How to Make Brown Sugar Cold Foam at Home

We’ve been making brown sugar shaken espresso at home for forever. I don’t know why it never dawned on me that the delicious taste that comes from the molasses-y brown sugar in that drink would also transfer well to a cold foam. But brown sugar cold foam? Total game changer. It’s sweet (but not too sweet), has warm caramel-y notes, and turns a regular iced coffee or cold brew into something that feels like a perfect treat year round – there’s no season on the delightful notes of this cold foam.

Best of all, it’s super easy to whip up with just a few pantry staples. Like, this is probably the EASIEST to whip up at home because the magic ingredient is… brown sugar! No fancy syrups or flavors, this one is straight out of the pantry. Delightful, easy, and simple ingredients? There’s really no reason not to try this one today.

What Is Cold Foam, Anyway?

Cold foam is a frothed, creamy topping usually made from milk or cream that’s whipped until it’s thick and fluffy—kind of like a coffee-shop version of sweetened whipped milk. It floats right on top of iced drinks and slowly melts in as you sip. It’s cream and whipped cream all rolled into one.

This version adds brown sugar and a touch of vanilla or cinnamon for a deeper, richer flavor that pairs perfectly with iced coffee, cold brew, matcha, or even chai. If you’re looking for something a little different, be sure to check out our other cold foams – Strawberry, Coconut, Vanilla, Maple, and Toasted Marshmallow!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1/4 cup milk or cream
  Use nonfat milk for a classic Starbucks-style foam, or half & half/heavy cream for something richer (it’s worth it, trust me).
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar (light or dark)
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional but delicious)
• Tiny pinch of salt (trust me—it brings out the flavor)
• Optional: pinch of cinnamon for a warm twist

Equipment:

• Handheld milk frother, electric frother, blender, or a small jar with a lid

How to Make Brown Sugar Cold Foam (Step-by-Step)

1. Choose your base.
   In a small cup or bowl, pour in your milk, cream, or preferred combo (2 tbsp heavy cream + 2 tbsp milk is a great balance!).
2. Add the flavor.
   Stir in brown sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. If you’re feeling extra cozy, toss in a tiny dash of cinnamon too.
3. Froth it up.
   Use a handheld frother or electric milk frother to whip the mixture for about 20–30 seconds, until it’s thick and pillowy. You should know from my other cold foam recipes that my favorite is this frother, it just makes the cold foam so. dang. good.
   No frother? Pop everything in a mason jar with a lid (love how well these seal!) and shake vigorously for 30–60 seconds until foamy.
4. Top your drink.
   Slowly spoon or pour the cold foam on top of your iced coffee, cold brew, or tea. The foam should float right on top and start to swirl in as you sip.
5. Sip and smile.
   You just made coffeehouse magic in your own kitchen!

Variations & Tips

• Dairy-Free Option: Use oat milk or almond milk (look for “barista blend” versions for better frothing).
• Sweeter Foam: Add up to 1 tablespoon brown sugar if you like it sweet.
• Brown Sugar Cinnamon Matcha: Try this foam on iced matcha for a cozy flavor combo.
• Iced Chai Latte with Brown Sugar Cold Foam? Yes. Just yes.

Brown sugar cold foam is one of those simple upgrades that makes every iced drink feel like a treat. Once you try it, you might never go back to plain old cream again. Plus, you can customize it endlessly—play with the sweetness, add a dash of cinnamon, or drizzle it with caramel for full-on coffee shop vibes at home.

If you give this a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Let me know in the comments.