Why this recipe is great
In this recipe and step-by-step guide, you’ll find out:
- 4 easy ways to make perfect cold milk foam at home
- The best types of milk for frothing cold drinks
- Top tips for getting barista-quality foam at home
- Rating the most popular home methods, from best to worst, based on foam quality and taste
Light and creamy foam that holds its shape.
How to Froth Cold Milk: Step-by-Step Instructions
You don’t need fancy equipment to froth cold milk! We’ll show you, step by step, how to get perfect cold milk foam with 4 easy methods you can try at home. After walking through each technique, we’ll rate which one gives the best results for iced drinks. We’ll froth milk with:
- French press
- Handheld milk frother
- Glass jar
- Milk carton
Use these simple manual frothers at home to froth your milk in just a few minutes. Choose the best tool to create smooth, stable foam for your favorite espresso drinks. We’ll walk you through, step by step, how to froth with a French press, handheld milk frother, glass jar, and even a milk carton! Plus, we’ll share tips and tricks for each method and rate the foam quality.
French Press
Let’s start with French Press!
- First, choose the right milk for cold frothing. Check here to see which type of milk gives you the best cold milk foam.
- Pour cold milk into the French press, and don’t fill more than halfway. This gives the milk enough room to expand as it froths.
- Froth at the surface of the milk first. Use quick, steady plunges for best results.
- Push the plunger down to froth through all the milk.
- Then froth again at the surface. That’s the best way to get beautiful, fluffy foam.
- Take the plunger out of the French Press. Mix your milk with a spoon and let it rest for 1–2 minutes to form a smooth, airy foam. Let the milk rest so larger bubbles settle and a finer microfoam forms on top. Look at that creamy texture!
Milk Frother
Next is the milk frother.
- Start by choosing the right milk. The type you use can make all the difference in creating perfect cold milk foam—see which one gives the best results here.
- Pour cold milk into a tall glass. Don’t fill it too high—leave space for the foam to grow.
- Tilt the glass and foam at an angle to add more air and make frothing easier. Start at the surface of the milk, then slowly move the frother deeper to mix through all the milk. This helps create fluffy, even foam from top to bottom.
- Look how quickly it turns into smooth, airy foam! You’ll see the texture change in just a few seconds.
Look how quickly it turns into smooth, airy foam!
Glass Jar
The next method is the glass jar.
- First, pick the right milk. The kind you choose plays a big role in the texture and quality of cold milk foam—check here to find the best option.
- Take a clean, dry jar with a tight lid—like a mason jar. Make sure it’s tall, not small, so the milk has room to move around and foam up.
- Fill the jar one-third full of cold milk.
- Close the lid tightly and shake! You’ll get decent foam. Shake hard for about 30–60 seconds until the milk gets light and frothy.
If you love sweet foam, add some vanilla flavor before shaking. Or a delicious coffee syrup. Check our recipe for white chocolate syrup for coffee.
Milk Carton
And the last method is super easy! It’s using a milk carton! Yes, you can even froth milk right in the carton!
- The first step is to pick the best milk. Different types give different results—see which one gives you smooth, creamy cold milk foam.
- Pour cold milk into the carton, filling it halfway or less. Make sure there’s space for the milk to move and foam.
- Close the carton and shake. Shake hard for 30–60 seconds until you see a layer of foam form.
The foam isn’t as good as with the other methods. It has bigger air bubbles, and the texture isn’t very smooth. But it’s a handy quick-fix option if you don’t have any other equipment.
Rating Our Favorite Milk Frothing Methods: Here’s the Winner!
Our favorite method? Let’s rate the result! Here’s our star rating from worst to best:
- First up is the cold milk foam from the carton. It has big bubbles. The foam isn’t very stable. It disappears in about a minute.
- Next, we have the milk foamed in a bottle. This one is airy with smaller bubbles. But it also doesn’t last long—just 2-3 minutes before it goes flat.
