Let me tell you about my latest obsession—this heavenly salted caramel cold foam cold brew that I’ve been making on repeat all summer. There’s just something magical about how the velvety caramel foam melts into the bold cold brew, creating the perfect balance of sweet and salty. I first tried making it after one too many pricey coffee shop runs, and honestly? My homemade version blows those fancy drinks out of the water. It’s become my go-to morning pick-me-up—quick enough to whip up while half-asleep, but fancy enough to feel like a treat. If you’re looking for a refreshing drink with that irresistible creamy texture and just the right touch of sweetness, you’ve gotta give this a try. Bonus: It’s way easier than you’d think—I promise! (Here’s where I got the inspiration to start experimenting at home.)
Why You’ll Love This Salted Caramel Cold Foam Cold Brew
Let me count the ways this drink will become your new addiction:
- Lightning fast: I’m talking 5 minutes flat—perfect for when you need that caffeine hit NOW.
- Cool as a cucumber: That first sip of cold brew with the creamy foam? Pure refreshment on a hot day.
- Sweet spot every time: Add more caramel or a pinch more salt—it’s YOUR perfect balance.
- Morning magic: Turns your regular cold brew into something special without any fuss.
Trust me, once you taste that caramel foam melting into the coffee, you’ll wonder how you ever drank plain cold brew before!
Ingredients for Salted Caramel Cold Foam Cold Brew
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this dreamy drink – and trust me, every ingredient matters! I’ve learned through trial and error that using the right stuff makes all the difference between “meh” and “wow.”
For the Cold Brew Base
- 1 cup cold brew coffee – chilled (I always keep a pitcher in my fridge – homemade or store-bought both work great)
For the Salted Caramel Foam
- 1/4 cup heavy cream – straight from the fridge (this is non-negotiable for that perfect thick foam)
- 1 tbsp caramel syrup – the good stuff, not the sugar-free kind (unless that’s your thing)
- 1/8 tsp sea salt – fine grain works best (I like Maldon for that little extra fancy touch)
Pro tip: Measure your cream carefully – too much and your foam won’t hold, too little and it’ll disappear into the coffee. And don’t skimp on the salt! That tiny pinch is what takes this from sweet to spectacular.
How to Make Salted Caramel Cold Foam Cold Brew
Okay, let’s get to the fun part – making this dreamy drink! I’ve made this so many times I could probably do it in my sleep, but I’ll walk you through each step so yours turns out perfect on the first try. The key is taking your time with the foam – trust me, it’s worth the extra 30 seconds!
Step 1: Prepare the Cold Brew Base
First things first – grab your favorite glass (I’m partial to a clear mason jar so I can see all the pretty layers). Fill it nearly to the top with ice – the more the better to keep that brew icy cold. Then slowly pour in your chilled cold brew, leaving about an inch at the top for our glorious foam. Whether you’re using homemade or store-bought doesn’t matter, just make sure it’s nice and cold. Pro tip: If your cold brew is too strong, you can dilute it with a splash of water first.
Step 2: Whip the Salted Caramel Foam
Now for the magic! In a small bowl or measuring cup, combine that cold heavy cream, caramel syrup, and sea salt. Here’s where things get exciting – take your milk frother and go to town! Start slow, then increase speed as it thickens. You’re looking for soft peaks that hold their shape when you lift the frother – about 30-45 seconds usually does it for me. No frother? No problem! A small whisk and some elbow grease works too, or even shaking it in a tightly sealed jar (just watch out for cream explosions!). The foam should be thick enough to sit prettily on a spoon – if it’s too runny, keep frothing!
Once your foam is perfect, gently spoon it over your waiting cold brew. Don’t stir it in – half the fun is watching that creamy caramel goodness slowly melt into the coffee. Serve immediately and enjoy that first heavenly sip! Warning: This drink disappears way too fast – you might want to make a double batch next time.
Tips for the Best Salted Caramel Cold Foam Cold Brew
After making this drink more times than I can count (seriously, I might have a problem), here are my best tricks for nailing it every time:
- Taste as you go: That sea salt measurement is just a starting point – add a pinch more if you love that salty-sweet contrast!
- Drizzle with abandon: Before adding the foam, swirl extra caramel syrup down the sides of the glass – it makes every sip caramel-kissed.
- Get creative with flavors: I’ve used vanilla syrup, hazelnut syrup – even pumpkin spice in autumn! Just adjust the salt accordingly.
- Keep everything cold: Warm cream won’t froth right, so leave everything in the fridge until the last second.
- Double the batch: Trust me, you’ll want seconds – just multiply the ingredients in the same glass for easy mixing.
Remember – the best version is the one YOU love most, so don’t be afraid to play around!
FAQ About Salted Caramel Cold Foam Cold Brew
Can I use almond milk instead of heavy cream for the foam?
Oh, I’ve tried this so many ways! While almond milk will foam up, it won’t get nearly as thick and luxurious as heavy cream. If you’re dairy-free, coconut milk (the full-fat canned kind) works better – just chill it well first. But honestly? The heavy cream is what gives that dreamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes this drink special.
How long does the salted caramel foam last?
Here’s the thing – this foam is best enjoyed immediately. It’ll start to deflate after about 10-15 minutes (though it still tastes amazing!). If you absolutely must prep ahead, keep the foam separate in the fridge for up to an hour, then give it a quick re-froth before serving. But really, it’s so quick to make fresh – why wait?
Can I make the whole drink ahead of time?
You can prep components separately! Keep cold brew chilled in the fridge (it actually gets better after 12-24 hours). But wait to make the foam until you’re ready to drink – it only takes a minute, and that fresh, pillowy texture is half the fun. Pro tip: Measure your cream and syrup into a container the night before so morning-you can just grab and froth!
What if I don’t have a milk frother?
No worries! I’ve used all sorts of kitchen tools in a pinch. A small whisk works if you’ve got some arm strength. My favorite hack? Put everything in a mason jar, seal it tight, and shake like crazy for about a minute. Just be careful when opening – it builds up pressure! The foam won’t be quite as stiff, but it’ll still taste delicious.
Is there a way to make this less sweet?
Absolutely! Start with half the caramel syrup, then taste and adjust. The sea salt helps balance the sweetness too – sometimes I add an extra tiny pinch. You could also try using a dark roast cold brew for more bitterness to contrast the sweet foam. It’s all about finding your perfect ratio!
Nutritional Information
Just a quick heads up – I don’t count calories when I’m enjoying this delicious drink! Nutritional info can vary depending on your specific ingredients and brands, so these are just rough estimates. The heavy cream and caramel syrup do add some sweetness and richness (obviously!), but honestly? Some treats are worth savoring without overthinking the numbers. If you’re watching certain dietary needs, you can always adjust the amounts of syrup or use low-fat alternatives – though I swear by the full-fat version for that irresistible creamy foam!
More Coffee Recipes to Try
If you’re as obsessed with this salted caramel cold foam cold brew as I am, you’ve gotta check out my other coffee creations! Once you start making fancy coffee drinks at home, it’s hard to stop. I’ve got a whole collection of Starbucks copycat recipes that taste even better than the originals (and cost way less). From vanilla sweet cream cold brew to caramel macchiatos, there’s always a new coffee adventure waiting in my kitchen. Trust me, your mornings are about to get a whole lot more delicious!
Salted Caramel Cold Foam Cold Brew
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Pour the cold brew coffee into a glass filled with ice.
- In a separate bowl, combine the heavy cream, caramel syrup, and sea salt.
- Use a milk frother to whip the mixture until it forms a thick foam.
- Spoon the salted caramel foam over the cold brew and serve immediately.