Some days, I don’t want hot coffee. I want something chilled, smooth, and steady that I can sip without rushing. That’s why cold brew stays on repeat in my kitchen.
It tastes mellow, feels bold, and works any time of day.
In this guide, I’m sharing 17 Starbucks Cold Brew Recipes that we can actually make at home.
These drinks are inspired by Starbucks, but they rely on simple ratios, clear steps, and everyday ingredients.
We’ll cover homemade Starbucks cold brew drinks that don’t feel complicated.
17 Starbucks Cold Brew Recipes
Let’s discuss Starbucks cold brew at-home recipes that stay consistent every time. Each drink is easy to make and tasty to enjoy.
1. Classic Starbucks Cold Brew
This is the simplest Starbucks-inspired cold brew you can make at home. I love it for mornings when I want smooth coffee without any fuss. It’s bold, velvety, and perfectly chilled.
Ingredients
- 1 cup coarsely ground coffee (for full flavor)
- 4 cups cold filtered water (for smooth extraction)
- Ice cubes as needed
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Brew the Coffee
Combine the coarsely ground coffee and cold water in your cold brew coffee maker. Stir gently to make sure all grounds are wet. Cover and refrigerate for 12–16 hours.
Step 2: Strain the Brew
After steeping, strain the coffee through a fine mesh or the coffee maker’s filter. This leaves you with a smooth, dark concentrate.
Step 3: Serve
Pour over ice in a tall glass. Add milk or a splash of syrup if desired. We usually drink it straight to enjoy the natural flavor.
Nutrition (Approx.)
Calories: 5
Sugar: 0g
Caffeine: 200mg per 8 oz
2. Vanilla Sweet Cold Brew
This recipe adds a creamy vanilla touch to your cold brew. We often make this for a mid-afternoon pick-me-up because it’s lightly sweetened but still feels refreshing.
Ingredients
- 1 cup coarsely ground coffee
- 4 cups cold filtered water
- 2 tbsp homemade vanilla syrup (adjust to taste)
- Ice cubes
- 2 tbsp milk or oat milk
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the Cold Brew
Combine coffee and water in a cold brew coffee maker. Stir gently, cover, and refrigerate 12–16 hours. I like to leave it overnight for maximum smoothness.
Step 2: Strain and Sweeten
Strain the coffee into a pitcher. Stir in the vanilla syrup until fully mixed.
Step 3: Assemble the Drink
Fill a glass with ice, pour the sweetened cold brew over it, then top with milk. Stir lightly and enjoy a creamy, chilled coffee that feels like Starbucks at home.
Nutrition (Approx.)
Calories: 70
Sugar: 12g
Caffeine: 200mg per 8 oz
3. Mocha Cold Brew
If you crave chocolate and coffee together, this one’s for you. I make it whenever we want a dessert-style drink without leaving the house.
Ingredients
- 1 cup coarsely ground coffee
- 4 cups cold filtered water
- 2 tbsp chocolate syrup
- 2 tbsp milk or cream
- Ice cubes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Coffee
Combine the coffee grounds with cold water in your cold brew coffee maker. Stir gently to ensure all grounds are wet. Refrigerate for 12–16 hours.
Step 2: Strain the Cold Brew
Filter the coffee through a fine mesh or the built-in filter. The result is a rich, smooth concentrate.
Step 3: Make It Mocha
Fill a glass with ice, pour the cold brew, then stir in chocolate syrup and milk. Adjust the sweetness if you like. We enjoy this as a slightly indulgent afternoon treat.
Nutrition (Approx.)
Calories: 90
Sugar: 14g
Caffeine: 200mg per 8 oz
4. Caramel Cold Brew
This one is perfect for when I crave a rich, smooth coffee with a sweet finish. The caramel adds a subtle indulgence without overpowering the cold brew. We usually make this on weekends for a treat that feels like Starbucks at home.
Ingredients
- 1 cup coarsely ground coffee
- 4 cups cold filtered water
- 2 tbsp caramel syrup
- 2 tbsp milk or cream
- Ice cubes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Brew the Cold Brew
Add the coarsely ground coffee to your cold brew coffee maker and pour in the cold water. Stir gently so all the grounds are wet. Cover and refrigerate for 12–16 hours. I find that a longer steeping time gives a smoother, less bitter flavor.
