Copycat McDonald’s Creamy Vanilla Cold Brew Recipe

If you’ve been chasing that sweet spot between bold cold brew and soft vanilla cream, McDonald’s just cracked the code with their new Creamy Vanilla Cold Brew. But what if you’re miles from a test location or craving one at midnight? This copycat brings all that creamy-smooth, marbled magic right to your kitchen, no wait, no mystery syrup.

It’s light but still dessert-y, with just enough vanilla sweetness to round off the chill of the coffee. Whether you’re sipping it as a morning refresh or an afternoon pick-me-up, this McDonald’s Creamy Vanilla Cold Brew copycat feels like a treat that got its balance just right.

Make it as-is for an 80-calorie refresh or tweak it richer for a full-on café indulgence. Either way, the first sip hits like a slow summer breeze through a drive-thru window.

How to Make McDonald’s Creamy Vanilla Cold Brew

Start by brewing a strong cold brew concentrate overnight (or shortcut with store-bought). The vanilla cream comes together with a quick whisk of condensed milk, half-and-half, and a splash of vanilla. Pour your cold brew over ice, drizzle the cream over the top, and watch those milky swirls settle into the glass like a coffee lover’s lava lamp.

Froth the cream for a fluffy topper or leave it silky smooth, both ways deliver that unmistakable layered McCafé look.

Nutrition Facts (per 16 oz serving)

Calories: 85
Total Fat: 3.5 g
Saturated Fat: 2 g
Carbohydrates: 11 g
Sugar: 9 g
Protein: 2 g
Caffeine: ~130 mg

Ingredients (1 serving, 16 oz)

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Brew Time: 12–18 hours (cold brew)
Total Time: 5 minutes (once coffee is ready)
Servings: 1

• 8 oz cold brew concentrate (homemade or bottled)
• 4 oz cold filtered water
• ½ cup ice
• 2 Tbsp vanilla cream syrup:
  • 1 Tbsp sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 Tbsp half-and-half (or light cream)
  • 1 tsp vanilla syrup (or ¼ tsp vanilla extract + 1 tsp simple syrup)
  • Pinch of sea salt

Tools You’ll Need

• Jar or French press for cold brew
• Fine strainer or filter
• Small whisk or frother
• Tall 16 oz glass
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spoon or stir stick
• Optional: frother for a foamy version

Instructions

1. Brew the cold brew
Combine ½ cup coarsely ground coffee with 2 cups cold water in a jar. Stir, cover, and steep in the fridge for 12–18 hours. Strain through a filter or fine mesh. Store concentrate for up to 1 week. (You’ll only need 8 oz here.)

2. Make the vanilla cream syrup
In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together condensed milk, half-and-half, vanilla syrup, and a pinch of salt until smooth. You can also shake it in a small jar. Chill.

3. Build the drink
Add ice to a 16 oz glass. Pour in 8 oz cold brew concentrate and 4 oz cold water. Stir.

4. Add the cream
Slowly pour the vanilla cream syrup over the top. Watch it swirl through the coffee, creating that signature marbled look. Stir gently if you like it fully blended.

5. Optional foamed version
Froth the vanilla cream syrup for 10–15 seconds and spoon it gently over the top for a cold foam effect.

Tips

• Use a 1:4 ratio for cold brew concentrate (½ cup coffee to 2 cups water).
• Chill your cream mix ahead of time for better swirls.
• Frothing adds body but isn’t required, classic McDonald’s style stays silky, not fluffy.
• Salt enhances the vanilla flavor without tasting “salty.”
• Use sugar-free vanilla syrup for a lighter, ~60 calorie version.

What to Serve With

Fresh and Crunchy

• Fruit & nut granola bars – Light enough to keep things feeling fresh, with a bit of texture to contrast the drink’s smoothness.
• Sliced apple with almond butter – Crisp, nutty, and naturally sweet. It brings out the vanilla tones while offering a healthy energy boost.
• Toasted coconut chips – Airy and lightly sweet, they echo the creamy base while staying crisp.

Comforting Treats

• Soft vanilla scones – Buttery, crumbly texture that mirrors the drink’s smoothness. Perfect for dunking.
• Mini blueberry muffins – The fruity pop pairs beautifully with vanilla and coffee notes.
• Honey oat cookies – Subtly sweet, a bit chewy, and comforting alongside cold coffee.

Savory Counterpoints

• Ham and egg breakfast sliders – Great for mornings when you want something salty with your sweet sip.
• Cheddar biscuit sandwiches – Flaky, cheesy, and perfect with a chilled vanilla brew.
• Everything bagel bites – The punchy seasoning contrasts the mellow vanilla and keeps your palate interested.

Variations

Iced Caramel Cream Cold Brew
Replace vanilla syrup with caramel syrup in the cream. Adds a toasty note that complements the coffee’s boldness.

Chocolate-Vanilla Cold Brew
Add ½ tsp cocoa powder to the cream mix and whisk well. Think mocha, but subtler.

Dairy-Free Version
Use oat milk creamer and condensed coconut milk in the vanilla cream. Still rich, but vegan-friendly.

Protein-Packed Cold Brew
Swap the water for vanilla protein shake. Froth the cream and pour it on top to keep the indulgent texture.

Holiday Spice Version
Add 1/8 tsp cinnamon or pumpkin spice to the vanilla cream mix. Tastes like autumn in a cup.

Ingredient Substitutes

Cold Brew Concentrate
Original: Homemade concentrate
Substitutes: Bottled cold brew, cooled-down strong coffee (double strength), espresso + ice

Half-and-Half
Original: Light cream
Substitutes: Whole milk, oat milk creamer, canned coconut milk (chilled)

Vanilla Syrup
Original: Store-bought syrup
Substitutes: 1:1 mix of sugar and water with vanilla extract, honey + vanilla, or sugar-free syrup

Sweetened Condensed Milk
Original: Regular condensed milk
Substitutes: Coconut condensed milk, evaporated milk + sweetener, or omit for lighter version

Ice
Original: Regular cubes
Substitutes: Coffee ice cubes (for a stronger drink), crushed ice for faster chilling

Salt
Original: Pinch of sea salt
Substitutes: Himalayan salt, or omit for a gentler cream profile