Starbucks Cold Brew features smooth, slow-steeped coffee brewed over 20 hours, delivering a rich, bold flavor with naturally sweet undertones and a refreshing, silky finish served chilled.
Equipments
- Cold brew coffee maker (or large brewing container)
- Coffee grinder
- Filter (metal mesh or paper)
- Measuring scale
- Pitcher or storage container
- Stirring spoon or stick
- Refrigerator
- Serving glass/cup
- Ice
Ingredients
- 1 cup (85g) coarsely ground coffee beans
- 4 cups (960ml) cold filtered water
- Ice (for serving)
- 1 cup (85g) coarsely ground coffee beans
- 4 cups (950ml) cold, filtered water
- Ice (for serving)
Use coarsely ground coffee beans to ensure proper extraction and avoid bitterness in your cold brew. Cold filtered water is essential for a clean and smooth taste, free from impurities that can affect flavor. Maintain consistent measurements--1 cup (85g) coffee to 4 cups (960ml) water--for a balanced, rich brew. Brewing time of around 20 hours achieves Starbucks Cold Brew's signature bold flavor with naturally sweet undertones. When making your own Cold Brew from a Starbucks copycat menu, use quality ingredients and proper equipment to replicate the silky, refreshing finish you expect.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Measure 1 cup (85g) of coarsely ground coffee beans.
- Add grounds to your cold brew coffee maker or large brewing container.
- Pour in 4 cups (960ml) cold filtered water.
- Stir gently to ensure all coffee grounds are saturated.
- Cover the container and place it in the refrigerator.
- Steep for 12–20 hours, depending on desired strength.
- After steeping, strain coffee using a filter (metal mesh or paper) into a pitcher or storage container.
- Discard the used coffee grounds.
- Refrigerate the strained cold brew until ready to serve.
- To serve, fill a glass with ice.
- Pour cold brew concentrate over the ice.
- (Optional) Dilute with water, milk, or a sweetener to taste.
Substitution
Starbucks Cold Brew is replicated by steeping coarsely ground coffee beans in cold, filtered water for 20 hours to achieve a smooth and bold flavor with natural sweetness and a silky finish. If you don't have a dedicated cold brew coffee maker, a large jar or pitcher combined with a fine mesh or paper filter can effectively substitute during brewing. Adjust the ratio of coffee to water slightly if you prefer a stronger or milder brew; you can increase grounds by 10-20% for a more robust flavor. Keep your cold brew refrigerated and consume within a week to preserve its freshness and taste. When serving, add ice to your glass for an authentic chilled experience just like Starbucks offers.
Tips
Your coffee beans should be coarsely ground to prevent over-extraction and bitter flavors during the long steeping time. Ensure all coffee grounds are fully saturated by gently stirring after adding water; this optimizes flavor extraction. Steeping time varies between 12 to 20 hours, so adjust based on your preferred coffee strength, but do not exceed 20 hours to avoid unpleasant bitterness. Always strain thoroughly using a metal mesh or paper filter to remove fine grounds and achieve a smooth, clean cold brew.
Nutritions
Starbucks Cold Brew contains minimal calories as it is brewed solely from coffee beans and water without added sugars or dairy. Each 8 oz serving provides approximately 5 calories, with no fat or protein content, making it a low-calorie, hydrating beverage option. The coffee is naturally rich in antioxidants and caffeine, typically containing 100-150 mg per 8 oz serving, which can enhance alertness and metabolism. Your choice of additions like milk or sweeteners will significantly alter the nutrition profile, so monitor those if you are managing calorie or sugar intake.
Storage
Store your brewed Starbucks Cold Brew in an airtight pitcher or storage container in the refrigerator to maintain its smooth, bold flavor and refreshing finish. Keep the cold brew chilled at all times and consume within 7 days to ensure optimal taste and quality. Avoid storing the concentrate at room temperature to prevent flavor degradation and bacterial growth.
Variation or Alternatives
You can experiment with using medium roast coffee beans instead of dark roast for a brighter, fruitier cold brew profile. Try steeping the coffee for 12 hours if you prefer a milder taste or extend to 20 hours for a stronger, more concentrated flavor. Using a fine metal mesh filter can produce a clearer brew with less sediment compared to paper filters. For a creamy texture, consider adding a splash of oat milk or cold foam when serving your cold brew over ice.
Allergies
Starbucks Cold Brew contains coffee, which may cause allergic reactions such as skin rashes, itching, or respiratory issues in sensitive individuals. Your sensitivity might also extend to compounds naturally present in coffee, like caffeine or chlorogenic acids. It's important to avoid this cold brew if you have a known coffee allergy or intolerance.
Why this recipe?
Cold Brew from Starbucks offers a smooth, rich flavor with a lower acidity level that appeals to coffee enthusiasts seeking a refreshing yet bold caffeine boost. Its unique slow-steeping process extracts nuanced notes and a naturally sweet finish, setting it apart from traditional iced coffee. If you appreciate a balanced and mellow coffee experience, crafting your own copycat version allows you to customize strength and sweetness while saving money. Your ability to replicate this specialty drink at home can satisfy your taste buds and elevate your daily coffee routine.