Dalgona Coffee is a rich, creamy, and frothy beverage made by whipping instant coffee, sugar, and hot water into a thick, cloud-like consistency, then serving it over cold or hot milk. Originating from South Korea, this drink gained global popularity during the 2020 pandemic as people experimented with making café-style beverages at home.
The name “Dalgona” comes from a Korean honeycomb toffee that has a similar color and texture to the whipped coffee topping. This drink is not only visually stunning but also incredibly easy to make with just four simple ingredients.
Whether you’re a coffee lover or just want to try the latest trend, this blog post will guide you through everything you need to know about Dalgona Coffee—its history, ingredients, step-by-step instructions, pro tips, variations, and creative serving ideas.
A Brief History of Dalgona Coffee
Although Dalgona Coffee became a viral sensation in 2020, its origins go back much further. The concept of whipped coffee exists in various cultures:
- Indian and Pakistani Phitti Hui Coffee: A similar method involves whipping instant coffee with sugar and a small amount of water before adding hot milk.
- Greek Frappe: Made with instant coffee, water, sugar, and ice, this beverage is shaken or blended to create a frothy consistency.
- Macau’s “Dalgona Coffee” Connection: South Korean actor Jung Il-woo popularized the name after he tasted a whipped coffee drink in Macau that reminded him of Korean Dalgona candy.
The drink’s viral success was fueled by social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, where people showcased their attempts at whipping coffee by hand or with electric mixers.
Ingredients for Dalgona Coffee
The beauty of Dalgona Coffee lies in its simplicity. You only need four ingredients:
Basic Ingredients:
- Instant coffee (2 tablespoons) – Use any brand, but avoid ground coffee or espresso powder, as they don’t froth the same way.
- Sugar (2 tablespoons) – White granulated sugar works best, but brown sugar, coconut sugar, or sugar substitutes can also be used.
- Hot water (2 tablespoons) – Helps dissolve and activate the coffee and sugar for maximum frothiness.
- Milk (1 cup) – Can be hot or cold, depending on your preference. Dairy or non-dairy alternatives like almond, oat, or soy milk work well too.
Optional Additions:
- Ice cubes (for an iced version)
- Cocoa powder or cinnamon (for garnish)
- Vanilla extract (for extra flavor)
- Honey or flavored syrups (to enhance sweetness)
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Dalgona Coffee
Step 1: Whip the Coffee Mixture
- In a mixing bowl, combine instant coffee, sugar, and hot water in a 1:1:1 ratio.
- Using a hand whisk, electric hand mixer, or stand mixer, beat the mixture until it turns light brown, fluffy, and forms stiff peaks. This process takes:
- 2–3 minutes with an electric mixer
- 8–10 minutes if whisking by hand (It’s a great arm workout!)
Step 2: Prepare the Milk
- Fill a glass with cold milk and ice cubes for an iced version, or heat milk for a warm version.
- If desired, add a dash of vanilla extract or a flavored syrup for extra taste.
Step 3: Assemble the Dalgona Coffee
- Spoon the whipped coffee mixture over the milk.
- Gently stir before drinking to mix the flavors.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle cocoa powder, cinnamon, or crushed Dalgona candy on top for an aesthetic finish.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Expert Tips for the Perfect Dalgona Coffee
- Use Instant Coffee Only: Ground coffee or brewed coffee won’t produce the same frothy texture.
- Whip Until Stiff Peaks Form: The mixture should hold its shape when you lift the whisk.
- Adjust the Sweetness: Reduce the sugar for a stronger coffee taste, or swap in sugar alternatives.
- Chill the Bowl: Using a chilled metal bowl helps achieve a faster and fluffier whip.
- Experiment with Milk Types: Almond, oat, coconut, and soy milk each add a unique flavor twist.
Dalgona Coffee Variations
1. Mocha Dalgona Coffee
- Add 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder to the coffee mixture before whipping for a chocolatey twist.
2. Matcha Dalgona
- Replace the instant coffee with matcha powder, and whip with egg whites or heavy cream instead of water for a green tea version.
