Winter Cold Foam Coffee Recipes

Cold coffee does not have to disappear when the weather cools down. Seasonal flavors such as peppermint, chocolate, caramel, and vanilla work just as well over cold brew or iced espresso, especially with a layer of cold foam on top.

What You Need

Cold Brew or Espresso

Start with coffee that can hold up to milk and flavor without disappearing. Lightwave Starlight works especially well because it is balanced enough for drip, espresso, and cold brew. If you prefer a fuller, darker coffee, Dusk is another good option.

Milk, Cream, or a Non-Dairy Alternative

For the thickest cold foam, half-and-half or heavy cream is the easiest option. Regular milk creates a lighter foam. Barista oat milk can also work well if you prefer a non-dairy version.

The exact texture will vary by product, so treat the recipe as a starting point and adjust to the milk you use.

Milk Frother or French Press

A handheld frother is the simplest tool. A clean French press works too. Add the cold milk or cream and pump the plunger rapidly until the liquid thickens and becomes airy.

Peppermint Cold Foam Cold Brew

Ingredients:

• 8 to 10 oz prepared cold brew
• 1/4 cup heavy cream, milk, or barista oat milk
• 1 to 2 teaspoons peppermint syrup
• 1 to 2 teaspoons vanilla or simple syrup, optional
• Ice

Directions:

1. Fill a glass with ice and add the prepared cold brew.
2. If you want the coffee itself sweeter, stir vanilla or simple syrup into the cold brew.
3. Combine the milk or cream with peppermint syrup and froth until thickened.
4. Spoon or pour the peppermint cold foam over the coffee.

Peppermint can become dominant quickly, so start light and add more if needed.

Iced Mocha With Salted Caramel Cold Foam

Ingredients:

• 2 shots espresso or 4 to 5 oz cold brew concentrate
• 6 to 8 oz milk or non-dairy milk
• 1 to 2 tablespoons chocolate sauce
• 1/4 cup heavy cream, milk, or barista oat milk
• 1 to 2 teaspoons caramel syrup
• Small pinch of salt
• Ice

Directions:

1. Mix the chocolate sauce into the espresso while the espresso is still warm. If using cold brew, stir thoroughly before adding ice.
2. Add milk and pour over ice.
3. Combine the cold foam base with caramel syrup and a small pinch of salt, then froth.
4. Top the iced mocha with the salted caramel foam.

Make the Recipe Fit the Coffee

The easiest way to improve a flavored coffee drink is to taste the coffee before adding everything else. If the coffee already has chocolate or caramel notes, you may need less syrup. If it is brighter and fruitier, vanilla or a lighter amount of sweetener may preserve more of that character.

Use these recipes as a starting point. The best version is the one where you can still taste the coffee underneath the foam.