- Then, we tried the milk frother. This one is amazing! The milk comes out smooth and airy. It’s quick and easy—you just hold the frother instead of having to shake a carton or bottle a lot.
- The French Press is our clear winner! The foam is velvety, smooth, and creamy. It’s thick but still pourable, with tiny, even bubbles.
And the best part? It’s so smooth that you can use it for latte art. Try it next time for your favorite cold coffee beverages. Or, if you’re throwing a party, froth a fluffy batch of milk in a cold pitcher. So everyone can enjoy it with their favorite coffee drink.
Best Milk & Tools to Use
You need frothed milk to make cappuccinos, hot chocolate, lattes, or any coffee drink. In coffee shops, baristas usually use a professional espresso machine and a steam wand to froth milk. They heat the milk to 50-60°C (122-140°F) this way. You’ll find plenty of tips from expert baristas on how to froth milk for hot drinks. And use steamed milk to make hot lattes or cappuccinos.
But when it’s a hot summer day, who wants hot coffee or warm milk? Cold coffee drinks are more refreshing, and you can’t use hot milk or hot foam for cold drinks.
Can You Froth Cold Milk?
So, can you froth cold milk? The answer is yes, you can froth cold milk for cold coffee drinks. But you need the right milk and the right method. Some methods work better at home than others, and there are a few tricks to get stable, soft foam.
Let’s dive into the secrets of frothing cold milk at home. So you can make your favorite iced latte or iced cappuccino anytime!
The Best Milk for Cold Frothing
Not all milk froths well.
The type of milk you use matters for frothing. Cold milk doesn’t foam well with whole milk. Skim milk won’t work either because you need a higher fat content.
Low-fat milk is perfect for frothing cold milk. Choose the type with 1.5% fat. It’s the best option. It creates a stable foam. Higher-fat milk doesn’t work because the fat molecules cause the foam to collapse faster. So the foam doesn’t hold its shape.
Protein is also important. Aim for 3-3.5 grams of protein per 100 grams of milk. If it has less than that, it’s tough to froth and you’ll get dry foam. The foam will not be creamy and smooth. If it has more than 3.5 grams, the foam becomes too thick and sticky.
So, in a nutshell, here’s what you need to make the perfect foam with cold milk:
- Use low-fat milk with 3-3.5 grams of protein
- Don’t use nonfat milk, its fat content is too low
- Keep it cold—straight from the fridge. Room temperature milk doesn’t work that good.
- Avoid boiled milk, and never re-froth the same milk twice.
You can also froth plant-based or non-dairy milks! Almond milk or oat milk is great. Especially the barista versions designed for frothing. Now you know the best milk for cold drinks — time to enjoy your homemade coffee!
Top Tips + Easy Coffee and Dessert Recipes
Get the best results with simple, helpful tips — then put them to use in easy, delicious recipes you can enjoy anytime.
Frothing Cold Milk Like a Pro: Tips You Need to Know
- Only froth the amount of milk you need. Don’t re-froth milk.
- Don’t use boiled or overheated milk (over 149°F or 65°C). The proteins clump, and the milk won’t froth.
- Avoid milk made from powder.
- Add a teaspoon of syrup or vanilla extract for extra flavor before frothing. It’ll make your cold milk foam sweet and delicious.
From Coffee to Dessert: Easy Recipes to Enjoy
Now you know how to froth milk for your espresso drinks. But what about adding more flavor? The easiest options are heavy cream, sugar, or vanilla extract. You can also make a simple syrup at home for an extra kick in your drink. Try our easy white chocolate coffee syrup recipe! You only need a few simple ingredients, and you can make a big batch to store in the fridge.
Do you enjoy cold brew coffee? Or maybe you’re looking for an easy iced coffee recipe? Check out our two easy ways to make iced coffee with the perfect mix of coffee and milk. Don’t forget to use our cold milk frothing method for that perfect foam!If you’re craving a delicious dessert to enjoy with your coffee or tea, try our chocolate-covered apple slices recipe. It’s a perfect snack for a hot summer day, and you can choose your favorite topping. You can also make viral strawberry clusters. You need simple ingredients and can store them in the freezer for a quick snack. And don’t miss our homemade healthy granola bars! They’re low in sugar but still sweet, with crunchy chocolate sprinkled on top.
