Toddy Almond Cold Brew Recipe: Smooth Cold Brew with Frothed Almond Milk

Toddy Almond Cold Brew is a dairy-free iced coffee made with cold brew coffee, almond milk, and a touch of vanilla. The almond milk is frothed to create a creamy foam layer on top, giving you a plant-based cold coffee that looks and tastes like a cafe drink.

If you are dairy-free, lactose intolerant, or simply enjoy the nutty flavour of almond milk, this recipe is going to become a staple. The combination of smooth cold brew and frothed almond milk is something special. Cold brew is already naturally less acidic and less bitter than hot-brewed coffee, and almond milk's subtle nuttiness complements it perfectly. The vanilla ties everything together. The key challenge with almond milk has always been frothing — it is thinner than dairy milk and does not foam as easily. But with a high-speed frother and the right technique, you can get surprisingly good foam from almond milk. I will show you exactly how.

Ingredients

• Cold brew coffee — 120 ml
• Almond milk — 200 ml (unsweetened barista-style froths best)
• Vanilla extract — 3-4 drops
• Sugar or honey — 1 teaspoon (optional)
• Ice cubes — 4 to 5

Step-by-Step: How to Make Toddy Almond Cold Brew

1. Prepare the cold brew. If you have cold brew concentrate ready in the fridge, pour 120 ml into a measuring cup. If not, steep 3 tablespoons of coarsely ground coffee in 200 ml of cold water for 12-18 hours, then strain.
2. Froth the almond milk. Pour 200 ml of almond milk into a tall cup. Add 3-4 drops of vanilla extract and sweetener if desired. Dip your frother in at a slight angle just below the surface and run it for 20-25 seconds. Keep the whisk near the top of the milk to pull in maximum air. You will see foam building on the surface. Almond milk foam is lighter than dairy foam but still creates a nice layer.
3. Fill the glass with ice. Add 4-5 ice cubes to a tall serving glass.
4. Pour cold brew over ice. Pour the 120 ml of cold brew concentrate over the ice cubes.
5. Top with frothed almond milk. Slowly pour the frothed almond milk over the cold brew. Hold back the foam with a spoon, pour the liquid first, then spoon the almond milk foam on top. The result is a gorgeous layered drink: dark coffee at the bottom, milky middle, white foam on top.

Tips & Variations

• Best almond milk for frothing: Look for "barista-style" or "barista blend" almond milk. These have added fats and stabilisers that froth much better than regular almond milk. Brands like Epigamia Barista Almond and Raw Pressery work well in India.
• Chocolate almond version: Add 1 teaspoon of cocoa powder or 1 tablespoon of chocolate syrup to the cold brew before pouring. This creates a dairy-free mocha that is rich and satisfying.
• Oat milk alternative: If almond milk is hard to find, oat milk froths even better and has a naturally creamy flavour. The recipe works identically with oat milk.
• Cinnamon finish: Dust a pinch of cinnamon on top of the almond milk foam. It adds aroma and visual appeal without changing the flavour profile significantly.

Which Frother to Use

Almond milk requires a frother with strong RPM since it is thinner than dairy milk. The InstaCuppa Battery-Operated Milk Frother (Rs 899) at 19,000 RPM creates usable foam from almond milk in about 20-25 seconds. For hot almond milk foam (which froths better), the InstaCuppa 4-in-1 Electric Frother heats and froths automatically.