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How to Make Cold Foam Without a Frother – 6 Best Methods

Three glasses of iced and cold brew coffee with homemade sweet cold foam on a wooden table

Coffee is a morning ritual for many people, and there are different ways to enjoy it. Some like lattes while others prefer cappuccinos. However, one thing that all coffee lovers can agree on is the importance of foam. Unfortunately, not everyone has a frother to create the perfect foam. But don’t worry – there’s a way to do it without one!

Starbucks first used cold foam in 2014, and it has since become a popular option for iced lattes and iced coffee drinks. It is essentially a layer of dense, creamier foam that sits on top of your coffee. It is made by blending milk and coffee together until it forms a thick, rich foam. So, If you love the taste of a cappuccino or latte from Starbucks but don’t want to spend the money, you can make your own cold foam at home without a milk frother!

This easy guide will show you how to make your own cold foam at home without a frother in just minutes. Ready to get started?

What Is Cold Foam?

Cold foam is a frothed milk that is thicker than regular foamed milk and is often flavored with a sweetener and extract. It is made by frothing milk without steam and then adding it on top of cold beverages. Cold foam has a velvety texture and can be made with different types of milk.

It has become popular in recent years as a healthier alternative to traditional whipped cream toppings. Whipped cream is high in sugar and calories, while cold foam is lower in sugar and calories.

What Kind of Milk Should You Use to Make Cold Foam?

There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing the right milk for cold foam. The first is fat content. Milk with a higher fat content will produce richer, more stable foam. However, it can also make the foam more difficult to pour. For this reason, many baristas prefer to use low-fat milk or 2% fat milk such as skim milk. The ratio of protein to fat is optimal in nonfat milk, which results in a foamy texture that is perfect for cold foam.

For the richest flavor, we can also use whole milk Because the higher fat content will help the foam to hold its shape and texture better than skim milk. If you prefer other vegan milk, try oat milk or coconut milk. But be aware that this will also add calories and fat to your drink.

Moreover, you can make vanilla sweet cream cold foam by adding vanilla extract or syrup (plus sweetener). You could also add pumpkin spice to create a fall-themed drink or caramel to vanilla for a salty-sweet flavor combination in your cold foam recipe.

How to Make Cold Foam Without a Frother - Easy Methods

Starbucks is a destination for coffee enthusiasts all over the world, and one of the things that make their coffee so good is the cold foam on top. But what if you don’t want to go to Starbucks, don’t have an electric milk frother, and want to know how to make your favorite cold foam at home?

Not a problem! for making it, simply froth milk. There are several simple ways to make it from the comfort of your own home. You can make your own fluffy cold foam with any of the tools listed below.

1.

Use a Handheld Milk Frother

Handheld milk frother and cold brew coffee glass with sweet cold foam on top on a table

A handheld milk frother is an electric device that quickly whisks milk to create foam. It is a great tool for making homemade cold foam because it is easy to use and relatively inexpensive. You can find a handheld milk frother at most kitchen stores or online.

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To use a handheld milk frother, simply:

  1. Fill a glass with cold milk, don’t fill it up too much. 
  2. Add any desired sweeteners or syrups
  3. Submerge the frother wand in the milk.
  4. Turn on the milk frother and move it around in the milk until the desired consistency is reached.

Simply pour your cold foam over your iced coffee when you’re done, and drink it.

2.

Use a Blender

Making cold foam in a Blender at home

A blender is another great tool and a kitchen appliance that you can use to make cold foam. This is an excellent option if you want to make a larger batch of cold foam. 

To make it using a Blender, simply:

  1. Pour your cold milk into the blender.
  2. Add any sweeteners, syrups or spices
  3. After closing the lid, pulse it.
  4. Start out slowly and increase the speed as it blends.
  5. Keep blending it until it becomes fluffy and velvety.
  6. Pour the cold foam into a cup and enjoy!

This is the easiest and most popular way to make it at home is to use a blender.

3.

Use an Immersion Blender

An immersion blender on a gray counter

Using an immersion blender to create cold foam is similar to using a stand blender. An immersion blender is a handheld tool that can be used to make cold foam.

Here’s how to use an immersion blender to create cold foam:

  1. Simply fill a bowl with cold milk.
  2. Add any desired sweeteners or spices
  3. Submerge the immersion blender in the milk and turn it on.
  4. Once it starts to thicken, gradually increase the speed.
  5. Blend the milk until it becomes foamy.
  6. Pour it over your iced coffee and enjoy!

This is a great option if you want to make a small batch of cold foam or if you don’t have a stand blender.

4.

Use a French Press

A French press for cold foam

A French press is another great option for making cold foam. This is a coffee brewing method that can also be used to make cold foam. I strongly advise trying this method if you have a French press because it makes a fantastic cold foam.

Simply take the following actions to get started:

  1. Add cold milk to the French press.
  2. Fill it up about halfway.
  3. Add any desired sweeteners or spices.
  4. Place the plunger on top of the French press and press it down.
  5. Keep pressing it up and down repeatedly all the way until the motion creates tiny air bubbles in the milk.

This method could take a minute or two, based on the quantity of milk but it will result in a foam that is light and fluffy. This is a great option if you want to make a small batch of cold foam.

5.

Use a Mason Jar

A mason jar of fresh milk

Mason jars are a great way to make cold foam because they don’t require any electricity or fancy equipment. This is an ideal way because you can always find a mason jar wherever you go. That means you can have foamy milk in your coffee when you go out.