Love frothed milk but want more flavor? Try cinnamon milk! Enjoy it hot or cold. To find out how to froth warm milk with or without cinnamon, check out the best methods in the link.
Do you want to learn how to add cinnamon to milk without residue? You can also add cinnamon to your coffee. Visit our blog for different methods to make your coffee taste and smell deliciously cinnamon.
How to Froth Cold Milk – 4 Easiest Methods at Home
Equipment
- French press
- Milk frother
- Tall glass jar
- Milk carton
Ingredients
- 100 g low-fat milk with 3-3.5 grams of protein and 1.5% fat.* Frothing vegan milk? Barista blends work best — and they’re great with these methods too.
Instructions
Method 1: French Press
- Pour cold milk into your French press, at most halfway. Start by frothing the milk at the surface.
- Then, push the plunger down to froth the entire milk. And finish with another round of surface frothing. You'll get light, fluffy foam with a smooth texture.
- When foam forms, remove the plunger from the French press. Stir milk and foam well and let it sit for 1-2 minutes.
Method 2: Milk Frother
- Pour cold milk into a tall glass. Hold the frothing wand at an angle.
- And froth until airy, smooth foam forms.
Method 3: Glass Jar
- Use a tall, clean, dry jar with a tight lid. Fill it one-third to half full with cold milk.
- Then shake until foam forms. You can also add syrup before shaking to flavor your milk.
Method 4: Milk Carton
- Pour cold milk into the carton, fill it halfway or less, and shake.
- The foam has larger bubbles and a less smooth texture, but it’s a quick fix if you don’t have other tools.
Video
Notes
- Use low-fat milk (3-3.5g protein and 1.5% fat)
- Skip the nonfat milk; it has too little fat
- Always keep milk cold (right from the fridge)
- Avoid boiling milk, and don’t re-froth milk you’ve already used
Nutrition
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can definitely froth cold milk!
It’s perfect for making iced drinks like iced lattes or cold cappuccinos.
Best milk for cold frothing:
Low-fat milk works best — it creates light, airy foam.
Avoid full-fat milk — it doesn’t froth well when cold.
Tools you can use to froth cold milk:
French press
Handheld milk frother
Glass jar with a lid
Milk carton (just shake it hard!)
No heat needed — just froth and pour over your favorite iced coffee!
Want step-by-step instructions for each frothing method? Check out our full blog post for all the tips!
No, milk doesn’t have to be warm to froth — it depends on the drink you’re making.
When to froth cold milk:
If you’re making iced drinks like an iced latte or cold cappuccino, cold milk works perfectly.
Cold milk can be frothed using a French press, handheld frother, or even a jar.
When to warm the milk:
For hot drinks like cappuccinos or lattes, it’s best to warm the milk before frothing.
That’s how it’s done in cafés — the steam wand heats and froths at the same time.
The milk should be warm, not boiling — around 60–65°C (140–150°F).
You can froth milk cold and still use it in hot coffee, but your drink will be cooler overall — especially for drinks like cappuccino where only a shot of espresso is added.
You can froth cold milk easily at home — no fancy machine needed!
Best tools for frothing cold milk:
French press – pump the plunger up and down quickly to create smooth, airy foam.
Handheld milk frother – fast, easy, and makes perfect foam for iced drinks.
No frother? No problem!
You can also use:
A glass jar with a tight lid — shake it hard for 30–60 seconds.
A milk carton — pour out a little milk and shake the rest.
These methods work great for making cold milk foam for iced lattes, cappuccinos, or any chilled coffee drink.
Want full step-by-step instructions and frothing tips? Check out our blog post for easy ways to make cold milk foam at home!
