Step-by-Step Guide to Keto Cold Brew – A Starbucks Rival
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Make a keto cold brew with just two ingredients at home. With a smooth, refreshing flavor, you’ll never buy Starbucks again. It’s a flavorful and invigorating pick-me-up to start your day or as an afternoon boost.
This low-carb cold brew is the perfect coffee to enjoy chilled over ice for any occasion. The concentrate of cold brew is generally stronger than drip coffee but also much better for sensitive stomachs.
The secret lies in the cold brewing method, where coarsely ground coffee beans are left to steep in cold water for an extended period. This process brings out the coffee’s naturally bold essence without the bitterness associated with traditional brewing methods. The result is a smooth, refreshing cold brew that’s second to none.
You can whip up a small batch for yourself or have a larger jar on hand for guests and gatherings.
Kick your coffee shop habit and save some money by making this Starbucks keto cold brew at home instead!
Table of Contents (click to view)
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple ingredients: Only two ingredients make this recipe as easy as possible.
- Amazing flavors: A smooth, rich coffee flavor that can be customized to your preference, just like any drink from the Starbucks menu (but without the added sugar)!
- Budget-friendly: Save money by making this cold brew coffee recipe at home instead of buying from Starbucks.
- Basic kitchen equipment: All you need is a mason jar and a fine mesh sieve.
- Easy-to-follow directions: Walk through just four easy steps.
- Minimal cleanup
How to Make Keto Cold Brew
Whether you’re on a low-carb keto diet or can’t tolerate dairy milk in your coffee, this keto cold brew Starbucks recipe is right up your alley. The best part about this keto drink is that it’s so easy to make. With only two ingredients, you’ll have it prepped in under five minutes!
All you need to do is combine the ground coffee and cold water in a jar and stir it well.
Let it sit for at least 12 hours on the counter and shake it a time or two if you remember.
The next day, strain the coffee grinds out with a fine-mesh sieve, pour it over ice, and get ready to enjoy.
Scroll to the bottom of this post for a printable recipe card with a full list of ingredients, measurements, and step-by-step instructions to make this uber-simple cold brew recipe at home.
Ingredients You Need
- Coffee: A fresh coarse ground coffee will maximize flavor. The flavor can be adjusted depending on the coffee you choose.
- Water: You need cold, filtered water as the base of your keto cold brew.
Like regular coffee, you can enjoy keto drinks like this cold brew black or with milk and a keto sweetener. Per serving of cold brew, add ¼ cup of coconut milk, two teaspoons of sweetener, and ¼ teaspoon of vanilla extract.
You’ll also need a handful of ice cubes.
Substitutions
A classic brewed coffee is an easy win, but you might be missing one of the key ingredients to make a homemade version of keto cold brew Starbucks beverages. Make this your base recipe and try any of these quick and clever substitutions:
- Coffee: Avoid caffeine and use decaf or low-caffeine coffee instead. This cold brew will also work with herbal coffee, but the flavor will vary slightly.
- Coconut milk: Substitute with seed or nut milk like almond milk, or a splash of heavy cream instead.
- Sweetener: Use any sugar-free sweetener you like, such as erythritol, liquid stevia, monk fruit, or xylitol.
- Vanilla: For a boost of flavor to your brew. Other flavor extracts like almond and hazelnut are also nice.
- Ice: Chill the liquid in the fridge or freezer before serving. Mix with chilled coconut milk or water to bring the temperature down.
Variations
Want to add your own spin? Make these fun variations and stretch this recipe into more delightful homemade renditions of popular low-carb Starbucks drinks.
Iced Coffee
When it comes to Starbucks cold drinks, iced coffee is a no-brainer, with the option to choose from dark roast, blonde roast, or Pike Place roast. Keep your keto cold brew as is, or add a pump or two of your favorite sugar-free syrup if you’re not ready to drink your coffee black.
Caffè Americano
Make espresso shots or coffee concentrate by doubling or tripling the ratio of coffee to water, then dilute it accordingly upon serving. This drink is great for both hot and iced.
Nitro Cold Brew
Make a creamy brew with a 1:4 cup ratio of coarsely ground dark roast to cold filtered water, and mix with your preferred sweetener. Add heavy cream and two pumps of sugar-free vanilla syrup for more flavor.
Espresso con Panna
Keto cold brew made with a splash of heavy cream. Replace heavy cream with steamed dairy milk or almond milk (to add a layer of milk foam on top) and turn it into a keto espresso macchiato.
Keto Iced Shaken Espresso
Basically cold brew with milk. Keep it keto-friendly by adding almond milk or heavy cream, sweetener, and sugar-free vanilla syrup. Pour 1 cup of ice cubes and shake in a cocktail shaker until frothy.
