Each day starts with a cup of hot coffee or cold brew coffee (depending on the time of the year) and we can’t afford the time or money to run to the coffee shop everyday. So, we set out on a mission to create the perfect Starbucks-copycat cold foam at home. No matter what tools you have on hand, we have tested an option for everyone! So whether you are making an Iced Matcha Latte or Iced London Fog, you can easily make that creamy cold foam to go on top. When you see just how easy this process is, you will be adding cold foam to ALL your beverages!
Looking for a Festive, Fall Coffee with Cold Foam?
Then you definitely need to try our Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew!
What is Cold Foam
Cold Foam is frothed milk (or dairy-free alternative) that has been infused with air through the frothing process, but no heat is used, so it ends up being simply cold frothed milk! Perfect for iced coffee or tea drinks. It differs from homemade whipped cream in that the texture is more airy and less heavy.
Key Ingredient + Kitchen Tools
All of the kitchen tools listed are not needed, simply pick the one you have or that works best for you.
- creamer – any variety of milk or creamer will work here! Some froth better than others, but pick-up the option that works best for you and your taste.
- hand frother – our trusty handheld milk frother is very inexpensive and easy to use!
- electric milk frother – I have used a Breville milk frother for years now and love it. They are more expensive, but if you use it every day I think they are worth the investment!
- french press – this might actually be one of my favorite methods! We love this french press!
- blender – a high powered blender or food processor can also be used.
- mason jar – get a little arm workout by securing the lid on top and shaking until you reach your desired consistency.
How To Make Cold Foam With A Hand Frother
How to Make Cold Foam With An Electric Milk Frother
How To Make Cold Foam Without A Frother
If you do not have a milk frother there are a few different options for you:
- french press – we love this option and it is so easy! Simply add your desired creamer to the french press, place the lid on top, and start moving the plunger up and down. Continue until you have cold foam to use on any beverage.
- blender – a simple blender can be used to quickly add air and creaminess to your creamer, just make sure you add enough. If it is a large blender it might need more creamer to work.
- mason jar – perfect for traveling or if you prefer to have less gadgets in your home. Just pour in the creamer, secure the lid, and get shaking!
Can I Add a Flavor or Sweetener to my Cold Foam?
The recipe card below is for a basic, unsweetened cold foam. If you prefer to have a flavor and/or sweeteners in your cold foam, those can easily be added to the creamer right before it is mixed. It doesn’t matter which process you use, just add a splash of vanilla extract, maple syrup, honey, etc to the creamer before frothing.
Best Ways To Serve Cold Foam
There are so many beverages that would be great with some cold foam on top. From a simple cup of hot coffee, cold brew coffee made at home or bought in the store, tea, hot chocolate, or even a cocktail. Enjoy it any way you want!
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How to Make Cold Foam
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: How-To
- Method: Hand Frother
- Cuisine: American
Description
An easy, step-by-step tutorial that teaches you How to Make Cold Foam – 5 different ways! Tastes just like Starbucks cold foam!
Ingredients
- 1/2 – 1 cup creamer of choice (whole milk, dairy-free creamer, coconut milk, heavy cream, half & half)
- optional: sweetener of your choice
Instructions
- Add milk or dairy-free alternative to a glass or glass measuring cup.
- Submerge the end of the hand frother in the creamer for 2-3 minutes or until it is nice and frothy.
- Pour milk or dairy-free alternative in a milk frother.
- Turn dial to “cold foam” or “cold stir” and press start.
- Add milk or dairy-free alternative to a french press.
- Pump french press for about 1-2 minutes or until it has reached your desired frothiness.
Blender:
- Add creamer to a high-speed blender. Blend on HIGH until the foam reaches your desired consistency.
Mason Jar:
- Add creamer to a cold mason jar. Close the lid tightly and shake the mixture until it has reached your desired consistency.
Serving:
- Serve cold foam over your favorite cold/iced coffee or tea drink. We love it with our homemade cold brew or in this yummy iced matcha latte!
Notes
- Cold Foam vs. Sweet Cream Cold Foam: this is a recipe for cold foam. Sweet cream cold foam has some added vanilla extract and a sweetener of your choice (maple syrup, honey, simple syrup).
- Dairy-Free Creamers: some dairy-free creamers will froth better than others. I personally recommend using this coconut milk, as it always froths really nicely.
- Storage: unfortunately cold foam tends to flatten or deflate as it sits, so we do not recommend making a large batch to keep in the fridge.
- Nutrition info was calculated with whole milk.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4oz
- Calories: 37
- Sugar: 3.1 g
- Sodium: 26.2 mg
- Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat:
- Carbohydrates: 2.9 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1.9 g
- Cholesterol: 6.1 mg
stefunny says
This might be a silly question, but can I make this ahead for the week or is it a daily thing?
Erin says
You should be able to make it ahead of time and store in fridge for 3-5 days, but do expect it to “deflate” a bit!
Landy Sanz says
Wow, how easy this is! Without frothing machine we can now make our coffee more foamy and tasty .
Erin says
So glad you found this helpful!