Make Cold Foam at Home: Starbucks-Style Recipe + Calories

That creamy layer floating on top of an iced coffee isn’t whipped cream. It’s cold foam—a light, airy topping that can turn a basic iced coffee, cold brew, latte, or matcha into something that tastes as if it came straight from a coffee shop.

The best part? You don’t need a professional espresso machine or complicated ingredients to make it.

With cold milk, a little sweetness, and a few minutes of frothing, you can whip up this topping at home so it’s creamy, smooth, and easy to customize.

And if you’re watching your calories, making it yourself gives you something a coffee shop order doesn’t always provide: complete control over the ingredients and portion size.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to make this topping with:

• heavy cream
• half-and-half
• creamer
• oat milk
• almond milk

You’ll also learn how to whip it up without a frother, how to recreate the Starbucks version, how to pair it with matcha, and how different ingredients affect its calorie content.

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What Is Cold Foam?

It’s a chilled milk or cream mixture aerated until it becomes light, smooth, and airy. Unlike traditional milk foam, this topping isn’t steamed. It is prepared cold and then frothed to incorporate air.

The result is a soft, creamy layer that sits on top of a cold drink. Think of it as the middle ground between ordinary milk and whipped cream:

• Milk is liquid.
• Whipped cream is thick and dense.
• This topping is light, airy, and spoonable.

That’s why it works particularly well on iced coffee, cold brew, iced lattes, and matcha.

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Why Is Cold Foam So Popular?

This topping changes the texture of a drink without requiring much of it.

Instead of mixing all your milk, cream, and sweetener into the coffee, you can keep the layers separate and let them slowly blend into every sip. It’s also extremely customizable.

You can make:

• Vanilla version
• Chocolate version
• Caramel version
• Cinnamon version
• Strawberry version
• Matcha version
• Oat milk version
• Almond milk version
• Egg white version
• Low-calorie version

The same preparation method can create vastly different drinks.

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How to Make Cold Foam?

The easiest homemade version uses just three ingredients.

Ingredients

For one serving:

• ¼ cup cold 2% milk
• 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
• ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

You’ll also need:

• A handheld milk frother
• A small pitcher or tall glass
• Iced coffee or cold brew

This combination closely follows Starbucks’ published at-home Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Foam recipe, which uses 2% milk, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract, then froths the mixture and tops iced coffee.

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How to Make It Step by Step?

Step 1: Start With Cold Milk

• Pour ¼ cup of cold 2% milk into a small container.
• Using cold ingredients is important because you’re making a chilled topping rather than a steamed milk foam.

Step 2: Add Sweetener

• Add 1 tablespoon of powdered sugar.
• Powdered sugar dissolves easily and helps create a smooth mixture.

Step 3: Add Vanilla

• Add ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract.
• You can increase or decrease the amount depending on how strong you want the vanilla flavor to be.

Step 4: Beat the mixture.

• Use a handheld milk frother to add air to the mixture.
• Dip the frother into the liquid, then just below the surface, until the liquid visibly thickens and becomes frothy.

Step 5: Check the consistency

Your finished topping should be:

• Light
• Smooth
• Creamy
• Airy
• Thick enough to sit on the drink

It shouldn’t be as stiff as whipped cream.

Step 6: Add It to Your Coffee

• Prepare your cold brew or iced coffee in a glass filled with ice.
• Pour the frothed mixture over the top, slowly.
• Don’t stir immediately.
• Let it sit on top for that layered coffee-shop look.

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Homemade Recipe Card

Ingredient	Amount	Purpose
Cold 2% Milk	¼ cup	Base
Powdered Sugar	1 tbsp	Adds sweetness
Vanilla Extract	¼ tsp	Adds vanilla flavor
Iced Coffee or Cold Brew	1 serving	Drink base

Quick method

Combine → Froth → Pour → Enjoy

That’s really all it takes.

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How to Make Cold Foam Like Starbucks?

If you’re searching for how to recreate Starbucks-style cold foam, the secret isn’t simply adding cream to coffee.

The texture matters just as much as the ingredients.

Starbucks’ own at-home recipe uses 2% milk, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract, and recommends frothing it cold with a handheld frother or by hand.

For a Starbucks-style result:

1. Keep the ingredients cold.
2. Use a moderate amount of sweetener.
3. Create the airy texture by whisking or frothing, rather than simply stirring.
4. Avoid over-whisking.
5. Pour it onto the drink as soon as possible.
6. Use a narrow-mouthed container whenever possible.
7. The goal is a layer of silky, light texture, rather than a thick, piled-up mound of whipped cream.

