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Cold Foam is a fluffy cloud of creamy goodness used in cold beverages, particularly coffee drinks, to add a creamy and frothy texture on top. Learn How to Make Cold Foam at home in only a few minutes.
What is Cold Foam
Cold foam has taken the craft coffee shop world by storm, especially Starbucks. But what is it? This type of foam is used in cold beverages, particularly coffee drinks, to add a creamy and frothy texture without the use of traditional dairy products like milk or cream.
Cold foam is typically made by blending cold milk with air to create a light and fluffy texture that sits on top of the beverage. It’s also different than Frothed Milk, which is typically used in hot beverages.
Depending on the recipe, additional ingredients like sugar, flavorings or syrups such as Hazelnut Syrup, or stabilizers may be added to the foam mixture. It can be made using a variety of milk types, including dairy milk, almond milk, soy milk, and oat milk, to cater to different dietary needs and preferences.
Ingredients Needed
- Milk – Skim milk is often considered the best milk for making cold foam because it contains the least amount of fat. When milk is frothed, the proteins in the milk create a network that traps air bubbles, resulting in a light and fluffy texture. However, the higher fat content in whole or even 2% milk can weigh down the foam, making it less airy and denser.
- Simple Syrup (or sugar) – Simple Syrup or sugar is often used to sweeten the foam and enhance its flavor. Since the cold foam is typically made with unsweetened milk, adding sweetener helps to balance out the natural bitterness of the coffee or tea that it’s being paired with.
- Vanilla Extract (optional) – Vanilla extract adds a natural and aromatic sweetness to the foam, but it’s entirely optional.
How to Make Cold Foam at Home
The best way to prepare cold foam is by using a frother. Not only is it efficient, but frothers create microbubbles in the milk, which trap air and create a thicker foam that is perfect for topping iced coffee or tea.
If you don’t have a frother below are directions using alternative methods.
- Add the ingredients to a tall cup. Pour the skim milk, simple syrup or sugar, and vanilla extract if using into a tall jar or cup.
- Froth the milk. Froth the milk mixture by inserting the frother into the container and frothing until it reaches the desired consistency. You want the milk to double in size.
- Spoon it over your drink. Once the foam has formed, scoop it out with a spoon and place it on top of your favorite cold beverage, like iced coffee or tea.
How to Make Cold Foam without a Frother
- Pour 1/2 cup of cold skim milk into a container with a lid. You can use a mason jar, a protein shaker bottle, or any container that can be sealed tightly.
- Add 1 teaspoon of simple syrup or sugar, and a dash of vanilla extract (or any other flavorings you like) to the milk.
- Close the container tightly and shake it vigorously for about 1-2 minutes until the milk has doubled in volume and formed a thick foam. Make sure to hold the container tightly so the liquid doesn’t spill out.
FAQS
Cold foam and Frothed Milk are two different methods of creating foam for beverages. The main differences are that cold foam is made with cold milk, has a denser and creamier texture, is sweetened with flavored syrup, and is used as a topping for cold beverages. Frothed milk, on the other hand, is made with heated milk, has a lighter texture, is not typically sweetened, and is used in hot beverages.
You can definitely make cold foam with non-dairy milk! Many non-dairy milk options such as almond milk, soy milk, oat milk, and coconut milk can be used.
When using non-dairy milk, it’s important to keep in mind that the foam may not be as stable or thick as foam made with dairy milk. This is because non-dairy milk tends to have a lower protein content than dairy milk, which is one of the factors that helps create a stable foam.
To improve the stability of the foam, you can try using a frother or adding a stabilizing agent such as xanthan gum or agar agar to the non-dairy milk before frothing. You can also experiment with different types and brands of non-dairy milk to find the one that works best.
Variations
- Sweet Cream Cold Foam – you’ll need 1/4 cup skim milk, 1 tablespoon of powdered sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Follow the same directions for making the basic cold foam.
- Pumpkin Cream Cold Foam – use 1/4 cup heavy cream, 1 teaspoon pumpkin puree, 1 teaspoon simple syrup or sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice. Make it using the same directions.
- Chocolate Cream Cold Foam – use 1/4 cup skim milk, 1 teaspoon of simple syrup or sugar, and 1 teaspoon of cocoa powder. Follow the same directions.
Storage Information
You can store cold foam for a short period of time. However, it’s important to note that the foam will gradually lose its texture and start to separate over time. My recommendation is to make what you need each time so you don’t end up with leftovers.
If you want to store it, it’s best to transfer it to an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. The foam should be consumed within a few hours of making it for best results, but it can last up to 1-2 days in the fridge.
Recipe Notes and Tips
- For thick and cream cold foam: use cold skim milk, add a sweetener such as simple syrup or sugar, add a flavoring agent such as vanilla extract or flavored syrup, froth for a sufficient amount of time without over-frothing, and use a frother to create microbubbles in the milk.
- Use flavored syrups. Using flavored syrup instead of Simple Syrup can add an extra layer of flavor to your drink. Flavored syrups come in a variety of flavors, such as vanilla, caramel, Hazelnut, and Raspberry Syrup, which can complement or enhance the flavor of your coffee.
- Froth for a sufficient amount of time: The longer you froth the milk, the more air you will incorporate into it, which will result in a thicker and creamier foam. However, be careful not to over-froth the milk, as it can result in large bubbles and less stable foam.
Cold Foam Drinks
- Iced Coffee
- Cold Brew Coffee
- Iced Americano
- Vanilla Iced Coffee
- Iced Hazelnut Coffee
- Caramel Iced Coffee
- Iced White Chocolate Mocha
- Cold Foam
More Coffee Recipes
How to Make Cold Foam
Equipment
- Frother or mason jar with a lid
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup Skim Milk
- 1 teaspoon Simple Syrup or sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon Vanilla Extract optional
Instructions
- Add the ingredients to a tall cup. Pour the skim milk, simple syrup or sugar, and vanilla extract if using into a tall jar or cup.
- Froth the milk. Froth the milk mixture by inserting the frother into the container and frothing until it reaches the desired consistency. You want the milk to double in size.
- Spoon it over your drink. Once the foam has formed, scoop it out with a spoon and place it on top of your favorite cold beverage, like iced coffee or tea.
Notes
How to Make Cold Foam without a Frother
- Pour 1/2 cup of cold skim milk into a container with a lid. You can use a mason jar, a protein shaker bottle, or any container that can be sealed tightly.
- Add 1 teaspoon of simple syrup or sugar, and a dash of vanilla extract (or any other flavorings you like) to the milk.
- Close the container tightly and shake it vigorously for about 1-2 minutes until the milk has doubled in volume and formed a thick foam. Make sure to hold the container tightly so the liquid doesn’t spill out.
