Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew
Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew is a delightful seasonal beverage that perfectly captures the essence of autumn. It features a base of slow-steeped, low-acidity cold brew coffee served over ice. The drink is crowned with a rich and airy cold foam, which is infused with real pumpkin purée, sweet vanilla, and a blend of warm pumpkin pie spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. This layered drink offers a wonderful contrast in temperatures, textures, and flavors, from the bold coffee below to the sweet, spiced cream on top.
Preparation
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Preparation time
Difficulty
Drink Classification
This beverage is classified as an iced coffee drink. It falls into the modern category of specialty coffee beverages, popularized by coffee shop culture, combining cold brew with a flavored cream topping.
Serving
Serve this non-alcoholic coffee drink cold in a large tumbler or highball glass filled with ice to maintain its refreshing quality. The visual appeal of the layered coffee and foam is best showcased in a clear glass.
Serving size
Approximately 355-475 ml / 12-16 oz
Alcohol content
0% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Tumbler
Glass treatment
None
Backstory
This drink was popularized by the global coffee chain Starbucks, which introduced it in the fall of 2019. It quickly became a seasonal phenomenon and a fan-favorite alternative to the classic hot Pumpkin Spice Latte. Its success lies in its appeal to cold coffee drinkers and its perfect balance of coffee bitterness with sweet, spiced cream.
Origin
United States, 2019. Popularized by Starbucks as a seasonal beverage for the autumn season.
Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew
The drink is known by its descriptive name, Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew, which clearly states its components. Alternative names like Pumpkin Spice Cold Foam Cold Brew emphasize the spice blend and the specific type of creamy topping used.
Original name
Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew
Alternative names
- Pumpkin Spice Cold Foam Cold Brew
- Iced Pumpkin Cream Coffee
Characteristics overview
This drink presents a beautiful layered appearance with a rich, velvety texture from the pumpkin cream foam contrasting the smooth cold brew. The flavor is a harmonious blend of coffee bitterness balanced by sweet, spiced pumpkin cream, making it a quintessential autumn beverage.
Flavor
Coffee, Pumpkin spice, Creamy, Sweet, Vanilla, Cinnamon, Nutmeg
Aroma
Coffee, Pumpkin, Warm spices, Cinnamon
Taste balance
Sweet, Bitter
Aftertaste
Creamy, Lingering spice, Smooth coffee
Fizziness
None
Color appearance
Layered, Dark brown, Light orange foam
Texture
Smooth, Velvety, Creamy, Rich
Seasonality
Refreshing, Autumnal, Seasonal
Flavor intensity & Experience
The flavor profile is dominated by sweetness and creaminess, balanced by the moderate bitterness of the cold brew and a gentle warmth from the spices. It is a non-alcoholic and non-carbonated beverage.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation
Ingredients
The core ingredients are a strong cold brew coffee and a homemade pumpkin cream foam. The foam is made from heavy cream, milk, pumpkin purée, vanilla syrup, and pumpkin pie spice.
- Cold Brew Coffee240 ml / 8 ozStrong, concentrated cold brew is recommended. Can be store-bought or homemade.
- Heavy Cream60 ml / 2 ozFor a vegan/dairy-free version, use full-fat coconut cream or a barista-style oat milk.
- Milk30 ml / 1 oz2% milk works well. Can be substituted with a plant-based milk of choice.
- Pumpkin Purée2 tablespoonsEnsure it is 100% pure pumpkin purée, not pumpkin pie filling.
- Vanilla Syrup1 tablespoon / 15 ml / 0.5 ozAdjust to taste. Can be substituted with maple syrup or another sweetener.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice1/4 teaspoon, plus more for garnishA blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.
Ice type
- Cubed
Mixing equipments
The essential piece of equipment is a handheld or electric milk frother to whip the cream mixture into a light, airy foam. Basic measuring tools are also needed.
- Milk Frother: To create the cold foam.
- Small Bowl or Jug: For mixing the foam ingredients.
- Measuring Spoons and Cups: For accurate ingredient measurement.
Instructions
The process is simple: first, prepare the pumpkin cream by frothing cream, milk, pumpkin, and spices together. Then, assemble the drink by pouring cold brew over ice and topping it with the prepared foam.
1. In a small bowl or jug, combine the heavy cream, milk, pumpkin purée, vanilla syrup, and 1/4 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice.
2. Use a handheld milk frother to whip the mixture until it thickens into a soft, velvety foam. This should take about 30-60 seconds.
3. Fill a large tumbler or glass with ice cubes.
4. Pour the cold brew coffee over the ice, leaving about an inch of space at the top of the glass.
5. Slowly pour the pumpkin cream cold foam over the top of the cold brew, allowing it to float on the surface.
6. Garnish with an additional sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice on top of the foam before serving.
Garnishing
A simple sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice over the foam enhances the aroma and adds a finishing touch. This garnish is both visually appealing and flavorful.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice: A light dusting on top of the foam.
Dietary Information
This drink contains caffeine from coffee and dairy from the cream. It is naturally egg-free, soy-free, nut-free, and gluten-free, but dairy-free and vegan versions can be made with plant-based alternatives.
✕ Contains alcohol
✕ Caffeine-free
✕ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✕ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly
Nutrition information
This drink has a moderate calorie count, primarily from the cream and sugar in the foam. The sugar content is relatively high, making it a sweet treat rather than a simple coffee.
Calories
Averagely 250-350 kcal / 1046-1464 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
25-35g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
24-34g
Sugar level
Occasions
This drink is perfect as a special morning coffee, an afternoon treat, or anytime you want to enjoy the flavors of fall. It's particularly popular during the autumn months as a refreshing yet cozy beverage.
- Morning Coffee
- Afternoon Pick-Me-Up
- Fall Treat
- Cozy Day Drink
Pairing suggestions
This coffee drink pairs beautifully with autumnal baked goods that complement its spice profile. Items like pumpkin bread, scones, or apple cider doughnuts are excellent choices. A simple, buttery pastry also provides a nice contrast to the sweet and spiced flavors.
- Pumpkin Bread or Muffin
- Cinnamon Scone
- Apple Cider Doughnut
- Croissant or other flaky pastry
Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew: The Perfect Autumn Indulgence
The Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew is a modern coffee classic that defines the flavor of autumn. Its clever combination of strong, smooth cold brew and a light, pumpkin-spiced cream topping creates a multi-layered sensory experience. It's both refreshing and comforting, perfect for those crisp fall days. Simple to make at home, it allows you to enjoy a coffee-shop quality treat anytime.
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