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How to Make It Without Heavy Cream?

You don’t need heavy cream for this. In fact, milk is an excellent choice if you want a lighter topping.

Easy No-Heavy-Cream Version

Ingredients:

• ¼ cup cold 2% milk
• 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
• ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

Froth everything together until light and creamy.

Why use milk instead of heavy cream?

Heavy cream gives you a richer texture, but it also increases the calorie and fat amount. Milk gives you a lighter result that works particularly well with everyday iced coffee.

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How to Make It Without a Frother?

Don’t have a milk frother? You can still whip up this topping.

Method 1: Use a Jar

• Add the cold milk mixture to a clean jar.
• Leave enough room for the liquid to expand.
• Close the lid tightly and shake forcefully for around 30–60 seconds.
• Open the jar and check the texture.

This is one of the simplest no-frother methods.

Method 2: Using a French Press

• Pour the cold milk mixture into a clean French press.
• Pump the plunger up and down rapidly.
• This action forces air into the mixture, creating an airy texture.

This method produces surprisingly smooth results.

Method 3: Using a Blender

• Pour the mixture into a small blender.
• Blend briefly until the liquid becomes aerated.
• Be careful not to over-blend.

The goal is to incorporate air, not to whip the mixture into a thin, watery consistency.

Method 4: Whisk by Hand

A regular whisk can work if you don’t have any equipment. It requires more effort and usually produces a less consistent result, but it works in an emergency.

Pro tip:

Don’t fill your container to the top. The mixture expands as air is incorporated, so give it enough room.

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How to Make It With Heavy Cream?

Heavy cream creates a richer, more decadent result.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons cold milk
• 1–2 teaspoons powdered sugar
• ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

Method

• Combine the ingredients and froth until thick and creamy.

This version is ideal when you want a dessert-like coffee topping. However, it will generally contain more calories and fat than a simple milk-based version.

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How to Make It With Half and Half?

Half-and-half is another good choice if milk seems too light and heavy cream seems too rich.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup cold half-and-half
• 1–2 teaspoons of powdered sugar
• 1/4 tsp vanilla

Froth until airy and creamy.

Method:

• Spoon the half-and-half mixture over the top and serve immediately.
• Add ¼ cup cold half-and-half to a small container.
• Add 1–2 teaspoons powdered sugar and ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract.
• Froth for about 30–60 seconds until the mixture becomes thick, smooth, and airy.
• Pour your iced coffee or cold brew into a glass.

Milk vs. Half-and-Half: Texture, Calories & Flavor

Feature	Milk	Half-and-Half
Texture	Light and airy	Rich and creamy
Flavor	Mild and smooth	Rich and creamy
Calories	Generally lower	Generally higher
Fat Content	Generally lower	Generally higher
Body	Light and soft	Thick and velvety
Mouthfeel	Light and smooth	Rich and luxurious
Best For	Everyday iced coffee and cold brew	Rich iced coffee and indulgent drinks
Lower-Calorie Choice	Better choice	Higher-calorie option
Richer Texture	Good	Better choice
Dairy-Free Alternative	Oat milk or almond milk	Not dairy-free
Recommended Starting Point	2% milk	Use when you want extra richness

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How to Make It With Creamer?

Coffee creamer can make this topping particularly convenient because it already adds sweetness and flavor.

Method:

1. Chill your creamer.
2. Pour approximately ¼ cup into a container.
3. Froth until airy.
4. Taste before adding any additional sweetener.
5. Pour over iced coffee.

Important calorie tip:

• If you’re using sweetened creamer, don’t automatically add sugar.
• The creamer may already contain substantial added sugar.
• Always check the nutrition label if you’re tracking calories.

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How to Make It With Milk?

Milk is one of the easiest bases to experiment with.

You can try:

• Skim milk
• 1% milk
• 2% milk
• Whole milk
• Lactose-free milk

Method

1. Pour ¼ cup cold milk into a small container.
2. Add 1–2 teaspoons powdered sugar and ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract.
3. Froth for 30–60 seconds until light, airy, and slightly thickened.
4. Ready your iced coffee or cold brew in a glass.
5. Gently spoon the mixture over the drink and serve immediately.

The final texture will depend on the milk, temperature, ingredients, and frothing method.

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How to Make It With Oat Milk?

Want a dairy-free version? Try oat milk.

