The Easiest Starbucks Cold Foam Recipe at Home
Sometimes as a busy mom, you are nap trapped at home but haven’t quite had your coffee fix. Maybe you are trying to save a little money by making coffee drinks at home? Whatever your reason may be, this easy Starbucks cold foam recipe is always a hit.
Who wouldn’t want their favorite iced coffee drinks in the comfort of their home? This Starbucks copycat recipe will take your morning coffee to another level. No need for a coffee shop run or order on the app and besides, making anything at home is the best part! An iced coffee goes great with some muffins or a great option to serve with beverages alongside your waffle charcuterie board.
What is cold foam?
Cold foam is frothed milk that is often flavored with an extract or a sweetener. Instead of warm frothed milk sitting on top of lattes or cappuccinos, this is cold/cool. Cold foam has a frothy consistency and can be poured. It’s cold so it doesn’t immediately melt into your hot coffee. Contrary, if you think of whipped cream, something so dense it cannot be poured.
Different types of coffee cold foam are found at Starbucks include;
- Nitro coffee
- Iced lattes
- Iced cappucinos
- Iced coffee
- Iced mochas
- Pink drink with cold foam (iconic)
What is vanilla sweet cream?
Vanilla sweet cream is vanilla syrup, 2% milk and heavy whipping cream. The biggest difference between this and the vanilla sweet cream foam is the fact that this sweet cream is NOT blended.
What is vanilla sweet cream foam?
Vanilla sweet cream cold foam consists of vanilla syrup, 2% milk and heavy whipping cream. As opposed to just the cream, this mixture is, in fact, frothed.
Ingredients Needed for your Starbucks Sweet Cream Recipe
This recipe is made of such simple ingredients you can find at a local grocery store.
- Skim milk
- Vanilla Syrup
Substitutions for vanilla syrup is vanilla extract or homemade vanilla syrup. This might also include a simple syrup.
Equipment Needed for Starbucks Cold Foam
- Electric frother
- Coffee in a cup
- Cup to mix cold foam
How to make Starbucks Sweet Cream; Step by Step
1.) Combine all ingredients into a jar/cup
2.) Using your handheld frother, stir in a circular motion at high speed for about 1 minute
3.) Pour vanilla sweet cream foam over a glass of cold brew coffee
You know the mixture is ideal when some of it mixes with the drink and the rest sits on top after you pour it in.
Tips and Tricks for your Starbucks Sweet Cream Foam
- Keep your frother towards the top of the liquid when frothing and use an up and down motion to help with aeration
- Use nonfat milk for best aka frothiest results
- Make sure your milk is cold
Alternatives to Using an Electric Milk Frother
The good news is you have a few different alternatives to a handheld milk frother including the following;
- 1.) French press
- 2.) Immersion blender
- 3.) Mason jar
- 4.) Electric mixer
- 5.) Blender cup
Let’s talk about each option as there are many different ways to froth milk. If you’re more of a visual learner, check out this video that goes over a few techniques.
French press– you’re going to want to put in the desired amount of liquid into the carafe. Side note, there needs to be enough liquid to reach the cross plate of the plunger. Make sure you are holding the lid down at this point. Move the plunger up and down quickly and stop when it has doubled in size. Some people do this about 20-30 times. Here’s a great video if you’re wondering how to froth with a French press specifically.
Immersion Blender– Simply combine ingredients to make a creamy foam, then add to your coffee.
Mason jar– Add all your ingredients to your mason jar, put on the lid and give it a quick shake. This option is the least amount of clean up. Pro tip, use a cold glass. You can put the glass in your freezer for a few minutes before putting all your ingredients together.
Electric mixer– This is the same idea as the immersion blender, but just try and double the amount you start with.
Blender cup– This is the same idea as a mason jar. Put in all your ingredients and shake, shake, shake. Wait for the creamy texture and you will be enjoying this dupe in no time.
Dietary Modifications
If you are looking for dairy free, you can use almond milk or oat milk. Although the best is non fat milk, these are also options. It may not be as airy or frothy, but it still add a little something to your beverage.
If you’re wondering which milk froths the best, skim milk is the best dairy choice. However, almond milk is the best plant based milk. The determination of this all has to do with their protein to fat content. Furthermore, while skim milk froths the best, it is also a bit more dry and less creamy.
You might be wondering if whole milk is better than nonfat milk, but as mentioned previously, non-fat milk can froth better and will actually sit on top of your drink rather than become infused.
No bad choices here, just personal preference.
This is also helpful when ordering at Starbucks or any other coffee shop. You’ll know what to expect when modifying your order.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put this in the fridge?
Yes, you can put this copycat Starbucks cold foam in an airtight container and into the fridge for up to 3 days. When you are ready to use, just give it a little extra frothing and you are good to go! You’ll find the fresh frothed foam will give you the best results for your cold drinks.
Starbucks vanilla sweet cream cold foam is the perfect addition to any cold iced drink. Being able to recreate this simple recipe at home is a gamechanger!
It’s such an easy recipe that can easily be replicated multiple times a week. Enjoy!
