It’s everyone’s favorite time of the year: pumpkin spice season! Fall isn’t complete without a pumpkin cream cold brew. Starbucks made this drink famous, but buying a drink every week dries up your wallet fast. Luckily, you can make this delicious pumpkin cream cold brew right at home for a fraction of the cost.

This Starbucks copycat recipe is smooth, creamy, and topped with that signature addictive pumpkin cold foam. Once you make it, you might not even want the Starbucks version anymore.

Here’s how to easily make this delectable cold brew drink at home!

What Is Pumpkin Cream Cold Foam Cold Brew?

You’re probably most familiar with this drink thanks to Starbucks, which introduced the pumpkin cream cold brew in 2019. It was the first new pumpkin-flavored coffee offering since their iconic Pumpkin Spice Latte debut in 2003.

It’s made with cold brew coffee, vanilla, pumpkin cold foam, and pumpkin spice. Because its base is cold brew, this drink appeals to people who like the flavor of coffee (let’s be real, the PSL does not taste like coffee). Thus, this drink quickly became a fall favorite for many!

When Does Starbucks Have Pumpkin Come Out?

In 2025, both PSL and pumpkin cream cold brew return early, launching on August 26. It seems like the fall menus launch earlier and earlier each year!

Many believe that pumpkin spice has been overly commercialized, the poster child for “basic” consumer culture, and rolled out too early in the season. Yet, it remains undeniably popular (capitalism stops for no one).

What Does a Pumpkin Cream Cold Foam Cold Brew Taste Like?

The pumpkin cream cold foam cold brew is a lighter and more refreshing version of the pumpkin spice latte. The original version actually did not have pumpkin in it (the pumpkin spice syrup used to be just vanilla syrup and spices), but now there are trace amounts in it.

It’s creamy, sweet, spiced, bold, slightly savory, with that signature chocolatey cold brew flavor. There’s no bitterness or sour notes either! This recipe uses actual pumpkin puree, which gives it a subtle pumpkin pie flavor.

What is Pumpkin Cold Foam?

Pumpkin cold foam is a pumpkin-flavored twist on the classic sweet cream cold foam. You make it by whipping heavy cream, milk, pumpkin puree, pumpkin spice, sugar (or simple syrup), and vanilla until it’s light and fluffy. Most recipes actually do not use pumpkin puree, and just a pumpkin spice syrup (which may or may not have pumpkin in it). But I think the addition of pumpkin makes it taste better.

It tastes a lot like pumpkin pie ice cream or a fluffy pumpkin spice whipped cream. A single portion is around 250 calories, but making it at home gives you control over the sugar and ingredients.

To make it, just whip together the ingredients with a handheld frother or blender until fluffy. Then, pour it over your coffee and watch it cascade down for a cool, creamy waterfall!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll need:

• 2 tsp pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)
• ¼ tsp vanilla extract or paste
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• 2 tbsp milk
• ¼ tsp pumpkin pie spice
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1-1½ cup cold brew
• 1 cup ice

Tip: If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice, you can make your own by mixing ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, allspice, and ginger together. You can also just use cinnamon and nutmeg as a replacement.

How to Make Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew (Copycat Recipe)

1. Make or buy your favorite cold brew. If homemade, let it brew for at least 16 hours and no more than 24 hours.
2. Add pumpkin puree, heavy cream, milk, spices, vanilla, and sugar to a small cup or bowl.
3. Whisk the cream for 10 – 20 seconds using a handheld frother or electric whisk until soft and fluffy. Stop when you have soft peaks; avoid making whipped cream.
4. Add ice and cold brew to a separate glass; add sweetener if desired. Then, top with your fluffy pumpkin cold foam. Garnish with a dusting of pumpkin spice or ground cinnamon.
5. Mix and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew

• No pumpkin pie spice? No problem. Make your own pumpkin spice blend with ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, allspice, and cloves. If you don’t have all the spices, just cinnamon and nutmeg will be good enough.
• Use quality cold brew. Cold brew should taste smooth and chocolatey, not bitter or watery. If you’re making it at home, use coarsely ground coffee in a 1 to 8 ratio of coffee to water, steep 12–18 hours, and strain well.
• Make a big batch. Brew a large jar of cold brew at the start of the week and store it in the fridge. That way, you only need to whip up the cold foam to enjoy! You can also make cold foam in a big batch but it will need to be rewhipped over time.
• Shortcut with pumpkin spice syrup. Instead of using pumpkin puree, you can use a pumpkin spice syrup to flavor the cold foam. It saves time but it will lose that slightly savory pumpkin flavor.
• Use a garnish stencil. I experiment with a cute handcut pumpkin stencil for the top and it turned out so cute! It’s an easy way to be festive.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using hot coffee instead of cold brew. Hot brewed coffee poured over ice will taste watery and bitter. Stick with cold brew or at least a strong concentrate. If you do use hot coffee, make sure to let it cool completely before using.
• Over-whipping the foam. You want it fluffy and pourable, not stiff like whipped cream. Stop mixing once it thickens slightly. If you overmix, add a little bit more cream and milk and re-whip to the right consistency.
• Using too much spice. Too much spice can overpower the coffee (if that’s even possible, haha). A little goes a long way! If you accidentally use too much, try to scoop as much out as possible. You can also add back some cream to balance.

Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew Variations

One of the best things about making your own pumpkin cream cold brew at home is how easy it is to customize it! Here are a few fun variations to try:

• Vegan Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew: Swap the heavy cream for oat, coconut, or vegan-alternative cream.
• Iced Pumpkin Cream Latte Version: If you prefer a creamier taste, I recommend making an iced pumpkin cream latte instead. You can follow the same recipe for the pumpkin cold foam, and add it on top of a regular iced latte.
• Different Flavors: To spice up the flavors, you can add a drizzle of caramel, chocolate, or maple syrup for extra fall yumminess. You can also experiment with chai spice!
• Skinny Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew: Use a sugar-free pumpkin spice syrup or reduce the amount of syrup and swap the heavy cream for a lighter dairy like unsweetened almond, oat, or regular milk.

Frequently Asked Questions: Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew

How many calories are in a pumpkin cream cold brew?

A grande (16 oz) has roughly 200–250 calories, depending on the amount of foam and syrup. All the calories comes from the foam as the cold brew itself has 0 calories.

How much caffeine is in a pumpkin cream cold brew?

A standard grande (16 oz) cold brew has about 200 mg of caffeine, which is 50 mg more than a regular latte. It’s quite caffeinated, so be wary if you’re sensitive to caffeine!

Is there actual pumpkin in it?

Yes, this version has real pumpkin in it! Starbucks pumpkin drinks used to not have pumpkin in it, but now it does (albeit very small). I use about 2 tsp which is just enough to taste like pumpkin pie.

Can I make a vegan version?

Of course! Just swap out the heavy cream and milk for your favorite non-dairy alternatives. Oat milk and cream is a great option since it’s creamier.

What day is pumpkin spice back at Starbucks in 2025?

Starbucks usually launches its fall menu in late August. Exact dates vary by year, so keep an eye on official announcements or your local store! In 2025, Starbucks launches its fall menu on August 26. (Too early or just right?)

Other Fall Drinks You’ll Love

Now that you’ve mastered the pumpkin cream cold brew, why not explore more cozy fall drinks? Here are a few ideas to try next:

• Pumpkin spice latte
• Pumpkin cream chai latte
• Salted caramel latte
• Maple salted cream cold brew
• Caramel hojicha latte
• Pumpkin pie milk
• Pumpkin spice dalgona coffee