Ingredients

• ¼ cup cold oat milk
• ¼ teaspoon vanilla
• Optional sweetener

Method

1. Pour ¼ cup cold oat milk into a small container.
2. Add 1–2 teaspoons powdered sugar and ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract.
3. Froth for 30–60 seconds until the oat milk becomes light and airy.
4. Make your iced coffee or cold brew in a glass.
5. Gently spoon the mixture over the drink and serve immediately.

Froth until airy. For the best results, choose an oat milk designed for coffee or barista use.

This version is especially good with:

• Cold brew
• Iced espresso
• Iced latte
• Vanilla coffee
• Cinnamon coffee

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How to Make It With Almond Milk?

For this recipe, Almond milk can also be used. However, some varieties are relatively thin, so that they may yield less stable results.

Recipe:

1. Pour ¼ cup cold almond milk into a small container.
2. Add 1–2 teaspoons powdered sugar and ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract.
3. Froth for 30–60 seconds until light and airy. Almond milk may produce a thinner texture than dairy milk.
4. Prepare your iced coffee or cold brew in a glass.
5. Gently spoon the mixture over the drink and serve immediately.

For better results:

• Start with very cold almond milk.
• Try an unsweetened variety if you’re watching your sugar intake.
• Don’t add too much liquid flavoring.
• Froth immediately before serving.

If calories are your priority, compare the nutrition label of the almond milk you use rather than assuming every brand has the same calorie count.

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How to Pair Cold Foam With Coffee?

This topping works with almost every popular iced coffee style.

Cold Brew

• Cold brew plus a vanilla topping is one of the simplest combinations.
• The smooth coffee pairs well with the creamy layer.

Iced Coffee

• For a simple homemade treat, simply top your iced coffee with the frothed milk mixture.
• This drink is both affordable and easy to customize to your taste.

Iced Latte

• Combine espresso and milk over ice, then finish with a layer of the frothed mixture.

Iced Espresso

• The rich, bold coffee base pairs perfectly with the sweet, creamy layer.

Nitro Cold Brew

• Nitro cold brew already has a naturally smooth texture, so this topping adds another creamy layer.

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How to Pair Cold Foam With Matcha?

This isn’t only for coffee. It can also be used with iced matcha.

Simple Matcha Drink

1. Prepare your iced matcha.
2. Froth cold milk or a milk alternative.
3. Add vanilla or another flavor.
4. Pour it over the matcha.
5. Serve immediately.

You can experiment with:

• Vanilla
• Strawberry
• Coconut
• Mango
• Cinnamon

Starbucks’ current menu includes several matcha drinks topped with flavored versions of this topping, showing how widely the technique can be applied beyond coffee.

For example, its Iced Mango Cream Matcha contains a mango-flavored version, while its Iced Banana Protein Cream Matcha uses a banana protein one.

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How Many Calories Does Cold Foam Have?

There isn’t one universal answer. It’s not a single recipe.

Calories are based on:

• Type of milk/cream
• Sweetener
• Sirup
• Serving size
• Flavorings
• Toppings

For example, a simple homemade milk-based one may be considerably lighter than a heavy-cream-and-flavored-syrup one.

Example Homemade Calorie Breakdown

Ingredient	Serving Size	Estimated Calories
2% Milk	¼ cup	~30 calories
Powdered Sugar	1 tablespoon	~30–35 calories
Vanilla Extract	¼ teaspoon	~3 calories
Estimated Total	1 serving	~63–68 calories

These are approximate values. The exact number of calories depends on the brands and measurements you use.

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What Affects the Calorie Count?

The name of the topping doesn’t tell you how many calories you’re consuming — the ingredients do.

1. Milk

Different milk varieties have different calorie profiles.

2. Heavy Cream

Heavy cream makes the result richer and increases its fat and calorie content.

3. Sweetener

Sugar, powdered sugar, honey, maple syrup, and flavored syrups can all increase calorie intake.

4. Creamer

Some creamers are filled with sugar.

5. Syrups for Flavoring

Syrups such as vanilla, caramel, and mocha add extra sugar and calories.

6. Serving size
A large amount obviously has more calories than a small layer.

7. Toppings

Caramel drizzle, chocolate sauce, sprinkles, and other toppings can further increase the total.

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Starbucks Cold Foam Nutrition Guide

Starbucks doesn’t have a single universal calorie value for this topping because its preparation varies by drink.

For example, the current Starbucks menu includes a vanilla protein version, a chocolate cream version, a nondairy version, and flavored fruit variations (Banana/Strawberry/Cherry/Pumpkin), among other options.