Step 2: Strain the Coffee
Filter the coffee through the cold brew maker or a fine mesh strainer. This produces a dark, concentrated coffee that’s smooth and velvety.
Step 3: Mix the Caramel Cold Brew
Fill a tall glass with ice, pour the cold brew concentrate over it, and stir in caramel syrup and milk. Taste and adjust the sweetness if needed. We love how creamy and slightly sweet it turns out without being overpowering.
Nutrition (Approx.)
Calories: 100
Sugar: 13g
Caffeine: 200mg per 8 oz
5. Cinnamon Almond Cold Brew
For a warm spice twist, this drink is fantastic. I like making this during cooler mornings—it has subtle cinnamon notes that pair perfectly with almond milk. It’s easy to customize for sweetness and creaminess.
Ingredients
- 1 cup coarsely ground coffee
- 4 cups cold filtered water
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp almond syrup or almond milk
- Ice cubes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Steep the Coffee
Place the coffee grounds in your cold brew coffee maker and add the cold water. Stir gently and cover. Refrigerate 12–16 hours. Adding the cinnamon at this stage isn’t necessary—you’ll layer it later to keep the flavor bright.
Step 2: Strain the Cold Brew
After steeping, strain the coffee through the filter into a pitcher. This produces a smooth, rich concentrate without sediment.
Step 3: Assemble the Drink
Fill a glass with ice and pour in the cold brew. Stir in almond syrup or almond milk and sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon on top. I like how the almond and cinnamon balance the coffee’s natural bitterness—it feels cozy and refreshing at the same time.
Nutrition (Approx.)
Calories: 60
Sugar: 5g
Caffeine: 200mg per 8 oz
6. Hazelnut Cold Brew
Hazelnut adds a nutty, subtle flavor to cold brew, and it’s one of my favorites for afternoon coffee. We usually sip this straight or with a splash of milk. It’s perfect for a quick, satisfying drink without any fancy tools.
Ingredients
- 1 cup coarsely ground coffee
- 4 cups cold filtered water
- 2 tbsp hazelnut syrup
- 2 tbsp milk or cream
- Ice cubes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the Cold Brew
Combine the coffee grounds and cold water in a cold brew coffee maker. Stir gently and cover. Refrigerate 12–16 hours for a smooth, concentrated flavor.
Step 2: Strain the Brew
Use a fine mesh strainer or the coffee maker’s filter to separate the grounds. You’ll end up with a clear, velvety coffee concentrate.
Step 3: Add Hazelnut Flavor
Fill a glass with ice, pour in the cold brew, and stir in hazelnut syrup and milk. Taste and adjust the sweetness if needed. We enjoy the nutty aroma—it makes a simple cold brew feel indulgent.
Nutrition (Approx.)
Calories: 85
Sugar: 11g
Caffeine: 200mg per 8 oz
7. Coconut Cold Brew
I love this one for summer mornings when I want something tropical and light. The coconut flavor blends naturally with cold brew, giving a creamy, slightly sweet coffee without being heavy. We often make a big batch and keep it chilled for easy morning pours.
Ingredients
- 1 cup coarsely ground coffee
- 4 cups cold filtered water
- 2 tbsp coconut syrup
- 2 tbsp coconut milk
- Ice cubes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Brew the Coffee
Place the coffee grounds in your cold brew coffee maker and pour over cold water. Stir gently to wet all grounds. Cover and refrigerate for 12–16 hours. I find that letting it steep overnight gives the smoothest flavor.
Step 2: Strain the Cold Brew
After steeping, strain the coffee through a fine mesh or your coffee maker’s filter. You’ll have a clear, velvety concentrate ready to flavor.
Step 3: Add Coconut Flavor
Pour the cold brew over a glass full of ice. Stir in coconut syrup and coconut milk. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed. We enjoy this chilled, tropical drink as a refreshing alternative to plain cold brew.
Nutrition (Approx.)
Calories: 90
Sugar: 12g
Caffeine: 200mg per 8 oz
8. Irish Cream Cold Brew
For those days when we want a slightly indulgent coffee without alcohol, this Irish cream-flavored cold brew is perfect. The creamy, nutty notes make it feel like a café treat at home.
