Horchata Cold Foam Recipe

Horchata Cold Foam is Inspired by the traditional Mexican drink horchata; this beautifully spiced, frothy topper takes any iced beverage to the next level by adding a heavenly swirl of sweetness and creamy texture.

How to make Horchata Cold Foam

Horchata Cold Foam is a creamy, spiced topping typically used on iced coffee or cold brew drinks. It’s inspired by horchata, a traditional Latin American and Spanish beverage made with rice (or nuts/seeds), cinnamon, and sweeteners.

Ingredients

For the Horchata Syrup:

• 1 cup water
• ½ cup sugar (granulated or brown sugar for extra depth)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• Optional: ½ tsp almond extract (if you want to replicate horchata’s nutty undertone)

For the Cold Foam:

• ½ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
• ¼ cup milk (oat milk works beautifully for a dairy-free version)
• 2 tbsp horchata syrup (or adjust to taste)

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Horchata Syrup

1. Combine the ingredients: In a small saucepan, add the water, sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. If using almond extract, add this as well.
2. Simmer the syrup: Heat on medium, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves completely. Allow the cinnamon to infuse fully into the syrup.
3. Cool the syrup: Remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature. Strain out any larger cinnamon particles if needed. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.

Step 2: Make the Horchata Cold Foam

1. Combine cream and milk: In a mixing bowl or jar, combine the heavy cream (or half-and-half) with milk.
2. Add horchata syrup: Stir in about 2 tablespoons of horchata syrup or adjust based on your preferred sweetness and flavor intensity.
3. Froth the mixture: Using a handheld frother, whisk until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and reaches a foam-like consistency. If you don’t have a frother, whisk vigorously with a whisk or shake the mixture in a mason jar until it foams.

Step 3: Serve and Enjoy

1. Prepare your drink: This cold foam pairs amazingly with iced coffee, cold brew, or even iced chai lattes! Pour your drink of choice into a glass, leaving room at the top for the foam.
2. Top with horchata cold foam: Spoon or pour the foam over your beverage.
3. Optional: Add a dash of cinnamon on top for garnish and an extra pop of flavor.

Tips for Making the Perfect Horchata Cold Foam

• Dairy-Free Substitutions: If you’re avoiding dairy, use oat milk or coconut cream as your base. Both create creamy foams with rich flavors. Be sure to use full-fat coconut cream for thick, luscious foam.
• Get the Right Consistency: For best results, the cream-to-milk ratio needs to strike the perfect balance. If the foam isn’t fluffy enough, add more cream if it’s too thick, dilute it with a splash of milk.
• Adjust Sweetness and Spice: Taste as you go! If you’re someone who loves bold cinnamon, don’t shy away from adding an extra pinch. Prefer it to less sweet? Start with 1 tablespoon of syrup, then build up as needed.
• Experiment with Additions: For an added twist, sprinkle nutmeg or add a pinch of cardamom when making the syrup. This brings an even deeper warmth to your foam.
• Serve Immediately: Cold foam is best enjoyed fresh, shortly after frothing. Prepare it right before serving for optimal texture.

What to serve with

Horchata Cold Foam adds a sweet, creamy, and spiced touch to your drinks or desserts, making it the perfect accompaniment for a variety of flavorful dishes and treats.

Iced Coffee or Cold Brew

Horchata Cold Foam is a perfect match for iced coffee or cold brew because the creamy foam enhances the richness and smoothness of coffee while balancing the bitterness with notes of cinnamon and vanilla.

Pro Tip: Sprinkle ground cinnamon or cocoa powder on top of the foam for an extra flavor boost.

Chai Latte

The spiced nature of horchata complements the warm, bold spices of chai tea. Serve it over an iced chai latte for a soothing beverage with layered complexity.

Pro Tip: Add cardamom to the foam for deeper aromatic flavors.

Mexican Hot Chocolate (Iced Variation)

Pairing horchata cold foam with iced Mexican hot chocolate is divine. The cinnamon in the foam mirrors the spices in the chocolate, creating a harmonious drink experience.

Pro Tip: Serve this combo in a glass mug for an elegant presentation.

Matcha Latte

Matcha’s earthy green tea notes work surprisingly well with the sweetness of horchata cold foam. The foam acts as a delicious contrast to matcha’s slightly bitter profile.