Starbucks Drinks: Calories, Sugar, Fat & Protein

Here are some current examples from Starbucks’ published nutrition information:

Starbucks Drink	Calories	Sugar	Fat	Protein
Vanilla Protein Cream Cold Brew	300	23g	16g	17g
Chocolate Cream Cold Brew	240	25g	14g	3g
Nondairy Chocolate Cream Cold Brew	190	22g	9g	3g
Nondairy Salted Caramel Cream Cold Brew	150	19g	6g	2g
Toasted Coconut Cream Cold Brew	240	27g	13g	2g
Iced Mango Cream Matcha	270	31g	12g	8g
Iced Banana Protein Cream Matcha	400	38g	17g	23g

These values are for the standard drink preparations listed by Starbucks and are not simply the calories of the topping alone. They represent the complete beverage.

Starbucks also notes that nutrition information is calculated from standard recipes and can change when customers customize their drinks.

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Why Calories Vary So Much Across Drinks?

Look at the difference between a regular version and a protein one!

The current Starbucks Vanilla Protein Cream Cold Brew is listed at 300 calories and 17g of protein for a grande, while the Chocolate Cream Cold Brew comes in at a lower count.

That’s because you’re not simply comparing two toppings. The complete drink contains different:

• Coffee bases
• Sweeteners
• Cream mixtures
• Flavorings
• Protein ingredients

So when you’re calculating calories, always consider the entire beverage.

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Store-Bought vs. Homemade

Ingredients	Pre-formulated	You choose them
Sweetness	Standard recipe	Fully customizable
Milk choice	Menu-dependent	Your choice
Portion	Store serving	You control it
Calories	Depends on full drink	You calculate it
Flavor	Menu options	Unlimited combinations
Cost	Coffee-shop price	Usually cheaper per serving

This is one of the biggest perks to making yourself. You can get the taste profile and play with the ingredients to taste.

How to Prepare Low Calorie Cold Foam?

Want the creamy texture without the calories? Try these easy methods.

1. Less sweetening: Begin with a small amount and add more if needed.

2. Opt for low-calorie milk: Consider options such as skim milk, low-fat milk, or unsweetened plant-based milk.

3. Use vanilla extract: Vanilla extract adds flavor without requiring large amounts of syrup.

4. Control portion sizes: You don’t need half a glass of it. A small layer can completely change the drink.

Watch out for flavored coffee creamers!

Coffee creamers can contain more sugar than you might expect. Don’t overlook the coffee itself.

If your coffee includes syrups, sugary dairy products, or toppings, simply cutting calories from this one element won’t necessarily make the entire drink low-calorie.

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How to thicken it up?

Try these tweaks if your mixture is too runny:

• Use cold ingredients.
• Use a hand-held frother.
• Froth nearer the surface.
• Use a narrow-necked container.
• Don’t overdo the liquid flavoring.
• Froth immediately before serving.
• Experiment with a creamier base.

Don’t simply froth indefinitely. Over-frothing can create large bubbles and an unpleasant texture.

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Why Isn’t It Getting Frothy?

There are several possible reasons.

• Your milk is too warm. It works best when the ingredients are chilled.
• You’re not adding enough air. Frothing involves introducing air into the liquid.
• Your mixture is too thin. Some milk alternatives may yield less stable results.
• You added too much liquid. Extra syrup, extract, or other liquid can dilute the mixture.
• Your frother isn’t reaching the right position. Keep the whisk close enough to the surface to incorporate air without splashing everywhere.

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Cold Foam vs. Sweet Cream

These two aren’t necessarily the same thing. Sweet cream is generally a creamy liquid mixture, while this topping is created by aerating a suitable chilled mixture.

Starbucks’ current drink ingredients illustrate this difference: its vanilla protein version, for example, is made by combining vanilla sweet cream with protein powder and then using the mixture as a topping.

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Best Cold Foam Flavors to Try at Home

Once you master vanilla, don’t stop there.

Vanilla: The classic option. Perfect for:

• Cold brew
• Iced coffee
• Iced latte

Chocolate: Add cocoa or chocolate flavoring. Great with cold brew.

Caramel: Add a small amount of caramel syrup.

Cinnamon Vanilla: Combine vanilla with a little cinnamon. Excellent for fall-inspired iced coffee.

Strawberry: A fruity option for iced matcha or milk-based drinks.

Matcha: Add a small amount of matcha powder to the mixture.

Maple: A small amount of maple syrup creates a rich, seasonal flavor.

Coconut: Pair coconut flavor with cold brew for a tropical-style drink.