Ingredients
- 1 cup coarsely ground coffee
- 4 cups cold filtered water
- 2 tbsp Irish cream syrup
- 2 tbsp milk or cream
- Ice cubes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the Cold Brew
Combine coffee grounds with cold water in a cold brew coffee maker. Stir gently and cover. Refrigerate for 12–16 hours. I like to check the aroma the next morning—it smells amazing even before straining.
Step 2: Strain the Brew
Filter through a fine mesh or the coffee maker’s built-in filter. The result is a smooth, dark concentrate ready to flavor.
Step 3: Flavor and Serve
Fill a glass with ice, pour in the cold brew, and stir in Irish cream syrup and milk. Taste and adjust sweetness as needed. We usually sip this slowly—it’s rich, creamy, and comforting.
Nutrition (Approx.)
Calories: 95
Sugar: 12g
Caffeine: 200mg per 8 oz
9. Toasted Marshmallow Cold Brew
This is a fun one for when we want a dessert-style coffee without baking. The toasted marshmallow flavor adds a sweet, slightly smoky note to the cold brew that makes it special.
Ingredients
- 1 cup coarsely ground coffee
- 4 cups cold filtered water
- 2 tbsp toasted marshmallow syrup
- 2 tbsp milk or cream
- Ice cubes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Brew the Coffee
Add coffee grounds to your cold brew coffee maker and pour in cold water. Stir to ensure all grounds are wet. Cover and refrigerate 12–16 hours.
Step 2: Strain the Brew
Strain through a fine mesh or filter to remove the grounds. You’ll get a clear, smooth concentrate that’s ready for flavoring.
Step 3: Flavor and Serve
Pour over a glass filled with ice. Stir in toasted marshmallow syrup and milk. Taste and adjust sweetness if desired. I love how this drink feels playful but still creamy and smooth, perfect for a weekend treat.
Nutrition (Approx.)
Calories: 100
Sugar: 14g
Caffeine: 200mg per 8 oz
10. Pumpkin Spice Cold Brew
Perfect for fall mornings, this Pumpkin Spice Cold Brew is smooth, slightly sweet, and lightly spiced. I love making it when we want that cozy Starbucks vibe at home. The pumpkin flavor pairs beautifully with the mellow cold brew base.
Ingredients
- 1 cup coarsely ground coffee
- 4 cups cold filtered water
- 2 tbsp pumpkin spice syrup
- 2 tbsp milk or cream
- Ice cubes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Brew the Cold Brew
Place the coffee grounds in your cold brew coffee maker and pour over the cold water. Stir gently so all grounds are fully saturated. Cover and refrigerate 12–16 hours. I usually let it steep overnight for maximum smoothness.
Step 2: Strain the Coffee
Strain the cold brew using a fine mesh or your coffee maker’s filter. The result is a clear, smooth concentrate with no grit.
Step 3: Flavor and Serve
Fill a glass with ice and pour in the cold brew. Stir in pumpkin spice syrup and milk. Adjust sweetness if needed. We enjoy it slowly—it has that comforting, lightly spiced café taste.
Nutrition (Approx.)
Calories: 95
Sugar: 12g
Caffeine: 200mg per 8 oz
11. Honey Lavender Cold Brew
This drink is delicate and floral, perfect when we want something soothing and refreshing. Honey adds subtle sweetness, and lavender gives a gentle aroma that pairs surprisingly well with cold brew.
Ingredients
- 1 cup coarsely ground coffee
- 4 cups cold filtered water
- 1 tbsp honey (or more to taste)
- 1/2 tsp culinary lavender, lightly crushed
- 2 tbsp milk or cream
- Ice cubes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Steep the Coffee
Combine coffee grounds and cold water in your cold brew coffee maker. Stir gently and cover. Refrigerate 12–16 hours. I sometimes add the lavender to the coffee grounds before steeping for extra aroma, but you can also infuse it later.
Step 2: Strain the Brew
Strain the coffee through a fine mesh or coffee filter. Remove any lavender bits if added early. You’ll have a smooth, floral-tasting concentrate.