Pro Tip: Add a light dusting of powdered matcha to the foam.

Iced Black Tea or Earl Grey

Light teas such as Earl Grey blend beautifully with the creamy sweetness of horchata foam. The foam turns an ordinary iced tea into a decadent experience.

Pro Tip: Use honey syrup instead of sugar in the tea for added depth of flavor.

Ingredients Substitutes

Horchata Cold Foam is a delightful topping often used for coffee or other beverages, inspired by the rich, creamy, and spiced flavors of horchata. The classic recipe typically includes ingredients such as cream, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and sugar, which give it a warm and aromatic taste.

1. Milk

Milk provides creaminess and serves as the base for the Horchata flavor. If traditional cow’s milk is not an option, consider the following substitutes:

Dairy-Free Options:

• Almond Milk: Almond milk is a popular choice as it closely complements the nutty flavor of horchata.
• Oat Milk: This is a creamy, slightly sweet alternative that works well for cold foam.
• Coconut Milk: Rich and creamy, coconut milk adds a tropical twist to the recipe.
• Cashew Milk: Another nut-based milk with a silky texture suitable for blending.

Low-Fat Options:

• Skim Milk: A great lower-calorie choice if you’re still using dairy.
• Soy Milk: Can be used as a dairy protein-rich alternative with a neutral flavor.

2. Cream

Cream adds a luscious thickness to the foam. If you’re looking for substitutions for heavy cream:

Lighter Dairy Substitutes:

• Half-and-Half: Combines milk with cream but is a lighter option.
• Evaporated Milk: Provides thickness and creaminess without being overly rich.

Non-Dairy Options:

• Coconut Cream: Thick and rich coconut cream is excellent for vegan recipes.
• Silken Tofu: Blend silken tofu with milk alternatives for a non-dairy yet creamy texture.
• Cashew Cream: Blend soaked cashews with water to create homemade cashew cream.

3. Sweetener (Sugar)

Sugar adds sweetness, balancing the spiced flavors. Here are substitutes for different dietary needs or taste preferences:

Natural Sweeteners:

• Agave Syrup: Provides a mild sweetness with a hint of caramel flavor.
• Honey: Adds natural sweetness, though it will slightly alter the flavor profile.
• Maple Syrup: Sweet and earthy, giving a subtle depth to the foam.
• Date Syrup: Rich and caramel-like, it’s a great natural sweetener.

Sugar Alternatives:

• Stevia: For a sugar-free option, use stevia or monk fruit extract.
• Erythritol: Works well for people following keto or low-carb diets.

4. Cinnamon

Cinnamon is the key spice that gives horchata its signature profile. If you’re out of cinnamon, try these substitutions:

• Nutmeg: A warm spice that complements horchata’s flavors, though slightly more robust.
• Cardamom: Adds a floral and spiced note, offering a unique twist.
• Pumpkin Spice Blend: Contains cinnamon and similar spices, making it an easy replacement.
• Allspice: Offers a subtle, warm spiced flavor, but use sparingly as it’s potent.

5. Vanilla Extract

Vanilla enhances the overall flavor by bringing out creamy and sweet undertones. If you need a substitute for vanilla extract:

• Vanilla Bean Paste: Richer and more intense, a small amount works perfectly in place of extract.
• Almond Extract: Provides a nutty alternative that complements traditional horchata flavors.
• Maple Extract: Adds hints of sweetness similar to vanilla.
• Imitation Vanilla: Suitable for affordability, but the flavor won’t be as authentic.

6. Foam Stabilizer

If the cold foam needs to hold its texture longer, stabilizing is crucial. The common stabilizer used is heavy cream, but here are substitutes:

• Whipped Aquafaba: Made from chickpea brine, aquafaba creates a vegan foam with a whipped texture.
• Powdered Gelatin: Adds stability to the foam for a firmer consistency (note this is not vegan).
• Xanthan Gum: A small pinch enhances the foam’s stability without impacting flavor.

Final Thoughts

Making Horchata Cold Foam at home allows you to enjoy a café-quality drink whenever the craving strikes—and in a way that’s customizable to your taste and dietary preferences.

More Cold Foam Recipes:

• Copycat Starbucks Brown Sugar Cold Foam Recipe