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Best Base for Different Goals

Goal	Recommended Base
Light Everyday Option	Low-fat milk
Starbucks-Style Starting Point	2% milk
Richer Texture	Half-and-half
Very Creamy Result	Heavy cream + milk
Dairy-Free Option	Oat milk
Nut-Based Dairy-Free Option	Almond milk
Convenient Flavored Option	Coffee creamer
Matcha Topping	Milk or a suitable milk alternative
Lower-Sugar Version	Unsweetened milk + controlled sweetener

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Cold Foam Mistakes to Avoid

1. Using Warm Milk: Warm milk changes the texture and defeats the purpose of a chilled topping.

2. Adding Too Much Sugar: More sweetness doesn’t necessarily mean a better result.

3. Over-Frothing: Too much frothing can create huge bubbles.

4. Making It Too Far in Advance: It’s best when freshly prepared.

5. Using Too Much Liquid Flavoring: Extra liquid can make the mixture thinner.

6. Gaze Down on the Drink Below: Remember all your calories come from the whole drink, not just the topping.

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How long does it take?

Best if consumed fresh. As the foam fades, the bubbles slowly burst. You can refrigerate the liquid mixture if you need to prepare ingredients ahead of time.

But for the best texture, froth it immediately before adding it to your drink.

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Can You Prepare It in Advance?

You can prepare the ingredients ahead of time, but don’t expect the texture to hold for long.

A better approach is:

Prepare the base → Refrigerate → Froth when needed → Serve immediately.

This keeps the result fresher and more stable.

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How to Build a Low-Calorie Coffee With This Topping?

If you’re using your Starbucks calorie calculator, here’s a simple approach.

Step 1: Choose Your Coffee

Cold brew or unsweetened iced coffee is a good starting point.

Step 2: Choose the Milk

Select a type of milk that aligns with your calorie goals.

Step 3: Control Sweeteners

Reduce the amount of syrup or sugar used.

Step 4: Add the Frothed Topping

Use an appropriate amount; avoid pouring it in haphazardly.

Step 5: Watch the Toppings

Skip unnecessary drizzles or sauces to reduce your calorie intake.

Step 6: Calculate the Total Calories

Add up the following: Coffee calories + Milk calories + Syrup calories + Topping calories + Extra topping calories

That’s your actual drink total.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make it with regular milk?

Regular milk is one of the simplest bases, creating a light, airy layer.

Can you make it without heavy cream?

Milk works just fine on its own and generally yields a lighter result than recipes that use cream.

Can I prepare it without a frother?

You can aerate the mixture without a specialized frother by using a jar, French press, blender, or whisk.

What milk is best for this?

For a simple Starbucks-style starting point, 2% milk is a good option. Starbucks’ published at-home recipe uses 2% milk.

Could it be made with oat milk?

Oat milk is a popular dairy-free option and can be frothed into a smooth, airy layer for coffee or cold brew.

Can almond milk be used?

Almond milk can work well, although some varieties produce a thinner result than dairy milk or oat milk.

Should heavy cream be used?

Heavy cream creates a richer, denser result with a noticeably creamier mouthfeel.

Can I make it with half-and-half?

Half-and-half gives it a richer texture than regular milk and works particularly well for indulgent iced drinks.

Could I prepare it with coffee creamer?

Flavored coffee creamer provides a convenient way to add both sweetness and flavor while creating a frothy layer.

How many calories are in it?

The number of calories will depend on the milk, cream, sweeteners, flavorings, and portion size you use.

Is it better than whipped cream?

Neither is automatically healthier. The nutrition difference will depend on the exact ingredients used and the portion size.

Is it compatible with matcha?

Some particularly flavorful choices that pair well with iced matcha are vanilla, strawberry, mango, and coconut.

Why does it break up?

It breaks down fast with a weak mixture, too much heat, not enough air, or a milk base with poor foaming stability.

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Final Thoughts

Learning how to make cold foam at home is much easier than it looks!

You don’t need expensive equipment or a complicated recipe. Start with cold milk, a little sweetener, and vanilla, then froth until the mixture becomes light and creamy.

From there, you can experiment with heavy cream, half-and-half, coffee creamer, oat milk, almond milk, chocolate, caramel, fruit flavors, and matcha.

And if calories matter to you, making it at home gives you the biggest advantage of all: you control exactly what goes into your cup.

Before ordering or preparing your next Starbucks-style drink, use a Starbucks calorie calculator to estimate the total calories from the coffee, milk, syrup, this topping, and any extras.