Kat's Kitchen

If there’s one Starbucks drink I’ve loved for years, it’s hands-down the Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew. Every fall, I would count down the days until it hit the menu and happily fork over $6+ every time I wanted one (sometimes multiple times a week). But once I figured out how to make it at home, everything changed. Now I can sip on my favorite pumpkin coffee any time of year—no Starbucks run required—and the best part? It costs less than half the price.

If you’ve been a die-hard fan of the Starbucks version like me, you’ll be blown away by how close this recipe tastes to the real deal. In fact, I’d argue it’s better—because you can tweak the sweetness, add more pumpkin spice, and make it exactly the way you like it.

So skip the long lines, save your money, and enjoy pumpkin season all year long right from your kitchen. 🍂☕️

Ingredients:

Pumpkin Cream Cold Foam:

• 1 tablespoon Homemade Pumpkin Syrup (or store-bought)
• 2 tablespoons 2% milk
• 3 tablespoons heavy cream

Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew:

• 1-2 tablespoons Homemade Vanilla Syrup (or store-bought)
• 10 ounces unsweetened black cold brew
• Ice cubes
• Pumpkin Cream Cold Foam (recipe above)
• Pumpkin pie spice

What Ratios Does Starbucks Use?

For the different sized Starbucks drinks, follow these ratios:

	TALL	GRANDE	VENTI
VANILLA SYRUP	3 PUMPS (1.5 TBSP)	4 PUMPS (2 TBSP)	6 PUMPS (3 TBSP)
COLD BREW	6 OUNCES	10 OUNCES	16 OUNCES
ICE	leave room for cold foam	leave room for cold foam	leave room for cold foam
PUMPKIN CREAM COLD FOAM	–	–	–
PUMPKIN PIE SPICE	measure with your heart	measure with your heart	measure with your heart

Instructions

1. Make the Pumpkin Cream Cold Foam:
   • In a small cup, combine all the Pumpkin Cream Cold Foam ingredients and froth with a handheld milk frother until thick and creamy (about 30 seconds).
2. Prepare the Cold Brew:
   • In a cup or glass, pour in the vanilla syrup, cold brew, and ice.
3. Assemble the Drink:
   • Gently pour the Pumpkin Cream Cold Foam over the cold brew and sprinkle pumpkin pie spice on top, and enjoy.

My Favorite Store Bought Cold Brews

• Stok Unsweet Black Cold Brew
• Stok Unsweet Black Decaf Cold Brew
• Wandering Bear Straight Black Cold Brew
• Stok Extra Bold Cold Brew
• Stumptown Original Nitro Cold Brew

Homemade Cold Brew Recipe:

Want to make your own cold brew? Check out my post on 3 Ways to Make Cold Brew at Home.

Cold Foam Best Practices

• Use 2% milk + heavy cream for that perfect Starbucks-like texture.
• A powerful handheld frother makes all the difference—some are better than others.
• Mix in a small, narrow glass instead of a wide one—it helps the foam thicken.
• If your cold foam is too thin, add a splash more heavy cream.
• If it’s too thick, thin it out with extra 2% milk.

How To Make This Dairy Free?

I’ve got you covered! See my Dairy-Free Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew recipe for a fully dairy-free option that’s just as delicious.

How To Make This Sugar Free?

Use a sugar free vanilla syrup and a sugar free pumpkin syrup.

Can I Add the Pumpkin Cream Cold Foam to Other Drinks?

Absolutely! Try it on top of:

• Lattes
• Shaken espressos
• Mochas
• Matcha lattes
• Chai lattes

Basically, if you love pumpkin, this cold foam can go on everything.

More Cold Brew Recipes To Try