds a depth of flavor that complements the coffee’s natural notes. The creaminess of the mixture softens the coffee’s intensity, making the drink feel like an indulgence without the heaviness of other coffee beverages. This sweet cream topping is the magic ingredient that transforms a regular iced coffee into something special and luxurious.
Simple Syrup: The Secret to Sweet Perfection
A key component of this recipe is the simple syrup, which adds just the right amount of sweetness without the graininess that can sometimes come from granulated sugar. By dissolving the sugar in water and infusing it with vanilla, you create a smooth, silky sweetener that perfectly balances the richness of the cream and the boldness of the cold brew. The vanilla bean or vanilla extract in the syrup adds a fragrant, aromatic quality to the drink that elevates the overall flavor. You can adjust the amount of syrup to your liking, making it as sweet or as subtle as you prefer, giving you full control over the sweetness of your cold brew.
Customizing the Flavor to Your Taste
One of the best aspects of making Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew at home is the ability to customize the flavor to suit your preferences. The base cold brew can be adjusted by experimenting with different types of coffee beans to match your desired strength and flavor profile. If you enjoy a more robust, bolder flavor, you can opt for a darker roast coffee or increase the ratio of coffee grounds to water. Similarly, the vanilla sweet cream itself can be modified. For example, you can use almond milk or oat milk instead of regular milk for a dairy-free version, or try adding different flavorings like cinnamon, caramel, or hazelnut to the cream mixture for a personalized twist. The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility, allowing you to experiment with flavors until you find the perfect combination for your taste buds.
Why Make This at Home?
While coffee shops like Starbucks offer delicious versions of the Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew, making this drink at home has several advantages. First, it’s incredibly cost-effective. Coffee shop versions of these specialty drinks can get pricey, especially if you’re having them frequently. By preparing the drink yourself, you can save money while enjoying a similar, if not better, quality drink. Second, making it at home means you have control over the ingredients. You can use organic coffee, high-quality vanilla, and adjust the sweetness to your liking, ensuring the drink aligns with your dietary preferences. Finally, making this drink at home is simple and convenient. With just a few minutes of prep time and the ability to make large batches of cold brew, you can enjoy your favorite coffee drink at any time without leaving the house.
The Healthier Alternative to Sugar-Laden Coffees
Cold brew coffee, combined with vanilla sweet cream, is a relatively healthier coffee option compared to other sugary beverages, especially when made with simple, natural ingredients. Unlike sugary iced lattes or frappuccinos, which can be packed with added sugars and syrups, this homemade version allows you to control the amount of sweetness and creaminess. The simple syrup can be made with minimal sugar, and you can even reduce or skip the sweetener altogether if you prefer a more bitter coffee taste. Additionally, cold brew coffee is known for its lower acidity, making it gentler on the stomach compared to regular hot coffee, especially for those who are sensitive to acidity.
The addition of heavy cream provides a dose of healthy fats, which can contribute to satiety and prevent those mid-morning hunger pangs. By using milk of your choice—whether dairy, almond milk, or oat milk—you can make it fit your dietary needs, whether you’re looking to add more protein or avoid certain ingredients. The vanilla bean and vanilla extract offer natural flavoring without the need for artificial flavorings, making this drink a cleaner option.
Perfect for Hot Summer Days
There’s something inherently refreshing about an iced coffee drink, especially on a hot summer day, and Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew takes this refreshing factor to the next level. The cold brew coffee provides a naturally smooth, chilled base that feels invigorating without the bitterness that comes from traditional iced coffee. The sweet cream cold foam adds a creamy, rich layer to each sip, making it both indulgent and refreshing. When served over ice, this drink is a perfect pick-me-up for warm afternoons or as a mid-day treat. It’s a great alternative to sugary sodas or energy drinks, offering a boost of caffeine in a more satisfying, flavorful form.
Make-Ahead Convenience
One of the best features of Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew is its make-ahead convenience. The cold brew coffee itself can be prepared in large batches and stored in the fridge for up to two weeks, making it easy to have a refreshing coffee option ready whenever you want. Similarly, the vanilla simple syrup can be made in advance and stored for future use, allowing you to quickly whip up this drink whenever the craving strikes. The sweet cream foam can be made fresh or stored for a short period, making it easy to assemble the drink in minutes. With these components prepared ahead of time, making a Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew at home becomes a quick and easy process, perfect for busy mornings or relaxing afternoons.
How to Serve Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew
Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew is best served fresh, with the cold foam resting on top of the cold brew for a visually appealing contrast. To enhance the drink, you can garnish it with a sprinkle of cinnamon, cocoa powder, or even extra vanilla bean seeds. For an added touch, try topping it with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a few chocolate shavings to complement the rich coffee flavor. If you’re looking for an extra indulgent treat, you can pair your cold brew with a pastry or a slice of your favorite dessert. Whether served on its own or with a snack, this drink makes for a delightful and satisfying experience.
Conclusion
Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew is the perfect coffee drink for those who love the rich, smooth taste of cold brew but want something a little more indulgent and creamy. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious, refreshing drink that rivals the best coffee shop versions, but at a fraction of the price. The ability to customize the flavors, adjust the sweetness, and control the quality of ingredients makes this a great option for anyone who loves coffee but wants a healthier, more personalized version. Whether you enjoy it as a refreshing summer treat or a daily pick-me-up, Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew is a drink that satisfies both the senses and the soul.