What Is an Aerocano? Exploring the Latest Airy Coffee Trend

Over the last year, Ive been keeping an eye on the coffee creations gaining attention on social media, from the striking blueberry latte to a seaside-inspired drink known as the fluffy seagull latte. While all of these beverages had their charm, the subtle sweetness of the coconut water Americano particularly caught my attention. Now, as 2025 draws to a close, a new coffee trend is emerging that might just be the best drink of the year.

Recent years have shown that coffee lovers crave frothy textures. Starbucks, for example, has expanded its menu to include shaken espressos and a variety of cold foams. Social media has reflected this trend with viral drinks like cloud matcha, cloud coffee, and the fluffy seagull latte gaining traction on TikTok and Instagram. The latest addition to this wave of airy beverages is the aerocano.

The name aerocano gives a clue about its preparation. It is essentially an aerated version of an Americano, the classic espresso-and-water combination. By injecting air into the drink, it transforms into a lighter, foamier beverage that forms beautiful ombr layers of brown in the glass. Think of it as a relative of nitro cold brew, which infuses cold brew coffee with nitrogen gas. Like a nitro brew, the aerocano is served cold and delivers a velvety, creamy mouthfeelwithout any dairy.

Unlike nitro cold brew, the aerocano starts with a shot of espresso. Creating it at home requires a specific tool: a steam wand on an espresso machine. If you dont have this equipment, some coffee shops might prepare it for you if theyre familiar with the trend. The steam wand is crucial because it can quickly pressurize steam to aerate the liquid.

To make an aerocano at home, brew a shot of espresso and let it cool slightly. Place ice and about one cup of water into a milk frothing pitcher or a heat-proof container such as a Mason jar. Pour in the espresso and use the steam wand to aerate the mixture. The goal is to introduce tiny bubbles throughout the liquid without overheating it. Its okay if the ice melts, but the liquid should not become as hot as milk for a latte. When the mixture turns foamy and light brown, its ready.

Pour the foamed aerocano over ice in a separate glass. Similar to nitro cold brew, youll notice the layers formingdark coffee at the bottom and a caramel-like shade at the top. The aeration softens the flavor, so no milk or cream is necessary. Drink it as-is to enjoy the nuanced texture and taste, giving you the sensation of sipping a freshly poured nitro cold brew straight from the tap.

Author: Sophia Brooks