Introduction
If you’re obsessed with Starbucks drinks like I am, you’ve probably fallen in love with their Strawberry Cold Foam—that sweet, frothy, pink-tinted layer floating on top of iced drinks.
Guess what? You can make this Starbucks Strawberry Cold Foam Recipe 2025, a creamy, fruity treat at home in under 5 minutes!
Whether you’re topping cold brew, matcha, or iced tea, this homemade strawberry cold foam brings the same café-quality flavor with customizable sweetness and no extra cost. If you’re looking for the perfect Starbucks Strawberry Cold Foam, you’ve come to the right place!
So let’s get started!
🥤 What is Starbucks’ Strawberry Cold Foam?
» Strawberry Cold Foam is a creamy, whipped topping made with heavy cream and strawberry syrup, added to the top of iced drinks like cold brew, matcha lattes, or fruit refreshers. It’s light, airy, and slightly sweet—just enough to elevate your drink without overpowering it.
Unlike Starbucks‘ classic vanilla sweet cream cold foam, this version adds fruity notes and a beautiful pink hue, making it a top pick for spring and summer in 2025.
🛠 Kitchen Equipment Required
♥ Milk frother or handheld electric whisk
♥ Measuring cups and spoons
♥ Chilled mixing glass or frothing pitcher
♥ Tall serving glass + straw
♥ Ice (for serving)
Ingredients for Starbucks Strawberry Cold Form Recipe
Here’s what you’ll need to recreate this dreamy drink topper:
♥ ½ cup heavy cream (or oat/coconut milk for dairy-free)
♥ 2 tablespoons strawberry syrup (homemade or store-bought)
♥ 1 tablespoon milk
♥ ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
♥ Sweetener to taste (optional)
♥ Freeze-dried strawberries (optional for garnish or extra flavor)
Can I use plant-based milk?
Yes! Use barista-style oats or almond milk for better froth.
How to Make Starbucks’ Strawberry Cold Foam Recipe at Home
Making strawberry cold foam is easier than you think! Just follow these simple steps:
✅ Step 1: Chill Your Cream, Milk & Tools
Why it matters: Cold ingredients whip better and create a thick, stable foam.
What to do:
- Place your heavy cream and milk in the fridge for at least 15 minutes.
- If you’re using a stainless steel frothing pitcher or glass bowl, chill that too.
- Keep your serving drink (e.g., iced cold brew or matcha) cold and ready to go.
📌 Pro Tip: Skip this step and your foam might turn out runny instead of cloud-like!
✅ Step 2: Measure and Mix the Base
Ingredients to combine:
♥ ½ cup heavy cream
♥ 1 tablespoon milk (2% or whole works best)
♥ 2 tablespoons strawberry syrup (store-bought or homemade)
♥ ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
♥ Sweetener to taste (optional, especially if using unsweetened syrup)
How to mix:
- Pour all ingredients into your chilled pitcher or jar.
- Stir it perfectly to mix all the ingredients.
📌 Homemade strawberry syrup tip: Simmer strawberries, sugar, and water, then strain. You can use this for a more natural flavor and a beautiful pink hue.
✅ Step 3: Froth the Mixture Until Soft Peaks Form
Best tools:
♥ Handheld milk frother (most effective)
♥ Electric whisk or immersion blender
♥ French press (plunge up and down rapidly)
♥ Mason jar (shake hard for 1–2 minutes – least consistent, but works in a pinch)
Frothing technique:
- Froth for 30–60 seconds, moving the frother up and down for volume.
- Stop once the mixture turns thick, and creamy, and forms soft peaks—it should be airy but still pourable.
📌 Avoid over-whipping! It should be smooth and slightly fluffy—not stiff like whipped cream.
✅ Step 4: Pour the Drink
Suggested drinks to top:
♥ Iced cold brew or Americano
♥ Iced matcha latte
♥ Pink drink or strawberry acai refresher
♥ Iced green or black tea, lemonade, or sparkling water
How to serve:
- Now you need to fill your glass with ice & the base drink.
- Gently pour the strawberry cold foam from the top.
- Watch the pink foam cascade beautifully over the drink, forming a gradient.
📌 Optional garnish: Add freeze-dried strawberry crumbles, fresh mint, or even a strawberry slice for presentation.
✅ Step 5: Sip and Stir (or Don’t!)
- Some people like to sip through the foam layer and enjoy the contrast.
- Others stir the foam into their drink for a creamy, fully blended experience.
