How to Froth Milk for Cappuccino Without Fancy Tools

Last Updated: January 10, 2023 Tested

Making a delicious foamy cappuccino doesn't require any expensive equipment, whatever your local barista tells you! In fact, all you need to produce perfect milk froth is a wire whisk or a simple glass jar. Start with Step 1 below to find out how, and you'll soon be drinking sophisticated cappuccinos every day of the week!

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Using a Wire Whisk

1
Pour milk into a cup or saucepan. Pour the required amount of milk into a microwavable cup or metal saucepan, depending on whether you plan on heating your milk in the microwave or on the stove. You will need about 1/2 cup of milk for every cappuccino.
2
Heat the milk.
- If microwaving, place the cup of milk into the microwave and heat on high for approximately 30 seconds, or until steam begins to rise from the milk.
- If using the stove, place the saucepan on a preheated burner, and set to medium. Heat until steam rise from the milk.
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3
Use the wire whisk to create foam. Once the milk is heated, place the wire whisk into the milk and twirl the handle between your palms to create foam. Keep twirling the whisk until you achieve the desired amount of foam.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Using a Jar

1
Pour the milk into a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. Pour a 1/2 cup of milk into a glass jar. The milk should not rise above the halfway point, as you need to leave enough room for the froth to expand.
2
Shake the jar for 30 seconds. Tightly replace the lid, then vigorously shake the jar until the milk becomes frothy and has almost doubled in size. This should take about 30 seconds.
3
Remove the lid and microwave the milk. Take the lid off the jar and place it in the microwave. Heat on high for approximately 30 seconds, or until steam begins to rise from the milk. The foam should begin to stabilize in the microwave, rising to the top of the milk.^{[1]
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Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Making the Perfect Cappuccino

1
Use fresh, cold milk. The fresher and colder your milk is, the better. You will produce nicer foam and the cappuccino will taste better.
2
Use milk with a higher fat percentage. Whole milk and half-and-half tend to foam better than milk with a lower fat percentage, such as 2% or skim. Whole milk also tends to produce a sweeter-tasting foam than low-fat milk. However, the type of milk you use is largely a matter of preference, and you can still produce good results with low-fat milk.^{[2]
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3
Make strong, good-quality coffee. Of course, the quality of your cappuccino doesn't just depend on the foam, it will also depend on how good your coffee is. Use strong, good-quality coffee, and make sure it's nice and hot. You should prepare the coffee before you prepare the milk.
4
Tap the bottom of the cup, saucepan, or jar to remove any large bubbles. Once the foam is heated, give the cup, saucepan, or jar a quick swirl followed by a light tap on the kitchen counter. This causes any large bubbles to pop, compressing the foam.^{[3]
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5
Use a spoon to hold back the foam. When adding the milk to the coffee, you should use a spoon to hold back the foam until the cup is 2/3 full. Then use the spoon to scoop the foam on top of the milky coffee.
6
Finish with some chocolate powder. To make the perfect cappuccino, sprinkle a little cocoa powder or even grated chocolate on top of the foamed milk. The heat should cause the chocolate to melt slightly. Enjoy!

Community Q&A

Question

What if I don't have a glass jar or whisk in the breakroom at work?

Community Answer

Take any type of container ( it should be microwavable or else it may blast or melt in the microwave) and pour the milk in it about 3/4 of it. Leave some room for the milk or you will end up spilling everything, which you don't want. Microwave it in for 20-30 seconds then start shaking. Shake for a few minutes. You will get good nice froth.
Question

Does this method work with non-dairy milks, such almond, hemp or coconut?

Community Answer

Yes, but you may need to adjust the temperature and time taken to shake, depending on the type of milk you are using. Alternative milks generally need lower temperatures.
Question

Does it work on hot chocolate?

Community Answer

The water content of hot chocolate is too high for frothing to work very well, but you could froth the milk separately and then add it.

Warnings

Watch the cups in the microwave closely the first few times you do this to be sure milk doesn't boil over. Learn the ideal heating time for your microwave.

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