Yes, you can definitely froth cold milk in a French press — and it works surprisingly well!
Here’s how to do it:
Choose the right milk
Low-fat or nonfat milk froths best when cold. Barista-style plant milks also work great!
Pour the milk into the French press
Don’t fill it too full or too low — aim for about ⅓ to ½ full to leave room for the foam to build.
Pump the plunger up and down quickly
Do this for about 20–30 seconds until the milk becomes light and foamy.
Give it a quick stir with a spoon, then let it rest for 30 seconds
This helps the foam settle and gives you a soft, creamy texture.
Now it’s ready to pour over iced lattes or cold coffee drinks!
Want step-by-step photos and frothing tips? Check out our blog post for the full cold milk foam guide!
Yes, you can froth cold milk without a frother — and it’s easier than you think!
Best frother-free methods:
French press – This is the best tool for cold milk foam. Just pump the plunger up and down quickly until you get a light, airy foam.
Glass jar or milk carton – If you don’t have a French press, pour in some cold milk, seal it tightly, and shake it hard for 30–60 seconds.
These methods work well, but the foam won’t be as smooth or fluffy as with a French press.
These simple tools can still give you great results for iced lattes, cold cappuccinos, or other chilled drinks.
It’s easy to froth cold milk with a handheld frother — and it only takes a minute!
Here’s how to do it:
Pour cold milk into a tall glass or jar
Don’t fill it all the way — leave space at the top for the foam to form.
Tilt the glass slightly and hold the frothing wand at an angle
This helps the frother move the milk around better and creates more foam.
Turn on the frother and move it gently up and down for about 20–30 seconds
You’ll see the milk start to foam and thicken as air gets added.
Let the foam rest for a few seconds before pouring or scooping it into your drink.
Great for iced lattes, cold cappuccinos, or any chilled coffee drink!
Yes, you can froth cold milk by hand — even if you don’t have any special tools!
Step 1: Choose the right milk
For the best cold milk foam, use low-fat milk or barista-style plant milk.
These froth better than full-fat milk when cold.
Step 2: Pick your tool (or go tool-free)
If you don’t have a frother, try one of these:
Glass jar – pour in the milk, screw the lid on tight, and shake hard for 30–60 seconds.
Milk carton – pour out a little milk, then close and shake vigorously.
These give you a decent foam — good enough for iced lattes and cold cappuccinos.
Want the best cold milk foam?
If you have a French press, it’s hands-down the best tool for cold milk foam.
Just pour in the milk and pump the plunger up and down quickly until the milk is thick and foamy.
It’s easy to froth milk for an iced latte — and you don’t need to warm the milk at all!
Step 1: Choose the right milk
Use low-fat milk for the best cold milk foam.
For dairy-free options, go with a barista blend — they’re made to froth well.
Step 2: Pick your frothing tool
Pour cold milk directly into one of these:
French press – pump the plunger up and down until frothy.
Handheld milk frother – quick, easy, and creates light, creamy foam.
These two give you the best results for cold milk foam at home.
No tools?
Use a glass jar or milk carton — just seal it tightly and shake hard for 30–60 seconds.
(These work well in a pinch, though the foam won’t be as smooth.)
Once your milk is foamy, pour it over iced espresso or cold brew for the perfect iced latte!
If your cold milk isn’t frothing, there are a few common reasons why — and they’re easy to fix!
You’re using the wrong milk.
For the best cold milk foam, use low-fat milk.
For plant-based options, go with a barista blend — they’re made for frothing.
You’re using the wrong tool.
Tools like blenders or whisks don’t work well for cold frothing.
The best results come from a French press or a handheld milk frother.
You added too little or too much milk.
If there’s too little milk, it won’t have enough volume to froth.
If there’s too much, there won’t be enough space for the foam to build.
Aim to fill your frothing tool about ⅓ to ½ full.
With the right milk, tool, and amount, cold milk foam is easy — and perfect for iced lattes and more!
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