Keto Frappuccino
Skip the usual sugar-loaded frappuccino base! Prepare 1 cup of keto cold brew with 1-2 cups of ice cubes, half a cup of heavy cream or unsweetened almond milk, 1 teaspoon of vanilla, and keto sweetener for a light sweetness. Blend on high until smooth and frothy. Optionally, add 1 tablespoon of MCT oil, simple flavored syrup, and whipped cream for topping.
Keto Cinnamon Dolce Latte
Make two shots of espresso (called a doppio) or coffee concentrate and add a splash of heavy cream, two pumps of sugar-free vanilla syrup, and a pinch of ground cinnamon.
Iced Blonde Vanilla Latte
If you can’t tolerate dairy milk, replace it with almond milk or heavy cream, then add two pumps of sugar-free vanilla syrup. How’s that for a keto Starbucks drink?
Low-Carb Flat White
Create a velvety smooth drink by combining keto cold brew and whole milk. But instead of steamed milk, go for a flat white with half heavy cream and half hot water. You’ve got yourself a low-carb Starbucks flat white!
Salted Caramel Macchiato
Black coffee with almond milk sweetened with sugar-free caramel syrup or caramel drizzle, keto sweetener, and ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract. Garnish with a pinch of sea salt and optionally, a dollop of whipped cream.
Iced Mocha
Mix ¼ teaspoon cacao powder per serving with steamed milk and sweetener. Pour over ice and satisfy your coffee and chocolate cravings stat!
Skinny Mocha
This rich and flavorful coffee with a hint of chocolate lets you enjoy a Starbucks fan favorite at home! Swap milk for a 50/50 mix of heavy whipping cream and hot water, then add 2 tablespoons of cacao powder and stevia for the skinny mocha sauce. Fill the glass with ice and add whipped cream on top if desired.
Pumpkin Spice
When fall is here, mix ¼ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice and sweeten with sugar-free pumpkin spice syrup. It’s as delicious as its Starbucks rival and you’ll never guess it’s low-carb and sugar-free.
Bulletproof Coffee
Add up to a tablespoon of MCT oil to each serving of cold brew for a bulletproof approach. Blend it in a blender or with a milk frother before serving.
Homemade recipes have the flexibility to be customized to your tastes, so be your own barista and enjoy experimenting with what works best for you. As a zero-fiber recipe, this homemade version of a keto cold brew Starbucks is keto-carnivore-friendly when served black or with heavy cream.
Pick and choose the ingredients you do best with. Consider sweetening with honey or maple, if not keto.
This recipe is dairy-free, nut-free, grain-free, egg-free, and nightshade-free.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Only 5 minutes of prep time but the coffee does need at least 12 hours to steep. Plan to make this the night before or have a jar ready to go in your fridge for days you need it.
Follow these simple directions, and you can’t go wrong!
1. In a large container or jar, combine the coarsely ground coffee beans and cold water. Stir well to make sure all the coffee grounds are submerged in the water.
2. Cover the container and let it sit at room temperature for at least 12 hours, overnight, or up to 24 hours. Don’t worry, it won’t be bitter. You can shake the contents a few times but don’t have to.
3. After the steeping time, strain the cold brew using a cheesecloth, fine-mesh sieve, or coffee filter to remove the coffee grounds. Discard the grounds.
4. Mix in the optional sweetener and vanilla, if using. Pour over ice or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to use. Upon serving pour the milk into the coffee and stir to combine well.
Expert Tips
- Use high-quality coffee beans for the best flavor.
- Use a coarse-grind coffee if you’re sensitive or prefer an extra smooth flavor.
- Play with the coffee-to-water ratio based on your desired strength. Use more ground coffee for a stronger brew or reduce the amount for a milder one.
- Scale the serving size up or down depending on how many people you have to serve.
- Taste and adjust the milk and sweetener before serving. I always recommend tasting while cooking, so you can get to know the dish and adjust it as you like best.
How To Make Large Batches
You’ll want a big batch if serving this keto cold brew at a party or shower. Instead of having a large jar in the fridge, make a stronger cold brew and dilute it in water.
Double or triple the ratio of coffee to water. Then dilute it with cold water accordingly.
For example, if the concentrate is double strength. Dilute with 50% water before serving. That would mean combining one cup of water with every cup of concentrate.
Big batches are great to pour into a pitcher and have people self-serve. Arrange the milk and sweetener on the side so everyone can help themselves and adjust to the taste they like best.
Nutritional Info
This recipe yields 1 (16-ounce) serving of keto cold brew.
Per serving with optional coconut milk, sweetener, and vanilla:
- 334 calories
- 3 g protein
- 36 g fat
- 5 g total carbs
- 1 g fiber
- 4 g net carbs
Please note that the nutritional value will change if you substitute ingredients. Use a nutrition app to recalculate and reflect your changes.
