Starbucks Cherry Cold Foam has quickly become a favorite treat for many—a velvety whisper of cherry atop your favorite brew that turns a routine coffee run into an indulgent escape. But what if you could recreate this pink cloud of bliss right in your kitchen?
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How to make Starbucks Cherry Cold Foam
Starbucks Cherry Cold Foam is a limited-time, seasonal topping introduced in March as part of their spring menu. This creamy foam is infused with subtle cherry flavors, adding a fruity twist to various iced beverages.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup of heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons of cherry syrup (preferably Starbucks brand or any other high-quality syrup)
- 1 tablespoon of powdered sugar (optional, depending on your sweetness preference)
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract (optional for added depth of flavor)
Instructions
- Chill Your Tools: Begin by chilling your mixing bowl and whisk or beaters in the freezer for about 15 minutes before you start. Cold equipment helps to create a more stable and fluffy foam.
- Combine Ingredients: In your chilled bowl, combine the heavy cream, cherry syrup, powdered sugar (if you’re using it), and vanilla extract (if you choose to include it).
- Whisk to Perfection: Beat the mixture on high speed with an electric mixer or a hand whisk. Keep going until the mixture is light and frothy but not too stiff. You’re looking for a soft peak consistency that’s still pourable.
- Taste and Adjust: Give the foam a taste and adjust the sweetness or cherry flavor if needed. Remember that it will be mixed with your beverage, so it should be slightly stronger in flavor than if you were eating it alone.
- Serve Immediately: Spoon the cherry cold foam over your favorite iced beverage. Iced tea, cold brew, or iced coffee work wonderfully with this foam.
Tips for the Best Cherry Cold Foam Experience
- If you don’t have an electric mixer, you can use a hand-operated milk frother, but it’ll take a bit more elbow grease to achieve the desired frothiness.
- If you prefer a non-dairy version, swap the heavy cream for a full-fat coconut cream. Keep in mind that non-dairy alternatives may not froth as well as traditional heavy cream.
- For an authentic Starbucks experience, pair your homemade cherry cold foam with a cold chai latte or their signature cold brew.
- The cherry syrup is the star of the show, so quality matters. If possible, opt for a syrup free of high fructose corn syrup or artificial flavors.
- After making the foam, if it’s not as thick as you’d like, you can place it in the freezer for a few minutes to firm up slightly. Take care not to let it freeze!
What to serve with
The velvety Cherry Cold Foam from Starbucks, with its luscious hint of cherry, is a versatile topper that can enhance a variety of beverages.
- Iced Cherry Chai Latte: The Starbucks Iced Cherry Chai Latte is the signature match for the cherry cold foam, combining the spiciness of chai with the mellow sweetness of cherry. Making your version involves steeping a strong chai tea, allowing it to cool, and then mixing it with milk and ice. The Starbucks Cherry Cold Foam adds a creamy, fruity top layer that complements the chai spices beautifully.
- Cold Brew Coffee: Starbucks cold brew offers a smooth, robust coffee experience that pairs wonderfully with Starbucks Cherry Cold Foam. The natural sweetness and myriad of flavors in the cold brew are enhanced by the creamy and fruity foam, creating a harmonious balance between coffee and cherry.
- Iced Lattes or Mochas: For those who enjoy milkier coffee beverages, an iced latte or mocha provides a perfect canvas for the cherry cold foam. Chocolate and cherry are a match made in heaven, so topping an iced mocha with cherry cold foam brings out a delectable blend of flavors that chocolate enthusiasts will adore.
- Sparkling Water or Soda: For a non-caffeinated and refreshing option, consider adding cherry cold foam to a glass of sparkling water or clear soda. The result is a whimsical, cherry-flavored cream soda that’s both refreshing and satisfyingly sweet.
- Dessert-Inspired Coffees: Turn your coffee into a dessert by creating an iced coffee affogato. Place a scoop of vanilla or cherry ice cream in a glass, pour over your favorite coffee, and top with cherry cold foam. This combination makes for a decadent treat that plays on the classic affogato, with the foam adding a special touch.