- Try both and see what you like!
Is strawberry cold foam sweet?
Yes, mildly sweet from the syrup—customizable to your liking.
Ingredient Substitutes for Strawberry Cold Foam
1. Heavy Cream
The primary ingredient for richness and froth.
✅ Substitutes:
- Half-and-half (lighter but still froths well)
- Full-fat coconut milk (for a dairy-free version; adds slight coconut flavor)
- Cashew cream (thicker texture; blend with plant milk to thin)
📌 Tip: Plant-based options may not froth as well, but still create a creamy texture.
2. Milk (for thinning cream)
Helps adjust the consistency of the foam.
✅ Substitutes:
♥ 2% or whole milk (standard)
♥ Oat milk or almond milk (for dairy-free)
♥ Evaporated milk (adds extra richness)
♥ Coconut milk (light) (for tropical twist)
📌 Use only a small amount (1–2 tbsp) to avoid thinning too much.
3. Strawberry Syrup
Adds sweetness, flavor, and color to the foam.
✅ Substitutes:
♥ Use homemade strawberry syrup
♥ Strawberry puree + simple syrup
♥ Freeze-dried strawberry powder + honey/agave
♥ Strawberry jam/jelly thinned with water (in a pinch)
4. Vanilla Extract (Optional)
Adds depth and rounds out sweetness.
✅ Substitutes:
♥ Maple syrup (mild flavor + sweetness)
♥ Vanilla bean paste (richer, more aromatic)
♥ Almond extract (use sparingly for a twist)
♥ Skip it if you’re using flavored syrup
5. Sweetener (Optional)
For extra sweetness depending on your taste or the syrup used.
✅ Substitutes:
♥ Honey or agave nectar (natural options)
♥ Maple syrup
♥ Monk fruit, stevia, or erythritol (sugar-free)
♥ Brown sugar syrup (caramel-like flavor boost)
6. Freeze-Dried Strawberries (Garnish or Flavor Boost)
✅ Substitutes:
♥ Fresh strawberry slices (for garnish)
♥ Strawberry dust from blended freeze-dried fruit
♥ Omit entirely if not available
📝 Pro Tips for Substitution Success
| Goal | Best Substitution |
|---|---|
| Dairy-free | Barista oat milk + coconut cream |
| Sugar-free | Stevia + sugar-free syrup |
| Extra fruity | Add strawberry puree or juice |
| No syrup | Use jam or make quick homemade syrup |
🧁 Texture Tips & Troubleshooting
| Issue | Fix |
|---|---|
| Foam too runny | Use colder cream or froth longer |
| Too thick or stiff | Add ½ tsp milk and re-froth |
| Not sweet enough | Add ½ tsp syrup or sweetener and stir |
| No frother? | Use French press or shake vigorously in a jar |
That’s it! With a few pantry ingredients and less than 10 minutes, you’ll have Starbucks-style Strawberry Cold Foam right at home—creamy, pink, and Instagram-ready.
Best Drinks to Serve with Strawberry Cold Foam
Strawberry cold foam goes with more than just coffee! Try it on:
- Iced matcha latte
- Cold brew with vanilla or chocolate
- Starbucks pink drink
- Strawberry acai refresher
- Iced tea or lemonade
It adds a creamy, fruity kick to just about anything iced!
Tips for a Perfect Starbucks Cold Foam Recipe
♥ Use full-fat cream or barista-style oat milk for the best froth
♥ Don’t overwhip—you’re not making whipped cream
♥ Always froth cold for the best texture and volume
♥ Start with less syrup, then adjust the sweetness after tasting
🔄 Customizations & Variations
Want to tweak it to your taste or dietary needs? Try these ideas:
♥ Use almond, oat, or coconut milk for a vegan-friendly version
♥ Add a dash of honey or agave for a more natural sweetener
♥ Blend in matcha or fruit puree for a colorful twist
♥ Make it sugar-free using stevia and sugar-free syrup
📦 Storing & Making Ahead
- Best served fresh, but you can store it in the fridge for up to 1 day
- If it separates, just give it a quick re-froth before serving
- Freeze leftover strawberry syrup in ice cube trays for next time!
