Homemade Cold Foam Cold Brew is your new favorite indulgent, yet surprisingly easy, coffee creation. This recipe demystifies the creamy, cloud-like topping that elevates your morning caffeine, offering a delightful and budget-friendly alternative to expensive coffee shop drinks that you can perfectly customize.
Key Ingredients for Homemade Cold Foam Cold Brew
- For the Cold Brew Coffee:
- 1 cup coarsely ground coffee beans (a medium to dark roast works best)
- 4 cups filtered cold water
- For the Homemade Cold Foam:
- 1/2 cup cold half-and-half (or a mix of half-and-half and whole milk for a lighter foam)
- 1/4 cup whole milk (if not using a half-and-half/milk mix above)
- 2 tablespoons sweetener of choice (simple syrup, maple syrup, or granulated sugar dissolved in a little hot water)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, but highly recommended!)
How to Make Homemade Cold Foam Cold Brew
Prepare to be amazed by how simple it is to craft this incredibly satisfying Homemade Cold Foam Cold Brew right in your own kitchen. You’ll be enjoying a luxuriously smooth and creamy coffee experience that’s both quick to assemble and bursting with delicious flavor. With just a few easy steps and minimal prep time, this recipe is perfect for busy mornings or a delightful afternoon treat. Get ready for a delicious, satisfying coffee that rivals your favorite cafe. Prep time: 5 minutes for assembly, 12-24 hours for cold brew steeping.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Steeping the Cold Brew Coffee (This can be done ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator):
- Combine Coffee and Water: In a large jar, pitcher, or French press, combine the 1 cup of coarsely ground coffee beans with 4 cups of filtered cold water. Coarse grounds are essential to prevent bitterness and ensure a clean-tasting cold brew.
- Stir Gently: Give the mixture a gentle stir to ensure all the coffee grounds are saturated with water.
- Steep: Cover the container and let it steep at room temperature for about 12-24 hours. The longer it steeps, the stronger and more concentrated your cold brew will be. For a less intense flavor, steep for 12-15 hours. For a bolder brew, go for 18-24 hours.
- Strain the Cold Brew: After steeping, strain the cold brew to remove the coffee grounds. If using a French press, slowly press the plunger down. If using a jar or pitcher, strain the coffee through a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth or a coffee filter into another container. Discard the grounds.
- Store the Cold Brew: Your homemade cold brew concentrate is now ready! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Making the Homemade Cold Foam:
- Combine Foam Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the 1/2 cup of cold half-and-half (or your chosen milk mixture), 1/4 cup of whole milk (if applicable), 2 tablespoons of your sweetener of choice, and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
- Froth the Mixture: Use one of the following methods to create your cold foam:
- French Press Method: Pour the foam ingredients into a clean French press. Pump the plunger up and down vigorously for about 30-60 seconds, or until the mixture thickens and becomes foamy and airy.
- Electric Milk Frother: Pour the ingredients into your electric milk frother and operate according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Handheld Milk Frother: Pour the ingredients into a small pitcher or bowl and insert the handheld frother. Froth until the mixture is thick and foamy.
- Mason Jar Method: Pour the ingredients into a mason jar, seal tightly, and shake vigorously for about 1-2 minutes until a thick foam forms.
- Assemble Your Drink: Fill a glass with ice. Pour in your desired amount of cold brew concentrate and top with cold water or milk to your preferred strength and taste.
- Add the Foam: Spoon the thick, creamy homemade cold foam over the top of your cold brew.
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Cold Foam Cold Brew
You’re going to adore this Homemade Cold Foam Cold Brew because it achieves that signature velvety, pillow-like topping that transforms your coffee into a luxurious treat. Unlike a simple iced coffee, the cold foam adds a delightful creamy richness that’s utterly addictive. Plus, the cost savings of crafting this cafe-quality beverage at home are significant, allowing you to enjoy your favorite indulgence daily without breaking the bank. The versatility of cold foam also means you can experiment with different extracts and sweeteners, making each cup uniquely yours.
Imagine the satisfaction of sipping on a perfectly chilled, deeply flavorful coffee topped with a cloud of sweet, airy foam, all without the guilt of a hefty coffee shop bill. It’s a game-changer for your morning routine or afternoon slump, offering a touch of everyday luxury. So ditch the drive-thru and embrace the joy of making this delightful Homemade Cold Foam Cold Brew in your own kitchen – you won’t regret it! Your taste buds will thank you.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Storing Cold Brew Coffee:
Your homemade cold brew concentrate can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent any unwanted odors from absorbing. Always use a clean utensil when scooping out concentrate to avoid contamination.
Storing Homemade Cold Foam:
Leftover cold foam is best used immediately as it will deflate over time. However, if you must store it, place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for no more than 4-6 hours. It will lose some of its aeration, but can often be re-frothed briefly with a whisk or milk frother before serving.
Best Practices:
It is generally recommended to make the cold foam fresh each time you want to enjoy your Homemade Cold Foam Cold Brew. This ensures the best texture and flavor. If you make a larger batch of cold brew concentrate, that part will keep well in the fridge for your daily coffee fix.
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Cold Foam Cold Brew is your ticket to delicious, café-style coffee at home, offering rich flavor and delightful texture without the premium price tag. Give it a try and discover your new favorite way to caffeinate!
Homemade Cold Foam Cold Brew
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large jar, pitcher, or French press, combine the 1 cup of coarsely ground coffee beans with 4 cups of filtered cold water. Coarse grounds are essential to prevent bitterness and ensure a clean-tasting cold brew.1 cup coarsely ground coffee beans, 4 cups filtered cold water
- Give the mixture a gentle stir to ensure all the coffee grounds are saturated with water.
- Cover the container and let it steep at room temperature for about 12-24 hours. The longer it steeps, the stronger and more concentrated your cold brew will be. For a less intense flavor, steep for 12-15 hours. For a bolder brew, go for 18-24 hours.
- After steeping, strain the cold brew to remove the coffee grounds. If using a French press, slowly press the plunger down. If using a jar or pitcher, strain the coffee through a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth or a coffee filter into another container. Discard the grounds.
- Your homemade cold brew concentrate is now ready! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
- In a small bowl, combine the 1/2 cup of cold half-and-half (or your chosen milk mixture), 1/4 cup of whole milk (if applicable), 2 tablespoons of your sweetener of choice, and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract.1/2 cup cold half-and-half, 1/4 cup whole milk, 2 tablespoons sweetener of choice, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Use one of the following methods to create your cold foam:
- French Press Method: Pour the foam ingredients into a clean French press. Pump the plunger up and down vigorously for about 30-60 seconds, or until the mixture thickens and becomes foamy and airy.
- Electric Milk Frother: Pour the ingredients into your electric milk frother and operate according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Handheld Milk Frother: Pour the ingredients into a small pitcher or bowl and insert the handheld frother. Froth until the mixture is thick and foamy.
- Mason Jar Method: Pour the ingredients into a mason jar, seal tightly, and shake vigorously for about 1-2 minutes until a thick foam forms.
- Fill a glass with ice. Pour in your desired amount of cold brew concentrate and top with cold water or milk to your preferred strength and taste.
- Spoon the thick, creamy homemade cold foam over the top of your cold brew.
Notes
Leftover cold foam is best used immediately as it will deflate over time. If stored, refrigerate in an airtight container for no more than 4-6 hours and re-froth briefly before serving.