Whip up your own Insta-famous Dalgobreaa coffee right at home! This fun and frothy drink turns simple instant coffee into a dreamy, cloud-like treat—perfect for sipping hot or cold. With just 4 basic ingredients and a little whisking magic, you’ll have a café-worthy creation that looks as good as it tastes! ☕✨
What is Dalgona Coffee?
Dalgona coffee (달고나 커피) is a Korean-inspired beverage that took social media by storm. This whipped coffee drink gets its name from dalgona (달고나), a popular Korean street candy made from melted sugar and baking soda that has a similar golden-brown color and soft, creamy texture. While the drink itself was popularized in South Korea, the whipped coffee concept has roots in various cultures, including the Indian "phenti hui coffee" and the Greek "frappe coffee."
The drink became a global sensation during 2020 when people started making this creative coffee drink at home. Its signature appearance features a thick, creamy coffee foam that sits atop cold or hot milk, creating an eye-catching two-toned effect that's as photogenic as it is delicious.
The magic happens when instant coffee, sugar, and hot water are whipped together until they form stiff peaks, creating a velvety smooth coffee cloud that slowly melts into the milk below. The result is a stunning two-layer drink that's both photogenic and delicious.
Jump to:
Ingredients
For one serving of Dalgona coffee, you'll need:
- 2 tablespoons instant coffee (must be instant coffee for proper whipping)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons hot water
- 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- Ice cubes (optional, for iced version)
Why these ingredients matter:
- Instant coffee provides the right chemical composition needed for the whipped texture
- Equal parts of each ingredient create the perfect balance of sweetness and coffee flavor
- Hot water helps dissolve the coffee and sugar completely for better whipping
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Base
- Choose your serving glass (12-16 oz recommended)
- If making iced Dalgona coffee, fill the glass halfway with ice cubes
- Pour in your choice of cold or hot milk, leaving about 2 inches of space at the top
Step 2: Make the Coffee Whip
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine instant coffee, sugar, and hot water
- Using an electric hand mixer or whisk, begin beating the mixture
- Whip for 3-5 minutes until the color lightens to a caramel shade and stiff peaks form
- Test the consistency by lifting your whisk - the mixture should hold its shape
Step 3: Assemble Your Drink
- Serve immediately with a long spoon for mixing
- Gently spoon the whipped coffee mixture on top of your prepared milk
- Create decorative swirls or patterns on top if desired
- Step 1: Prepare Your Base
Fill a glass with ice (for iced coffee) or milk, leaving 2 inches of space at the top.
- Step 2: Make the Coffee Whip
Whisk instant coffee, sugar, and hot water until it forms stiff peaks and lightens to a caramel color.
- Step 3: Assemble Your Drink
Gently spoon the whipped coffee mixture on top of your prepared milk.
Top Tips for Success
- Presentation: Use a clear glass to showcase the beautiful layers
- Temperature matters: Use very hot water, but let the mixture cool slightly while whipping for best results
- Consistency check: Your whipped coffee should be thick enough to sit on top of the milk without immediately sinking
- Mixing technique: Start whisking at low speed to prevent splashing, then increase to medium-high
Variations
Alternative Sweeteners
- Honey Dalgona: Replace sugar with 2 tablespoons honey for a natural sweetener
- Monk Fruit Dalgona: Use monk fruit sweetener for a sugar-free version
- Brown Sugar Dalgona: Substitute with brown sugar for a caramel note
Coffee Options
- Matcha Dalgona: Replace coffee with matcha powder for a green tea version
- Espresso Dalgona: Use instant espresso powder for stronger coffee flavor
- Decaf Version: Choose instant decaf coffee for a caffeine-free treat
Equipment
- Medium mixing bowl
- Electric hand mixer or whisk
- Measuring spoons
- Tall glass for serving
- Long spoon for stirring
Storage Tips
- The whipped coffee mixture can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days
- Re-whip briefly before using if separation occurs
- For best results, prepare the whipped coffee fresh before serving
Top Tip
- Use very hot water to help the sugar dissolve completely
- Electric mixers work best, but a hand whisk will do (expect 8-10 minutes of whisking)
- Keep beating until the mixture becomes thick and glossy - patience is key
- Don't skip the sugar, as it's crucial for achieving the right texture
- Clean equipment thoroughly - any oil residue can prevent proper whipping
FAQ
What is dalgona coffee made of?
Dalgona coffee consists of just 4 ingredients: instant coffee, sugar, hot water (mixed in equal parts to create the whipped topping), and milk as the base.
What is the difference between normal coffee and dalgona coffee?
Regular coffee is brewed and served as a liquid, while dalgona coffee features a thick, whipped coffee foam that sits on top of milk, creating a layered drink with a unique texture and presentation.
Why is my dalgona not fluffy?
The most common reasons are: not using instant coffee, wrong proportions of ingredients, or insufficient whipping time. Make sure you're using equal parts instant coffee, sugar, and very hot water, and whip until stiff peaks form.
Is dalgona coffee better hot or cold?
It's delicious both ways! Cold dalgona coffee is refreshing and Instagram-worthy, while hot dalgona coffee offers a cozy, latte-like experience. The choice comes down to personal preference and weather.
✨ Sip, Snap, and Enjoy! ☕💛
And just like that, you’ve whipped up a café-style Dalgona coffee right in your own kitchen! Whether you prefer it hot or iced, this fluffy, velvety treat is guaranteed to impress with its rich, creamy taste and picture-perfect look. Give it a try and show off your masterpiece—your friends and family will be amazed by your barista skills!
Craving more cozy drinks? Drop a comment below and let me know how your Dalgona coffee turned out! And if you’re looking for something warm and comforting, check out our Creamy White Hot Chocolate Recipe for a sweet indulgence or our Easy Homemade Vanilla Latte Recipe for a classic café favorite! ☕✨
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with this Dalgona coffee recipe:
Creamy Whipped Dalgona Coffee Recipe
Equipment
- Medium mixing bowl
- Electric hand mixer or whisk
- Measuring spoons
- Tall glass for serving
- Long spoon for stirring
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons instant coffee (must be instant coffee for proper whipping)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons hot water
- 1 cup cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- Ice cubes (optional, for iced version)
Instructions
- Combine instant coffee, sugar, and hot water in a medium bowl
- Whip mixture using an electric mixer (3-5 min) or by hand (8-10 min) until stiff peaks form
- Fill a glass with hot or cold milk (add ice if serving cold)
- Top milk with whipped coffee mixture
- Serve with a long spoon for mixing
Notes
- Must use instant coffee for proper whipping
- All ingredients should be measured in equal parts
- Store whipped mixture in refrigerator for up to 2 days
- Re-whip briefly before using if separation occurs
Leave a Reply