Easy Cinnamon Caramel Cream Cold Brew (Starbucks Copycat)
Craving a coffeehouse vibe without leaving your home?
Let me introduce you to your new favorite drink: the Cinnamon Caramel Cream Cold Brew.
It’s like having Starbucks right in your kitchen—but easier, cheaper, and honestly, a little more fun to make.
Whether you’re a coffee pro or just dipping your toes into the world of iced coffee, this is one recipe you’ll want to try ASAP.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Smooth cold brew coffee, creamy cinnamon caramel topping, a little sweetness, and a whole lot of deliciousness.
Whether it’s summer or you’re just in the mood for an iced coffee in the middle of winter (I get it, we’ve all been there), this Cinnamon Caramel Cream Cold Brew checks all the boxes.
I’ve always loved Starbucks iced coffee drinks, but let’s be honest—those secret Starbucks recipes can add up fast.
That’s why I decided to create my own DIY version of one of my favorite cold Starbucks drinks. It’s simple, takes less than 10 minutes, and tastes just as good as the real deal (if not better!).
What Is Cold Brew Coffee?
If you’re new to cold brew coffee, welcome to the club!
Cold brew is different from your typical iced coffee.
Instead of brewing hot coffee and cooling it down, cold brew is made by steeping coarse coffee grounds in cold water for 12-24 hours.
The result? A smoother, less acidic coffee base that’s perfect for pairing with creamy toppings like this cinnamon caramel cream.
If you’re thinking, “That sounds complicated,” don’t worry—it’s not.
Making cold brew at home is one of the easiest coffee hacks out there. I’ll walk you through it below.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need to make your own Cinnamon Caramel Cream Cold Brew:
- Cold brew coffee – You can make it at home or buy it pre-made if you’re short on time.
- Heavy cream – For that rich, velvety texture.
- Caramel sauce – Go for your favorite store-bought brand or make your own.
- Ground cinnamon – Adds a cozy, warm flavor that’s hard to resist.
- Ice cubes – Because what’s an iced coffee without ice?
- Whipped cream (optional) – For an extra indulgent finish.
- Ground cinnamon for garnish (optional) – It’s all about the presentation, right?
How to Make Cinnamon Caramel Cream Cold Brew
Cinnamon Caramel Cream Cold Brew (Starbucks Copycat)
Ingredients
- 1 cup cold brew coffee
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons caramel sauce plus more for drizzling
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Ice cubes
- Whipped cream for topping optional
- Ground cinnamon for garnish optional
Instructions
- Prepare the Cold Brew: Brew your favorite cold brew coffee as per instructions and chill it in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- Make the Cinnamon Caramel Cream: In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, caramel sauce, and ground cinnamon until well combined and slightly thickened.
- Assemble the Drink: Fill a glass with ice cubes and pour the cold brew coffee over the ice. Top with the cinnamon caramel cream mixture.
- Garnish: If desired, add whipped cream on top and drizzle with additional caramel sauce and a sprinkle of ground cinnamon.
- Serve: Enjoy your homemade Cinnamon Caramel Cream Cold Brew immediately!
Let’s break this down step by step:
Step 1: Brew Your Cold Brew Coffee
If you’re making cold brew at home, here’s how to do it:
- Combine 1 cup of coarse coffee grounds with 4 cups of cold water in a large jar or pitcher.
- Stir, cover, and let it sit in the fridge for 12-24 hours.
- Strain the coffee through a fine-mesh sieve or a coffee filter to remove the grounds.
Pro tip: Make a big batch and store it in the fridge for up to a week. You’ll have DIY cold brew coffee ready whenever you want.
Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Caramel Cream
This is where the magic happens:
- In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup heavy cream, 2 tablespoons caramel sauce, and 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon.
- Whisk until slightly thickened. You’re looking for a consistency that’s pourable but still creamy.
Step 3: Assemble Your Drink
Now for the fun part:
- Fill a tall glass with ice cubes.
- Pour your cold brew coffee over the ice, filling the glass about 3/4 of the way.
- Gently spoon the cinnamon caramel cream on top. It’ll float beautifully over the coffee.
- Optional: Add whipped cream, drizzle with extra caramel sauce, and sprinkle with a pinch of cinnamon for that coffeehouse look.
Step 4: Sip and Enjoy
Take a sip and let the flavors melt together. You’ve just made one of the best iced coffee drinks ever. Pat yourself on the back—you’re officially a barista.
Tips for the Best Cinnamon Caramel Cream Cold Brew
- Use good-quality coffee beans. Since cold brew has a mellow flavor, the beans really shine.
- Don’t skip the cinnamon. It’s the star of the show here, adding a warm, cozy vibe.
- Customize the sweetness. Love your coffee less sweet? Use less caramel sauce. Want more sweetness? Drizzle extra on top.
- Try different milk options. Almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk can replace heavy cream if you’re looking for a dairy-free option.
FAQs
What’s the difference between cold brew and iced coffee?
Cold brew is made by steeping coffee grounds in cold water for a long time, while iced coffee is brewed hot and then cooled down.
Cold brew is smoother and less acidic, making it perfect for creamy coffee drinks like this one.
Can I use store-bought cold brew?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, grab a bottle of your favorite cold brew from the store.
Just make sure it’s unsweetened so you can control the flavor.
How do I store leftover cold brew?
Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge.
It’ll stay fresh for up to a week, making it super convenient for weekday mornings.
Can I make this drink hot?
Yes! Swap the cold brew for hot coffee and skip the ice.
Warm up the cinnamon caramel cream slightly before adding it to your drink.
What are some other Starbucks coffee drinks I can try at home?
If you love this recipe, you’ll probably enjoy these DIY Starbucks-inspired drinks too:
- Iced Caramel Macchiato
- Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew
- Mocha Frappuccino
- Iced White Chocolate Mocha
Variations to Try
Feeling adventurous? Here are a few ways to switch it up:
- Vanilla Twist: Add a splash of vanilla extract to the cinnamon caramel cream.
- Spiced Up: Sprinkle a pinch of nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice on top.
- Mocha Blend: Stir in a tablespoon of chocolate syrup for a chocolate-caramel combo.
- Healthier Swap: Use coconut cream and a natural sweetener like maple syrup.
Final Thoughts
Making this Cinnamon Caramel Cream Cold Brew at home is a game-changer.
It’s one of those cold coffee recipes that’s as easy as it is delicious.
Plus, it’s customizable, so you can tweak it to fit your taste perfectly.
Whether you’re indulging solo or impressing guests, this DIY cold brew coffee recipe is a total win.
Now it’s your turn. Grab your favorite mug, whip up this drink, and enjoy a little coffeehouse magic without leaving your house.
Cheers to the best iced coffee Starbucks would be jealous of!
