How to Make Coffee Foam: Four Easy Methods Anyone Can Try

Coffee foam complements a variety of espresso-based drinks. 

When made cold, it can also elevate a range of iced beverages. This rich, creamy milk foam is an excellent way to up your coffee-making game and make barista-level brews at home. 

In this article, we’ll teach you four ways to make coffee foam that can be used to make several different beverages — both hot and cold.

Method 1: Steamed Milk Foam

Steamed milk foam is what’s used to make lattes, coffee cappuccinos, and other espresso-based brews in coffee houses across the globe. An espresso machine with a steam wand is required to make this foam, so this recipe may not be achievable for everyone. 

With that said, here’s how to make steamed milk foam:

What You Need:

• Fresh Milk — Whole milk works best, but vegan alternatives like oat and almond milk also work.
• Steam Wand — Attached to an espresso machine or a standalone tool.
• Milk Pitcher — Small heat-safe jug (usually made from stainless steel).
• Thermometer (optional) — This can be used for temperature control, but it’s not essential. 
• Clean Cloth — For wiping the steam wand. 

Step-By-Step Guide:

• Prepare Your Steam Wand — Turn on your machine, fill the reservoir with cold, filtered water, and allow it to heat up. 
• Prepare the Pitcher — Fill a small milk pitcher ½ to ⅓ full with cold, fresh whole milk or a vegan alternative. 
• Stretch the Milk — “Stretch” the milk by placing the tip of the steam wand near the surface before releasing the steam. The milk should expand slightly.
• Froth and Warm the Milk — Submerge the steam wand to heat the milk to 140–155°F (60–68°C). Move in a circular motion and steam the liquid until smooth, velvety, and foamy. 
• Pour the Milk Foam — Tap the pitcher on the counter a few times to remove any large air bubbles and gently pour it over your coffee of choice. 

Method 2: French Press Coffee Foam

If you don’t have an espresso machine or a standalone steam wand, using a French press is the best way to create milk foam for coffee. This unusual method creates a foam extremely similar to steamed milk. This foam can be used to make latte-like beverages at home without an espresso machine. 

Here’s how to make coffee foam with a French press: 

What You Need:

• Fresh Milk — Whole milk works best, but you can also use a vegan alternative such as oat, almond, or coconut milk. 
• French Press — A larger French press makes it easier to pump more air into the milk. Opt for a four-cup press or larger. 
• Small Pan — A small stovetop pan is needed to warm the milk. 
• Thermometer (optional) — A thermometer allows you to warm the milk to the perfect temperature, but this isn’t essential.
• Tablespoon — This will be used to spoon the milk foam onto your beverage. 

Step-By-Step Guide:

• Warm the Milk — Add a small cup of whole milk or a plant-based alternative to a pan. Heat over a medium heat until the milk is warm — a temperature of between 140–155°F (60–68°C) is ideal. 
• Prepare the French Press — Pour the warmed milk into the container of your French press. Place the lid on and push the plunger so it sits on the surface of the milk. 
• Froth the Milk — Pump the plunger up and down quickly to infuse the milk with air. Do this for 30 seconds to one minute until the milk is velvety and frothy. 
• Remove the Plunger — Remove the plunger from the container of your French press. 
• Allow the Foam to Rise — Leave the container on the side and wait for 30 seconds for all the coffee foam to rise to the surface. 
• Remove the Foam — Using a large spoon, gently scoop the foam from the surface of the milk and place it gently on top of your coffee. 

Method 3: Cold Foam for Iced Beverages 

Cold milk foam can be made to enhance the texture of creamy, iced coffee drinks. It’s easy to make — we’ll be using the same French press method as above, minus the heating step.

Here’s how to make cold foam for iced beverages:

What You Need:

• Fresh Milk — Use fresh, cold, whole milk or a vegan alternative such as coconut, almond, or oat milk. 
• French Press — Use a four-cup French press. A larger press makes it easier to foam the milk.
• Tablespoon (optional) — If you just want to use the foam (not the liquid milk), you’ll need a spoon to scoop it and place it on your beverage. 

