The Trick To Foaming Milk Without A Frother

Dense, fluffy foam can mean the difference between a perfect mocha or a satisfying cappuccino. The alternative, well, just like Encanto's Bruno, we don't talk about it. Okay, maybe we do talk about it, that is if we drink lattes or macchiatos which use steamed milk; but if you like your espresso drinks with lovely, velvety foam, then you know there is a big difference between how these two milky options are achieved.

According to Coffee Affection, the difference between steamed milk and foam is all about the volume. While steamed milk is aerated to give it a little fluff, it is always hot. Milk that is frothed until it turns into a snowdrift of bubbly foam can be either hot or cold, and there is much more to its mass than when it is steamed.

But how do you get mounds of milk foam? Luckily, there's a culinary tool for that. To achieve those milk clouds of foamy goodness, you could use a milk frother, per Advanced Mixology, or you could try a trick for frothing milk into foam that doesn't require you to spend any money on a new tool. And the hack is so basic that you will wonder how you couldn't figure out this one without the help of the internet.

According to Greatist, if you want to create beautiful drifts of foam for your coffee drink, you only need a clean jar with a lid. The site goes on to explain you want to fill the jar no more than halfway full, seal it up with the lid, and then shake it like you just don't care. You will know it is mission complete when the milk has increased to twice its original amount. Then you will need to take the lid off and place your milk jar in the microwave for about 30 seconds. However, The Pioneer Woman explains this method is not the best if you plan to do some espresso art with your foamy milk.

Of course, you may have other hidden options in your kitchen. The Pioneer Woman suggests using your French press to whip up your milk. You will need to heat up the liquid over the stove or in the microwave before pouring it into your French press. But once it is warm, all you need to do is quickly pump up and down for about 10 seconds. Make certain you don't get too much milk into the press because it will increase in volume rather quickly. This method is easy to pour once you've created your foam, and it is also easy to use for that espresso art.