What Is Cold Foam?
Cold foam is a type of milk foam that is made by whipping cold milk until it forms a thick and creamy texture. It is often used as a topping for cold coffee drinks such as iced lattes and cold brew. It adds a smooth and creamy texture to cold coffee drinks, making them more enjoyable to drink. It also enhances the taste of the coffee and adds a touch of sweetness.
Cold foam is made by whipping cold milk in a separate container until it forms a thick and creamy texture. It is then carefully poured over cold coffee drinks. Cold foam is frothed milk that’s been prepared cold so as not to melt the rest of your coffee beverage similar to what you’d expect to see on a mocha, cappuccino, or latte. Since it’s frequently made with half and half or low fat milk, it doesn’t necessarily add a lot of calories.
Best Milk For Cold Foam
While whole milk will create a rich and creamy foam, it will not have the same sturdiness and stability as non-fat milk. It will also be less voluminous and tend to collapse faster. Non-fat milk has a higher protein content than whole milk, which makes it better at holding its structure when whipped, resulting in a more stable foam that can last longer. The lack of fat in non-fat milk also means that it froths up to a greater volume than whole milk, resulting in a more pronounced foam.
How To Make Cold Foam
There’s a bunch of methods to making cold foam, but there are two simple methods we recommend.
French Press / Cold Brew Press
To make cold foam with a French press, you would need a French press and a milk frother or a whisk to make the foam. First, you would need to fill the press with cold milk and use the milk frother to froth it until it reaches the desired consistency. Once the foam is ready, you can carefully pour it over your cold drink.
Keep in mind that French press is usually used for hot beverage, using it for cold foam could be a tricky task and may not give you the desired result. There are specific tools for making cold foam, such as a milk frother or a whipped cream dispenser.
This might be the simplest method, because French press and cold brew presses are pretty common.
- Ingredients:
- 1 cup of cold milk (whole milk or non-dairy milk)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
- 1 tsp sugar or sweetener of your choice (optional)
Instructions:
- Fill the French press with cold milk, add vanilla extract and sugar (if using) and mix well.
- Begin to press the plunger up and down vigorously for about 2-3 minutes, until the milk starts to froth and double in volume. Be careful not to over-froth the milk or press too hard, as this can cause the foam to collapse.
- Once you’ve reached the desired consistency, carefully pour the foam into a separate container.
- You can now use the cold foam to top your cold drinks, such as iced coffee, iced tea, or even soda. The foam will stay stable for a few minutes, so you can enjoy your drink right away.
Conclusion
A French press is not specifically designed for cold foam making so this recipe is an improvisation and may not give you the desired result. Using a milk frother or a whipped cream dispenser specifically designed for making cold foam can give you a better result.
Also, it’s important to keep in mind that the quality of the foam will depend on the type of milk you use. Whole milk will produce a richer and creamier foam, while non-dairy milk may not foam as well. Experiment with different types of milk to find the one that works best for you.