Last Updated on September 22, 2023 by Barry Gray
If you are a coffee junkie like I am, you probably already know how cold foam has placed itself neatly in the gourmet or handcrafted coffee market. It sits with iced coffees, cold brews, and even iced Lattes.
But making your own cold foam is easy, and it’s something I think you should try at least once in your life.
You can use a blender, milk frother, French press, a whisk, or even shaking it in a Mason jar to create the foam. All it takes is some energy and moving that milk around to get a decent foam even if it’s not up to the standards you get in a coffee shop.
But this is artisan coffee made at home. It doesn’t have to be perfect or anything else. Part of the fun is the attempt to make something, and who cares if it doesn’t reach the heights you would like?
What Is Cold Foam Exactly?
It is simply cold milk that has been infiltrated with air bubbles, making it light and airy with a richness you could imagine getting with cream but much more lightweight in texture and calories.
Looking at the foam in its simplest of forms does make it seem less daunting to make, doesn’t it?
Is Cold Foam Important Enough To Make?
You might have yet to make cold foam because it is too much of a hassle, or you must figure out where it would go in your already-filled coffee repertoire. Perhaps you weren’t that bothered because you asked yourself, ‘Is cold foam or iced coffee that important.’
My first iced coffee memory might inspire you when it comes to perhaps making some cold foam at home.
Iced-Coffee And Hot Days – Oh, What A Winning Combination
I recall one of my earliest experiences with iced coffee. I was sitting outside a quiet little family restaurant in Portugal, enjoying the sunshine, when I noticed iced coffee on the menu.
It was a sweltering day, the kind of day that called for a dip in the pool. But instead, I opted to cool down at a nearby cafe, seeking refuge under a parasol.
The Whole Ritual Of Iced-Coffee Is Worth It
I remembered the barista making the coffee, huge raw chunks of ice clanging into a thick espresso cup, a shot of espresso, and rich, frothy cold milk pouring over the ice cubes like molten snow around an iceberg. I was drooling.
The milk was icy and quenched my dry throat. The espresso was rich and robust, hitting just the right spots simultaneously. A bit of brown sugar awaited, and I crunched that eagerly between my teeth.
Heaven in a glass.
I also enjoy an iced coffee in the winter with pumpkin spice and cardamom. It’s a real festive treat.
You Might Have Thought Of Buying A Milk Frother
I admit frothers can be pricey, and most of the time, it is one of those items we need to remember to buy, then only remember when we want that nice icy foam.
Handheld frothers are easy to get hold of and range from relatively inexpensive to quite pricey.
I have a small handheld frother, and I’ve never had a problem with it; it was worth the few bucks I paid. I keep it clean, put it away in its little storage sack, and so far, hold thumbs; it has lasted.
Go For A Richer, Lighter Foam
For me, the key is to try to achieve something of a lighter and richer foam. It seems to work best with various coffee drinks.
Ice cold milk works better, as does whole cream milk; however, don’t be put off, as skimmed milk and milk alternatives do froth quite well. Remember, you are looking for foamy, creamier milk, not a meringue. It should be able to pour, not sit up straight.
How To Use A Handheld Frother
You pour your cold milk into a jug, pop the handheld foamer into the milk, touch the bottom, whisk for a few seconds, then pull it up to just below the surface and whisk for 30 seconds.
Voila! You have creamy, rich, foamed milk that you can enjoy in several beverages.
So now you know how to use a handheld frother, what kind of drinks can you make with cold foam?
- Iced coffee: Cold foam is a great way to add richness and creaminess to iced coffee. It can also help to refresh the coffee as the bubbles add richness and interest to your ensemble.
- Cold brew: Cold brew is another excellent coffee with cold foam. The smooth, mellow flavor of cold brew pairs well with cold foam’s light and airy texture.
- Iced latte: An iced latte is made with espresso, milk, and foamed milk. You can use cold foam instead of foamed hot milk to create a lighter, more refreshing drink. Throw in some ice cubes if you want and a sprig of mint.
