Starbucks Pumpkin Cold Brew (Easy Copycat)

Forget Starbucks pumpkin spice latte! My go-to fall menu coffee is the Starbucks pumpkin cold brew. 

It may not be as famous. But it is just as, if not more, yummy! 

The pumpkin cold brew is a rich, foamy drink chock full of fall-forward flavors. It’s gently spiced, not too sweet, and full of pumpkin goodness. 

And it has just a hint of vanilla for complexity and sweetness. 

Starbucks pumpkin cold brew is not your typical “hot drink” for warming up in the fall. But it is still a fall-favorite. 

And you can make a copycat version at home! 

Starbucks Pumpkin Cold Brew 

Starbucks pumpkin cold brew is perfect for those who enjoy pumpkin spice without the extra sugar. (Looking at you, PSL.)

But not everyone can dash out to Starbucks to buy one.

This copycat recipe takes care of that. It lets you make the drink in your kitchen with little effort! You only need a handful of ingredients and about 5 minutes. 

Pumpkin cold brew is full of rich autumn flavor and not too sweet. It’s also a lighter drink than the pumpkin spice latte, with fewer carbs and calories. 

Check it out if you want something fall-friendly and delicious. This cold brew is the best way to start your day! 

Ingredients

You need the following ingredients to make the perfect copycat drink: 

• Heavy Cream- If you don’t have heavy cream, use half-and-half instead. This is also an option if you want something lighter.

• Milk- I prefer whole milk because it has the sweetest flavor and best texture. However, you can use 2%. Go lower than that, and the drink will lose its creamy mouthfeel. (No skim or 1%.) 

• Pumpkin Puree- Buy pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. Also, use pure pumpkin puree with no additives or flavorings. You will add all the extras you need yourself. 

• Vanilla Syrup- Pick up Starbucks vanilla syrup for the most authentic flavor. Or use whatever vanilla syrup you like best. 

• Pumpkin Pie Spice- You can find pumpkin pie spice in the baking aisle of your local grocery store. But you can also make your own. Whisk together cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and allspice. If you need more recipes for using it up, try these 25 pumpkin spice recipes. 

• Ice- Use large cubes so they won’t melt and dilute your drink. 

• Cold Brew- You can make your own cold brew. But I never do. I pick up a bottle of Starbucks cold brew to save time and energy. 

How to Make Starbucks Pumpkin Cold Brew 

There are three methods for making the Starbucks pumpkin cold brew. Take your pick!

Use a Handheld Frother

This is my favorite way to make pumpkin cold brew. 

Follow these steps to whip it up: 

1. Pour heavy cream, milk, pumpkin puree, maple syrup, and pumpkin pie spice into a tall glass (pumpkin cream).
2. Submerge the frother in the mixture. 
3. Froth for 30 to 40 seconds. 
4. Fill two glasses with ice. 
5. Divide the cold brew evenly between the glasses, leaving room at the top. 
6. Top each drink with pumpkin cream. 
7. Garnish with pumpkin pie spice, and enjoy! 

Use a Blender

If you don’t have a handheld frother, a blender works well, too! 

1. Add the pumpkin cream ingredients to a blender. 
2. Blend for 30 seconds. 
3. Fill two glasses with ice. 
4. Divide the cold brew evenly between the glasses, leaving room at the top. 
5. Top each drink with pumpkin cream. 
6. Garnish with pumpkin pie spice, and enjoy! 

Use a Mason Jar

This method is not the best, but it works in a pinch. 

1. Add the pumpkin cream ingredients to a Mason jar. 
2. Seal the jar tightly. 
3. Shake vigorously for 30 to 45 seconds. 
4. Fill two glasses with ice. 
5. Divide the cold brew evenly between the glasses, leaving room at the top. 
6. Top each drink with pumpkin cream. 
7. Garnish with pumpkin pie spice, and enjoy! 

In short, use whatever method works best for you. Each one guarantees a rich, delicious drink. 

Tips for the Best Pumpkin Cold Brew 

Here are some tips to remember: 

• Use pure pumpkin puree, not pie filling. The pie filling contains extra sugars and spices.

• Using homemade cold brew? Use coarse-grind coffee and filtered water for the best flavor. Steep for 12 to 24 hours, and use a 2:1 coffee-to-water ratio. 

• Freeze leftover pumpkin puree. You can transfer it to ice trays. Then, you know how much you need next time.

• Don’t discard leftover pumpkin cream! I have tips for storing it below. However, you can also use it in other recipes to avoid wasting it. Stir a little into a hot cup of coffee for extra flavor. Or use it to top other fall-flavored beverages, like chicory tea or a chai latte.

• Don’t be afraid to experiment. Try different sweeteners or different coffee-to-pumpkin-foam ratios. Try it with hot coffee or iced coffee instead of cold brew. Add garnishes, including cinnamon sticks. Try various things to see what works best for you. 

Variations 

• Make it sweeter. As written, this recipe yields a less sweet drink. It has plenty of autumn flavor but not a lot of sweetness. If you prefer a sweeter drink, add maple syrup or honey. Agave nectar and Stevia will also suffice.

• Play with the cream and milk ratio. For a creamier taste, add more heavy cream. For a lighter drink, opt for half-and-half or something else. 

• Cut back on calories. For a lighter drink overall, consider almond or oat milk. This also has the added benefit of making your drink dairy-free! Just remember to replace both the heavy cream and milk with dairy-free alternatives.

• Tweak the flavor. This drink is pretty flavorful as is. However, adding a few drops of vanilla extract or extra spices can make it more so. 

Pumpkin Cream Storage 

As written, the recipe yields enough for two drinks. If you only make one, you’ll have some pumpkin cream left over. 

The good news is that it will last for up to 2 days in the fridge in an airtight container. 

You may have to make it foamy again when ready to use it. Blend it or use a milk frother to froth it up. 

You can also store your cold brew for up to 5 days.