How to Make a Cold Foam Cold Brew with Coffee Concentrate

Cold foam cold brew is the ultimate summer coffee treat—creamy, frothy, and refreshingly cool. While it might sound like a fancy café-only drink, you can easily make it at home with just a few ingredients and a little technique. The key is starting with a strong, smooth coffee concentrate, like Jot's Ultra Coffee Concentrate, which dissolves instantly in cold water for a rich, low-acidity base.

In this guide, we'll walk you through how to make cold foam from scratch, how to combine it with cold brew made from coffee concentrate, and share a few flavor twists to keep things interesting. Whether you're a cold foam veteran or a curious newbie, you'll find everything you need to craft your perfect cup.

What Is Cold Foam and Why Use Coffee Concentrate?

Cold foam is milk or a milk alternative that's frothed without heat, creating a light, airy foam that floats on top of your cold drink. Unlike steamed milk for hot lattes, cold foam is made at room temperature or chilled, so it doesn't melt the ice or mix into the coffee—it sits proudly on top, adding a velvety texture and a touch of sweetness.

Using coffee concentrate for your cold brew base is a game-changer. It's incredibly convenient: just mix a tablespoon or two with cold water, and you have a smooth, bold coffee in seconds. No brewing, no waiting, no mess. Jot's Dark 20x Coffee Concentrate, for example, is designed to make 14 cups of hot or cold coffee with milk or water, making it perfect for both single servings and batches.

• Cold foam adds a creamy texture without diluting your coffee.
• Coffee concentrate ensures a consistent, strong base every time.
• No special equipment needed—a jar or a milk frother works great.

How to Make Cold Foam at Home

Making cold foam is surprisingly simple. The most important factor is the fat content of your milk: whole milk or heavy cream create the richest, most stable foam, while skim milk yields a lighter, airier foam. Plant-based milks like oat or almond can work too, but they may need a little extra time or a stabilizer like a pinch of xanthan gum to achieve the same consistency.

To make cold foam, pour your milk into a jar with a tight-fitting lid, leaving about an inch of headroom. Shake vigorously for 30 to 60 seconds until the milk has doubled in volume and looks frothy. Alternatively, use a handheld milk frother or an electric whisk for a smoother, more consistent foam. For a sweeter foam, add a teaspoon of simple syrup or vanilla syrup before frothing.

• Use cold milk straight from the fridge for best results.
• Shake for at least 30 seconds to get a thick, creamy foam.
• If using plant-based milk, choose a barista blend for better frothing.

Assembling Your Cold Foam Cold Brew

Now for the fun part: putting it all together. Start by making your cold brew base. In a glass, mix 1 to 2 tablespoons of Jot Ultra Coffee Concentrate with 6 to 8 ounces of cold water, adjusting the ratio to your taste. Add ice cubes if you like your drink extra cold, but keep in mind that the foam will sit on top, so you might want to leave a little room.

Gently spoon or pour the cold foam over the back of a spoon onto the surface of the coffee. This helps the foam float rather than sink. The foam will slowly cascade down as you sip, creating a beautiful marbled effect. For a finished touch, you can sprinkle a little cocoa powder, cinnamon, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce on top of the foam.

• For a stronger coffee flavor, use 2 tablespoons of concentrate per cup.
• Pour the foam over the back of a spoon to keep it on top.
• Experiment with flavored concentrates like Vanilla Ultra Coffee Concentrate for a sweeter drink.

Flavor Variations to Try

One of the best things about cold foam cold brew is how customizable it is. You can switch up the coffee concentrate flavor to match your mood. For a classic caramel treat, try the Caramel Ultra Coffee Concentrate, which brings a buttery sweetness to the drink. If you're feeling indulgent, the Caramel + Chocolate Hazelnut Duo offers two flavors in one, perfect for alternating throughout the week.

You can also flavor the cold foam itself. Add a dash of vanilla extract, a pinch of sea salt, or a spoonful of pumpkin spice to the milk before frothing. For a seasonal twist, the Gingerbread Cookie Sampler 3-Pack includes gingerbread-flavored coffee concentrate that pairs beautifully with a spiced cold foam. The possibilities are endless, so don't be afraid to experiment.

• Try Vanilla Ultra Coffee Concentrate for a smooth, sweet base.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon to the foam for a warming spice note.
• Use the Caramel + Chocolate Hazelnut Duo for a dessert-like treat.

Making cold foam cold brew at home is easier than you think, especially when you start with a high-quality coffee concentrate. With just a few minutes and simple ingredients, you can enjoy a café-style drink that's tailored to your taste. So grab your favorite Jot concentrate, whip up some foam, and take your coffee easy—one delicious sip at a time.