Step 3: Mix and Serve
Pour the cold brew over ice, stir in honey and milk. Taste and adjust the sweetness if needed. We find the lavender makes a relaxing, subtly sweet cold brew perfect for a calm afternoon.
Nutrition (Approx.)
Calories: 70
Sugar: 8g
Caffeine: 200mg per 8 oz
12. Brown Sugar Oat Milk Cold Brew
This is one of my go-to drinks for a creamy, lightly sweet coffee. The brown sugar adds depth, and oat milk gives it a silky texture. We often make a batch to keep in the fridge for easy mornings.
Ingredients
- 1 cup coarsely ground coffee
- 4 cups cold filtered water
- 2 tbsp brown sugar syrup
- 2 tbsp oat milk
- Ice cubes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Brew the Cold Brew
Combine coffee grounds with cold water in a cold brew coffee maker. Stir gently, cover, and refrigerate 12–16 hours. The long steeping gives a smooth, rich coffee base.
Step 2: Strain the Coffee
Strain the concentrate through a fine mesh or filter. The coffee will be clean, dark, and velvety, ready for flavoring.
Step 3: Flavor and Serve
Pour over ice and stir in brown sugar syrup and oat milk. Taste and adjust the sweetness if needed. We enjoy this one as a slightly sweet, creamy morning pick-me-up.
Nutrition (Approx.)
Calories: 85
Sugar: 11g
Caffeine: 200mg per 8 oz
13. White Chocolate Mocha Cold Brew
This one feels indulgent but is surprisingly easy to make at home. I love it when we want a creamy, dessert-like coffee that’s still chilled and refreshing. The white chocolate adds a velvety sweetness that pairs beautifully with the cold brew base.
Ingredients
- 1 cup coarsely ground coffee
- 4 cups cold filtered water
- 2 tbsp white chocolate syrup
- 2 tbsp milk or cream
- Ice cubes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cold Brew
Add the coffee grounds to your cold brew coffee maker and pour over cold water. Stir gently to saturate all grounds. Cover and refrigerate 12–16 hours. Overnight steeping gives the smoothest flavor.
Step 2: Strain the Coffee
Strain the concentrate through a fine mesh or filter. The resulting coffee is smooth, dark, and ready for flavoring.
Step 3: Make the White Chocolate Mocha
Fill a glass with ice, pour in the cold brew, then stir in white chocolate syrup and milk. We love how creamy and slightly sweet it turns out—it feels café-quality at home.
Nutrition (Approx.)
Calories: 110
Sugar: 15g
Caffeine: 200mg per 8 oz
14. Maple Pecan Cold Brew
Maple syrup and pecan flavor make this drink cozy and slightly nutty. I like serving this when we want a fall-inspired twist on cold brew without making anything complicated.
Ingredients
- 1 cup coarsely ground coffee
- 4 cups cold filtered water
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp pecan extract or 1 tbsp pecan syrup
- 2 tbsp milk or cream
- Ice cubes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Brew the Coffee
Combine coffee grounds and cold water in a cold brew coffee maker. Stir gently, cover, and refrigerate 12–16 hours. The slow steeping process ensures a smooth, rich base.
Step 2: Strain the Brew
Strain the coffee through a fine mesh or filter to remove all grounds. The concentrate should be clear, dark, and velvety.
Step 3: Flavor and Serve
Pour over ice, stir in maple syrup, pecan extract, and milk. Taste and adjust the sweetness if needed. We enjoy the nutty aroma paired with the smooth coffee—it’s cozy, lightly sweet, and comforting.
Nutrition (Approx.)
Calories: 95
Sugar: 12g
Caffeine: 200mg per 8 oz
15. Salted Caramel Cold Brew
This recipe balances sweet and salty for a playful twist on classic cold brew. I make this one when we want a café-style drink at home that feels a little fancy.
Ingredients
- 1 cup coarsely ground coffee
- 4 cups cold filtered water
- 2 tbsp salted caramel syrup
- 2 tbsp milk or cream
- Pinch of sea salt (optional)
- Ice cubes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the Cold Brew
Add coffee grounds and cold water to your cold brew coffee maker. Stir gently and cover. Refrigerate 12–16 hours. Overnight steeping gives a mellow, smooth flavor.
