Enjoy Homemade Holiday Topper Magic With 4 Basic Homemade Foam Toppers And 4 Holiday Foam-Topped Recipe Hits

Key Takeaways

Foam toppers for coffee and tea are a delicious way to infuse flavor and a velvety smooth creaminess to any brew, hot or iced. Channel your inner barista with these simple, tasty homemade foam toppers, perfect for enhancing your coffee and tea treasures this holiday season! 

Four basic homemade foam topper recipes to use on a variety of coffee roasts and flavors, hot or iced. (Each recipe includes foam fitting brew recommendations.) And four foam-topped holiday recipe hits. 

• I’m Dreaming Of A White Christmas: vanilla foam topper
  
• Zat You, Santa Claus: salted caramel foam topper
  
• All I Want For Christmas Is You: chocolate peppermint foam topper
  
• Blue Christmas: eggnog foam topper
  
• I’ll Be Home For Christmas: gingerbread latte with gingerbread foam topper
  
• Jingle Bells: peppermint mocha with mint foam topper
  
• Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow: white chocolate mocha with white chocolate foam topper
  
• The Christmas Song: praline chestnut latte with brown sugar foam topper

Want to take your coffee routine to the next level this holiday season? 

Transform an ordinary cup into a decadently delicious, foam-topped, holiday masterpiece with creamy, frothy, tasty milk foam!

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again - I love foam toppers! 

These smooth and creamy coffee (and tea) toppers serve as a flavor infused sieve through which you can sip your brew, adding enhanced texture and taste to enjoy til the last drop of bean…or leaf…goodness! 

Of course, you can craft entire recipes complete with decadent foam toppers, but you can also easily make simple, versatile foams to use on a daily basis. 

And today, we’re rockin’ around the Christmas tree as we bring you both…some simple foam-topper basics and a few tasty holiday foam-topped mugs to sip throughout the season! 

Enjoy…and Happy Holidays everyone!

Holiday Foam Topper Fun - 4 Basic Homemade Foam Toppers And 4 Holiday Foam-Topped Recipe Hits

4 Basic Foam Toppers 

I absolutely love foam toppers for my coffee and tea! 

And, having a few foams I can use on a variety of cups, especially throughout the busy holiday season is a must. 

With this in mind, before we dive into a list of step by step, full blown coffee or tea recipes, each of which will include a fabulous foam topper, I wanted to share a few foam basics, recipes you can use, customize, and interchange with your best brews regularly, in a pinch, and everything in between. 

So, the first four recipes will include ingredients/instructions for making foam topper bases, something you can whip up, refrigerate, then foam when needed. 

**And, so you don’t grow weary of seeing this repeated in each recipe, here’s a few tips for frothing, both hot and iced: 

• To froth any of these foam bases for iced brews (coffee or tea), simply add a desired amount of foam base to a glass, then froth with a handheld frother. You can also add to an electric frother and froth on the cold setting. 
• To froth any of these foam bases for hot brews (coffee or tea), simply add a desired amount to an electric frother and froth on the heated setting. You can also opt for warming your desired serving of the foam base, then frothing using a handheld frother. 

Oh, and be sure to check out the recommendations below each recipe for the brews we think best fit each foam!

1- I’m Dreaming Of A White Christmas

Are you a Bing fan, listening to White Christmas cozied up with a piping hot brew in your favorite chair, or do you prefer this tune Drifters style, with a bit of beat? 

Me? I like my White Christmas like I like my coffee/tea…ever changing, depending on the day!

Some days I’m seeking a velvety smooth foam to top my tea, amping up those cozy holiday vibes, and other days I’m looking for an equally creamy topping for a delicious iced coffee, the perfect fuel to sip as I groove to an upbeat holiday carol - you know, the kind of carol that carries you through a holiday rush. 

Either way, we’ve got you covered with this homemade vanilla foam topper, an easy addition you can customize depending on your daily desires.

Ingredients

• 1 cup milk (dairy, almond, and oat work well for frothing)
  
• ½ cup heavy cream
  
• 3 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  
• 3 tablespoons real maple syrup (or honey)

Instructions

• Add all ingredients to a glass container (I like to use a mason jar). 
  
• Stir gently to combine, then seal with a lid and refrigerate until ready to use. 

