Can You Make Cold Foam with a Milk Frother

Cold foam is a thoughtfully crafted texture that shapes how we experience cold coffee. It is that cloud-like topping perched on your iced latte or cold brew; a microfoam made up of a network of tiny, stable bubbles created without heat, delivering a smooth, creamy finish that’s all about texture, not temperature.

In this article, you'll find out how you can make cold foam with a milk frother. And the science behind it is surprisingly simple. We’ll walk you through the basics of how to make cold foam at home using a handheld frother (or a few kitchen workarounds), what kinds of milk actually produce the most stable foam, and why the proteins in your milk matter more than you think. Now, let’s dive in and froth smarter.

What Is Cold Foam

Cold foam is a light, creamy, aerated milk topping served over cold coffee drinks. It’s made without steam or heat just frothed cold milk that turns into a silky foam.

So, what is in cold foam? At its simplest, just milk—typically nonfat, because it foams beautifully. But you can also add flavor syrups, sweet cream, or even matcha or pumpkin spice to create your own signature version.

Cold Foam vs. Warm Foam: Which Froth Better

When deciding between cold foam and warm foam, the better option really depends on the beverage you’re preparing. Cold foam is specifically crafted for iced drinks. It’s light, airy, and stable enough to sit elegantly on top of a cold brew or an iced coffee without immediately sinking or dissolving. Because it's made without heat, it maintains its frothy structure and doesn’t change the temperature of your drink. 

In contrast, warm foam which is produced by steaming milk, is richer and denser, with a creamy texture that integrates smoothly into hot espresso drinks like lattes and cappuccinos. It enhances the body and warmth of the drink, creating a velvety-smooth experience. 

So, is one truly better than the other? Not necessarily. Use cold foam for coffee when you want a cool, textural contrast, and opt for warm foam when you’re in the mood for something cozy and comforting. Understanding both lets you customize your coffee experience with the perfect finishing touch, hot or cold.

Can You Make Cold Foam with a Milk Frother

Yes, and if you have a milk frother, like the handheld Zulay Kitchen milk frother, you’re already halfway there. Frothing cold milk at home is surprisingly simple, and a frother makes the process efficient and consistent. Handheld, electric, or manual milk frothers—each method can whip up beautifully textured cold foam without the learning curve of the espresso machine. So, how do you make cold foam with a milk frother? Let’s walk through it step by step.

How to Make Cold Foam at Home with a Frother

Ingredients:

• ¼ to ½ cup cold milk (nonfat, 2%, whole, or plant-based)

Optional: 1–2 tsp vanilla syrup, maple syrup, honey, or flavored creamer

Zulay Says: Use milk that’s really cold for the best foam. You can also chill your frothing pitcher ahead of time for longer fluff!

Instructions:

Step 1: Pour cold milk into a tall glass, frothing pitcher, or even a mason jar if that's what you have on hand. For best results, use around ¼ to ½ cup of milk which is enough to froth but not so much that it overflows. Keep in mind that milk froths best when it's very cold, so it’s a good idea to use milk straight from the fridge.

Step 2: Insert your milk frother just below the surface of the milk. Tilt the container slightly and position the frother at a slight angle to maximize circulation and prevent splashing. Then, turn on the frother and begin working the milk, gently moving it up and down through the liquid. This motion helps incorporate air and builds a soft, pillowy foam.

Step 3: Froth for about 15 to 30 seconds. You're aiming for a dense, silky microfoam and not the big, bubbly froth. The goal is to aerate the milk enough to create volume, but not so much that it becomes dry or overly foamy.

Step 4: Once the cold foam has thickened to your liking, pour or use a spoon to gently layer it over your iced beverage. It should sit gracefully on top, forming a creamy cap that slowly cascades into your drink with each sip.

How to Make Cold Foam Without a Frother

If you don’t have a milk frother on hand, don’t worry, you can still make smooth, airy cold foam using tools you likely already have in your kitchen. These alternative methods may take a bit more effort, but they’re just as effective at producing delicious homemade cold foam.

1. French Press

This is one of the most effective non-electric methods. Simply pour cold milk into a clean French press, filling it no more than one-third full to leave room for expansion. Secure the lid and pump the plunger up and down vigorously for 30 to 60 seconds. The mesh filter helps incorporate air into the milk, creating a thick foam that’s ideal for cold coffee drinks.

