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How to froth milk without a frother

A spoon lifting thick milk foam from a glass

Foamy milk makes a mocha or hot chocolate feel café-special. You don’t need a machine.

1. Jar method

Fill a jar halfway with milk, close it and shake hard for 30-60 seconds. Remove the lid and microwave 30 seconds; the foam rises and stabilizes.

2. French press

Heat the milk, pour into the press (no more than a third full) and pump the plunger quickly 20-30 times.

3. Whisk

Heat milk in a saucepan and whisk vigorously side to side for about a minute.

4. Blender

Blend hot milk for 15-20 seconds with the lid vented and covered with a towel.

Tips

  • Whole milk makes the creamiest foam; skim makes the most (but airy) foam.
  • Barista oat milk is the best non-dairy option.
  • Heat to about 150°F: hot but not simmering.

Use it on our mocha or white chocolate mocha.

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