There’s something about a cool, velvety pumpkin cold brew that fits crisp autumn days perfectly. If you love the Starbucks original, this easy copycat recipe lets you enjoy the same layered flavors and creamy pumpkin foam at home. Expect rich cold brew coffee, subtle pumpkin pie spice, and a lush pumpkin cream that floats like a cloud. This guide will take you through each step, from choosing the right ingredients to customizing your drink and storing leftovers. You’ll discover how to develop autumn notes in each sip and craft a Starbucks-worthy cold brew in your own kitchen.
Why Pumpkin Cold Brew?
The Starbucks pumpkin cold brew brings together bold cold brew coffee, creamy milk, real pumpkin puree, and pumpkin pie spice. It’s a lighter, more refined alternative to the famous Pumpkin Spice Latte. Instead of dense sweetness, you get gently layered spice, smooth pumpkin, and the refreshing cold brew base. The drink feels festive but balances sweetness, making it easy to drink throughout fall. If you find the PSL a little heavy, you’ll appreciate the lighter, frothy texture of this pumpkin cold brew.
Ingredients for the Perfect Pumpkin Cold Brew
A great cup starts with quality ingredients. Each component plays a distinct role in flavor and texture. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and why each makes a difference:
| Ingredient | Purpose | Substitutions / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cold brew coffee | Smooth, robust coffee base | Use homemade or store-bought |
| Heavy cream | Richness for the pumpkin cream | Sub with half-and-half for lighter feel |
| Whole milk | Balancing cream, adds sweetness | Try 2% for slightly lighter drink |
| Pumpkin puree | Real pumpkin flavor | Only use pure pumpkin, not pie filling |
| Vanilla syrup | Adds sweetness and aromatic notes | Maple syrup or honey works, too |
| Pumpkin pie spice | Classic autumn spice blend | DIY with cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves |
| Ice cubes | Keeps the drink cool and crisp | Large cubes work best |
Quick Ingredient Tips
- Pumpkin puree: Avoid pumpkin pie filling. Pure pumpkin delivers clean flavor.
- Cold brew: Make your own by steeping coarse coffee in cool water for 12-20 hours, or buy premade cold brew for convenience.
- Spice: Pumpkin pie spice is a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Feel free to mix your own or add a pinch of each.
- Sweetener: Vanilla syrup brings authentic Starbucks flavor; maple syrup adds a woodsy, caramel note.
How to Make Starbucks Pumpkin Cold Brew
Bringing the Starbucks experience home requires just a few steps. You’ll make pumpkin cream, prep your cold brew and assemble the drink. There are several methods for frothing the pumpkin cream, so you can use whatever tools you have on hand.
Step 1: Prepare the Pumpkin Cream
You’ll need:
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree
- 1 tablespoon vanilla syrup (or maple syrup)
- ¼ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
Combine everything in a tall glass or small bowl. The result is the pumpkin cream, which adds each sip a sweet, spiced cascade.
Step 2: Froth the Cream
Choose your favorite method:
Using a Milk Frother (Fastest, Easiest)
- Insert a handheld milk frother into the pumpkin cream mix.
- Froth for 30–40 seconds, until the cream thickens and looks like mousse.
Using a Blender
- Add the mixture to a blender cup.
- Blend for 20–30 seconds, until foamy and light.
Using a Mason Jar (No Special Equipment)
- Pour the pumpkin cream mix into a jar with a lid.
- Seal tightly and shake hard for 45 seconds. The mixture should become aerated and hold a little structure.
Step 3: Assemble the Drink
- Fill two tall glasses with ice cubes.
- Pour cold brew into each glass—fill about ¾ full.
- Spoon or pour the pumpkin cream over the top. Watch it swirl gently down through the coffee.
- Sprinkle a light dusting of pumpkin pie spice for garnish.
Tips for an Authentic Pumpkin Cold Brew
Take your copycat game up a notch with a few extra tips:
- Chill all your ingredients: Cold tools and liquids help maintain the foam’s texture.
