How to Make Cold Foam: The Perfect Addition to Iced Coffee

Cold foam is the perfect addition to iced coffee, cold brew, or nitro coffee! It simulates the steamed milk on cappuccinos and lattes, but it doesn’t melt when hitting the drink. Although you can make cold foam with just 2% milk, our recipe includes whipping cream, condensed milk, and vanilla extract, which makes a much creamier and decadent topping for your favorite coffee drink!

COLD FOAM RECIPE:

Crafting the perfect cold foam is easy and requires only a few ingredients and a simple piece of equipment. Here’s what you’ll need and how to make it:

Ingredients:
• 1/4 cup whipping cream
• 1/4 cup 2% milk
• 1/4 cup condensed milk
1• teaspoon vanilla extract

Equipment Required:
Hand frother

Instructions:
1. Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, mix the whipping cream, 2% milk, condensed milk, and vanilla extract.

2. Froth: Use a hand frother to whip the mixture until it becomes light, airy, and foamy. The texture should be smooth and able to hold its shape, yet pourable.

WHAT IS COLD FOAM?

Cold foam is a modern twist on the classic frothy milk topping found in traditional coffee drinks like cappuccinos and lattes but specifically designed for cold beverages. Unlike steamed milk, which integrates seamlessly with hot drinks, cold foam maintains its structure and floats delicately on top of the coffee, adding a smooth, creamy texture without diluting the drink.

The delightful topping is commonly made by rapidly whisking non-fat or low-fat milk with air to create a frothy, meringue-like consistency. Here, we jazz up the classic with extra indulgent ingredients. Cold foam can be made with many different tools, from milk frothers (our recommendation) to blenders. The key is the air bubbles, which are smaller and more stable due to the cold temperature of the milk, allowing the foam to maintain its integrity longer than its hot counterpart.

Cold foam is appealing for many reasons, including its versatility. It can be flavored, sweetened, or even combined with syrups and spices to elevate the beverage experience. From the classic vanilla sweet cream to more inventive concoctions like pumpkin or marshmallow, cold foam can transform any ordinary coffee drink into a gourmet experience. Continue reading for additional cold foam recipes.

CAN YOU PUT COLD FOAM ON HOT COFFEE?

Traditionally, cold foam is paired with cold beverages to prevent it from melting too quickly. However, it is quite possible to enjoy cold foam with hot coffee, which offers a unique sensory experience. When cold foam meets hot coffee, it begins to melt slowly, creating a creamy layer that gradually blends with the drink, enriching the coffee’s flavor and texture.

Adding cold foam to hot coffee can be delightful for those who enjoy a textural contrast. The initial sip will be cool and creamy, followed by the warm richness of the coffee. This combination can be particularly appealing in the cooler months, where the juxtaposition of temperatures provides an invigorating experience. It’s an experiment worth trying for those who like to mix up their coffee routines and explore new taste profiles.

TWISTS ON VANILLA SWEET CREAM COLD FOAM

Expanding beyond the beloved vanilla sweet cream cold foam can provide a world of flavors to explore, each adding a unique twist to your coffee experience. Here are a few more creative variations to try:

Pumpkin Cold Foam:
1. Add 2 tablespoons of pumpkin puree and 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice to the base cold foam ingredients.
2. Using a hand frother, froth until light, airy and foamy.

Peppermint Cold Foam:
1. Add 1 teaspoon peppermint extract to the base cold foam ingredients.
2. Using a hand frother, froth until light, airy and foamy.

Marshmallow Cold Foam:
1. Add 2 tablespoons marshmallow sauce to the base cold foam ingredients.
2. Using a hand frother, froth until light, airy and foamy. Enjoy!

Matcha Cold Foam:
1. Add 1 teaspoon of matcha powder to the base cold foam ingredients.
2. Using a hand frother, froth until light, airy, and foamy. Enjoy!

Caramel Cold Foam:
1. Add 2 tablespoons of caramel syrup to base cold foam ingredients.
2. Using a hand frother, froth until light, airy, and foamy. Enjoy!

Each of these variations not only enhances the flavor of your coffee but also introduces an element of customization that can cater to different palates and preferences. Experimenting with these and other flavors allows you to tailor your coffee experience to your mood and taste, making each cup uniquely satisfying.

To explore more recipes, visit our blog. To discover more delicious coffee, shop San Francisco Bay Coffee today!