2. Mason Jar Shake Method

This method requires nothing more than a mason jar with a tight-fitting lid. Add cold milk, seal the jar, and shake it vigorously for about 30 to 60 seconds. The agitation creates foam through manual aeration. While it might not produce the microfoam texture of a frother, it still results in a nice, frothy layer perfect for topping iced drinks.

3. High-Speed Blender

If you're making cold foam for more than one drink, a high-speed blender can be a great option. Add your cold milk and blend on medium to high speed for about 15 to 30 seconds. The blender quickly incorporates air, resulting in a larger volume of foam that works well for entertaining or batch coffee prep.

4. Hand Whisk or Electric Hand Mixer

Use a balloon whisk to beat cold milk in a mixing bowl with quick circular motions for 1–2 minutes, or use an electric hand mixer on low speed for faster results. This method gives you solid control over the foam texture and is a great low-tech backup.

5. Immersion Blender

An immersion (stick) blender can double as a makeshift frother. Place cold milk in a deep, narrow container and blend for 20 to 30 seconds. The spinning blades whip air into the milk quickly, and the vertical container helps control splatter and maintain foam structure.

Best Milk for Making Cold Foam

Different types of milk create different textures, and some are better suited for specific styles of cold foam. The texture lies in the protein and fat content so if you’re aiming for a classic cold foam or exploring dairy-free options, here’s what you need to know:

• Nonfat (Skim) Milk

If you’ve ever wondered what is cold foam made of at coffee shops, this is often the answer. Nonfat milk is the most common choice among baristas because of its high protein and low-fat content. It produces a light, airy, and stable foam that holds its shape well. If you're after a frothy, meringue-like texture, this is your go-to.

• 2% or Whole Milk

Can you make cold foam with whole milk? Definitely. In fact, 2% and whole milk strike a balance between foam volume and creaminess. The added fat content creates a richer flavor and softer, silkier foam that blends more seamlessly into your cold brew or iced coffee. It may not be as stiff as nonfat foam, but it delivers a more luxurious mouthfeel.

• Half and Half

Yes, you can make cold foam with half and half, a dairy product made by blending equal parts whole milk and heavy cream. It has a richer taste and creamier texture than milk alone, but isn’t as thick or calorie-dense as heavy cream. In the U.S., it typically contains about 10.5% to 18% milk fat.

It’s commonly used in coffee for a smooth, indulgent texture and it works beautifully for making cold foam too. And since it’s thicker and heavier, it tends to sink into your drink slightly, creating a layered texture that blends beautifully with cold espresso or iced teas.

• Almond Milk Cold Foam

You can make cold foam with almond milk, but it requires a bit of trial and error. The trick is to use a barista blend almond milk, which is specially formulated to foam better than standard versions. It has added stabilizers and proteins that help create a light but slightly thinner foam. Without a frother or the right blend, you may struggle to get consistent results, but it’s definitely possible.

• Oat Milk & Soy Milk

If you're looking for dairy-free cold foam options, oat milk and soy milk are two of the most reliable. Both offer a creamy base and a decent amount of protein to create smooth, stable foam especially if you're using barista-formulated varieties. Oat milk in particular has a naturally sweet taste and creamy body, making it a favorite for vegan cold foam coffee drinks.

Best Kitchen Tools for Making Cold Foam at Home

• • Tornado Triple Whisk Milk Frother: This compact, handheld triple-whisk frother is ideal for everyday use. It's a go-to for beginners and seasoned coffee lovers alike.
  • Automatic Frother with Temperature Control: If you want extra precision and minimal effort, this electric frother is your best friend. It offers hot and cold froth settings, allowing you to make both warm and cold foam at the touch of a button. Ideal for households that enjoy both hot lattes and chilled coffee creations.
  • Stainless Steel Frothing Pitcher: A frothing pitcher gives you better control over your foam, especially when pouring delicate latte designs or layering your cold brew. 

Zulay's Final Thought

Now that you’ve mastered how to make cold foam at home, you’re officially in charge of your own café-level creations. All it takes is the right milk, a little creativity, and your favorite Zulay Kitchen frother to transform any iced coffee into something truly crave-worthy. We can’t wait to see what you froth up! Tag us @zulay_kitchen and use #kitchenhappiness to share your cold foam masterpieces.