Guide
How to make cold foam at home
Vanilla cold foam for sodas in 30 seconds: the ratio, the tools, dairy-free options and how to keep it from sinking.
The ratio
For one drink: 2 tbsp heavy cream, 2 tbsp half & half and 1 tsp vanilla syrup. Heavy cream gives structure; half & half keeps it light enough to spoon.
| Style | Mix | Texture |
|---|---|---|
| Classic vanilla | 2 tbsp heavy cream + 2 tbsp half & half + 1 tsp vanilla | Silky, spoonable |
| Extra thick | 3 tbsp heavy cream + 1 tbsp half & half + 1 tsp vanilla | Holds a cap |
| Oat (dairy-free) | 4 tbsp barista oat milk + 1 tsp vanilla | Light, airy |
| Coconut (dairy-free) | 3 tbsp coconut cream + 1 tbsp coconut milk + 1 tsp vanilla | Rich |
The method
Froth everything cold for 20 to 30 seconds with a handheld frother, until it thickens and holds soft peaks. No frother? Shake it hard in a sealed jar for 45 seconds.
Topping a soda
Build the drink first, then spoon the foam on gently. Fizzy soda pushes foam up, so leave a little room at the top of the cup.
Dairy-free
Use chilled barista oat milk or the thick part of canned coconut cream. Oat foams lighter; coconut is richer.
Troubleshooting
Foam too thin: the cream was warm or you used only half & half. Foam too stiff: you over-whipped it; stir in a splash of half & half.
Step by step
- 1Add 2 tbsp heavy cream, 2 tbsp half & half and 1 tsp vanilla syrup to a tall glass.
- 2Froth with a handheld frother for 20 to 30 seconds until soft peaks form.
- 3Build your soda first: syrup, ice, then soda.
- 4Spoon the foam gently on top and serve right away.
Recipes to try
FAQ
Can I make cold foam ahead?
Up to an hour in the fridge. Give it a quick re-froth before using.
Is cold foam the same as whipped cream?
No. Cold foam is pourable and silky; whipped cream is stiff and airy.
How many calories are in cold foam?
Roughly 80 to 100 kcal for this single serving, depending on brands.
More guides
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