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Here’s how you can make it by using this method:

  1. Fill the Mason jar about halfway with cold milk.
  2. Add any desired sweeteners or spices.
  3. Screw the lid on tightly and shake vigorously for about 30 to 40 seconds.
  4. Keep shaking until the foams up.
  5. Open the lid and pour the cold foam into a cup.

Keep in mind that this method is not simple. Be prepared to put in some effort if you want that fluffy, creamy texture.

6.

Use a Hand Whisk

A bowl of milk and sweetener whisking by a whisk on a shelf

A hand whisk is another option if you want to make cold foam without any electronic devices. This is a tool that you probably already have in your kitchen.

To make it using a hand whisk, simply:

  1. Fill a bowl with cold milk.
  2. Add any desired sweeteners or spices.
  3. Start whisking the milk until it starts to foam up.
  4. Keep whisking until it reaches the desired consistency.
  5. Enjoy the cold foam on top of your iced coffee!

This method is also time-consuming and labor-intensive. While it might sound complicated, the key is to be patient and keep whisking until the desired consistency is achieved. This can take up to 5 minutes.

Creative Ways to Use Cold Foam

Cold foam has quickly become a popular addition to coffee and other beverages. Its light, airy texture adds a touch of luxury to your delicious coffee drinks and tea drinks, and its versatility means that there are endless ways to enjoy it. Here are some creative ways to use cold foam in your next beverage.

  • Add a swirl of cold foam to your favorite iced coffee drinks for a richer, creamier drink. If you’re feeling fancy, try adding flavors like cinnamon or vanilla syrup to the foam before swirling it in.
  • For a refreshing summer treat, combine cold brew with some of your favorite fruits and topped with sweet cream cold foam.
  • Mocha lovers can add a dollop of cold foam to their iced drink for an extra-indulgent treat.
  • The cold foam makes a pretty pink drink even prettier. Simply combine your favorite pink beverage with cold foam.
  • To make a delicious cold brew, simply combine your favorite cold brew coffee with caramel syrup and milk. Then top it off with a generous dollop of cold foam.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can You Make Cold Foam with a Hand Mixer?

A bit of a messy process, but you can make cold foam with a hand mixer. The best hand frother is one that doesn’t require a lot of shaking. A handheld mixer can also be used, but it will take longer to reach the desired consistency. When making cold foam, it’s important to start with a bit of liquid in the bottom of the mug so that the blades have something to grab onto. Otherwise, you’ll end up with a lot of air in your foam and it won’t be as stable.

Is Cold Foam the Same as Whipped Cream?

Both are not same. Whipped cream is more dense and keeps its shape better. Cold foam is made with milk that has been aerated to create a light, airy foam. Whipped cream is made with heavy cream that has been beaten with a whisk or an electric mixer to create a thick, creamy mixture. While both cold foam and whipped cream can be used to top coffee or dessert, they are not interchangeable. Whipped cream will hold its shape when piped, whereas cold foam will collapse. Whipped cream is also sweeter than cold foam. When deciding between cold foam and whipped cream, it is important to consider the desired texture and sweetness level.

Final Thoughts

There you have it – everything you need to know about how to make cold foam without a frother. While it might take some time and effort, the results are definitely worth it. All you have to do is mix the milk until it’s light and frothy with tiny bubbles. So next time you are craving a foamy latte or iced coffee drink, don’t be afraid to try making cold foam at home.

Three glasses of iced and cold brew coffee with homemade sweet cold foam on a wooden table

How to Make Cold Foam Without a Frother

Cold foam is a popular addition to cold brew coffee that can improve its flavor and texture. In this guide, you will learn five different ways to make cold foam for your cold brew coffee. The method you choose will depend on the equipment you have available.
5 from 4 votes
Prep Time 2 mins
Additional Time 1 min
Total Time 3 mins
Course Drinks
Cuisine American
Servings 1 Serving
Calories 60 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 cup of 2% fat milk or other low-fat milk
  • Sweetener of choice (optional)*

Instructions
 

How to make cold foam with a handheld milk frother

  • Fill a glass with 1/4 cup of cold milk
  • Add any desired sweeteners or syrups
  • Submerge the frother wand in the milk, and Turn on the milk frother and move it around in the milk until the desired consistency is reached

How to make cold foam with a blender

  • Pour 1/4 cup of cold milk into the blender
  • Add any sweeteners, syrups or spices
  • After closing the lid, start out slowly and increase the speed as it blends
  • Keep blending it until it becomes fluffy and velvety

How to make cold foam with a French Press

  • Add 1/4 cup of cold milk to the French press
  • Add any desired sweeteners or spices
  • Place the plunger on top of the French press and press it down

How to make cold foam with a mason jar

  • Fill the Mason jar about halfway with cold milk
  • Add any desired sweeteners or spices
  • Screw the lid on tightly and shake vigorously for about 30 to 40 seconds
  • Keep shaking until the foams up

How to make cold foam with a hand whisk

  • Fill a half bowl with cold milk
  • Add any desired sweeteners or spices
  • Start whisking the milk until it starts to foam up
  • Keep whisking until it reaches the desired consistency

Notes

  • These techniques can be used with your preferred dairy-free alternative as well.
Keyword cold foam in a blender, How to Make Cold Foam Without a Frother, sweet cream cold foam without frother

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