- Iced cappuccino: An iced cappuccino is made with espresso, milk, and foamed milk. Cold foam can replace regular frothed milk to create a drink with a lighter texture and a more pronounced coffee flavor.
- Iced tea: Cold foam can also top iced tea, creating a refreshing and flavorful drink perfect for a hot day.
What If You Don’t Have A Milk Frother?
If you are in a pinch, don’t worry. I have some great ways to guarantee frothy milk without any formal milk frother.
Use a French Press.
Add cold milk to the French press and plunge the plunger up and down vigorously for about 30 seconds or until the milk is frothy. It works every time. French Presses are invaluable, both for hot or cold foam and, of course, for making great coffee generally.
Use a blender
Add cold milk to a blender and blend quickly for about 15 seconds or until the milk is frothy. I’ve used the Ninja blender, and I’ve also used the regular handheld blender I use for cooking. I’ve even used my regular kitchen whisker and have had various results. The stand-alone blender gives the best results.
The Mason Jar Technique
Add cold milk to a jar and seal it tightly. Then, shake the jar vigorously for about 30 seconds or until the milk is frothy. It works, and I’ve made plenty of iced coffees this way with great success.
Use A Whisk
As mentioned, I have used a handheld cooking whisk; it works OK. You have to do it a little longer than a professional foamer, but it gives a good enough result.
Balloon Whisk
You need a bit of stamina for this one, but if you keep reminding yourself that all you are doing is adding some air bubbles to your milk, it works very well. Place the cold milk into a bowl and whisk vigorously for about one minute.
Always Use Cold Milk That Is Key
As long as your milk is cold, you should do well; room-temperature milk will not foam well. The higher the fat content in the milk, the faster it will froth. Remember to undermix instead of overmix; nothing is worse than frothed milk that does not move. If this happens, you should throw it out and start again.
Depending on what drink you are making, pouring foam over a spoon is helpful, particularly if you want to keep the foamy milk at the top of your coffee drink, for example, in an iced cappuccino.
Which Milk Alternatives Work Well For Milk Foam
But if you are not too happy with the idea of using regular milk, there are some alternatives out there. Using milk alternatives has become more popular in recent years, but the cool thing is these alternatives can also be used to produce milk foam.
But which ones work? Well, I have a short list you might want to check out.
Almond milk
I love Almond milk. It’s packed with protein, making it a great afternoon snack as a pick-me-up. So, drinking your coffee with almond milk is a definite win-win situation. The flavor of almond milk is relatively neutral, and it is low in fat and calories. It whisks well and tastes very nice in most coffees when frothed.
Coconut milk
If you want something a little creamier, Coconut milk is another good choice for cold foam because it has a rich and creamy flavor. It is also high in fat, which can help to create a thicker foam. I’ve even made a few coffees with it and thrown dried coconut on top with cinnamon for extra flavor.
Oat milk
Oat milk is a good choice for cold foam because it has a creamy texture and a slightly nutty flavor. It is also relatively low in calories and fat. Try a cappuccino with Oat Milk and nut syrup; it’s delicious.
Soy milk
Soy milk’s flavor is close to regular milk; some may not agree, but I find it relatively neutral. It is high in protein, and the protein bonds can make it froth faster.
Cashew milk
Cashew milk is a good choice for cold foam because it has a creamy texture and a slightly sweet flavor. It is also relatively low in calories and fat.
Hemp milk
Hemp milk is a good choice for cold foam because it has a creamy texture and a slightly nutty flavor. It is also high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids. So go the whole hog and get even more health benefits from your daily coffee. Coffee itself has its health benefits. Check out our article here.
To Conclude
No matter how you drink your iced brews, there is always a reason to introduce cold foam into your coffee-making skills. The more you do it, the more your imagination will develop new ideas and creations. The only limit will be your imagination!
Just accept that your first couple of attempts to make cold foam may be a flop, but persevere as that’s the best way to eventually become an expert.