3. Vegan Dalgona Coffee
- Use coconut sugar and plant-based milk for a dairy-free alternative.
4. Caramel Dalgona Coffee
- Drizzle caramel syrup inside the glass before adding the milk for a sweet and rich flavor.
5. Protein Dalgona Coffee
- Mix a scoop of protein powder into the milk before adding the whipped coffee for a post-workout caffeine boost.
Serving Ideas and Pairings
Dalgona Coffee pairs wonderfully with various breakfast and dessert items. Here are some ideas:
Best Foods to Pair With Dalgona Coffee:
- Buttery Croissants – The rich layers of pastry complement the creamy coffee.
- Pancakes or Waffles – A perfect balance of sweet and coffee flavors.
- Chocolate Desserts – Brownies, chocolate mousse, or tiramisu enhance the coffee experience.
- Savory Breakfasts – Avocado toast or scrambled eggs contrast nicely with the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Serve Dalgona Coffee:
- Layered Dalgona Latte: Alternate layers of milk, coffee, and whipped cream.
- Dalgona Ice Cream Float: Scoop vanilla ice cream into the milk before adding the coffee foam.
- Dalgona Cocktail: Mix the whipped coffee into Baileys or Kahlúa for an indulgent adult version.
Conclusion: Why You Should Try Dalgona Coffee
Dalgona Coffee is more than just a trendy drink—it’s a delicious, easy-to-make treat that brings a café experience right into your home. With just four ingredients and a little whisking, you can enjoy a creamy, frothy coffee that looks as good as it tastes.
Dalgona Coffee Recipe
Description
Learn how to make Dalgona Coffee, the creamy, frothy coffee that took the internet by storm! This ultimate guide covers ingredients, step-by-step instructions, variations, and pro tips for the perfect homemade whipped coffee.
Ingredients
For the Whipped Coffee:
For the Base:
For Garnish:
Instructions
Prepare the Whipped Coffee Mixture
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine instant coffee, sugar, and hot water. Using a hand whisk, electric mixer, or a milk frother, beat the mixture vigorously for 2-5 minutes. It will transform from a dark liquid into a thick, fluffy, light brown whipped coffee.
Prepare the Milk Base
Fill a serving glass with milk (cold or warm, depending on preference). For an iced version, add ice cubes to the glass before pouring in the milk.
Assemble the Dalgona Coffee
Spoon the whipped coffee over the milk, creating a thick and fluffy top layer. Gently stir before drinking or enjoy as a layered treat.
Garnish and Serve
Optionally, sprinkle cocoa powder, crushed cookies, or chocolate shavings on top for extra flavor and texture. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Mixing bowl, Hand whisk or electric mixer, Spoon, Serving glass
Nutrition Facts
Servings 1
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 266.76kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 7.95g13%
- Saturated Fat 4.55g23%
- Cholesterol 24.4mg9%
- Sodium 108.57mg5%
- Potassium 534.97mg16%
- Total Carbohydrate 41.23g14%
- Sugars 37.27g
- Protein 8.41g17%
- Vitamin A 112.24 IU
- Calcium 285.31 mg
- Iron 0.35 mg
- Vitamin D 3.17 IU
- Vitamin E 0.17 IU
- Vitamin K 0.84 mcg
- Thiamin 0.11 mg
- Riboflavin 0.42 mg
- Niacin 1.9 mg
- Vitamin B6 0.08 mg
- Folate 12.2 mcg
- Vitamin B12 1.09 mcg
- Phosphorus 223.13 mg
- Magnesium 44.31 mg
- Zinc 0.92 mg
* Nutrition information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate based on available ingredients and serving sizes. Variations in ingredients and portion sizes may affect the actual values. Always consult a nutritionist or healthcare provider for specific dietary advice.
Note
- Sweetness Adjustments: You can reduce the sugar to 1 tbsp for a less sweet version, but sugar helps stabilize the foam.
- Frothing Tip: An electric mixer will whip the coffee much faster than a hand whisk.
- Storage: The whipped coffee mixture can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and re-whipped if needed.
- Variations: Try adding vanilla extract, cinnamon, or caramel syrup for extra flavor.