Step-By-Step Guide:

• Prepare the French Press — Pour one cup of cold whole milk or a dairy-free alternative into the container of your French press. Then, place the lid and plunger securely on top. 
• Froth the Milk — Pump the plunger of your press up and down quickly to create small microfoam bubbles in the milk. Do this for 30 to 60 seconds, or until the milk is light and frothy. 
• Remove the Plunger — Remove the lid and plunger of your French press and place them to one side. 
• Use the Milk Foam — To make a milky cold foam coffee, gently pour the milk and foam over chilled coffee. To make a black iced coffee or cold brew with milk foam, scoop the foam from the surface and gently place it on top of your brew. 

Method 4: Whipped Coffee Foam for Dalgona Coffee

Dalgona coffee is the viral Korean whipped, frothy coffee drink made by whipping together instant coffee, sugar, and hot water in equal parts, then spooning it over a glass of cold milk. The “coffee foam” used in this drink is different from your typical milk foam. It’s sweet, dense, sticky, and indulgent. 

Here’s how to make whipped coffee for dalgona-style drinks

What You Need:

• Small Mixing Bowl — Use a small mixing bowl for preparing the whipped coffee.
• Fine Whisk — A fine hand whisk or an electric mixer is needed to whip the mixture to a foam. 
• Instant Coffee — Opt for strong, high-quality instant coffee granules.
• White Sugar — Use plain, white, refined sugar. 
• Hot Water — A small amount of hot water is needed to dissolve the ingredients. 

Step-By-Step Guide:

• Combine the Ingredients — In your mixing bowl, add two tablespoons of instant coffee, two tablespoons of sugar, and two tablespoons of hot water. Note: You can increase the amount of each ingredient equally if you want to make multiple servings.
• Whisk the Ingredients — Using a hand whisk or electric mixer, beat the mixture vigorously until a thick, fluffy, caramel-like foam has been created. This usually takes around five minutes, but may take longer depending on the volume made and how fast you can whisk. 
• Use the Whipped Coffee — To use the whipped coffee, spoon it gently onto a glass filled with ice and cold milk. Tip: Whipped coffee freezes well, so if you plan on making dalgona coffee regularly, consider planning ahead and freezing a tub full of the foam. 

What Drinks Can You Make With Coffee Foam?

Coffee foam can be used to make a variety of different beverages, from lattes to cold foam coffee. Some brews require expensive brewing equipment, while others can be made with basic tools you likely have in your kitchen already. 

Here are five delicious drinks you can make with coffee foam:

1. Caffè Latte

The caffè latte is a smooth blend of espresso and steamed milk. It’s rich, creamy, indulgent, and is often served with “latte art” on the surface of its silky milk foam. If you have an espresso machine, the latte is a must-learn staple.

Here’s how to make a latte at home: 

What You Need: 

• Espresso Machine — Used to brew a strong shot of coffee.
• Steam Wand — Used to froth and warm the milk. Most espresso machines have one incorporated into their design. 
• Milk Pitcher — Used for heating and frothing the milk. 
• High-Quality Coffee — Opt for 100% arabica, such as DaLat or a well-balanced blend like Saigon OG. 
• Water — Use fresh, filtered water to make the espresso. 
• Fresh Milk — Whole cow’s milk is best, but plant-based alternatives such as oat or almond milk also work. 
• Syrup (optional) — Add vanilla, caramel, or hazelnut syrup to elevate flavor and sweetness. 

Step-By-Step Guide:

• Grind the Coffee — Grind 18 grams of high-quality coffee to a fine consistency similar to powdered sugar. 
• Prepare the Portafilter — Fill the portafilter with the coffee and tamp it firmly and evenly. 
• Brew the Espresso — Lock the portafilter into the grouphead of your espresso machine and pull the shot of espresso into a large coffee mug. 
• Steam the Milk — Fill a pitcher ⅓ full with milk and, using the steam wand on your espresso machine, heat and froth it until smooth and velvety. 
• Assemble the Latte — Moving in a circular motion, gently pour your steamed milk over the espresso to combine. Allow the microfoam to settle on top of the drink and enjoy while warm. 

2. Mocha Coffee

Mocha coffee combines espresso coffee with chocolate and velvety coffee foam. If you love the flavor of chocolate and coffee, you’ll love this combination. 

