There was a time, not too long ago, when "foam" was something that only happened on top of a hot cappuccino. But times change, and frankly, so does the temperature. Enter cold foam—that pillowy, velvety layer of aerated dairy that sits atop an iced coffee like a cloud that actually knows its job. Here is the Dilworth guide on how to make cold foam at home without needing a degree in molecular gastronomy.
Choose Your Cold-Foaming Weapon
You don't need an industrial-grade espresso machine. You just need a way to get air into the liquid.
The Bar Shaker/Lidded Jar: Shake like you’re trying to wake up the neighbors. It creates a dense foam perfect for pouring.
The Handheld Frother: A little battery-powered wand. Cheap, effective, and fits in a junk drawer.
The French Press: Pour your milk in and pump the plunger rapidly for 30 seconds. It creates a surprisingly thick foam.
The Secret Sauce: Cold Foam Recipe 101
Now, let’s talk milk. While some folks swear by skim for its "structural integrity," we prefer something with a bit more soul. Whole milk or 2% provides a much richer, creamier mouthfeel that actually stands up to the coffee.
For the ultimate "pourable silk" texture, we recommend the 3-2-1 ratio:
3 tbsp heavy cream
2 tbsp milk (Whole or 2%)
1 tbsp Torani Syrup
Since we carry a full library of Torani Syrups on the Dilworth site, you can get creative here. Vanilla, Salted Caramel, Coconut, or even Pistachio—the sugar in the syrup actually helps stabilize the bubbles, keeping your foam from collapsing before you can finish your first sip.
If you’re skipping the dairy, Oat Milk is your best friend. It has the creamy consistency needed to actually foam up. Almond milk tends to be a bit too thin and "bubbly" rather than "foamy," so stick with a "Barista Edition" oat milk for that cafe-quality cloud.
How to Do It
1. Combine your heavy cream, milk, and Torani syrup in your vessel of choice.
2. Froth or shake until the volume has roughly doubled.
3. Pour it gently over your favorite Dilworth iced brew. It should sit on top, slowly cascading into the coffee like a slow-motion waterfall.
3 Cold Foam Recipes
Ready to put your new skills to work? Try these classic cold foam recipes using our favorite pairings:
The Vanilla Cloud Cold Brew
The gold standard.
- Base: Dilworth Cold Brew or Iced Coffee
- Foam: 3 tbsp heavy cream, 2 tbsp whole milk, 1 tbsp Torani Vanilla Syrup
- Vibe: Simple, elegant, and tasted like you actually have your life together.
The "Sweet & Salty" Caramel
When you can't decide if you want dessert or a wake-up call.
- Base: Dilworth Cold Brew or Iced Coffee
- Foam: 3 tbsp heavy cream, 2 tbsp whole milk, 1 tbsp Torani Salted Caramel Syrup
- Vibe: A little bit sophisticated, a little bit indulgent.
The Oat Foam (Non-Dairy)
For all you non-dairy coffee lovers.
- Base: Dilworth Cold Brew or Iced Coffee
- Foam: 3 tbsp dairy free heavy cream, 2 tbsp "Barista Edition" Oat Milk, 1 tbsp Torani Brown Sugar Cinnamon Syrup
- Vibe: All the spice, none of the dairy, and a texture that rivals the real deal.
Making cold foam at home isn't just about saving five bucks; it's about the ritual. There's a certain satisfaction in watching that foam swirl into your coffee while you're still in your pajamas.
Grab a bottle of Torani from our store, pick your favorite beans, and start experimenting. If you mess up the first one, just drink the evidence and try again. We won't tell.