How to Store This Recipe
Store plain or sweetened keto cold brew coffee in an air-tight jar for up to two weeks in the fridge.
Wait to mix the milk or cream in just before serving.
If storing, do not add ice to the coffee because the ice will melt over time.
Keto Cold Brew Recipe FAQ
This is the perfect cold brew recipe for anyone on a keto diet. Be sure to avoid sugar and any classic syrup, and stick with natural sweeteners instead. Use heavy cream, unsweetened nut or seed milk, or coconut milk to make your cold brew extra creamy. Amp up the flavor with vanilla extract, cinnamon, or sugar-free syrups.
Believe it or not, there are keto-friendly options on the Starbucks menu, so you might not have to cut out your favorite coffee chain altogether. That is if you don’t mind the higher cost and enjoy the convenience of on-the-go drinks.
But the benefits stop there.
Making cold brew at home is easier than you might think, and you probably already have all the ingredients right now! With a homemade keto cold brew, you have total control over the flavor, strength, and sweetness.
Best of all, you can control the quality of the ingredients and know there are no hidden sugars or unwanted additives. Once made, you can store them in the fridge and enjoy homemade keto Starbucks drinks at home, anytime.
This is an ideal recipe for people who like to plan ahead. Get a jump start on your meal prep whenever works best for you, and save the cold brew in the fridge until serving.
Freeze cold brew coffee in ice cubes for future use. It’s as simple as pouring the brew into an ice cube mold and popping it in the freezer.
When you’re ready to enjoy a cold coffee, let the ice cubes melt in a glass or blend them in a blender with a splash of water or milk.
What to Serve with Keto Cold Brew
Pair a cold brew with anything you like to eat with coffee.
Serve with sweet treats like no-bake coconut macaroons, keto peanut butter cups, or a bowl of fresh berries.
At a party, spread out savory snacks for a crowd like a bacon cheddar “crack” dip, pickle chips, cheese curds, grilled sandwiches, or other keto-friendly weight loss options.
More Keto Coffee Recipes To Try
- Dirty Chai Smoothie – A bold blend of espresso and chai spices in a creamy smoothie.
- Keto Espresso Martini – A low-carb cocktail with espresso, vodka, and sugar-free syrup.
- Ashwagandha Coffee – Coffee infused with ashwagandha, known for stress reduction.
- Bone Broth Latte – A nutritious latte combining the power of bone broth with coffee.
If you make this recipe, please leave a review. I appreciate each 5-star rating and review comment!
Keto Cold Brew Recipe
Equipment
- 1 pint-sized glass jar with lid
- 1 Cheesecloth fine-mesh sieve, or coffee filter
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups water
- 1 ½ tablespoons coarsely ground coffee freshly ground is best
- ¼ cup coconut milk
- 2 teaspoons Keto sugar substitute
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Combine the coarsely ground coffee beans and cold water in a jar.1 ½ cups water, 1 ½ tablespoons coarsely ground coffee
- Stir well to make sure all the coffee grounds are submerged in the water.
- Cover the container and let it sit at room temperature for at least twelve hours, overnight, or up to twenty-four hours. Don’t worry, it won’t be bitter. You can shake the contents a few times but don’t have to.
- After the steeping time, strain the cold brew using a cheesecloth, fine-mesh sieve, or coffee filter to remove the coffee grounds. Discard the grounds.
- Mix in the optional sweetener and vanilla, if using. Pour over ice or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to use. Upon serving pour the optional milk into the coffee and stir to combine well.¼ cup coconut milk, 2 teaspoons Keto sugar substitute, ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
Video
Notes
- Use high-quality coffee beans for the best flavor.
- Use a coarse grind coffee if you’re sensitive or prefer an extra smooth flavor.
- Play with the coffee-to-water ratio based on your desired strength. Use more ground coffee for a stronger brew or reduce the amount for a milder one.
- Scale the serving size up or down depending on how many people you have to serve.
- Taste and adjust the milk and sweetener before serving. I always recommend tasting while cooking so you can get to know the dish and adjust it as you like best.
Nutrition & Macros
To obtain the most accurate representation of the nutritional information in a given recipe, please calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients and amounts used, using your preferred nutrition calculator. Under no circumstances shall the this website and the author be responsible for any loss or damage resulting for your reliance on the given nutritional information.
It would help to know how many cups of water per tablespoon coffee….to get started.
Hello, Cecilia. The recipe card says 1.5 tablespoons coarsley ground coffee per 1.5 cups of water. That’s a great place to get started.
Just tried the keto cold brew coffee recipe and I love it. The smoothness of the coffee perfectly complements the coconut milk. This is officially my go-to summer drink.
Thanks for the great feedback. It’s always a pleasure to hear what people are loving!