Keto Starbucks Cold Brew: Recipes and Hacks for Low-Carb Coffee Lovers

For those following a ketogenic lifestyle, enjoying a delicious and refreshing coffee drink while staying within carb limits can be a delightful challenge. Starbucks, with its myriad of options, can seem like a minefield of hidden sugars and carbohydrates. However, with a few clever modifications and some insider knowledge, it's entirely possible to create keto-friendly Starbucks cold brew beverages or even replicate them at home. This article explores various ways to enjoy a keto Starbucks cold brew, from ordering tips to homemade recipes, ensuring you can satisfy your coffee cravings without compromising your ketogenic goals.

Ordering Keto-Friendly Cold Brew at Starbucks

Navigating the Starbucks menu while adhering to a keto diet requires careful selection and specific ordering instructions. Here's how to order a delicious and satisfying keto cold brew at Starbucks:

• Start with the Base: Opt for a Venti Iced Coffee or Cold Brew. Both options are naturally low in carbs.
• No Classic: The most crucial phrase to remember is "no classic." This ensures that the sugary sweetener typically added to Starbucks drinks is omitted.
• Sugar-Free Syrups: Starbucks offers sugar-free vanilla and sugar-free cinnamon dolce syrups. A venti typically gets seven pumps, but you can customize the ratio or choose just one flavor.
• Creamy Additions: Instead of milk, ask for a "splash of heavy cream." Heavy cream is lower in carbs than half and half and adds a rich, creamy texture. To control the amount, request the heavy cream on the side. Avoid coconut and almond milk at Starbucks, as they contain added sugars.
• Misto Option: A Misto is coffee with steamed milk. Order a Venti Misto with heavy cream and sugar-free vanilla for a warm and frothy treat.
• Blended Option: For a Frappuccino-like experience, order a Venti Cold Brew blended with a splash of heavy cream and sugar-free vanilla. Be sure to specify "no base" to avoid the sugary Frappuccino base. Add whipped cream for an occasional treat, noting that it contains 2g of carbs per serving due to the added sugar.
• Americano: A Venti Americano (espresso and water) with 3 pumps of sugar-free vanilla and a splash of heavy cream is another excellent choice, offering a stronger coffee flavor.
• Tea Time: For a change of pace, consider hot or iced tea. Green tea and Peach Tranquility Tea are both carb-free. Avoid the Matcha, as it contains sugar.
• The White Drink & The Pink Drink: These colorful options can be made keto-friendly by ordering an unsweetened iced Peach Citrus Tea or Passion Tea, "no classic," with a splash of heavy cream, sugar-free vanilla syrup, and light ice.

Dutch Bros. Coffee

If you happen to be near a Dutch Bros. Coffee location, you'll find even more keto-friendly options. Dutch Bros. boasts a wider array of sugar-free flavors, including white chocolate, chocolate, caramel, vanilla, chocolate macadamia nut, hazelnut, Irish cream, peppermint, coconut, raspberry, and strawberry. Their menu also includes a Keto Cold Brew (cold brew and heavy cream) and a Keto Americano.

Creating Keto Starbucks Cold Brew at Home

For those who prefer to control every ingredient and save money, making keto cold brew at home is an excellent alternative. Here are several recipes and tips for crafting the perfect low-carb cold brew:

Basic Keto Cold Brew Recipe

This simple recipe requires only two essential ingredients:

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• Coarsely ground coffee beans
• Cold water

Instructions:

1. Combine coarsely ground coffee beans and cold water in a large container or jar.
2. Cover and let sit at room temperature for at least 12 hours, or up to 24 hours.
3. Strain the mixture using a cheesecloth, fine-mesh sieve, or coffee filter to remove the coffee grounds.
4. Mix in optional sweetener and vanilla extract, if desired.
5. Pour over ice and enjoy, or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Variations and Add-Ins

• Creamy Cold Brew: Add heavy cream, unsweetened almond milk, or coconut cream for a creamier texture.
• Sweeteners: Use sugar-free syrups (vanilla, caramel, etc.), liquid allulose, monk fruit sweetener, or stevia drops to sweeten the cold brew.
• Flavors: Enhance the flavor with vanilla extract, cinnamon, nut butter (peanut butter or almond butter), or unsweetened cocoa powder for a mocha twist.
• Protein Boost: Add whey protein powder and blend for a thicker, creamier, protein-packed drink.
• Whipped Cream: Top with sugar-free whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.
• Caramel Sauce: Stir in sugar-free caramel sauce for a rich, decadent flavor.
• Bulletproof Cold Brew: Add up to a tablespoon of MCT oil for a bulletproof approach, providing sustained energy and healthy fats.
• Pumpkin Spice Cold Foam: Create a sugar-free pumpkin spice cold foam by whipping heavy cream with sweetener and vanilla until stiff peaks form. Fold in pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice, then thin with hemp or nut milk. Float the foam on top of the cold brew for a seasonal delight.

Dairy-Free Options

For those avoiding dairy, here are some alternatives:

• Coconut Cream: Use the firm part from a can of coconut milk for a rich and creamy option.
• Almond Milk: Choose unsweetened almond milk, though you may need to double the amount for desired creaminess.
• Sugar-Free Condensed Milk: Add sugar-free condensed milk for a touch of sweetness and creaminess.

Keto Salted Caramel Cream Cold Brew Recipe

This recipe replicates the popular Starbucks drink with a keto-friendly twist, featuring actual caramel flavor and swirls:

Ingredients:

• Cold Brew Coffee
• Heavy Whipping Cream
• Liquid Allulose (or other liquid keto sweetener)
• Salt
• Vanilla Extract (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Salted Caramel Cream: In a medium bowl, combine heavy whipping cream, liquid allulose, and a pinch of salt.
2. Whisk until the mixture begins to thicken but remains pourable. Avoid turning it into whipped cream.
3. Whisk in room temperature sugar-free caramel, tasting for sweetness and adjusting as needed.
4. Assemble the Drink: Fill a glass with ice and pour in the cold brew.
5. Pour the salted caramel cream on top, leaving some caramel swirled throughout.
6. Add a touch of liquid allulose and vanilla extract to the cold brew for added flavor, if desired.

Tips and Tricks

• Brew Strong Coffee: When making iced coffee, brew the coffee stronger than usual to prevent it from becoming diluted by the ice.
• Prepare in Advance: Brew the coffee ahead of time and store it in the fridge overnight for a quick and easy morning beverage.
• Freeze for Later: Freeze cold brew in ice cube trays for a coffee slushie or frappuccino.
• Adjust Sweetness: Sweeten the cold brew to taste, as preferences vary.
• Experiment: Don't be afraid to experiment with different flavors and ingredients to find your perfect keto cold brew.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Hidden Sugars: Be wary of added sugars in seemingly innocent ingredients like almond milk and flavored syrups. Always check the labels and ask for unsweetened options.
• Overdoing the Cream: While heavy cream is keto-friendly, excessive amounts can lead to high calorie intake. Use it in moderation.
• Lattes: Avoid lattes, as they are primarily milk or cream. Stick to cold brew or iced coffee with a splash of heavy cream.

Read also: Keto Calorie Counting: A Detailed Guide

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