- Try different coffees: Choose a medium-roast cold brew for smoothness or a dark roast for intensity. Avoid flavored coffees—they’ll compete with the pumpkin notes.
- Adjust sweetness: Tweak the vanilla or maple syrup to taste. Taste after mixing and add more if needed.
- Use filtered water: If you’re making cold brew at home, filtered water yields cleaner coffee flavor.
Variations and Customizations
The original drink is balanced, but you can make it your own in several ways:
- Extra Sweet: For a dessert-like sip, double the syrup. Drizzle a bit of caramel over the pumpkin cream for a caramel pumpkin cold brew.
- Lighter Drink: Sub both the heavy cream and milk with oat milk or almond milk for a dairy-free pumpkin cream. The texture will be slightly less thick, but the flavor holds up.
- Stronger Coffee: Add more cold brew and less cream for a punchier coffee hit.
- Spiced Up: Mix in additional cinnamon or nutmeg, or add a tiny splash of vanilla extract for more complexity.
- Hot Pumpkin Cream: For cooler days, warm the pumpkin cream and add it over hot coffee for a twist on a pumpkin latte.
Storing Pumpkin Cream and Cold Brew
Making a big batch? Here’s how to keep everything fresh:
- Pumpkin Cream: Store unused pumpkin cream in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps for up to two days. Before using, give it a quick shake or froth to restore its texture.
- Cold Brew: Keep extra cold brew in the refrigerator for up to five days. Store it in a glass bottle with a lid to preserve its flavor.
Example: Freezing Pumpkin Puree
Pumpkin puree leftovers are common after making one or two drinks. Freeze the extra in an ice cube tray. Pop out a cube next time and thaw before adding to your pumpkin cream mix.
Troubleshooting Guide
If you run into trouble, here’s how to fix common problems:
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Pumpkin cream too thin | Froth longer, or use more heavy cream |
| Pumpkin cream sinks immediately | Coffee may be too hot; use chilled cold brew |
| Drink not sweet enough | Stir in extra syrup and taste again |
| Can’t find pumpkin pie spice | Blend cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different milk?
Yes. Oat, almond, or soy milk all work. The cream will be slightly less rich.
Does this have caffeine?
Yes. Cold brew is high in caffeine, so enjoy responsibly if you’re sensitive.
Is the pumpkin cream vegan?
You can make a vegan version by swapping in coconut whipping cream and plant milk.
What’s the best way to serve?
This drink is best served over ice in a tall glass, with the pumpkin cream poured just before drinking.
Starbucks Pumpkin Cold Brew Recipe (Printable)
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cold brew coffee
– ¼ cup heavy cream
– ¼ cup whole milk
– 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree
– 1 tablespoon vanilla syrup or maple syrup
– ¼ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. Mix heavy cream, milk, pumpkin puree, syrup, and pumpkin pie spice.
2. Froth until thick using your preferred method.
3. Fill two glasses with ice.
4. Pour cold brew into each glass, leaving room for cream.
5. Top with pumpkin cream and a pinch of pumpkin pie spice.
Making your own Starbucks pumpkin cold brew is easy, fast, and rewarding. Each sip delivers autumn flavors, bold coffee, and creamy pumpkin. Adjust the spice and sweetness to match your tastes. With this recipe, you can bring a taste of the coffeehouse home and start your fall days with something special.
Starbucks Pumpkin Cold Brew (Easy Copycat)
This copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Cold Brew tastes just like the real thing. Maybe even better. Skip the line and enjoy this quintessential fall drink at home.
Ingredients
- ice
- 1/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice, plus more for garnish
- 2 tablespoons milk (2% or higher)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla syrup
- 1 1/2 cups cold brew coffee (store-bought)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin puree
Instructions
- Combine heavy cream, milk, pumpkin puree, vanilla syrup, and pumpkin pie spice in a mixing bowl. Whisk with a frother, electric whisk, or blender until well blended and slightly frothy.
- Fill two glasses with ice. Pour cold brew coffee evenly into the glasses, leaving some space at the top. Slowly layer the pumpkin cream on top. Garnish with a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice.
- Serve and enjoy!