Best Starbucks Cold Brew Alternatives: Iced Coffee, Americanos, and Shaken Espressos

When Starbucks runs out of cold brew, there are still great options available. Iced coffee, Americanos, and Shaken Espressos offer similar flavor profiles and can be customized to meet your caffeine needs. Here’s how to get your coffee fix with these cold brew alternatives.

Cold Brew Unavailable? Starbucks’ Iced Coffee and Espresso Drinks Offer Great Alternatives

Many customers have experienced the disappointment of arriving at their local Starbucks only to find out that cold brew is unavailable. Unlike other coffee options, there's no quick solution, as Starbucks' cold brew is brewed in small batches that take 20 hours to steep. For cold brew enthusiasts, this can pose a dilemma. However, there are alternative options available. Starbucks offers two beverages that can provide a similar flavor profile and caffeine boost: iced coffee and iced espresso-based drinks.

While cold brew and iced coffee aren't identical, cold brew is notably smoother and less acidic due to its no-heat brewing process. Yet, Starbucks’ iced coffee and espresso-based beverages, such as Americanos, offer a comparable experience for those who prefer black coffee. In May 2024, Starbucks updated its iced coffee blend to a mellower alternative and stopped serving it sweetened by default, making it an even more suitable replacement for cold brew.

Starbucks also offers a variety of espresso options. An Iced Americano made with the mild-flavored Blonde Espresso Roast can replicate the smooth-tasting notes of cold brew more closely than the bolder, darker Signature Espresso. If the cold brew is typically enjoyed with flavored syrups, cream, or cold foam, iced coffee, and Americanos can be customized similarly. Iced Shaken Espressos also offers another flavorful alternative. According to a former Starbucks barista and black coffee enthusiast, iced coffee with a shot of Blonde Espresso is a personal favorite substitute for cold brew.

Looking for a Caffeine Boost? Starbucks Iced Coffee and Americano Can Rival Cold Brew's Kick

While the smooth flavor of cold brew is a key attraction, many fans prefer it for its higher caffeine content. Tasting Table reports that this is crucial for those relying on coffee for a much-needed energy boost. The question is whether an Americano, iced coffee or Shaken Espresso will provide the same caffeine hit. The answer is not exactly—but adjustments can be made to achieve a similar effect.

A grande cold brew contains about 205 milligrams of caffeine, compared to 185 milligrams in an iced coffee. Although the difference is slight, more caffeine can be obtained by ordering a Venti iced coffee, which contains around 265 milligrams, or by adding an extra espresso, which adds roughly 75 milligrams of caffeine. This creates a drink called a Red Eye, totaling about 260 milligrams of caffeine.

For those opting for espresso, a grande Americano contains about 225 milligrams of caffeine from its three shots, offering a caffeine content comparable to cold brew. Since espresso is brewed hot, the number of shots can be adjusted to match the desired caffeine level. Modify the number of shots in the drink for more or less caffeine.