Easy Cold Foam Recipe: Make Starbucks Style Cold Foam at Home

If you’re a fan of creamy, frothy coffee toppings, you’re likely familiar with cold foam. This light, velvety topping has become a staple at coffee shops, especially on iced drinks like cold brews and lattes. Fortunately, learning how to make an easy cold foam recipe at home is simpler than you think. It requires just a few ingredients and tools you probably already have in your kitchen.

Whether you’re trying to save money, customize your flavors, or just enjoy the coffee shop experience at home, this guide will show you exactly how to whip up cold foam that rivals your favorite barista’s. According to Allrecipes’ cold foam recipe guide, making cold foam at home only takes a couple of minutes and allows for creative flavor combinations. You can even try different milk options or add sweeteners to your taste.

The team at Budget Bytes also shares how sweet cream cold foam adds depth and texture to any cold drink, with simple ingredients and no fancy equipment needed. With so many ways to adapt this versatile topping, it’s easy to see why it’s become a go-to in coffee culture.

**What Is Cold Foam?**

Cold foam is a whipped, frothy topping made from chilled milk or cream, typically served over cold beverages. It mimics the airy texture of steamed milk froth used in hot drinks, but it’s specially formulated to sit on top of cold drinks without immediately dissolving.

Introduced by Starbucks in 2018
Used primarily on cold brew, iced lattes, and iced teas
Light and airy, not as dense as whipped cream
Typically unsweetened or lightly sweetened

The key difference between cold foam and traditional foam is the use of cold milk and the method of aeration, which gives it its signature texture.

Ingredients for an Easy Cold Foam Recipe

Easy Cold Foam Recipe (4) — Easy Cold Foam Recipe

To make a basic cold foam at home, you only need a few ingredients:

3 tablespoons of heavy cream
2 tablespoons of 2% milk
1–2 teaspoons of vanilla syrup (or any sweetener of choice)

Optional additions:

Dash of vanilla extract
Flavored syrups (caramel, hazelnut, mocha)
Cinnamon, pumpkin spice, or nutmeg

Dairy-Free Alternatives

Oat milk (best frothing consistency)
Almond milk
Coconut cream
Soy milk (works well with handheld frothers)

Adjust ratios to get the perfect thickness and taste. For a creamier texture, use more cream; for a lighter version, use more milk.

Equipment Needed

You don’t need a fancy espresso machine to make cold foam. Here are a few options you can use:

Handheld milk frother – The easiest and most effective method
French press – Pump the plunger quickly to aerate
Blender – Use a small amount and blend on low
Mason jar – Shake vigorously for 30–60 seconds

Each method offers a different level of frothiness. A milk frother will produce the best texture closest to coffee shop cold foam.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Cold Foam

Easy Cold Foam Recipe (1) — Easy Cold Foam Recipe

Here’s how to make cold foam using different tools:

Using a Milk Frother

Combine cream, milk, and syrup in a small cup
Submerge the frother and turn it on
Froth for 20–30 seconds until thick and foamy

Using a French Press

Add ingredients to the press
Move the plunger up and down rapidly
Continue for 30–60 seconds until foam forms

Using a Blender

Pour ingredients into a blender
Blend on low for 15–20 seconds
Let foam settle before pouring

Using a Mason Jar

Add ingredients to the jar
Secure lid tightly
Shake vigorously for up to a minute

Tips for success:

Use cold ingredients
Don’t over-froth; it may collapse
Use a wide-mouthed jar or cup for easier frothing

Flavor Variations

Easy Cold Foam Recipe (3) — “Homemade cold foam topping on iced coffee with milk frother”

Customize your cold foam to match your mood or the season:

Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Foam – Add extra vanilla extract
Caramel Cold Foam – Use caramel syrup and a pinch of sea salt
Pumpkin Spice Cold Foam – Add pumpkin puree and pumpkin spice
Mocha Cold Foam – Mix in cocoa powder or chocolate syrup
Cinnamon Dolce Cold Foam – Add cinnamon syrup and ground cinnamon
Sugar-Free Cold Foam – Use monk fruit or stevia-based syrups

Each variation allows you to match your cold foam to your drink of choice.

Serving Suggestions

Cold foam works well with a variety of cold beverages:

Cold brew coffee with vanilla or caramel cold foam
Iced lattes with sweet cream foam
Matcha lattes topped with cinnamon foam
Iced chai with pumpkin spice cold foam

Presentation tip: Pour slowly to create a layered, ombré look. Sip through the foam for the full experience—no stirring needed unless you prefer a uniform blend.

Storage and Shelf Life

Store leftover cold foam in an airtight container in the fridge
Best consumed within 24 hours
Re-froth briefly before using again

Because cold foam contains dairy, it’s important to keep it chilled and avoid leaving it out for long.

Nutritional Information

On average, one serving of homemade cold foam contains:

50–80 calories
4–6 grams of fat
1–3 grams of sugar (depending on syrup)
1–2 grams of protein

Health tip: Use low-fat milk, sugar-free sweeteners, or plant-based milk to lower calorie content.

