Smooth, Creamy & Easy to Make!
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Cost per Serving: $0.50
Calorie Count per Serving: 30 kcal
I first discovered cold foam at a restaurant during a girls’ night out. I remember ordering an iced coffee, expecting the usual, and then—there it was. This smooth, airy layer of foam sitting perfectly on top, making every sip ridiculously creamy without drowning out the coffee. I was hooked.
Ever since, I’ve been on a mission to recreate it at home. After a little experimenting (and a lot of taste-testing), I finally landed on the perfect method. It’s light, frothy, just sweet enough, and ridiculously easy to make. Once you try it, you’ll wonder why you ever paid extra for it at a coffee shop.
Ingredients
The exact ingredient amounts can be found below in the recipe card.
Heavy Cream: The secret to that rich, velvety texture. It thickens beautifully when frothed, giving you that signature smooth finish. If you want a lighter option, you can swap it for half-and-half, but whole milk alone won’t foam quite the same way.
Milk: A splash of nonfat or low-fat milk helps stabilize the foam. Surprisingly, skim milk creates better froth than whole milk, thanks to its higher protein content. If you prefer a dairy-free version, oat milk is the best alternative—it foams up nicely and adds a subtle sweetness.
Sweetener: Vanilla syrup, simple syrup, or even maple syrup adds just the right amount of sweetness. Want a sugar-free version? A few drops of stevia or monk fruit work just as well.
Optional Add-Ins: Elevate your cold foam with flavors like cinnamon, caramel, or even matcha. A teaspoon of pumpkin spice? Perfect for a fall-inspired drink.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Start by choosing your mixing method. If you have a handheld frother, grab it—it’s the easiest way to get that smooth, airy texture. No frother? No problem. A French press or even a mason jar with a tight lid will work just as well.
Now, pour the heavy cream and milk into a small cup or frothing pitcher. Add your sweetener of choice, whether it’s vanilla syrup, simple syrup, or a drizzle of honey. If you’re feeling adventurous, this is the time to add any extras—cinnamon, caramel, or even a pinch of sea salt for a little contrast.
Time to froth. If you’re using a handheld frother, submerge it just below the surface and blend for 20 to 30 seconds until thick and foamy. With a French press, pump the plunger up and down rapidly until the mixture doubles in volume. Using the mason jar method? Just seal the lid and shake vigorously for about a minute—your arms will get a workout, but it works.
Once your foam is thick but still pourable, it’s ready to go. Slowly pour it over an iced coffee or matcha, letting it float effortlessly on top. It should create a creamy layer that holds up beautifully with every sip.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re the kind of person who loves a fancy coffee shop drink but doesn’t love the price tag, this recipe is for you. It’s smooth, creamy, and effortlessly upgrades any iced coffee, cold brew, or matcha latte—without any barista skills required.
The best part? It’s completely customizable. Keep it classic with vanilla, go bold with caramel or cinnamon, or even add a dash of cocoa for a mocha twist. And since it comes together in under five minutes, you can have that perfect coffeehouse experience anytime—no long lines, no overpriced add-ons, just pure, frothy goodness.
Tips for the Best Cold Foam
Start with cold ingredients. The colder your cream and milk, the better they’ll froth. If you have time, chill your cup or frothing pitcher too—it makes a difference.
Use the right milk. Surprisingly, nonfat or low-fat milk works better for foaming than whole milk. If you’re going dairy-free, oat milk is your best bet for a creamy, stable foam.
Don’t over-froth. You’re going for light and airy, not whipped cream. If the foam gets too thick, it won’t pour smoothly over your drink.
Sweeten before frothing. Adding vanilla syrup, simple syrup, or even maple syrup before you start mixing helps distribute the sweetness evenly throughout the foam.
Experiment with flavors. A dash of cinnamon, caramel, or even a hint of sea salt can take your cold foam to the next level. Try matcha for a fun twist or pumpkin spice for a fall-inspired treat.
