Peppermint is truly the flavor of winter, and it goes so well in coffee! Everyone loves a peppermint mocha, but if you want something a little lighter but still indulgent, try this peppermint cold foam latte!

The peppermint cold foam is light and refreshing while adding creaminess to bold espresso. It’s so easy to make with just 5 ingredients, and in less than 10 minutes, you’ll have a cafe-quality drink in the comfort of your home.

Here’s how to make a peppermint cold foam latte at home!

What is a Peppermint Cold Foam Latte?

A peppermint cold foam latte is a festive, winter-inspired cafe latte that combines espresso, sweetened peppermint-flavored cold foam, ice, and milk. Served cold, it’s the perfect balance of holiday festivity and caffeine.

It’s a twist on the winter classic peppermint mocha but without the chocolate. The cold foam adds a luscious, airy texture with every sip, while the peppermint gives the drink its signature seasonal twist.

While simple, it’s refreshing and classic and elevates any basic latte! You can add more flavors or keep it as it is, which is the beauty of recreating this drink at home.

What Does a Peppermint Cold Foam Latte Taste Like?

Imagine the taste of a candy cane with a creamy, dreamy coffee. That’s the essence of a peppermint cold foam latte!

The peppermint cold foam is sweet, minty, and luxuriously light, contrasting the bold and slightly bitter espresso below. The milk adds just enough creaminess to mellow out the coffee’s intensity, while the peppermint keeps it fresh and vibrant.

The balance of flavors is what makes this latte so irresistible. It’s not overly sweet or overpoweringly minty—just perfectly refreshing. If you’ve ever enjoyed a peppermint mocha but found it a bit too rich, this latte is the perfect alternative. It’s festive without being too heavy or overpowering.

What is Cold Foam?

Cold foam is the frothy, creamy topping you often see on cold brews and iced lattes. Unlike steamed milk foam in hot drinks, cold foam is made with chilled milk and frothed until airy and smooth. The result is a velvety texture that sits on top of cold beverages like a cloud.

You’ll also see sweet cream cold foam, which is heavy cream cut with a bit of milk and frothed until soft and fluffy but still pourable. It’s a creamier version of classic cold foam but lighter than straight-up whipped cream.

The magic of cold foam is its versatility. It can be flavored with syrups, extracts, or spices to match the drink it’s paired with. In the case of a peppermint cold foam latte, the foam is infused with peppermint flavor using peppermint extract or syrup!

How to Make Cold Foam

Making cold foam at home is surprisingly easy; all you need is milk and a frothing tool. Start with cold milk—2% works best for frothing, but you can also use whole or non-dairy options like oat or almond milk. Pour the milk into a frothing pitcher or jar, then froth it using an electric milk frother or a handheld frother until it’s thick and airy.

For sweet cream cold foam, it’s the exact same process but with heavy cream and cold milk.

The key to good cold foam is texture. It should be creamy and pourable but hold its shape when spooned onto your drink. For added flavor, mix in a bit of sweetener, like simple syrup or powdered sugar, or a splash of extract to match the drink you’re making. Peppermint is the star of this recipe!

What is Peppermint?

Peppermint is a natural hybrid mint, a cross between water mint and spearmint. It’s known for its bright, refreshing flavor and cooling sensation and is also a staple in cuisine and medicine. It’s especially popular during the holiday season when it’s used to flavor everything from candy canes to desserts and, of course, coffee drinks.

The distinct flavor of peppermint comes from its high concentration of menthol, about 30%, a chemical compound with a cooling effect. When you add it to a sweet treat or a savory dish, peppermint brings a bold, fresh taste that pairs beautifully with rich and creamy flavors like chocolate, vanilla, and coffee.

Peppermint Extract vs. Peppermint Oil

When making a peppermint cold foam latte, you’ll likely come across two flavoring options: peppermint extract and peppermint oil.

Peppermint extract infuses peppermint leaves into alcohol, giving it a milder, more versatile flavor that works perfectly in drinks and desserts. It’s easy to measure and mix, making it the go-to choice for most recipes.

Peppermint oil, on the other hand, is highly concentrated and much stronger. A little goes a long way, so it can be tricky to use without overpowering your recipe. If you’re using peppermint oil, start with the tiniest drop and adjust to taste. But for this latte, peppermint extract is the best option for a consistent, balanced flavor.

How to Make Peppermint Cold Foam

To make peppermint cold foam, start by chilling your milk—2% or whole milk works best, but non-dairy options like oat milk also froth well. Add a 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract and a 1/2 tablespoon of sweetener, like simple syrup or powdered sugar, to the milk. Then, whip the mixture with a frother or a blender until it’s light, airy, and creamy.

For a peppermint sweet cream cold foam, whip or froth chilled heavy cream and 2 tablespoons of cold milk. Then, add the same measurements as above.

If you want to elevate the flavor, you can mix in a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of crushed candy canes for an extra festive touch. The foam should hold its shape when spooned but still be pourable, so keep frothing until you reach the perfect consistency.

How to Make a Peppermint Cold Foam Latte

Here’s what you’ll need to make a peppermint cold foam latte:

• Peppermint extract, oil, or syrup
• Heavy cream
• Milk
• Sugar
• Ice
• Espresso
• Red or pink food coloring

Peppermint Cold Foam Latte Recipe

1. Brew espresso. Brew the espresso and pour it over a glass of ice.
2. Make peppermint cold foam. Whip heavy cream, cold milk, peppermint extract, food coloring, and sugar with a handheld frother or a whisk until soft and fluffy. It should be a fluffy yet pourable consistency.
3. Assemble drink. Add ice, sugar, milk, and espresso into a separate cup and mix until well combined. Then, top with your peppermint cold foam.
4. Mix and enjoy! Garnish with crushed candy canes or cocoa powder if desired.

Natural Food Coloring

If you’d prefer to skip artificial food coloring for your peppermint cold foam, there are plenty of natural options to give your foam that festive tint.

Beetroot and hibiscus powder work beautifully for a soft pink hue. Both are easy to mix into the foam and provide a subtle color without altering the flavor. You can also use dried strawberry or raspberry powder, but it may add a slight fruit flavor to your drink, so use a small amount.

Tips

Here are some tips for making a creamy, refreshing peppermint cold foam latte!

• Use peppermint candy canes or candies as a replacement for peppermint extract. Crush the candies and dissolve them in hot water to make a quick and easy peppermint syrup.
• If you’re unsure how strong you want the peppermint flavor, add 1-2 drops of extract first, then taste your drink and adjust if desired. You can always add flavor, but you can’t take it away!