How to Make Cold Foam at Home? [Easiest Ways]

By Marcus Deeprose

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How to Make Cold Foam at Home? The question is often on our minds. We’ll talk about this in detail today. Cold drinks like coffee and tea benefit from the delightfully bubbly and creamy addition of cold foam. It enhances the drinking experience by providing a light and airy texture, while the cold foam is typically made of frothing milk.

Creating it without a frother is possible. This guide explores various methods to make cold foam at home and answers common questions about milk choices and flavored variations.

What is cold foam?

Cold foam is a foam-like topping made from frothed milk. It is specifically designed to be added to cold beverages, providing a velvety texture and foam layer. Cold foam can be customized with different flavors or enjoyed simply.

Cold foam is a light and frothy topping in cold beverages like iced coffees and teas. It adds a creamy texture and enhances the overall drinking experience. Cold foam is typically made by frothing milk but can also be made without a frother using a few alternative methods.

Methods for making Cold Foam at Home

1. Manual foaming method-

  • Pour cold milk into a small, deep bowl or container.
  • Use a whisk or fork to vigorously whisk the milk in a circular motion for 3-5 minutes until it becomes frothy and increases in volume.
  • Scoop out the foam and add it to your cold beverage.

2. Blender or French blender

  • Pour cold milk into a blender or a French blender.
  • Blend the milk quickly for about 30-60 seconds until it becomes frothy and doubles in volume.
  • Pour the foam from the blender into a separate container and use it as a topping.

3. Mason Jar

  • Pour cold milk into a clean mason jar, filling it about halfway.
  • Tightly secure the lid and shake the jar vigorously for 30-60 seconds until the milk doubles in volume and becomes frothy.
  • Remove the lid and microwave the jar without the metal lid for about 30 seconds to stabilize the foam.
  • Scoop the foam from the top of the jar and add it to your cold beverage.

4. Handheld Milk Frother-

  • While this method requires a specific tool, handheld milk frothers are more affordable and easily accessible.
  • Pour cold milk into a tall container or milk pitcher.
  • Insert the frother’s whisk attachment into the milk and turn it on. Move the frother up and down to create foam for about 30-60 seconds.
  • Once the foam has formed, scoop it out and use it as a topping for your cold beverage.

How to make cold foam at home without a frother?

Do not worry if you do not have a milk frother. What approach do you intend to use? Of course, everyone has a favourite method, and there is more than one proper way to make cold foam, but depending on kitchen space, time, and dose size, there are ways to work better than others.

For the recipe, you’ll need:

  • A third of a cup of cold foam 
  • 2 teaspoons plain granulated sugar or alternative sweeteners
  • Syrup with flavour (optional)
  • Manual milk frother, French press, blender or jug ​​with lid
  • measuring cup

If you still do not have the method you need, try some of these optional methods. so here is our first method in the How to Make Cold Foam at Home series.

1. Whisk Method

  • Pour cold milk into a small, deep bowl or a tall container.
  • Use a whisk and vigorously whisk the milk in a circular motion for 3-5 minutes or until it becomes frothy. This process will require some effort and arm strength.
  • Once the foam has formed, scoop it out with a spoon and add it to your cold beverage.

2. French Press Method

  • Fill a clean French press about halfway with cold milk.
  • Remove the plunger from the French press and place the lid securely.
  • Move the plunger up and down vigorously for about 30-60 seconds until the milk has doubled in volume and become frothy.
  • Remove the lid, scoop out the foam from the top of the French press, and add it to your cold beverage.

There are many more methods by which the cold foam can be formed, and all an individual needs is the way to make the cold foam.

Remember, the type of milk you use will affect the foam’s frothing process and texture. Whole milk generally produces the best results, but you can experiment with different types of milk, such as skim, 2%, or plant-based options, to find your preferred taste and texture.

3. Manual foaming method

The manual cold milk frothers do a good job of making foam, but you need to buy a frother and have a bowl with enough space to accommodate the machine. When it comes to nozzles, stainless steel is suggested. Easy to use, the electric milk frother might be your best friend.

Experiment with different methods and flavors to find your perfect combination. Whether you have a frother or not, there are various ways to achieve delicious cold foam in your kitchen. Enjoy your homemade cold foam creations and savor the added indulgence to your favorite cold drinks.

