Recreating Starbucks Reserve’s Whiskey Barrel-Aged Cold Brew at home is a straightforward process that diverges from traditional iced coffee in both flavor and preparation. According to Starbucks, enthusiasts can achieve this at-home experience by using their specialized products: Starbucks Reserve Knob Creek Bourbon Barrel-Aged Guatemala coffee, priced at $42, and a cold brew set available for $24.95. The process is simplified into five main steps, supplemented with water, ice, and a sweetener.
Starbucks suggests using their dedicated cold brew kit, although any similar product will suffice. The primary effort lies in the extended, hands-off brewing time. Here’s a step-by-step guide based on Starbucks’ instructions:
Begin by opening the cold brew kit.
Place 1 cup of coarsely ground whiskey barrel-aged coffee into the provided coffee sock, twist to seal, and position it in a jar.
Add 2 cups of cold filtered water to the jar and let it brew for 18 to 24 hours.
After brewing, remove and clean the coffee sock for future use.
Incorporate 1/4 cup of vanilla or simple syrup into the brewed coffee, stir well, and dilute with water in a 1:1 ratio. Serve over ice and enjoy!
Understanding the unique qualities of Starbucks’ whiskey barrel-aged cold brew adds to the experience. This special coffee originates from Guatemala, where the beans are aged in oak barrels previously used for Knob Creek bourbon. The bourbon’s rich flavors and aromas permeate the beans, resulting in a distinctive barrel-aged coffee. Starbucks notes that while the coffee beans absorb the essence of the bourbon, no alcohol remains post-roasting. The final product offers a smooth, sweet taste with complex notes of chocolate, stone fruit, and oak.
Though brewing this cold brew at home lacks the immersive experience of a Starbucks Reserve roastery—where patrons can enjoy coffee tastings, food pairings, and expert mixologists—the process still delivers a high-quality cold brew. It is important to note that this guide pertains to the simple cold brew coffee, distinct from the more elaborate malted milkshake-style drink found at select Starbucks Reserve locations in Seattle, New York, and Chicago. The latter includes whiskey barrel-aged coffee beans mixed with vanilla gelato, chocolate, orange bitters, whipped cream, and an Amarena cherry.