Step 2: Strain the Coffee
Filter through a fine mesh or your coffee maker’s filter. You’ll have a smooth, dark concentrate ready for flavoring.
Step 3: Assemble the Drink
Pour over ice, stir in salted caramel syrup and milk. Add a pinch of sea salt if you want a stronger salty-sweet contrast. We enjoy this for a special morning or afternoon treat—it tastes indulgent without being heavy.
Nutrition (Approx.)
Calories: 105
Sugar: 14g
Caffeine: 200mg per 8 oz
16. Chocolate Hazelnut Cold Brew
This one is a favorite when we want a nutty chocolate twist without making a dessert. I enjoy this drink as a mid-afternoon pick-me-up—it’s smooth, creamy, and slightly indulgent without feeling heavy.
Ingredients
- 1 cup coarsely ground coffee
- 4 cups cold filtered water
- 1 tbsp chocolate syrup
- 1 tbsp hazelnut syrup
- 2 tbsp milk or cream
- Ice cubes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Brew the Coffee
Place coffee grounds in your cold brew coffee maker and add cold water. Stir gently to wet all grounds. Cover and refrigerate for 12–16 hours. I like to steep overnight for the smoothest, least bitter flavor.
Step 2: Strain the Brew
Strain through a fine mesh or the coffee maker’s filter. You’ll get a clear, smooth concentrate that’s ready for flavoring.
Step 3: Add Flavor and Serve
Pour over a glass of ice, then stir in chocolate and hazelnut syrups with milk. Taste and adjust the sweetness if needed. We enjoy this creamy, nutty coffee any time of the day—it feels like a café treat at home.
Nutrition (Approx.)
Calories: 95
Sugar: 13g
Caffeine: 200mg per 8 oz
17. Honey Cinnamon Cold Brew
This final recipe combines light sweetness and warm spice for a comforting, easy-to-make drink. I often make this on lazy mornings when we want a cozy flavor twist without any fuss.
Ingredients
- 1 cup coarsely ground coffee
- 4 cups cold filtered water
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp milk or cream
- Ice cubes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Steep the Coffee
Combine coffee grounds and cold water in a cold brew coffee maker. Stir gently, cover, and refrigerate 12–16 hours. The long steeping time gives a smooth, rich base.
Step 2: Strain the Cold Brew
Strain through a fine mesh or filter. You’ll have a clear, velvety coffee concentrate ready to flavor.
Step 3: Flavor and Serve
Pour over ice and stir in honey, milk, and cinnamon. We enjoy the subtle warmth of cinnamon with the natural smoothness of cold brew—it’s simple, comforting, and perfect for any day.
Nutrition (Approx.)
Calories: 80
Sugar: 9g
Caffeine: 200mg per 8 oz
PinnedDrinks Pro Tips
Making Starbucks-style cold brew at home can feel tricky at first, but a few small tricks make all the difference. Here are my go-to tips:
- Get the Right Grind: Always use coarsely ground coffee. Fine grounds make the brew bitter and cloudy.
- Steep Slowly: Refrigerate 12–16 hours. Patience gives you a smooth, mellow coffee that’s naturally sweet.
- Balance Sweetness: Start with 1–2 tablespoons of syrup per 8 oz and adjust gradually. It’s easier to add than remove!
- Milk & Ice Ratio: Fill your glass halfway with ice and top with milk or cream. This keeps your coffee from tasting diluted.
- Layer Flavors: Add syrups, spices, or extracts after straining the cold brew. This preserves the clean coffee taste.
- Café-Style Foam: Shake milk in a jar or use a frother to create a creamy top, even at home.
With these tips, we consistently get café-quality results without complicated tools.
Final Thoughts
Cold brew coffee is versatile, smooth, and easy to make once you understand the basics.
From classic to dessert-inspired, these 17 Starbucks Cold Brew Recipes let you explore flavors, textures, and sweetness levels at home.
We encourage you to pick a few recipes and try them over the week.
Save your favorites on Pinterest for easy access, and don’t be afraid to mix flavors—you might just discover your new signature cold brew.
Enjoy your chilled, velvety coffee moments, and make every sip count!