FAQs

1. How do you make cold foam at home?

To make cold foam at home, combine heavy cream and milk (2% works best) in a jar, milk frother, or French press. You can add flavorings such as vanilla syrup or sweeteners to taste. Froth the mixture until it’s thick and frothy. Pour the foam over your cold beverage, like iced coffee or cold brew.

2. What is the ratio for cold foam?

A typical ratio for cold foam is:

3 parts heavy cream (or your preferred cream)
2 parts 2% milk (or non-dairy milk like oat milk)
Optional: 1–2 teaspoons of vanilla syrup or sweetener.

This ratio creates a creamy yet airy texture perfect for topping cold drinks.

3. Is cold foam just whipped milk?

Cold foam is not the same as whipped cream or whipped milk. It is made by frothing a combination of milk and cream to create a light, airy foam. Unlike whipped cream, cold foam is not as dense or sweet. It’s specifically designed to sit atop cold beverages without dissolving quickly.

4. How can I make cold foam without a frother?

If you don’t have a frother, you can still make cold foam by using a few different methods:

Mason jar: Shake the cream and milk mixture vigorously for 30-60 seconds.
Blender: Blend on low for 15-20 seconds until foam forms.
French press: Pump the plunger rapidly to aerate the liquid.

Each of these methods works well to create frothy cold foam without the need for a specialized frother.

5. What liquid is best for cold foam?

Milk and cream are the most common liquids used for cold foam. Heavy cream gives the foam a rich, creamy texture, while 2% milk is ideal for a balanced consistency. For dairy-free options, oat milk is often considered the best for frothing, as it creates a smooth, creamy foam similar to dairy options.

6. How do you make homemade foam?

To make homemade foam for drinks, combine milk (or cream) with a sweetener or flavoring, then froth the mixture using a milk frother, French press, or even by shaking in a jar. The key is to use cold ingredients and froth until you achieve a light, airy texture.

7. How to make cold brew at home?

To make cold brew at home:

Coarsely grind your coffee beans.
Mix 1 cup of coffee grounds with 4 cups of cold water in a jar or pitcher.
Stir, cover, and let it steep in the refrigerator for 12-24 hours.
After steeping, strain the coffee using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth.
Serve over ice with your preferred cold foam topping.

8. What is the best mix for snow foam?

For the best snow foam mixture, you typically use a combination of:

1 part snow foam shampoo (car shampoo or detailing foam)
2-3 parts water (depending on the thickness you want)
Optional: Add a little foam booster for extra bubbles. This mix gives you a rich, thick foam for washing your car or creating a foamy, textured effect for decorative uses.

9. What type of cold foam does Dunkin’ have?

Dunkin’ offers a sweet cold foam that is made with a combination of milk and cream, sweetened to create a rich, creamy topping for cold beverages. They often feature flavored variations such as vanilla and caramel cold foam.

10. Why is my snow foam not foaming?

If your snow foam isn’t foaming, it could be due to:

Using the wrong snow foam shampoo (make sure it’s designed to create foam).
Water temperature is too high or too low (use cool water for the best foam).
Too much water or not enough product in the mix.
Ensure your foam cannon or pressure washer is set up correctly.

11. What is the best snow foam to water ratio?

The typical snow foam to water ratio is:

1 part snow foam shampoo to 2-3 parts water, depending on the thickness desired. If you want extra thick foam, increase the ratio of snow foam shampoo to water.

12. How do you make snow foam for kids?

Snow foam for kids can be made by using a safe, non-toxic foam solution. Mix a child-safe foam cleaner or bubble solution with water, and use a foam cannon or bubble machine to create large, fluffy foam. You can also create foam by using a standard bubble solution in a large bowl or container.

13. How to get perfect snow foam?

To achieve perfect snow foam, follow these steps:

Use cool water and the correct snow foam solution designed for thick foam.
Ensure your foam cannon or pressure washer is set up to create foam, not just water pressure.
Adjust the water-to-product ratio to suit your desired foam thickness.
Apply the foam quickly for maximum effect, and let it sit for a few minutes to work effectively.

Conclusion

Learning how to make an easy cold foam recipe at home opens the door to customizing your coffee just the way you like it—without the high price tag of daily café visits. With just a few simple ingredients like heavy cream, 2% milk, and a touch of flavored syrup, you can replicate the light, airy texture of your favorite coffee shop topping. Whether you’re using a milk frother, blender, French press, or even a mason jar, the process is quick, straightforward, and rewarding.

One of the biggest advantages of homemade cold foam is versatility. You can adjust the sweetness, experiment with seasonal flavors like pumpkin spice or mocha, and even make it dairy-free with options like oat milk or coconut cream. With just a little practice, you’ll be able to achieve that perfect frothy consistency every time.

Beyond coffee, this creamy topping pairs beautifully with iced matcha, chai lattes, and even iced teas. Presentation also plays a part in the coffee shop feel—try pouring it gently to create a layered effect, or simply enjoy sipping through the foam for a smooth, velvety experience.

Whether you’re trying to impress guests, cut down on expensive coffee runs, or simply indulge in a better cup of iced coffee, mastering cold foam is a skill worth learning. It’s quick, it’s affordable, and most importantly, it’s delicious. Try it once, and you’ll see why cold foam has become a must-have for any coffee lover.