How do I make flavored cold foam? 

You can add various ingredients to enhance the taste of flavored cold foam. Here are a few ideas-

  • Sweet Vanilla Cold Foam

Add a few drops of vanilla extract or syrup to the milk before frothing. Whisk or froth as per your chosen method. your sweet cold foam with Vanilla falvour coffee is ready.

  • Caramel Cold Foam

Mix in caramel syrup or caramel sauce into Remember frothing. Whisk or froth until the caramel is well incorporated, and the milk becomes frothy.

  • Chocolate Cold Foam

Stir in chocolate syrup or cocoa powder into the milk before frothing. Whisk or froth until the chocolate is thoroughly blended and the milk froths up.

Experiment with different flavors and syrups to create unique cold foam variations. The taste and preferences of an individual vary according to their age. The other flavors can be selected on the basis of preferences.

What kind of milk should I use for cold foam?

The type of milk you choose will affect the texture and flavor of your cold foam. Whole milk produces the best results due to its higher fat content, creating a more prosperous and creamier foam.

However, you can also use skim milk, 2% milk, or plant-based alternatives such as almond, soy, or oat milk. Remember that different types of milk will yield varying results in terms of frothiness and creaminess. It’s worth experimenting with other milk options to find the one that suits your preferences.

What is Starbucks’ cold foam made of?

Starbucks cold foam is made from nonfat milk and a proprietary cold foam mix. The cold foam mix includes nonfat milk, cream, sugar, and natural flavors. It is specially formulated to create a velvety and stable foam that holds up well on top of cold beverages.

Frequently asked questions

Q1) Is it feasible to make cold foam out of regular milk?

Ans: You can use milk to make a cold foam. The only downside is that plain milk is not thick and fluffy. It also does not taste so rich that it may not be a problem for you. Many people cut their calorie intake by mixing half & half with plain milk. You can create novel flavour combinations by experimenting with different types of milk.

Q2) What is the process for making cold foam at Starbucks?

Ans: The company has not revealed its secret, but it is known that baristas use a special mixer to make cold foam from Starbucks’ sweet cream. Starbucks used to use skim milk for cold foam solely, but they’ve just added cold almond milk foam as a non-dairy option.

Q3) Is there a difference between standard foam and cold foam?

Ans: If you order a latte or cappuccino with foam on top, you will be grateful for both the look and the extra texture. The waiter who made the drink used a steam wand to make bubbles and complete the drink. But if you apply the same foam to the ice version of the drink, it will not work.

While the traditional foam for hot coffee drinks is made with evaporated milk, cold foam for iced drinks is made with air and stirring to whip the milk and keep it cold. The cold foam is close to the temperature of the ice drink, so it retains its texture and volume for longer.

Q4) Why can I not use plain foam for cold drinks?

Ans: Pouring evaporated foam or hot milk over a cold drink is ineffective for a variety of reasons, the most important of which is that it produces temperature instability, which can encourage bacterial growth. The ice melts when the steamed foam is poured over an iced drink, leaving a cloud of cream and a frosty root.

Q5) What kind of drink do you prefer with cold foam?

In a nutshell, the cool foam goes well with any cold beverage. However, the majority of people utilize it to serve cold beer or iced coffee. Cold foam is also an excellent alternative to an iced macchiato and whipped cream in an iced latte.

Bonus tip: Cold foam is a great topping if you like an iced tea or matcha latte. Matcha powder can also be used as a cold-foaming mixture or sprinkled on top as a garnish.

Conclusion

The cool foam can be a letdown if you prefer sweet, creamy whipped cream. But if you want to cut down on calories and still use a special topping, this is a viable alternative. Take advantage of some of these techniques about “How to Make Cold Foam” and envy your friends and realize your iced coffee dreams with delicious homemade cold foam.

For more about Coffee and its story please visit COFFEE HUNGER Again, Thank You!

Marcus Deeprose is a passionate entrepreneur who believes in the power of great coffee to bring people together. He has dedicated himself to providing high-quality information and advice on all aspects of the coffee experience from brewing to sourcing. Marcus also enjoys sharing his knowledge of coffee through public talks and workshops, where he is able to educate his audience and foster meaningful connections within the coffee community. No matter the setting, Marcus seeks to bring joy and passion to every cup of coffee.

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