I know – it sounds almost too good to be true. But as a fellow flavor enthusiast and an avid do-it-yourself mixologist, I’ve been trying to perfect the art of bringing Starbucks Strawberry Cold Foam magic into our kitchens.
Table of Contents
How to make Starbucks Strawberry Cold Foam
Starbucks Strawberry Cold Foam is a sweet, creamy topping made from cold foam flavored with strawberry. It’s similar to the regular cold foam they use in drinks like the Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew but with the added strawberry flavor.
Ingredients
- Strawberry Puree or Sauce: For that authentic strawberry flavor. You can use store-bought strawberry sauce or make your own by blending fresh strawberries with a bit of sugar to taste until smooth.
- Cold Foam Base: The traditional base is made from non-fat milk, but you can also use any milk of your choice for similar results, including dairy alternatives like almond or oat milk for a vegan version.
- Sweetener (optional): Depending on your preference and whether your strawberry base is already sweetened, you might want to add a bit of sugar, simple syrup, or your favorite sweetener to taste.
- Vanilla Extract (optional): A vanilla dash can add a layer of flavor to your cold foam.
Instructions:
- Prepare Your Strawberry Base: If you’re making your strawberry puree from scratch, blend about 1 cup of fresh or frozen strawberries with 1-2 tablespoons of sugar (adjust based on your preference) until completely smooth. Strain the mixture to remove seeds for a smoother foam.
- Mix the Cold Foam: In a tall container or jar, combine about ½ cup of your chosen milk with 2-4 tablespoons of your strawberry mixture. If you’re adding vanilla extract or extra sweetener, mix it in now. Taste and adjust according to your preference.
- Froth the Mixture: Using a milk frother, froth your mixture until it’s light, foamy, and has roughly doubled in volume. This should take about 30 seconds to 1 minute. If you don’t have a frother, a blender or hand mixer can work in a pinch, though the foam might not be as fine.
- Serve: Gently spoon your strawberry cold foam over your favorite iced beverage – coffee, tea, or even a simple glass of cold milk. It’s especially delightful atop a cold brew or iced latte.
Tips for Perfect Foam Every Time:
- Chill Your Tools: For even fluffier foam, chill your frother attachment and the container you plan to froth in for 10-15 minutes before use.
- Adjust to Taste: The beauty of homemade is making it exactly how you like it. Feel free to play with the ratios of strawberry to milk and the amount of sweetener until you find your perfect balance.
- Experiment: After mastering the basic recipe, why not experiment with other flavors? Raspberry, peach, or even mango can offer delightful alternatives to strawberry.
- Storage: If you have a leftover strawberry mixture, it can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for up to a week. This is perfect for spontaneous cold foam cravings!
What to serve with
The heavenly lightness of Starbucks Strawberry Cold Foam can elevate a variety of beverages, from classic coffees to more adventurous refreshers.
Classic Coffee Drinks:
- Iced Latte: Pour chilled espresso over ice, add your choice of milk, and top with a generous spoonful of Strawberry Cold Foam for a berry-kissed version of this coffee favorite.
- Cold Brew: Start with a strong, smooth cold brew base to balance the sweetness of the Strawberry Cold Foam. Its robust coffee profile and light frothiness make for an indulgently harmonious beverage.
- Iced Americano: As a simpler coffee option, prepare an iced Americano and let the Strawberry Cold Foam add a contrasting flavor and texture to this bold drink.
Tea and Tea-Based Drinks:
- Iced Passion Tango Tea: Starbucks’ very own herbal tea blend can be cooled and complimented with Strawberry Cold Foam, creating a fruit-forward and refreshing cup.
- Iced Green Tea: Choose a lightly brewed green tea served cold. The tea’s subtle bitterness pairs beautifully with the sweet froth.
- Matcha Lemonade: This tangy yet earthy drink combines the zestiness of lemonade with the unique flavor of matcha. The Strawberry Cold Foam that crowns this drink adds a sophisticated twist.
