Cold Brew With Salted Cream Foam À La Starbucks -

You're about to discover how to recreate one of Starbucks' most beloved cold drinks right in your own kitchen. This invigorating combination of smooth cold brew coffee and sweet-salty cream foam has captivated coffee lovers since its 2018 debut. While the original version comes with a hefty price tag, you'll find that making this trendy beverage at home isn't just cost-effective – it's also an opportunity to customize every element to your exact taste preferences.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

Cold brew coffee forms the smooth base, steeped overnight in a 1:4 coffee-to-water ratio for optimal flavor.
The salted cream foam combines heavy cream (36% fat), powdered sugar, and sea salt for perfect texture and taste.
Layer the drink by adding ice first, then cold brew coffee, and top with the whipped salted cream foam.
The recipe recreates Starbucks' 2018 creation that pairs sweet-and-salty cream foam with rich cold brew coffee.
Customize sweetness with flavored syrups or additional powdered sugar while maintaining the signature salty-sweet balance.

Why you'll love this recipe

Whether you're a coffee enthusiast or simply looking to elevate your morning routine, this Cold Brew with Salted Cream Foam recipe will become your new favorite indulgence.

You'll love how the smooth, rich cold brew perfectly balances with the sweet and salty cream foam, creating a café-quality drink right in your kitchen.

The best part? You can customize every element to match your taste preferences, from the strength of your cold brew to the sweetness of your foam.

It's incredibly cost-effective compared to buying coffee shop drinks, and you'll master the technique in no time.

Plus, you'll impress your friends and family with your barista skills when you serve this Instagram-worthy beverage at your next brunch gathering.

[DIRECTIONS]:

Ingredient notes

To create the perfect Cold Brew with Salted Cream Foam, you'll want to understand the key ingredients that make this drink special.

Each component plays an essential role in achieving that signature café-style taste and texture you're craving.

Cold brew coffee forms your smooth base, and while store-bought works fine, homemade cold brew offers the freshest flavor.
Heavy cream with at least 36% fat content will give you the richest, most stable foam that won't quickly dissolve.
Powdered sugar, rather than granulated, blends seamlessly into the foam and helps maintain its structure.
Sea salt is important for that distinctive sweet-and-salty balance, with flaky varieties providing the best dissolution and flavor distribution.

Origin of the recipe

The salted cream foam cold brew trend began as a creative innovation by Starbucks in 2018, quickly becoming one of their most popular seasonal offerings.

The drink's creation was inspired by the growing popularity of cold brew coffee paired with the classic salted caramel flavor profile that coffee lovers adore.

You'll find that this combination isn't entirely new, as Asian coffee shops have long featured drinks topped with salted cheese foam or cream.

Since its launch, you've probably noticed this drink gaining traction across social media platforms, with coffee enthusiasts sharing their attempts to recreate it at home.

While Starbucks wasn't the first to combine salt and cream in coffee drinks, they've certainly popularized this specific recipe, making it a go-to choice for those seeking a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and bitter flavors. Additionally, the use of high-quality dried ingredients in crafting beverages has contributed to the overall flavor experience that many coffee lovers seek today.

How to make the recipe

You'll need to start by preparing your cold brew coffee the night before, letting it steep for 12-18 hours in the refrigerator.

Once you're ready to assemble your drink, whip up the salted cream foam by combining heavy cream, powdered sugar, and sea salt until soft peaks form.

Fill your glass with ice and cold brew, top with the foam, and add any optional garnishes or a straw, adjusting the sweetness with syrup if you'd like.

Step 1. Prepare Cold Brew Overnight

Making your own cold brew coffee at home starts with an overnight steeping process that's surprisingly simple yet rewarding.

You'll need coarsely ground coffee beans, cold filtered water, and a large container or pitcher for steeping. Mix the grounds and water using a ratio of 1:4 (coffee to water), then let it steep in your refrigerator for 12-24 hours.

Use coarse coffee grounds to prevent a bitter, muddy taste
Stir the mixture gently to guarantee all grounds are saturated
Cover the container to protect from refrigerator odors
Strain the mixture twice through a fine-mesh sieve or coffee filter

Once strained, your cold brew concentrate is ready to use.

You can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, diluting with water or milk when you're ready to serve.

Step 2. Mix Cream Foam Ingredients

Preparing the salted cream foam starts with gathering your key ingredients in a deep mixing bowl.

You'll need your heavy cream, powdered sugar, and sea salt ready to create the perfect topping for your cold brew.

Pour the heavy cream into your mixing bowl, then add the powdered sugar and sea salt.

Using a whisk or electric mixer, beat the mixture until it starts to thicken and form soft peaks.

You'll know you've reached the right consistency when the cream holds its shape but still looks silky and smooth.

If you're using an electric mixer, start on medium speed and watch carefully – you don't want to over-whip the cream into butter!

The foam should be light and airy, ready to float perfectly on top of your cold brew.

