Copycat Starbucks Brown Sugar Cold Foam Recipe

What if I told you that you don’t have to make a trip to Starbucks every time you crave it? That’s right—today, we’re going into a step-by-step recipe to recreate the Starbucks Brown Sugar Cold Foam at home! It’s surprisingly easy and will have you impressing friends, family, or even yourself with your barista skills.

How to make Starbucks Brown Sugar Cold Foam

Starbucks Brown Sugar Cold Foam is a sweet and creamy topping made by blending nonfat milk or a dairy alternative with brown sugar syrup until it’s frothy and smooth. It’s typically used as a topping for cold beverages, like iced coffee or cold brew, and adds a rich, slightly molasses-like sweetness along with a velvety texture.

Ingredients

• Heavy Cream – 3 tablespoons
• 2% Milk or Non-Dairy Alternative – 2 tablespoons
• Brown Sugar Syrup – 1 to 2 tablespoons, depending on sweetness preference
• Pinch of Sea Salt (optional)
• Ice – To serve with your drink of choice.

Tools You’ll Need

• Milk Frother (electric or handheld) OR a blender for whipping up the foam.
• Measuring spoons for accuracy.
• A chilled bowl (optional but recommended for better foam consistency).

Instructions

1. Make the Brown Sugar Syrup (if needed): You can easily make it at home if you don’t have premade syrup. Combine 1/2 cup of brown sugar with 1/2 cup of hot water in a small saucepan. Stir over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and the mixture thickens slightly. Let it cool before using. Store extra syrup in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

2. Combine the Ingredients: In a chilled bowl or your frother container, add 3 tablespoons of heavy cream, 2 tablespoons of 2% milk (or non-dairy option), and 1 to 2 tablespoons of brown sugar syrup. If you’re feeling adventurous, add a pinch of sea salt for a sweet-and-savory kick.

3. Froth It Up: Using a milk frother (electric or handheld), blend the mixture until it becomes thick and creamy. This should only take 15-30 seconds.

4. Top Your Drink: Pour your Brown Sugar Cold Foam over your preferred cold brew, iced coffee, iced latte, or even an iced chai tea latte. For an aesthetic finish, drizzle a little extra brown sugar syrup on top!

5. Serve and Enjoy: Sip and savor your masterpiece—officially bringing the coffee shop experience home.

Tips for the Perfect Starbucks Cold Foam

• Use Cold Ingredients: Cold foam works best when the cream and milk are chilled. Consider chilling your bowl or frother container before starting for an extra frothy finish.
• Frother vs. Blender: A milk frother is the easiest way to achieve a consistent foam. If you don’t have one, a handheld whisk or shake-in-a-mason-jar method can work, but may require a little more effort.
• Adjust the Sweetness to Taste: Start with 1 tablespoon of syrup and add more if you prefer a sweeter foam. For a twist, you can even experiment with flavored syrups like vanilla, cinnamon dolce, or maple.
• Non-Dairy Variations: Oat and coconut milk are the best non-dairy options for frothing, as their creaminess mimics heavy cream. For the brown sugar syrup, replace regular brown sugar with coconut sugar for a vegan recipe.
• Experiment with Drinks: While the Brown Sugar Cold Foam tastes amazing on cold brew, don’t be afraid to try it on other drinks too! Pair it with iced matcha lattes, iced chai tea lattes, or even iced hot chocolate for a creative twist.

What to serve with

Starbucks Brown Sugar Cold Foam is a delightful topping with a sweet, caramel-like flavor. It is perfect for enhancing beverages and dishes. Pairing it with complementary food items is key to creating a memorable experience.

Light Refreshments:

Warm Pastries:

• Cinnamon Rolls: The warm spice of cinnamon complements the sweetness of the foam. Serve the rolls slightly warmed for an irresistible pairing.
• Croissants with Honey Glaze: The flaky texture and light sweetness pair wonderfully with the caramel notes of the foam.
• Apple Turnovers: The fruity and tangy flavors blend harmoniously with the subtle brown sugar sweetness.

Breakfast Items:

• Freshly Toasted Bagels: Serve with a smear of cinnamon cream cheese to enhance the foam’s flavor profile.
• Pancakes/Waffles: To mimic the brown sugar flavor, add a dollop of whipped cream and drizzle with maple syrup or caramel.
• Oatmeal or Overnight Oats: Garnish with brown sugar, cinnamon, and nuts to replicate the topping’s warm, sweet essence.

Dessert Pairings:

Cookies:

• Snickerdoodles: Their cinnamon-sugar coating aligns perfectly with the foam’s taste.
• Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies: The nuttiness and richness enhance the beverage’s flavors.
• Sugar Cookies with Cinnamon Dusting: A simple, sweet treat to complement the foam.

Cakes and Pastries:

• Coffee Cake: A classic pairing with coffee drinks, especially with the foam’s sweet and cozy flavors.
• Carrot Cake: The brown sugar and spices hint blend well with the earthy carrot cake.
• Churros: Their cinnamon-sugar coating mirrors the foam’s flavor profile perfectly.

Dessert Bowls:

• Ice Cream Sundae: Use vanilla ice cream topped with caramel or butterscotch drizzle for a creamy, indulgent treat alongside Brown Sugar Cold Foam beverages.
• Fruit Salad: Fresh fruits like apple slices, pears, and baked peaches offer a refreshing option.

Ingredients Substitutes

Creating a homemade version of Starbucks Brown Sugar Cold Foam is a great way to enjoy this delectable topping anytime.

Heavy Cream:

Substitute:

• Half-and-Half or Milk: For a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or a mixture of whole milk and a bit of melted butter. However, this will reduce the richness.
• Coconut Cream: This can add a slight coconut flavor but will still provide the creamy texture needed for foam.
• Non-Dairy Creamers: Options like almond or oat creamers can also work, especially if aiming for a dairy-free alternative.

Milk:

Substitute:

• Non-Dairy Milk Alternatives: Almond, oat, or soy milk can be used, though they will slightly alter the taste and texture.
• Coconut Milk: This will add a mild coconut flavor, complementing the brown sugar nicely.

Brown Sugar:

Substitute:

• Coconut Sugar: Offers a similar caramel undertone and can be used in a 1:1 ratio.
• Maple Syrup: This is a liquid substitute, so you might want to adjust the quantity to avoid making the foam too runny.
• Date Sugar: Another natural sweetener with a similar flavor, though it might impart a slightly different texture.
• Honey or Agave Syrup: Use as a liquid alternative for different flavor notes.

Vanilla Extract:

Substitute:

• Vanilla Bean Paste: Provides a more intense vanilla flavor and can be used in equal measure.
• Almond Extract: Use sparingly, as it has a strong flavor. It can add a unique twist to the foam.
• Maple Extract: Provides a complementary flavor if you want a more autumnal note.

Salt:

Substitute:

• Sea Salt or Kosher Salt: Both can enhance the sweet flavors, with careful taste adjustment to prevent overpowering the sweetness.
• Light Sprinkle of Cinnamon or Nutmeg: If avoiding salt, a dash of these spices can add depth without the sodium.

Final thoughts

The versatility of Starbucks Brown Sugar Cold Foam allows you to pair it with various sweet, savory, and refreshing options, creating a delightful pairing experience for any occasion!

More Starbucks Recipes:

• Starbucks Pink Drink Strawberry Acai Coconut Milk Recipe