- Herbal or Fruit Teas: If coffee isn’t your cup of tea, opt for a chilled herbal or fruit tea. Teas with berry notes or citrus flavors can particularly benefit from the cherry cold foam, as it will add a creamy texture and complimenting flavor, transforming a simple iced tea into something special.
Ingredients Substitutes
Creating Starbucks Cherry Cold Foam at home allows for personalization and adaptation based on preferences and dietary restrictions. While the original cherry cold foam recipe might contain specific ingredients not available to everyone or suitable for every diet, there are plenty of substitutes that can be used to achieve a similar taste and consistency.
Base Ingredient Substitutes
1. Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Foam Base
Original Ingredient: A blend of cream, milk, vanilla syrup, and possibly a cherry-flavored syrup.
Substitutes:
- For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream mixed with any dairy-free milk (such as almond, soy, or oat) to mimic the creaminess. For the vanilla flavor, use vanilla bean paste or natural vanilla extract.
- If cherry-flavored syrup is not available, consider blending in a small amount of cherry preserves or make a quick homemade cherry syrup by simmering cherries (fresh or frozen) with sugar and water until the flavors are well extracted and the liquid is syrupy.
2. Cherry Flavor
Original Ingredient: Likely a cherry syrup or concentrated cherry juice.
Substitutes:
- Use natural cherry juice concentrate for a deeper cherry flavor without added artificial ingredients.
- If cherry juice concentrate is not available, puree fresh or thawed frozen cherries and strain them to create a cherry liquid. You might need to adjust the sweetness with sugar or simple syrup.
- For an easier, though slightly different flavor profile, mix in a store-bought black cherry or maraschino cherry syrup.
Sweetener Substitutes
Original Ingredient: Starbucks typically uses vanilla syrup in its sweet cream, which likely extends to flavored cold foams.
Substitutes:
- For a lower-calorie option, use stevia, erythritol, or monk fruit sweetener. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste, as these sweeteners tend to be much sweeter than sugar.
- Maple syrup or honey can provide a flavorful natural alternative, though they will slightly alter the flavor profile.
Foam Creation Substitutes
Original Tool: Starbucks uses a special blender to create that smooth, whipped cold foam.
Substitutes:
- A milk frother can achieve a similar effect; just make sure to chill the frother attachment and the mixture beforehand to keep it cold.
- If you don’t have a milk frother, use a hand mixer or a whisk. While this might not achieve as fine a consistency as Starbucks, chilling your bowl and whisk in advance can help achieve a more aerated texture.
- A French press can also work to create foam. Simply pour the cold mixture into the press and pump the plunger up and down vigorously until foam forms.
Final Thoughts
Creating your version of Starbucks Cherry Cold Foam at home can be a delightful experiment, allowing for customization to suit your taste and dietary requirements.
More Starbucks Recipes:
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup of heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons of cherry syrup
- 1 tablespoon of powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
Instructions
- Chill Your Tools: Begin by chilling your mixing bowl and whisk or beaters in the freezer for about 15 minutes before you start. Cold equipment helps to create a more stable and fluffy foam.
- Combine Ingredients: In your chilled bowl, combine the heavy cream, cherry syrup, powdered sugar (if you're using it), and vanilla extract (if you choose to include it).
- Whisk to Perfection: Beat the mixture on high speed with an electric mixer or a hand whisk. Keep going until the mixture is light and frothy but not too stiff. You’re looking for a soft peak consistency that’s still pourable.
- Taste and Adjust: Give the foam a taste and adjust the sweetness or cherry flavor if needed. Remember that it will be mixed with your beverage, so it should be slightly stronger in flavor than if you were eating it alone.
- Serve Immediately: Spoon the cherry cold foam over your favorite iced beverage. Iced tea, cold brew, or iced coffee work wonderfully with this foam.