Featured Foam Fits - Lifeboost French Vanilla Coffee, Tiramisu Coffee, Eggnog Latte Coffee, Vanilla Chai Latte Coffee, any Lifeboost classic roast (light, medium, dark, espresso, midnight), Lifeboost Empire State Sunrise Tea

2- Zat You, Santa Claus?

Ah Louis…nobody holds a candle to Armstrong’s jazz hits, especially when it comes to his holiday classics!

So, just as Louis was preparing some Christmas gifts for sharing, we hope you’ll prepare this decadent salted caramel foam topper with friends and loved ones in mind. 

Of course, if while you’re ‘a brewin’ you hear some movin’ and suspect it’s Mr. Claus, skip the milk and leave the big guy some salted caramel foam topped coffee instead! 

Ingredients

• 1 cup heavy cream
  
• ½ cup 2% milk
  
• ¼ cup salted caramel sauce

Instructions

• Add ingredients to a blender and blend just until fully incorporated. 
  
• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to use. 

Featured Foam Fits: Lifeboost French Vanilla Coffee, Caramel Macchiato Coffee, English Butter Toffee Coffee, any Lifeboost classic roast (light, medium, dark, espresso, midnight), Toasted Chestnut Coffee, Mocha Caramel Latte Coffee

Bonus - Personal tip, I love using regular caramel sauce here, skipping the salt, and making this foam to top a cup of Lifeboost Creme Brulee Coffee. Chef’s Kiss! Think caramel brulee latte, but creamier, cleaner, and made from the comforts of your own kitchen!

3- All I Want For Christmas Is You

If you don’t want a lot for Christmas, if there’s just one thing you need, and that need is peppermint mocha, then this one’s for you! 

Peppermint mocha is a classic holiday flavor that warms hearts in the most minty way, so feel free to use this one on coffee and cocoa, hot or iced…any way you sip it, it’s delicious! 

*For simplicity, this recipe incorporates dark chocolate almond milk, if you’re looking for a more detailed option, check out recipe #6 which provides steps for a fabulous peppermint mocha using homemade mint syrup, real chocolate, and more! 

Ingredients

• 1 cup Silk Dark Chocolate Almond Milk
  
• ¼ cup heavy cream
  
• ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  
• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract

Instructions

• Add all ingredients to a glass jar, stir until fully combined. 
  
• Seal and store in the refrigerator until ready to use. 

Featured Foam Fits: Lifeboost Peppermint Mocha Coffee, French Vanilla Coffee, any Lifeboost classic roast (light, medium, dark, espresso, midnight), or combine a touch of hot cocoa with our Peppermint Mocha Coffee with this foam topper for a taste that just might top your holiday list!

4- Blue Christmas

Since the first time I tried this dairy-free eggnog recipe, it’s been a holiday staple in our house. 

Normally, I despise typical eggnog, but I made this recipe from our foam topper ebook for my family, and I’ve been hooked ever since. 

Of course, this means my Christmas would be entirely blue without it! 

Decorations of red on my green Christmas tree wouldn’t mean a thing, dear, if I couldn’t sip this in or on top of my favorite Lifeboost brews all throughout the holiday season. 

*This is slightly less basic as you’ll be making eggnog, but the eggnog in and of itself can be used to froth for the best foam topper you’ll taste all seasons! 

Ingredients

• 4 cups unsweetened almond milk
  
• 6 egg yolks
  
• ⅔ cup raw honey
  
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  
• 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
  
• 1 tablespoon whole cloves
  
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions

• In a blender, add almond milk, egg yolks, honey, nutmeg, and cinnamon and blend for roughly one minute, or until smooth. 
  
• Pour mixture into a saucepan, add cloves, and heat over low-medium heat. 
  
• Cook for 10-15 minutes, but pay careful attention, stirring frequently, as you want the eggs to cook slowly (to avoid having scrambled eggs in your mixture). The mixture should be hot, but you don’t want it to simmer or boil. If it does begin to boil, whisk vigorously and remove from the heat for a moment. 
  
• Once thickened slightly, remove from heat, cool, and stir in vanilla. 
  
• Strain using a fine mesh strainer to remove whole cloves. 
  
• Transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. (It is recommended to chill for 8 hours prior to using.)

When frothing, since this does have egg in the mixture, I like to add a desired amount to a glass and froth with a handheld frother when topping iced brews or warm very slowly before frothing with a handheld frother for hot brews. 

