How TO MAKE COCKTAIL FOAM TO ELEVATE YOUR DRINKS
WRITTEN BY SCOTT VAN DORT
Cocktail foam is THE ingredient that makes a good-looking drink a jaw-dropping one. And there’s no better or easier way to achieve this than with a cream siphon.
We’ve all heard the saying that first impressions matter. And this is definitely the case when it comes to cocktails.
A well-made cocktail not only tastes incredible but also looks stunning. Often, one of the most alluring aspects of a cocktail is the velvety foam that sits atop the drink.
Before the first sip and long after the last one, cocktail foam gives drinks that little something extra, making the entire drink experience, well, a real experience.
In this article, we’ll show you how to make cocktail foam that’s sure to create FO(a)MO amongst other home bartenders and cocktail sippers alike!
What Is a Dry Shake?
A dry shake involves shaking ingredients without ice, typically to emulsify egg whites or aquafaba, creating a frothy texture.
This technique is often used for sour cocktails, adding creaminess and body to the drink. Learn more about how to use a cocktail shaker.
What Is a Wet Shake?
A wet shake follows the dry shake, where ingredients are shaken again, this time with ice to chill and dilute the cocktail.
The combination of dry and wet shakes results in a smooth, well-balanced drink with a luscious foam layer on top.
How to Create Cocktail Foam Using a Cream Siphon
Want to create cocktail foam without any of the hard work? Of course you do! Well, it’s much easier than you might think.
Using a cream siphon or whipped cream dispenser as it’s also often called, you can create fluffy, luxurious cocktail foam with just a press of the button.
Here’s how to use a cream siphon to create next-level cocktail foam:
- Fill the cream siphon with citrus juice, simple syrup, and egg whites.
- Pop a nitrous oxide cartridge into the holder.
- Turn the cream siphon upside down and give it a shake to spread the gas evenly.
- Ideally, chill the filled cream siphon in the fridge for about 30 minutes.
- When you’re ready to serve, turn the siphon upside down, aim the nozzle at your drink, and dispense the foam.
What Is in Cocktail Foam?
While many classic cocktails use egg white to create that foamy texture, aquafaba is another excellent and popular alternative. Check out our article where we explain what aquafaba is and how to use it in cocktails.
Depending on the cocktail you’re making, you can opt for whipping cream, or coconut cream – all fantastic choices for creating cocktail foam. Imagine the richness of whipping cream in an Irish Coffee or Brandy Alexander, or luscious, foamy coconut cream in a classic Blue Hawaiian!
Flavored Cocktail Foam
OK, now we’re talking! Mix egg white (or aquafaba) with flavored syrups like citrus, coconut, blackberry, or strawberry – the choice is endless – to accentuate or add a new dimension to your drink’s profile.
Here’s how to do it:
- Add egg whites or aquafaba along with your chosen flavored syrup to the whipped cream dispenser.
- Chill the bottle in the fridge for at least 30 minutes until it’s properly cooled.
- Insert a nitrous oxide cartridge into the dispenser and give the bottle a shake before use.
Additionally, garnishing with fresh spices on top of your foam can accentuate or add different elements. Grate fresh nutmeg or cinnamon on top of the foam or dust it with chocolate powder. Last but not least, add a couple of dashes of bitters.
Using Foam to Enhance a Drink’s Aroma
While we’ve covered the visual element and amazing mouthfeel that cocktail foam creates, there’s one key element we’ve yet to mention – the aroma it adds.
When you incorporate flavored syrups or fresh spices into your foam, the aroma becomes concentrated within the foam as it sits atop your drink.
First, you take in the drink with your eyes, marveling at the sight of the foam. Next, as you hold your drink, the aroma hits you. It’s a drink experience on a whole new level.
Drinks to Make With a Cream Siphon
Using a cream siphon is particularly great for classic sour cocktails like a Vodka Sour and Ramos Gin Fizz. Sour cocktails are loved for their rich, creamy texture and foamy top – commonly made from egg white – and typically garnished with a dash or two of aromatic bitters. This makes them ideal for using a cream siphon. Get inspired with our list of favorite sour variations!
Beyond sours, a cream siphon is equally fantastic for creamy drinks like an Irish Coffee or paired with nutmeg for a festive Eggnog.
The truth is, with a cream siphon, you can add a foamy texture to many popular cocktails and take your drinks to cloud nine.