Non-Coffee Beverages:
- Strawberry Açaí Refresher: Pairing the Strawberry Cold Foam with this popular Starbucks refresher amplifies the berry flavors and makes for a visually appealing and tasty treat.
- Lemonade: For a sweet and sour experience, simply add Strawberry Cold Foam to a glass of traditional or sparkling lemonade. It’s not a common Starbucks pairing but a delight at home.
- Cream Soda: Pour a clear or vanilla-flavored cream soda over ice and finish with a dollop of Strawberry Cold Foam for a whimsical and nostalgic beverage.
Ingredients Substitutes
When creating your own Starbucks Strawberry Cold Foam at home, you may not always have access to the exact ingredients used by the coffeehouse chain.
1. For Strawberry Puree:
- Fresh Strawberries: Puree fresh strawberries in a blender or food processor until smooth. Strain the puree if you prefer a seedless foam.
- Frozen Strawberries: Thawed frozen strawberries can also be pureed and used instead of the standard Starbucks puree.
- Strawberry Jam: In a pinch, strawberry jam can substitute for puree; it’s sweetened and has a concentrated flavor. If you opt for this, remember to adjust sweeteners elsewhere in your recipe.
2. For Nonfat Milk:
- Whole Milk: While the foam may be creamier and richer, whole milk can definitely be used for frothing if you don’t have nonfat milk.
- 2% or Skim Milk: These are good compromises that also froth well while keeping the fat content lower as in the original.
- Dairy-Free Milk: For a non-dairy alternative, use soy milk, almond milk, or oat milk. Note that some plant-based milk may not froth as well as dairy, though barista editions are formulated to better mimic the frothability of cow’s milk.
3. For Vanilla Syrup:
- Simple Syrup: A basic simple syrup can be made by combining equal parts water and sugar and heating until the sugar dissolves. To mimic the vanilla flavor, add a touch of vanilla extract.
- Honey or Agave Syrup: Natural sweeteners like honey or agave can also be used for a different flavor profile, though they may influence the taste more than neutral syrups.
- Sugar-Free Syrup: For a lower-calorie option, you can use sugar-free vanilla syrup, which is available at most grocery stores.
Final Thoughts
No matter what you pair it with, Starbucks Strawberry Cold Foam makes any beverage feel a little more gourmet and indulgent. So the next time you whip up this frothy delight, consider these pairings for a match made in flavor heaven.
More Starbucks Recipes:
- Copycat Starbucks Spicy Falafel Pocket Recipe
- Starbucks Vegan Spicy Falafel Pocket Recipe
- Homemade Starbucks Dubai Donut Recipe
- Copycat Starbucks Valentine’s Drink Recipe
- Starbucks Dubai Chocolate Matcha Latte Recipe

Ingredients
- Strawberry Puree or Sauce
- Cold Foam Base
- Sweetener (optional)
- Vanilla Extract (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Your Strawberry Base: If you're making your strawberry puree from scratch, blend about 1 cup of fresh or frozen strawberries with 1-2 tablespoons of sugar (adjust based on your preference) until completely smooth. Strain the mixture to remove seeds for a smoother foam.
- Mix the Cold Foam: In a tall container or jar, combine about ½ cup of your chosen milk with 2-4 tablespoons of your strawberry mixture. If you're adding vanilla extract or extra sweetener, mix it in now. Taste and adjust according to your preference.
- Froth the Mixture: Using a milk frother, froth your mixture until it's light, foamy, and has roughly doubled in volume. This should take about 30 seconds to 1 minute. If you don't have a frother, a blender or hand mixer can work in a pinch, though the foam might not be as fine.
- Serve: Gently spoon your strawberry cold foam over your favorite iced beverage – coffee, tea, or even a simple glass of cold milk. It's especially delightful atop a cold brew or iced latte.