How to Make Cold Foam at Home (5 Flavor Ideas!)

Your days of a boring up of coffee are behind you, because once you learn how to make cold foam, you might just want (it’s a Starbucks copycat recipe!). This cold foam recipe is creamy, slightly sweet, and OH-SO-DELICIOUS on it’s own but add one of the cold foam flavor ideas below to take it over-the-top. Pour the milk foam over your iced coffee for the best sweet flavor, creamy texture, and cold coffee drink. I’d argue it’s better than the coffee shop. 😉

If you love making coffee drinks at home like I do, be sure to give my Starbucks sweet cream cold foam, pink drink, pumpkin cream cold foam, lavender latte, or pink drink with cold foam a try next time.

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes

How to Make Cold Foam Video

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What You’ll Love About Cold Foam

• Easy recipe that’s ready in minutes
• Made with simple ingredients
• Variety of methods to use
• Makes a creamy foam that’s delicious on just about any iced drink

What is Cold Foam?

Cold foam is just like the hot foam that would be found in a latte or cappuccino, but instead of frothing hot milk, cold milk is used. It works really well poured over cold coffee drinks and adds a creamy flavor and texture to your drinks.

Cold Foam Ingredients

Making this cold foam recipe can be made with just one ingredient: heavy whipping cream. (See other options below.)

If you want a flavored version, you can also add different flavors and sweeteners like vanilla or caramel syrup, maple syrup, or simple syrups or try one of the flavor ideas below.

How to Make Cold Foam at Home

Ok, so how do you make cold foam at home? It comes together in just two steps.

• Make coffee. You can put cold foam over any iced coffee you like. Homemade cold brew, nitro cold brew, iced espresso, iced latte, or shaken espresso. Pour the coffee over a cup of ice cubes. It’s up to you.
• Make cold foam recipe. Combine whipping cream and any additional flavors (see ideas below!) and use a handheld frother to froth until thickened, but not until stiff peaks form (that’s too long!). You could also use an immersion blender, but a handheld milk frother works best and they are under $10!

Cold Foam FAQs

What’s in Starbucks cold foam?

Starbucks makes its cold foam using skim milk and a cold frothing machine. Some of the cold foams at Starbucks are also made with flavors, sweeteners, and both!

Here are the ingredients from the Starbucks menu for their popular vanilla sweet cream cold brew: Ice, Brewed Coffee, Cold Foam [Nonfat Milk, Vanilla Syrup (Sugar, Water, Natural Flavors, Potassium Sorbate, Citric Acid)]

What is the best milk for cold foam?

Starbucks uses non-fat milk (skim) as less fat in milk helps create a larger bubble, but I LOVE the flavor with whipping cream. You can add a splash of regular milk or other type of milk (almond milk, oat, etc.) if you want to create a stronger foam.

Can you make cold foam with creamer?

Yes, making cold foam with creamer is possible, but I found the best results (and best flavor!) by using heavy cream (dairy).

Half and half and other coffee creamers like oat milk will work, but the air bubbles are larger and they fall flat faster.

Do I need a cold foam frother?

You will need something to froth the milk. There are different ways to make it: you can shake in a mason jar, use an electric milk frother with a cold setting, or by using a using a hand held milk frother, which is I think the best way.

Not only does it take just 15 seconds, but it also makes great warm frothed milk as well. Oh, and it takes up minimal space, no need for another appliance. No need for a big, special blender.

Can you buy cold foam?

Yes, once cold foam started getting popular, some brands created a cold foam in a can that you can buy from the store. Look for it in the creamer section, many versions look like a can of whipped cream. International Delight and Reddi-wip both have cold foam options in a can.

Cold Foam Flavor Ideas

Now to the fun part! Making cold foam whipped cream with FUN flavors! Here are a few of the ideas I came up with, please share yours in the comment section so we can grow the list. So many options for cold foam drinks!

• Mint
• Golden latte
• Vanilla bean
• Bitters
• Pumpkin cream cold foam
• Sweet cream cold foam (with a homemade vanilla syrup!)

How to Make Mint Cold Foam

First you’ll need to make mint simple syrup (sugar syrup), which you can find in my mint cold brew coffee recipe, but simple syrup is made with equal parts sugar and water, heated until dissolved. Add fresh mint leaves in and let sit for 30+ minutes. Remove leaves and store in the refrigerator for up to 30 days.

Mix mint simple syrup with whipping cream and froth until thickened. The combination of coffee, cream, and mint is incredible!

How to Make Golden Latte Cold Foam

This cold foam is so unique and tasty! It has a mild spice flavor, that pairs well with coffee, just like a dirty chai.

Add 1/4 teaspoon of golden latte mix to the heavy cream and froth until desired consistency. Sprinkle a dusting on the top for serving.

How to Make Copycat Vanilla Bean Cold Foam

This is probably my favorite version and the one I make most often. It’s rich, creamy, and slightly sweet, even though we haven’t added any sugar. For a version made with vanilla syrup, try my vanilla sweet cream cold foam recipe.

Add 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of vanilla paste into the heavy cream and froth until desired consistency. You can also use vanilla extract or a bit of vanilla syrup, but the paste is so amazing and adds real vanilla flecks.

Want a salted vanilla bean sweet cold foam? Add a pinch of salt before frothing.

How to Make Bitters Cold Foam

This is another unique cold foam recipe, that adds major depth and flavor. It tastes like a fancy crafted drink.

Add a dash of bitters to the heavy cream and froth until desired consistency. I used a classic bitters for this one, but orange or any other flavor bitters would also be fantastic. You can get creative with this one.

Helpful Tools to Make Cold Foam at Home

• Milk frother – This is a kitchen must in my opinion, and it’s less than $20.
• Espresso Maker – Ready to take your barista skills to the next level? I’m obsessed with this home espresso machine.
• Nespresso – Make high-quality espresso right at home with the touch of a button.
• Vanilla paste – You know those gorgeous vanilla bean flecks? It’s from a vanilla bean paste and makes the BEST vanilla cold foam with flecks you can see.
• Golden latte mix – I used a local mix, but here’s a similar one from amazon.

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