Dalgona Coffee is a creamy, whipped coffee drink that became a global sensation for its visually striking layers, luxurious texture, and surprisingly simple preparation. Made by whipping instant coffee, sugar, and hot water into a thick, velvety foam and spooning it over milk, this iced or hot beverage is both a treat for the eyes and the taste buds. With its coffeehouse-style flair and DIY ease, Dalgona Coffee emerged as a quarantine favorite during the COVID-19 pandemic, offering a creative and comforting ritual for coffee lovers around the world. Its balance of bold coffee flavor and smooth milk base creates a delightful contrast in both taste and texture, making it a refreshing and indulgent way to enjoy your caffeine fix at home without any fancy equipment.
The History of Dalgona Coffee
Although Dalgona Coffee rose to international fame in 2020, its origins trace back further and span multiple cultures. The drink’s name comes from “dalgona,” a Korean honeycomb toffee candy, because the whipped coffee foam closely resembles the candy’s color and texture. The trend took off in South Korea after actor Jung Il-woo demonstrated the drink during a televised visit to Macau, where he encountered a similar whipped coffee at a local café. Known in various forms around the world—such as “beaten coffee” in India and Pakistan—this whipped coffee method has been enjoyed for decades. However, its explosion into global pop culture came through social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, when people stuck at home began experimenting with homemade recipes. The viral appeal of its transformation—from simple ingredients into café-worthy elegance—turned Dalgona Coffee into an international phenomenon that still endures as a popular homemade beverage.
Ingredients Breakdown
The beauty of Dalgona Coffee lies in its simplicity. The base requires only three main ingredients in equal parts: 2 tablespoons instant coffee, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, and 2 tablespoons hot water. These are whipped together until they form a thick, stiff foam. For serving, you’ll need 1 cup of milk (dairy or non-dairy), either cold or hot depending on preference. Ice is optional for a chilled version. The instant coffee must be of a type that foams when whipped—this won’t work with brewed coffee or ground beans. Sugar helps stabilize the foam, so reducing or skipping it may affect the texture. While granulated white sugar is most commonly used, brown sugar or coconut sugar can be substituted, though they may slightly alter the taste and consistency. The milk acts as a neutral base to balance the boldness of the whipped coffee, and can be customized to dietary preferences using almond, oat, soy, or other plant-based milks.
Step-by-Step Recipe:
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of instant coffee, 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, and 2 tablespoons of hot water.
- Using a hand whisk, electric hand mixer, or stand mixer, whip the mixture on medium to high speed until it turns light brown, glossy, and forms stiff peaks. This can take about 2–3 minutes with an electric mixer, or up to 8–10 minutes by hand.
- Fill a glass with ice if making an iced version, and pour in 1 cup of milk (cold or hot depending on preference).
- Gently spoon the whipped coffee over the top of the milk, creating a distinct layered look.
- Stir the whipped coffee into the milk before drinking, or sip it through the foam for a stronger coffee hit. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips for the Perfect Dalgona Coffee
Use high-quality instant coffee for the best flavor and maximum foam. Avoid using ground coffee or espresso—they won’t whip into a foam. The ratio of ingredients (1:1:1) is crucial for achieving the right consistency. Whip the mixture until it forms stiff peaks that hold their shape; under-whipping will lead to a runny texture, while over-whipping can dry it out. For extra stability and a smoother texture, use hot water that’s freshly boiled. If whisking by hand, use a balloon whisk and a large bowl to incorporate more air—this requires effort but yields great results. For those short on time or energy, a milk frother or hand mixer makes the process quick and easy. Use a clear glass to showcase the layers for visual appeal. Adjust sweetness by using less sugar, but note that the sugar helps form and maintain the foam. Chill the milk ahead of time for a refreshing iced version, or heat it gently for a cozy, warm variation.
Variations and Customizations
Dalgona Coffee is highly customizable. For a chocolatey twist, add a teaspoon of cocoa powder to the whipped coffee mixture. For a spiced version, mix in a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom. Create a vanilla dalgona by adding a drop of vanilla extract to the foam or milk. Substitute the sugar with coconut sugar, honey, or maple syrup, though the texture may vary slightly. For a decaf version, use decaffeinated instant coffee. Make it vegan or dairy-free by using plant-based milk like almond, oat, or soy. You can also turn it into a dessert drink by topping the whipped coffee with chocolate shavings, caramel drizzle, or a sprinkle of sea salt. Add a scoop of ice cream to the milk for a dalgona affogato-style treat. For a blended version, mix everything with ice in a blender for a whipped coffee smoothie. Some enjoy using flavored instant coffee like hazelnut or mocha to add depth and sweetness without extra ingredients.
Health Considerations and Nutritional Value
While Dalgona Coffee is a delightful treat, it’s important to consider its nutritional aspects. A single serving contains around 200–300 calories, depending on the amount and type of sugar and milk used. The whipped coffee layer is quite concentrated in caffeine—roughly 140–200mg per serving—so those sensitive to caffeine should opt for decaf instant coffee. The sugar content is high to achieve the proper foam structure, so it may not be suitable for those following low-sugar or diabetic diets unless alternatives like erythritol or monk fruit sweetener are used (though results may vary). Using low-fat or plant-based milk can reduce the calorie count. On the positive side, the drink is free of additives or preservatives when made at home and can be tailored to suit various dietary needs. Like most coffee drinks, moderation is key. It’s best enjoyed as an occasional treat rather than a daily habit, especially if made with full sugar.
FAQ
Q: Can I make Dalgona Coffee without instant coffee? Not effectively—regular ground coffee or brewed coffee won’t whip into a foam.
Q: Can I use a sugar substitute? Some sugar alternatives like erythritol or stevia may work, but the texture might not be as fluffy.
Q: Do I need a mixer? No, but using a hand or electric mixer makes it much easier and faster than whisking by hand.
Q: Can I store the whipped coffee? Yes, you can refrigerate the whipped mixture for 1–2 days. Re-whip slightly before serving if it deflates.
Q: Can I make it hot instead of iced? Absolutely—just use hot milk instead of cold and skip the ice.
Q: Is Dalgona Coffee strong? Yes, it’s quite bold and concentrated in flavor. You can stir in more milk to mellow it out.
Q: What milk works best? Any kind—dairy, oat, almond, soy, or coconut milk. Just make sure it complements the flavor.
dalgona coffee
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons of instant coffee
- 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons of boiling water
- A pinch of cinnamon optional, for added warmth and flavor
- 1 cup of your preferred milk works well with soy, almond, or oat milk — all tested and delicious!
Instructions
- Combine the instant coffee, granulated sugar, and boiling water in a mixing bowl. You can easily double or triple the recipe if you’d like to make more. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, whip the mixture on a high speed setting for about 2 minutes, or until it becomes thick, fluffy, and light in color. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl and incorporate any bits that haven’t been fully whipped.
- Give it a quick taste—it’ll be very strong on its own, but remember it will be balanced out by the milk. If you prefer a sweeter flavor, feel free to add an extra tablespoon of sugar, though I find the original amount just right.
- To serve, pour about 1 cup (8 ounces) of your preferred milk into a tall glass. I’ve personally enjoyed this with soy, almond, and oat milk. For an iced version, start by adding a few ice cubes to the glass, then the milk, and finally spoon the whipped coffee over the top. For a hot version, simply add the milk to the glass and top it with the whipped coffee.