This lavender vanilla cold foam is one of those little treats that feels super fancy but is actually super easy to make.
It’s creamy, sweet, lightly floral, and just the perfect topper for cold brew, iced coffee, or even matcha.
You only need a few ingredients and five minutes, but the result? So good you’ll wonder why you didn’t start making it sooner.
Why I Love This Recipe
I first made this foam after a coffee shop near me charged $7 for something similar. After one sip, I knew I needed a homemade version — and honestly, this one turned out even better. It became my go-to when I want to feel a little extra without spending a lot of time or money.
Here’s why I love it:
- It’s fast. Like 5 minutes fast.
- You can make it ahead.
- It’s super customizable.
- It makes any iced coffee feel like a special treat.
- You don’t need a fancy milk frother – a hand frother or even a jar works.
What You’ll Need
- ¼ cup heavy cream (cold)
- 2 tbsp milk (2% or whole, cold)
- 1 tbsp vanilla syrup (store-bought or homemade)
- ½ tsp culinary-grade dried lavender
- ¼ cup water
- 1 tbsp sugar
Pro Tips
- Always use cold cream and milk — this helps it froth better and stay fluffy.
- If you don’t have a frother, shake everything in a mason jar until foamy.
- Strain the lavender syrup well to avoid little bits in your foam.
- Don’t over-whip the foam — stop when it forms soft peaks.
- Make a bigger batch of lavender syrup and keep it in the fridge for up to a week.
Tools Required
- Small saucepan
- Fine mesh strainer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Handheld milk frother or electric whisk
- Small jar or cup
- Small bowl
Substitutions and Variations
- Use almond or oat milk to make it dairy-free (won’t froth as thickly)
- Sub honey or maple syrup for the sugar in the lavender syrup
- Swap out vanilla for almond extract for a twist
- Make it decaf-friendly with your favorite non-caffeinated base drink
Make Ahead Tips
- The lavender syrup can be made up to 7 days in advance. Store it in a sealed jar in the fridge.
- The foam is best made fresh, but you can premix the cream, milk, and syrup and froth when ready.
Recipe + Instructions
Makes: enough foam for 1 large or 2 small drinks
Time: 5 minutes (plus 10 minutes for syrup)
Step 1: Make Lavender Syrup
Add ¼ cup water, ½ tsp dried lavender, and 1 tbsp sugar to a small saucepan. Heat until it starts to simmer, stir to dissolve sugar, then remove from heat. Let steep for 5 minutes.
Step 2: Strain the Syrup
Use a fine mesh strainer to strain the syrup into a small bowl or glass, removing all lavender buds.
Step 3: Combine Cold Foam Ingredients
In a small jar or bowl, add ¼ cup cold heavy cream, 2 tbsp cold milk, 1 tbsp vanilla syrup, and 1 tbsp of your homemade lavender syrup.
Step 4: Froth the Mixture
Use a handheld milk frother to whip the mixture until it turns thick and forms soft peaks.
Step 5: Spoon Foam Over Drink
Pour or spoon the foam gently over your favorite iced coffee, cold brew, or tea in a round clear glass.
Leftovers & Storage
- Lavender syrup can be stored in the fridge for up to 7 days in a sealed container.
- Cold foam doesn’t store well once frothed — best to make and use immediately.
- You can premix cream, milk, and syrups and froth later if you’re prepping for the next day.
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
Heavy cream + milk gives the perfect balance for cold foam — enough fat to create richness but light enough to whip. The proteins in dairy help trap air, creating that soft, cloud-like texture. Cold temperature helps the foam hold its shape longer. Steeping lavender gently releases its oils without turning it bitter.
Common Mistakes
- Using hot cream or milk: The foam won’t hold. Keep it cold.
- Over-frothing: It turns into stiff peaks and loses that creamy pourable texture.
- Not straining the syrup well: You’ll end up with gritty foam.
- Using too much lavender: It can taste soapy — stick to the amount listed.
What to Serve With
- Iced cold brew or espresso
- Iced matcha latte
- Vanilla or chocolate iced lattes
- Butter croissants or shortbread cookies for a full coffee shop vibe
FAQ
Can I make this without a frother?
Yes! Just use a mason jar with a lid and shake hard for about 30–60 seconds.
Can I use non-dairy milk?
You can, but it won’t froth as thickly. Try oat milk barista blend for better results.
Can I double the recipe?
Totally. Just keep the cream-to-milk ratio the same.
Can I use fresh lavender?
Yes — just double the amount since dried is more concentrated.
Is this sweet?
It’s lightly sweet. Add more syrup if you like it sweeter!
That’s it! Give this Lavender Vanilla Cold Foam a try and let me know how it turned out for you in the comments. I’d love to hear if you customized it or made your own twist!