Step 3. Layer Ingredients in Glass

With your salted cream foam ready, the assembly of this invigorating drink begins with the perfect layering technique.

You'll want to build your drink from the bottom up, making sure each component has its own distinct space in the glass. Start with a tall glass filled about 2/3 of the way with ice cubes, then pour your cold brew coffee slowly over the ice.

Fill your glass with ice first, as this helps create clean layers
Pour the cold brew slowly down the side of the glass to prevent splashing
If you're using flavored syrup, add it before the cold brew and give it a quick stir
Gently spoon the salted cream foam on top, allowing it to cascade naturally over the coffee

Step 4. Add Garnishes and Straw

Once your layers are perfectly positioned, it's time to add those finishing touches that make your cold brew truly Instagram-worthy.

For a classic look, slide a long black or paper straw into your drink at a slight angle, making sure it reaches the bottom of the glass. You can sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top of the foam, or add a light dusting of cocoa powder for an artistic touch.

If you're feeling fancy, try adding a drizzle of caramel sauce around the inside of the glass before pouring in your drink, or top the foam with a few coffee beans.

Don't forget to serve your creation right away, as the foam's texture is best enjoyed fresh and cold.

Step 5. Adjust Sweetness to Taste

The perfect salted cream cold brew lets you control exactly how sweet you want it to be. You can easily adjust the sweetness level by adding different amounts of powdered sugar to the cream foam, or by incorporating flavored syrups into the cold brew base.

For those who prefer a less sweet drink, start with smaller amounts and taste as you go.

Try vanilla syrup for a classic sweetness that complements the coffee's natural flavors
Add caramel syrup for a rich, buttery sweetness that pairs well with the salted foam
Use sugar-free syrups if you're watching your sugar intake but still want the flavor
Experiment with different sweetener combinations until you find your perfect balance

Remember to stir gently after adding any sweeteners to guarantee they're evenly distributed throughout your drink.

If you liked this you may also like

Fans of this indulgent cold brew creation will surely enjoy exploring other delicious coffee variations that combine unique textures and flavors.

You'll love trying a Vietnamese Iced Coffee, which features rich condensed milk, or a velvety Spanish Café con Leche that's perfect for morning sipping.

For another creamy delight, test out the Dalgona Coffee trend, where whipped coffee floats atop cold milk.

If you're feeling adventurous, try an Affogato, featuring hot espresso poured over cold vanilla ice cream.

Those who appreciate the sweet-and-salty combination might enjoy a Caramel Macchiato with sea salt sprinkles, or a Mocha with salted chocolate foam.

Each drink offers its own special twist on the beloved combination of coffee and creamy toppings. Additionally, you can enhance your beverage experience by incorporating antioxidant-rich ingredients that not only elevate flavor but also contribute to your overall health.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Will the Salted Cream Foam Maintain Its Texture on Top?

Your salted cream foam will maintain its fluffy texture on top of the drink for about 15-20 minutes at room temperature.

You'll notice it gradually starts to melt and incorporate into your drink after that.

If you'd like to keep the foam's structure longer, you can chill your glass beforehand and use very cold heavy cream when making the foam.

Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free With Alternative Milk Products?

You can make a dairy-free version using coconut cream or full-fat oat milk for the foam, though the texture won't be quite as rich as heavy cream.

To get the best results, chill your chosen alternative beforehand and add a bit more powdered sugar to help stabilize the foam.

Coconut cream works especially well because of its higher fat content, which helps create that luxurious, foamy texture you're looking for.

What Type of Coffee Beans Work Best for Cold Brew?

You'll want to use medium to dark roast beans with low acidity for the best cold brew.

Arabica beans, particularly those from Colombia or Guatemala, work exceptionally well because they're smooth and full-bodied.

Look for beans labeled with chocolate, nutty, or caramel notes, as these flavors shine in cold brew.

Is It Possible to Make a Sugar-Free Version of This Drink?

You can definitely make a sugar-free version of this drink!

Simply replace the powdered sugar with your preferred sugar substitute, like stevia, monk fruit sweetener, or sugar-free syrup.

When whipping the cream, make sure your sugar substitute dissolves completely to avoid any graininess.

If you're watching your calories, you can also use sugar-free vanilla syrup in the cold brew itself for added flavor.

[DIRECTIONS]:

How Many Calories Are in One Serving of This Beverage?

Your homemade cold brew with salted cream foam contains approximately 250-300 calories per serving.

The heavy cream contributes about 200 calories, while the powdered sugar adds around 30 calories.

You'll find fewer calories if you're using sugar-free syrup or skipping sweeteners altogether.

For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream, which will reduce the calorie count to about 150-175 calories.

Conclusion

You'll love creating this coffee shop favorite at home, where you can adjust the sweetness and salt levels to match your taste perfectly. Once you've mastered the basic recipe, don't be afraid to experiment with different toppings or flavor additions. Whether you're serving it for weekend brunch or treating yourself to an afternoon pick-me-up, this cold brew with salted cream foam delivers barista-quality results every time.