You’ll love this Irish Cream Cold Brew, a homemade version of Starbucks’ seasonal favorite. An ice-cold brew coffee flavored with a dash of Irish cream syrup and topped with vanilla whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder, this sweet treat is the perfect rich and creamy caffeine pick-me-up!
If you get as excited as I do when Starbucks announces its holiday menu each year, you are going to LOVE this Starbucks cold brew recipe for the seasonal Irish Cream Cold Brew fan favorite.
While I do enjoy doing the occasional Starbucks run, I enjoy remaking classic coffee drinks, like the Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew, at home even more. And my take on this creamy holiday cold brew is as delicious as you would get in the store, all without having to leave the house!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe //
- If you enjoy Starbucks’ Irish Cream Cold Brew during the holidays, you can enjoy it all year long by making it at home.
- The strong taste of cold brew pairs perfectly with Irish Cream syrup and vanilla whipped cream, without being overly sweet.
- The whipped cold vanilla cream is as easy as it gets, coming together in only one minute.
- Cold brew can be made at home overnight in the refrigerator, or you can use bottled brew to save time.
- It can be made into a coffee cocktail with a splash of Bailey’s or Irish whiskey.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 2-4 pumps Irish Cream Syrup
- cold brew coffee
- ice
- cocoa powder
Irish Cream Syrup:
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 tsp vanilla
- ½ tsp almond extract
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder
How To – The Steps
Step 1: Add heavy cream and powdered sugar to a cold bowl. Whip until it holds just holds shape.
Step 2: Add ice to a tall glass. Add 2 pumps of Irish Cream syrup.
Step 3: Pour cold brew 3/4 of the way.
Step 4: Top with cream. Sprinkle with cocoa powder.
To make Irish Cream Syrup – Bring sugar and water to a boil. Remove from heat and add vanilla, almond extract, and cocoa powder. Whisk until combined. Pour into a bottle and store in the fridge.
Recipe Tips //
- For a creamy foam that holds its shape, use cold heavy cream and whip it in a cold bowl that has been chilled in the freezer for at least 10 minutes.
- I use an immersion blender for whipping the cream, however, a handheld mixer will also do the trick. Typically it takes about one minute to get a foamy texture if you are making only one serving, but up to five minutes if you are making a bigger batch of cream.
- I make my own cold brew (see my instructions in the How to Make Cold Brew section), but because it has become a popular beverage you can find plain cold brew coffee bottles in most grocery stores.
- Chill your glasses in the freezer for at least 10 minutes before serving! The cold glass will help keep your iced coffee cold and your whipped cream from losing its foamy texture. Any ice will do to keep this coffee drink cold, but we suggest cube-shaped ice and not crushed ice, which melts faster and will make your iced coffee watery.
- Irish Cream syrup is what gives this cold brew its unique flavor, so definitely don’t skip this ingredient! I purchased it in a pump bottle and enjoy a few pumps in my daily hot coffee as well. You can also make your own Irish Cream syrup from scratch!
Variations //
The cold brew and cream variations are truly endless! Below are a few flavor combination ideas, get creative and try one out or go wild and pull together a cold brew coffee cocktail bar for brunch or after dinner.
- Amaretto: Add a shot of Amaretto to the cold brew and top with vanilla sweet cream.
- Kahlua: Add a shot of Kahlua to the cold brew and top with vanilla sweet cream, or make a chocolate sweet cream.
- Grand Marnier: Add a shot of Grand Marnier to the cold brew and top with vanilla sweet cream and a citrus twist.
- Nutty Irishman: Make the Irish cream with Baileys and Frangelico and top with vanilla sweet cream.
FAQs
What’s in Starbucks’ Irish Cream Cold Brew?
Starbucks’ Irish Cream Cold Brew is made with Starbucks’ cold brew coffee, Irish cream simple syrup, sweet vanilla cold cream, ice, and is topped with a dusting of cocoa powder.
What does an Irish Cream Cold Brew taste like?
An Irish Cream Cold Brew tastes like an iced coffee with Bailey’s liquor and cold cream.
Can you make an Irish Cream Cold Brew vegan?
You can make an Irish Cream Cold Brew vegan by substituting the dairy cream with coconut cream. Making a cold whipped coconut cream foam will take some forethought. The can of coconut cream should be chilled in the refrigerator overnight. Whipping it will take more time to become a sturdy foam, about 10 minutes with an immersion blender or handheld mixer.
Does an Irish Cream Cold Brew have alcohol?
An Irish Cream Cold Brew does not have alcohol, as it is made with cold brew coffee, Irish cream simple syrup, and a whipped vanilla sweet cream foam. However, you can add a splash of Bailey’s and/or an Irish whiskey like Jameson for a boozy brew.
What if I don’t have vanilla paste?
A small amount of vanilla paste brings flavor to the cold foam. If you don’t have vanilla bean paste, then ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract can be substituted.
How much is a pump?
Typically, a pump is about 1/2 tablespoon or 1/4 ounce. You can adjust the number of pumps (2-4) in this recipe according to your taste preference. Enjoy your delicious Irish Cream Cold Brew!
How To Store Irish Cream Cold Brew
Store leftover cold brew in a pitcher in the refrigerator for up to five days. The cold whipped cream can also be stored in the refrigerator, but will only hold its shape for up to one day so we recommend whipping up a new batch with each serving.
Cold brew coffee can be frozen for up to three months and then thawed before serving. Do not freeze the cream, it will not hold its shape or consistency when thawed.
More Starbucks Recipes You’ll Love //
- Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew Coffee
- Starbucks Vanilla Spice Latte
- Starbucks White Chocolate Peppermint Mocha
Starbucks Irish Cream Cold Brew
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 Tablespoons powdered sugar
- 2-4 pumps Irish Cream Syrup
- Cold Brew Coffee
- ice
- Cocoa powder
Homemade Irish Cream Syrup
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- 1 Tablespoon cocoa powder
Instructions
- Add heavy cream and powdered sugar to a cold bowl. Whip until it holds just holds shape.
- Add ice to a tall glass. Add 2 pumps of Irish Cream syrup.
- Pour cold brew 3/4 of the way.
- Top with cream. Sprinkle with cocoa powder.
- To make Irish Cream Syrup – Bring sugar and water to a boil. Remove from heat and add vanilla, almond extract, and cocoa powder. Whisk until combined. Pour into a bottle and store in the fridge.
How much is “a pump”?
Hi there, Typically, a pump is about 1/2 tablespoon or 1/4 ounce. You can adjust the number of pumps (2-4) in this recipe according to your taste preference. Enjoy your delicious Irish Cream Cold Brew!