Starbucks Strawberry Cold Foam Calories
The calorie count of Starbucks Strawberry Cold Foam depends on the ingredients and portion size. Here’s a breakdown for both store-bought and homemade versions:
⭐ 1. Starbucks In-Store Version (Tall Drink)
- Approx. 70–90 calories
- Based on a cold foam topping made with vanilla sweet cream and strawberry puree
May vary by customization (milk type, syrup amount). By: Starbucks
🏠 2. Homemade Strawberry Cold Foam (¼ cup foam)
Using standard ingredients:
♥ 2 tbsp heavy cream: ~100 cal
♥ 1 tbsp milk (2%): ~10 cal
♥ 2 tbsp strawberry syrup: ~50 cal
➡ Total: ~160 calories per serving
✅ Lower Calorie Options
♥ Use barista oat milk or coconut milk
♥ Swap with sugar-free strawberry syrup
♥ You can use light cream
➡ Reduced version: as low as 45–60 calories
📌 Note: Cold foam is usually a topping (~¼ cup), not the entire drink—so while it’s creamy, it doesn’t overload your drink with calories unless you’re using a lot.
Nutrition Facts about Starbucks’ Strawberry Cold Foam Recipe
Here are the nutrition facts for Starbucks’ Strawberry Cold Foam Recipe, based on reports from Starbucks and verified community insights:
Serving Size: Approximately ¼ cup (one cold foam topping)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~118–150 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 13–21 g |
| Fat | ~6 g |
| Protein | ~3 g |
Data from Starbucks fans via Reddit: “Macros per serving: approximately 118‑150 Calories, 13‑21g Carbs, 6g Fat, and 3g Protein.”
✅ Comparison to Similar Toppings
- A little richer than vanilla-sweet cream cold foam due to the added strawberry puree.
- Comparable in calories to standard flavored cold foams but with a fruit-forward lift.
💡 Tips for Lower Calories
- Use nonfat milk, barista oat milk, or light cream.
- Use sugar-free syrup for sweetening.
- Reduce serving size to 2 tbsp (~60–80 calories).
This makes Strawberry Cold Foam a moderately indulgent topping—around 130 kcal adds creaminess and fruity flavor without skyrocketing your drink’s calorie count.
Starbucks Strawberry Cold Foam Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Chill cream and tools for at least 5–10 minutes for best froth results.
- In a chilled cup, combine heavy cream, strawberry syrup, milk, and vanilla extract.
- Stir the mixture properly with the help of a frother or whisk until you get the soft textur.
- Now add the strawberry foam on the top of your glass filled with ice drink.
- Serve immediately with garnish (optional) and enjoy!
Notes
- Use barista oat milk or coconut cream for a dairy-free version
- Don’t overwhip—aim for soft peaks, not stiff whipped cream
- You can use homemade syrup for natural strawberry flavor
- Best served fresh; can be stored for up to 1 day in the fridge and re-frothed
FAQs About the Strawberry Cold Foam Recipe
Can kids drink strawberry cold foam drinks?
Yes, the cold foam is non-caffeinated and kid-friendly when added to drinks like lemonade or iced tea. Avoid pairing it with coffee-based drinks for younger children unless they’re caffeine-free.
Is Starbucks Strawberry Cold Foam dairy-free?
No, the original version contains dairy from heavy cream and milk. However, you can request dairy-free alternatives like oat milk or almond milk when customizing your order or making it at home.
What is Starbucks Strawberry Cold Foam made of?
Starbucks’ strawberry cold foam is made with vanilla cream and strawberry puree. The result is a lightly sweet, airy foam with a fruity flavor that’s served on top of iced drinks like cold brews or refreshers.
Does Starbucks sell Strawberry Cold Foam year-round?
Strawberry Cold Foam is often available seasonally or as a featured topping, but baristas can usually make it year-round if they have strawberry puree on hand. Just ask your barista.
Can I get a sugar-free version of Strawberry Cold Foam?
Starbucks does not typically offer a sugar-free strawberry cold foam, but at home, you can make one using sugar-free strawberry syrup and non-dairy milk alternatives.
How many calories are in Starbucks’ Strawberry Cold Foam recipe?
A serving contains approximately 118 to 150 calories, depending on the amount used and the specific milk or syrup.
Final Conclusion
In conclusion, this Starbucks Strawberry Cold Foam Recipe 2025 is a total game changer! It’s frothy and fruity and makes every iced drink feel like a gourmet treat.
Next time you’re tempted by the Starbucks menu, remember: you can have that same strawberry magic at home!
Give it a try and tag your creation with #StrawberryColdFoam2025!
If you have any thoughts or suggestions about the Starbucks Strawberry Cold Foam, then write to us in the comment section below! I’d love to hear from you!
