Copycat Starbucks Iced Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew — DIY Pumpkin Spice Cold Brew Recipe

As the crispness of autumn settles in, few beverages are as anticipated as the Starbucks Iced Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew. With its perfect blend of cold brew coffee, sweet pumpkin spice cream, and a dusting of pumpkin pie spices, it has become a seasonal ritual. But why wait in line (or spend $6+ per cup) when you can make your own copycat Starbucks pumpkin cream cold brew at home with better ingredients, more customization, and at a fraction of the cost?

Below, we present a richly detailed, barista-level DIY pumpkin spice cold brew recipe that will become your go-to fall favorite.

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☕ What is Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew?

Starbucks’ Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew is a cold brew coffee base topped with a luscious, sweetened pumpkin cream cold foam and finished with a sprinkle of pumpkin spice. Unlike pumpkin spice lattes (which can be heavy and overly sweet), this drink provides a smooth, refreshing coffee flavor balanced with warm autumn spice.

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🎃 Ingredients for DIY Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew

To make this copycat Starbucks iced pumpkin cream cold brew, you’ll need:

Cold Brew Coffee:

• 1 cup coarsely ground coffee
• 4 cups filtered water

Or use store-bought cold brew like Stok, Chameleon, or Starbucks Cold Brew if short on time.

Pumpkin Cream Cold Foam:

• ½ cup heavy cream
• ¼ cup 2% milk or your milk of choice
• 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup or vanilla syrup
• ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
• Optional: pinch of salt for flavor balance

Pumpkin Spice Topping:

• Mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and clove — or use a ready-made pumpkin pie spice blend

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🥄 How to Make the Perfect Cold Brew at Home

If you’re not using store-bought cold brew:

1. Add 1 cup coarsely ground coffee to a mason jar or French press.
2. Pour in 4 cups of cold, filtered water and stir well.
3. Let it steep for 12–18 hours in the refrigerator.
4. Strain using a fine mesh sieve, cheesecloth, or coffee filter.
5. Store in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 1 week.

This gives a smooth, low-acid coffee base — perfect for pairing with the rich pumpkin cream.

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🍂 Making Pumpkin Cold Foam Like a Pro

The crown jewel of this beverage is the pumpkin cream cold foam. Here’s how to make it irresistibly fluffy and flavorful:

1. In a bowl or milk frother, combine:
   • ½ cup heavy cream
   • ¼ cup milk
   • 2 tbsp pumpkin puree
   • 2 tbsp maple syrup or vanilla syrup
   • ½ tsp pumpkin pie spice
   • ¼ tsp vanilla extract
   • Optional: pinch of salt
2. Blend using a:
   • Milk frother for best texture
   • Hand mixer
   • Immersion blender
   • Or shake vigorously in a mason jar
3. The result should be a soft, pourable foam — not whipped cream. It should sit atop the coffee, then slowly cascade down as you sip.

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🧊 Assembling the Iced Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew

Now for the magic.

1. Fill a glass with ice.
2. Pour in ¾ full of cold brew coffee (about 1 cup).
3. Add sweetener if desired — classic or brown sugar syrup work well.
4. Top with ¼ cup or more of your pumpkin cold foam.
5. Sprinkle pumpkin spice blend on top for the Starbucks finish.

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✨ Pro Tips for Elevating Your Pumpkin Cold Brew

• Use cold brew concentrate for a stronger coffee taste; dilute to your preference.
• Oat milk or almond milk works well in the foam for dairy-free versions.
• Add a touch of cinnamon dolce syrup for extra depth.
• A small pinch of salt in the pumpkin cream balances the sweetness beautifully.
• Chill your glass beforehand for an ultra-refreshing finish.

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💡 Customize It Your Way

This DIY version is endlessly adaptable:

Preference	Substitute Suggestion
Dairy-Free	Coconut cream + almond milk
Lower Sugar	Use monk fruit or stevia-based syrups
Stronger Flavor	Add espresso shot or use coffee ice cubes
More Spice	Increase pumpkin pie spice or add cardamom
Boozy Brunch Vibe	Add 1 oz coffee liqueur or spiced rum (optional)

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🕯 Why This Recipe Tastes Better Than Starbucks

• Real pumpkin puree, not artificial syrup
• Customizable sweetness and spice levels
• No preservatives or high-fructose corn syrup
• Cheaper, especially for daily pumpkin cravings
• Healthier ingredients — organic, dairy-free, or low-calorie as you choose

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📦 Make Ahead & Storage Tips

• Cold Brew: Keeps for 7–10 days in the fridge.
• Pumpkin Cream Base: Store mixed (unwhipped) in a mason jar up to 4 days. Froth right before use.
• Quick Serve: Prep both and assemble in under a minute in the morning.

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🎃 Nutritional Info (Approximate Per Serving)

• Calories: 130–180 (depending on milk/sweetener choice)
• Sugar: 10–15g
• Caffeine: 150–200mg
• Fat: 5–10g (mostly from cream)

For a lighter version, reduce cream or opt for low-fat milk alternatives.

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📚 Final Thoughts: Your Fall Beverage, Upgraded

Making your own Starbucks-style pumpkin cream cold brew doesn’t just save money — it allows you to elevate your beverage to a gourmet, healthier, and fully personalized version. This recipe is built to be simple enough for beginners and customizable for the home barista enthusiast.

Whether you’re curled up with a book or grabbing a cup on your way out the door, this fall-forward cold brew will warm your soul — even served over ice.