How to make Salted Caramel Cold Foam? The Salted Caramel Cold Foam recipe is the perfect blend of sweet, salty, and creamy flavors. Popularized by Starbucks, this decadent cold foam floats beautifully on top of cold brew or iced lattes, slowly melting into the coffee to create a rich caramel experience.

Recreating this drink at home is incredibly easy. With just four simple ingredients and a handheld milk frother, you can craft a premium café-style drink in under two minutes. Let’s get started!


The Secret to Sweet and Salty Balance

The key to perfect salted caramel cold foam is finding the right balance between the sweetness of the caramel and the sharpness of the salt. Starbucks uses their classic vanilla sweet cream as a base, then blends in caramel syrup and sea salt.

Using fine sea salt is highly recommended over table salt because it dissolves instantly and has a cleaner flavor profile.


Ingredients You’ll Need

  • Heavy Whipping Cream (3 Tablespoons): Creates the thick, velvety structure.
  • Whole Milk or 2% Milk (2 Tablespoons): Thins the cream slightly so it remains pourable.
  • Caramel Syrup (1 Tablespoon): Adds the rich caramel sweetness.
  • Fine Sea Salt (1/8 Teaspoon or a Generous Pinch): Crucial for balancing the caramel flavors.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Salted Caramel Cold Foam

1. Combine the Ingredients

In a small glass, mixing cup, or jar, combine the 3 tablespoons of heavy whipping cream, 2 tablespoons of whole milk, 1 tablespoon of caramel syrup, and a pinch of fine sea salt.

2. Froth Until Thick

Insert your electric handheld milk frother wand into the liquid. Froth on high for 12 to 15 seconds. You want the mixture to double in volume and become thick and frothy, holding soft peaks.

3. Serve Over Iced Coffee

Fill a glass with ice and your choice of cold brew coffee, iced americano, or iced latte. Leave about an inch of space at the top. Slowly pour the salted caramel cold foam over the ice. Drizzle extra caramel sauce on top if you want to be fancy.


Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use table salt instead of sea salt?
Yes, but use a very small pinch. Table salt is finer and saltier than sea salt, which can easily ruin the foam if you over-pour.
What is the best coffee to pair with this cold foam?
This foam pairs exceptionally well with cold brew coffee. The natural sweetness of the cold brew matches the salted caramel perfectly. It is also delicious on top of an iced draft latte.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and the whole milk with barista-edition oat milk. Be sure to use a vegan-friendly caramel syrup.