Featured Foam Fits: Lifeboost Eggnog Latte Coffee, Gingerbread Latte Coffee, any Lifeboost classic roast (light, medium, dark, espresso, and midnight), French Vanilla Coffee, Lifeboost Empire State Sunrise Tea

For this inspired recipe from our foam topper ebook and many more, check this selection out here: https://lifeboostcoffee.com/products/30-cold-and-hot-foam-toppers

4 Foam-Topped Holiday Recipe Hits

Now we’re going to build on our new favorite foamy hobby turned habit, making some decadently delicious recipes for those times when you’re seeking some holiday celebration as well as those moments when you’re looking to simply sip and savor some peace amidst the hustle and bustle typical of this season.

5- I’ll Be Home For Christmas

We’re truly hoping each of you will be able to be ‘home’ for the holidays, enjoying the season with those you love most. 

But, should this joyous scene be only in your dreams this year, we hope the classic holiday flavors of spicy ginger and sweet cinnamon topping bold, smooth coffee will fill your heart with enough nostalgic warmth to get you through! 

Ingredients

• 2 ounces Lifeboost Espresso Coffee or strongly brewed Lifeboost Gingerbread Latte Coffee
  
• 1 cup milk, divided 
  
• 2 tablespoons gingerbread syrup, divided (see recipe below)
  
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream
  
• Cinnamon, optional for topping

Instructions

• Add ¾ cup milk and 1 ½ tablespoons gingerbread syrup to a small saucepan and heat over low heat, stirring occasionally, heating just until warmed. 
  
• Add ¼ cup milk, 2 tablespoons heavy cream, and ½ tablespoon gingerbread syrup to an electric frother and froth on the heated setting. 
  
• While the electric frother is working its holiday magic, add espresso to a large mug and top with warmed gingerbread milk, stirring to combine. 
  
• Top coffee-milk mixture with warm gingerbread foam, dust with a sprinkle of cinnamon, if desired, and enjoy! 

Homemade Gingerbread Syrup

• ⅓ cup cane sugar
  
• ⅓ cup brown sugar
  
• ¼ cup molasses
  
• 1 cup water
  
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

In a small saucepan, combine all ingredients except vanilla. 

Heat over medium heat, stirring frequently to fully incorporate ingredients and ensure sugars dissolve. 

Just as the mixture starts to boil, remove from heat and stir once more. 

Once cooled, stir in vanilla extract, then transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator until ready to use.

6- Jingle Bells

When you’re finished with the dashing, while your sleigh is snuggly parked, 
Remove your gloves and come inside, let this sweet mug warm your heart. 
With flavors classic to this time, chocolate, mint, and a piping brew,
Share a cup with those you love and sip the whole season through! 

Ingredients

• 4 ounces freshly brewed Lifeboost Peppermint Mocha Coffee
  
• 1 cup milk, divided
  
• 3 tablespoons heavy cream
  
• 3 tablespoons mint syrup, divided (see recipe below)
  
• 1-ounce unsweetened chocolate bar, shaved
  
• Small candy cane, for garnish 

Instructions

• Add ¾ cup milk, brewed coffee, 2 tablespoons mint syrup, and shaved chocolate to a small saucepan and heat over low-medium heat, stirring frequently until chocolate has melted and all ingredients are combined. 
  
• Once heated, pour into a large mug. 
  
• Add ¼ cup milk, heavy cream, and 1 tablespoon mint syrup to an electric frother and froth on the heated setting. 
  
• Top mocha with peppermint foam, garnish with a small candy cane, if desired, and enjoy! 

Homemade Mint Syrup

• 1 ½ cups water
  
• 1 ½ cups cane sugar
  
• 1 bunch fresh mint leaves (or 1 teaspoon peppermint extract)

Add water and sugar to a medium saucepan and heat to a low boil, stirring to fully dissolve the sugar. 

Turn heat to low (or turn it off, but leave pan on the burner), add mint leaves or extract, and steep for 10-15 minutes. 

Once it’s cool enough to test, you can taste to see if it’s minty enough for your liking. If not, allow more time for steeping until a desired flavor is reached.

Once cooled, remove mint leaves and transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator until ready to use.

7- Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow

When the weather outside is frightful, before you cozy up to enjoy a delightful fire, whip up a cup of this creamy, sweet coffee - made with deeply dark espresso, smooth and creamy foam, and sweet white chocolate. 

One sip and you’ll be fine to let it snow as you hunker down inside and enjoy this decadent cup of classic holiday goodness!

Ingredients

• 6 ounces freshly brewed Lifeboost Dark Roast Coffee or Lifeboost White Chocolate Mocha Coffee
  
• 1-ounce white chocolate
  
• 2 tablespoons cane sugar
  
• ¼ cup heavy cream
  
• ¾ cup milk

Instructions

• Add milk, heavy cream, cane sugar, and white chocolate to a small saucepan and heat over low-medium heat, stirring continually until sugar dissolves and white chocolate is fully incorporated. 
  
• Remove roughly ¼ cup of the heated, sweetened liquid and pour into a glass jar. Froth with a handheld frother until smooth and creamy. 
  
• Add freshly brewed coffee and remaining mixture to a large mug, stirring to combine. 
  
• Top with white chocolate foam and enjoy! 

To enjoy iced: 

• Heat the white chocolate milk mixture as listed in the above instructions, then allow to cool completely. 
  
• Use cold brewed coffee, instead of freshly brewed. 
  

1. Add ¼ cup of the cooled white chocolate milk mixture to a glass and froth using a handheld frother. 

2. Add ice to a tall glass, top with cold brew and remaining white chocolate milk mixture, stirring to combine. 

3. Top with frothed white chocolate milk and enjoy!

8- The Christmas Song

We’d like to close out our collection by singing yuletide carols by the fire, aided not only by turkey and some mistletoe, but a warm mug reminiscent of chestnuts roasting over an open flame. 

Sweet, buttery, warm, and delightful, this one is another favorite of mine from our foam topper ebook. 

I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

Ingredients

• 8 ounces freshly brewed Lifeboost Toasted Chestnut Coffee
  
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  
• ¼ cup brown sugar, plus 1 tablespoon 
  
• ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  
• 1 cup whole milk, divided
  
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream

Instructions

• Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Once melted, add ¼ cup brown sugar and heat to a boil, stirring constantly. 
  
• While continuing to stir, very slowly add in ¾ cup milk, being careful not to scorch the milk. 
  
• Bring to a simmer over low heat, stirring continually. Remove from heat, add vanilla, and stir once more. 
  
• Add ¼ cup milk, 2 tablespoons heavy cream, and 1 tablespoon brown sugar to an electric frother and froth on the heated setting. 
  
• Add coffee and heated buttery, sweet milk mixture to a large mug, stirring to combine. 
  
• Top with brown sugar foam and enjoy!
  

FAQ

1- Can you add cold foam to hot coffee or tea? 

Yes, and this is how I personally enjoy hot, foam-topped brews. 

This does, as you might have guessed, cool your drink much faster than using a hot foam topper, but if I’m in a rush and plan to use an insulated to-go cup, I’ve found that using a small amount of cold foam on hot coffee or tea doesn’t hinder my sipping experience at all (and it makes things super simple when in a pinch). 

2- Can you use any kind of milk in foam toppers? 

Technically yes, but also, no. 

Due to the varying fat and protein contents of milks (from plant to dairy, flavored, etc), some froth very well, and some simply fall flat. 

Coconut and cashew milks, for instance, do not froth well when heated. 

But, most dairy milks, heavy cream, half and half, almond, and oat milks froth very well. 

In recent years barista milks have hit grocery shelves, as well, and these are formulated specifically for frothing. So, if you’re looking for froth specific milk alone, barista varieties are a good place to start. 

Otherwise, adding a touch of heavy cream or half and half to most dairy milks and nondairy options prove to produce the best foam.

Check out Lifeboost Coffee Grata Medium Roast.

https://whatmollymade.com/vanilla-sweet-cream-cold-foam/#

https://emilylaurae.com/salted-caramel-cold-foam/#

https://www.asweetpeachef.com/eggnog-latte/

https://abeautifulmess.com/gingerbread-latte/

https://pinchofyum.com/cozy-homemade-peppermint-mocha

https://www.thereciperebel.com/white-chocolate-mocha/#

https://thehappierhomemaker.com/praline-latte-recipe/#

References for the article to confirm data and information.