Here’s how to make it: 

What You Need: 

• Espresso Machine — Used for preparing a fresh espresso shot. 
• Steam Wand — Used to create the chocolate milk foam.
• High-Quality Coffee — Opt for a high-quality arabica or an arabica-rich blend. 
• Dark Chocolate — Use 75%+ chocolate or cocoa powder. 
• Fresh Milk — Opt for whole milk or a high-protein vegan alternative such as oat milk. 
• Water — Use fresh, filtered water for brewing the espresso.
• Optional Toppings — Top the beverage with cocoa powder, chocolate shavings, and/or whipped cream.

Step-By-Step Guide:

• Brew the Espresso — Prepare a single or double shot of espresso with Cafely DaLat or a similar high-quality arabica. 
• Prepare the Milk — Fill a steam pitcher ⅓ full with milk and add two tablespoons of shaved dark chocolate or cocoa powder. 
• Steam the Milk — Use the steam wand on your espresso machine to warm and froth the milk until a rich, velvety chocolate milk has formed. 
• Assemble the Mocha — In a large mug, add the espresso shot followed by the chocolate milk. Stir gently to combine. 
• Garnish the Beverage (optional) — Top your mocha with whipped cream and chocolate shavings if desired, and enjoy. 

3. Cold Foam Coffee

Cold foam coffee is a refreshing iced beverage topped with light, airy, cold milk foam that slowly cascades into the dark coffee for a layered effect. 

Here’s how to make it:

What You Need: 

• French Press — This will be used to froth the cold foam,but it may also be used to brew the coffee.
• Coffee Maker — Use a French press or another brewer of your choice to brew a strong cup of coffee. 
• Milk Frother or Whisk — This will be used to froth the milk. You can also use a French press.
• High-Quality Coffee — Opt for high-quality arabica coffee or an arabica-rich blend. 
• Water — Use cold, fresh, filtered water to brew the coffee. 
• Ice — You’ll need a glass of ice made with fresh, filtered water.
• Fresh Milk — Use whole cow’s milk or a vegan alternative such as oat or almond milk. 
• Syrup (optional) — Vanilla, caramel, hazelnut, or a similar syrup can be used to sweeten and enhance the flavor of the beverage.

Step-By-Step Guide:

• Brew a Strong Coffee — Brew a strong cup of arabica coffee using a brewing method of your choice. 
• Add Syrup (optional) — If you wish to sweeten the beverage, add sugar or syrup while the coffee is warm. 
• Cool the Coffee — Allow the brew to cool to room temperature. You can speed the process up by adding an ice cube or pouring the shot back and forth between two cold coffee mugs. 
• Make the Cold Foam — Using your French press, create the cold foam (use the recipe above). 
• Assemble the Cold Foam Coffee — In a large serving glass, add ice followed by the coffee. Then, gently spoon the cold foam on top. Serve and enjoy while ice cold. 

4. Macchiato Coffee

A macchiato is a shot of espresso topped with a very small amount of milk foam. The word “macchiato” means “stained” or “marked” in Italian — the small amount of dairy simply takes the “edge” off the bold espresso. 

Here’s how to make a macchiato at home: 

What You Need: 

• Espresso Machine — An espresso machine is needed to brew a strong shot of espresso. 
• Steam Wand — Use the steam wand on your espresso machine to create the milk foam. 
• High-Quality Coffee — Opt for a high-quality 100% arabica coffee. 
• Filtered Water — Use fresh, filtered water to make the espresso. 
• Fresh Milk — Fresh cow’s milk is best for making a macchiato. However, vegan alternatives such as oat, almond, or coconut milk also work. 

Step-By-Step Guide:

• Brew the Espresso — Brew a single or double shot of espresso with high-quality arabica coffee. 
• Create the Milk Foam — Add a small amount of milk to a milk pitcher. Using the steam wand on your espresso machine, warm and froth the milk until a fine microfoam is created.
• Assemble the Macchiato — Gently spoon a small amount of microfoam onto the espresso. Enjoy by sipping the espresso through the foam.

5. Dalgona Coffee (Whipped Coffee)

Dalgona coffee is a dessert-like iced coffee from Korea. It’s made by whipping equal parts instant coffee, sugar, and water until a thick, sticky, dense foam is created. This foam is then placed over ice and milk to create a deliciously indulgent chilled beverage.