What to Serve with Cold Foam
Cold foam is the ultimate way to level up your iced drinks. It’s a natural match for cold brew and iced lattes, adding just the right amount of creaminess without overpowering the coffee. If you love matcha, a fluffy layer of vanilla cold foam on top of an iced matcha latte is next-level good.
Looking for something different? Try it over an iced chai latte for a sweet, spiced twist, or even on top of a homemade protein shake to make it feel a little more indulgent. However you use it, cold foam instantly makes any iced drink feel like a coffee shop treat—without the coffee shop prices.
If you’re looking for a refreshing contrast, pair your cold foam-topped coffee with a fruity, herbaceous drink like this Virgin Blackberry Mojito. The combination of bright mint, juicy blackberries, and a touch of citrus makes for the perfect balance to your creamy, coffee-infused treat.
FAQ
Can I make cold foam without heavy cream?
Yes! Use half-and-half or a mix of nonfat milk and oat milk for a lighter version. Just keep in mind that the texture may be slightly less creamy.
Can I make cold foam ahead of time?
Cold foam is best made fresh, but you can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. It may lose some airiness, so give it a quick whisk before using.
Does cold foam work on hot drinks?
Not really—cold foam is designed to sit on iced drinks. If you want a creamy topping for a hot drink, try steamed milk or frothed whole milk instead.
What’s the difference between cold foam and whipped cream?
Cold foam is light, airy, and pourable, while whipped cream is thick and fluffy. Cold foam stays on top of your drink without sinking, making it the perfect creamy layer.
Must-have tools for making the perfect cold foam at home:
Here are two must-have tools for making the perfect cold foam at home:
- Handheld Milk Frother – The easiest and most effective way to get smooth, airy cold foam in seconds. Check it out here.
- French Press – Doubles as a cold foam maker and is perfect for brewing coffee, too. Find it here.
Cold Foam Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
Description
This homemade cold foam is smooth, creamy, and perfect for topping iced coffee, cold brew, or matcha lattes. Made with just a few simple ingredients, it’s easy to customize with different flavors like vanilla, caramel, or cinnamon. No fancy equipment required—just a frother, French press, or even a mason jar.
Ingredients
¼ cup heavy cream (for a rich, velvety texture)
2 tablespoons nonfat or low-fat milk (helps stabilize the foam)
1 teaspoon vanilla syrup or simple syrup (adjust to taste)
Optional add-ins: A pinch of cinnamon, caramel syrup, or matcha powder
Instructions
1. Choose Your Frothing Method:
- Handheld frother: Quick and easy—just blend in a cup for 20–30 seconds.
- French press: Add ingredients, then pump the plunger up and down rapidly until thick and airy.
- Mason jar: Seal tightly and shake vigorously for about 1 minute.
2. Mix the Ingredients:
In a small cup or frothing pitcher, combine the heavy cream, milk, and sweetener. Add any flavor extras now.
3. Froth Until Thick and Pourable:
Use your chosen method to froth the mixture until smooth, airy, and slightly stiff. It should be light and fluffy but still pourable.
4. Serve Immediately:
Slowly pour the cold foam over an iced coffee, cold brew, or matcha latte. It should float on top, creating that creamy coffeehouse-style layer.
Notes
- For best results, use cold heavy cream and milk.
- Don’t over-froth—too much air will turn it into whipped cream.
- Sweeteners and flavors should be added before frothing for even distribution.
- Store any leftovers in the fridge for up to 24 hours, but re-froth before using.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Frothing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 30kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 2.5g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Protein: 0.5g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: cold foam, homemade cold foam, Starbucks cold foam, how to make cold foam, vanilla sweet cream, iced coffee topping, creamy coffee foam
Final Thoughts
Making cold foam at home is a game-changer. It’s smooth, creamy, and the perfect way to upgrade your iced coffee without heavy cream or syrups overpowering the flavor. Try it once, and you’ll never go back to regular iced coffee again.
What’s your favorite way to flavor cold foam? Let me know in the comments!
😋