Copycat Starbucks Cherry Cold Foam Recipe

If you’ve seen the pink, fluffy swirl topping drinks at Starbucks and wondered what that is, it’s their Cherry Cold Foam. In simple terms, it’s a creamy, sweet foam infused with cherry flavor, usually poured over iced drinks like matcha, chai, or cold brew.

But here’s the good news: You don’t need a barista badge or a green apron to enjoy it. I’ve tested copycat versions at home, experimented with syrups and powders, and trust me: it’s easier than you’d think.

What is Starbucks Cherry Cold Foam?

Starbucks Cherry Cold Foam is a whipped topping made with vanilla sweet cream and cherry syrup or powder. It’s light, frothy, and slightly tangy from the cherry flavoring.

When I first tried it, I was honestly surprised. It’s not as heavy as whipped cream but not as plain as milk foam either. Imagine the smoothness of cold foam but with a hint of cherry candy vibe. That’s what makes it unique.

And yes, people are talking about it all over Reddit and TikTok. Some love the sweet twist, others call it “a dessert on top of coffee.” I’d say it’s somewhere in between.

Starbucks Cherry Cold Foam Ingredients

Here’s what goes into the Starbucks version (based on barista insights and copycat recipes):

• Heavy cream – for that thick, silky base
• 2% milk – helps lighten the foam so it doesn’t feel too heavy
• Vanilla sweet cream or syrup – balances the tartness of the cherry
• Cherry syrup or cherry powder – the flavor star

Some Reddit users even mentioned Starbucks uses a cherry-flavored powder that baristas mix into the vanilla sweet cream (about 2 scoops of cherry powder + 100ml vanilla sweet cream). At home, you can swap with cherry syrup or even maraschino cherry juice if that’s what you’ve got in the pantry.

How to Make Starbucks Cherry Cold Foam at Home

Here’s my go-to copycat method. You don’t need fancy gadgets; a handheld frother or blender works fine.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup heavy cream
• ¼ cup 2% milk (or oat milk for dairy-free)
• 2 tbsp vanilla syrup
• 1–2 tbsp cherry syrup or 2 scoops cherry powder

Instructions:

1. Add all ingredients to a tall glass or blender cup.
2. Froth with a handheld frother (or whip on low in a blender) until it doubles in volume and looks airy.
3. Pour over iced matcha, chai, or coffee. Watch the foam slowly cascade, so satisfying.

I’ve tried making it with almond milk, too. Honestly? It doesn’t froth quite as well, but it works if you’re avoiding dairy.

Nutrition, Calories & Sugar

On average, a tall (12oz) Starbucks drink with cherry cold foam clocks in between 110–220 calories. The range depends on how much syrup is added.

• Calories in Starbucks Cherry Cold Foam: ~140 (according to recipe estimates)
• Sugar: Can be 12–20g depending on syrup
• Fat: 4–7g from the cream

I once ordered it on top of an iced chai and felt like I was drinking a dessert. If you’re calorie-conscious, ask your barista for “light cold foam”; they’ll use less cream and syrup.

Diet-Friendly Twists (Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free)

Here’s what you should know:

• Is Starbucks Cherry Cold Foam dairy-free? Nope, the original isn’t. It’s made with dairy cream.
• Is it gluten-free? Yes, the foam itself doesn’t contain gluten.
• DIY lighter version: Use coconut cream or oat milk creamer. I tried oat milk once, and it doesn’t whip as stiffly, but it still gives a decent cherry kick without the dairy heaviness.

And hey, if you’re experimenting, try monk fruit syrup or sugar-free vanilla to shave off a few calories.

Community Reactions: Is It Good?

If you hop on Reddit or TikTok, you’ll see mixed reviews:

• Some say “it tastes like cherry candy on top of my coffee” (which they love).
• Others complain it’s “too sweet” or “overpowers the drink.”

Personally? I think it works best when paired with drinks that already have bold flavors, like matcha or chai. On plain iced coffee, the cherry can feel a little too artificial.

Still, it’s fun to try. And if you make it at home, you control the sweetness level, something Starbucks doesn’t let you tweak.

Best Starbucks Drinks with Cherry Cold Foam

Wondering what to order (or make at home)? Here are the winners from my experiments and what the community raves about:

• Iced Matcha Latte + Cherry Cold Foam – earthy + fruity = balance
• Iced Chai Latte + Cherry Cold Foam – sweet, spicy, cherry twist
• Cold Brew + Cherry Cold Foam – strong coffee flavor cuts the sweetness
• Iced White Mocha + Cherry Cold Foam – dessert in a cup

Pro tip: If you’re making it yourself, drizzle extra cherry syrup inside the cup before adding your drink. Looks Instagram-worthy.

FAQs About Starbucks Cherry Cold Foam

What’s in Starbucks Cherry Cold Foam?
It’s made with heavy cream, milk, vanilla syrup, and cherry syrup or powder.

How many calories are in cherry cold foam?
Around 110–220, depending on size and syrup.

Does Starbucks cherry cold foam have dairy?
Yes, the standard recipe uses dairy cream.

Can you make it dairy-free?
Yes, swap cream with coconut or oat creamer.

Is it gluten-free?
Yes, Starbucks cold foams don’t contain gluten ingredients.

Final Thoughts

So, is Starbucks Cherry Cold Foam worth it? In my opinion, yes, at least once. It’s playful, different, and kind of feels like a dessert topping. But I’ll be honest: I prefer making it at home where I can tone down the sweetness.

If you’re the kind of person who likes trying seasonal or TikTok-famous drinks, this one’s for you. And if you’re like me—someone who loves tinkering with recipes—you’ll have fun whipping up your own cherry foam experiments in the kitchen.

Life’s too short to skip the foam.