Here’s how to make it:

What You Need: 

• Small Mixing Bowl — A small mixing bowl is needed to whip the coffee. 
• Whisk — A whisk is used to whip the coffee. 
• Instant Coffee — Opt for a decent arabica instant coffee or a well-balanced blend.
• Sugar — Use white, refined sugar. 
• Hot Water — You’ll need a small amount of freshly boiled water to dissolve the ingredients. 
• Fresh Milk — Opt for fresh whole milk or a high-quality vegan alternative. 
• Ice — You’ll need a glass full of ice to serve this brew. 

Step-By-Step Guide:

• Combine the Ingredients — In a small mixing bowl, add equal parts instant coffee, sugar, and hot water. Two tablespoons of each is enough for one serving. 
• Make the Whipped Coffee — Using a fine whisk, whip the ingredients until a thick, dense, sticky foam has formed. 
• Assemble the Dalgona Coffee — In a small glass, add ice and milk. Then, gently spoon the whipped coffee on top and serve. The coffee will slowly combine with the milk, creating a cascading effect. Enjoy it while ice-cold. 

FAQs: How to Make Coffee Foam

Want to learn more about making coffee foam and delicious, velvety beverages? 

Read through the answers to the frequently asked questions below to learn more…

1. What is Coffee Foam?

Coffee foam is a thick, velvety froth made from milk. It's used to make a variety of different beverages from espresso-based drinks such as cappuccinos, lattes, and macchiatos, as well as iced beverages such as cold foam coffee. Some people also use the phrase “coffee foam” to refer to the whipped coffee used to make the frothy, iced Korean beverage known as Dalgona coffee. 

2. Can You Make Coffee Foam Without Sugar?

Yes. You can make milk foam for coffee without sugar or sweetener. In fact, most dairy and non-dairy milk products froth better without any additives. However, if you're making whipped coffee, you'll need sugar to create the thick, sticky texture required for the beverage. 

3. Can You Use Coffee Foam For Hot Beverages?

Yes. You can make both hot and cold milk foam for coffee. To make hot coffee foam, froth and warm the milk using a steam wand or warm it on the stove and froth with a whisk, French press, or milk frother. To make cold foam, froth cold milk using a whisk, milk frother, or French press.

4. How Long Does Coffee Foam Last?

Freshly frothed coffee foam lasts for about 20 minutes at room temperature before it begins to deflate and lose its velvety texture. When cold foam is stored in the fridge, it lasts for around an hour before deflating. It's possible to increase its shelf life by an hour or two by adding syrups or sugar — these act as stabilisers. 

5. Can You Make Cold Coffee Foam?

Yes. You can make cold foam coffee by combining one part cold milk and two parts heavy cream — syrup can also be added to add flavor and sweetness. Then, using a fine whisk, froth the liquid until light, airy, and velvety. This “cold foam” can be added to cold brew or iced coffee to create an indulgent, creamy brew with a smooth, creamy texture. 

6. Can You Make Coffee Foam With Vegan Milk?

Yes. You can make vegan coffee foam by using plant-based milk. However, some plant-based milk alternatives froth better than others. If you want to create thick, creamy, velvety coffee foam, opt for a high-protein milk such as oat, almond, or coconut milk. 

7. Can You Add Syrup to Coffee Foam?

Yes. You can add syrup to coffee foam to sweeten and flavor it. Adding syrup can help create a thicker, denser foam with fewer bubbles — this can be a benefit or a flaw, depending on the beverage you wish to make. 

If you want to retain the texture of regular milk foam but still want to sweeten and flavor your beverage, add syrup to the coffee instead of the foam. 

8. Can You Make Coffee Foam With Cream?

Yes. You can make coffee foam with cream. However, due to the consistency of the dairy product, the foam will be much thicker — more similar to whipped cream. Most recipes call for a 50:50 or a 1:3 mix of milk and cream — this thins the cream, producing a lighter, more velvety coffee foam. 

9. What’s the Best Coffee For Coffee Foam?

The best coffee for making beverages with coffee foam should be medium to dark roast, high-quality, and freshly ground. Most hot drinks that require milk foam are created with 100% arabica or an arabica-rich blend made for espresso. Cold brew and iced coffee can be made with robusta varieties and robusta-rich blends for a bolder experience or arabica for a lighter, sweeter, smoother experience. 

10. What is Dalgona Coffee?

Dalgona coffee is a whipped coffee beverage made by whipping equal parts instant coffee, sugar, and hot water until thick and fluffy. The foam is then spooned over cold milk and lightly stirred to create a rich, sweet, frothy iced brew.