DIY Cloud Coffee at Home: If you’ve been scrolling through TikTok, Instagram, or Pinterest in the last few years, chances are you’ve stumbled upon an irresistible sight: a tall glass crowned with a cloud of creamy, whipped coffee. The so-called cloud coffee (also known as dalgona coffee) is equal parts beverage and performance—a drink that demands you slow down, watch the magic happen, and snap a photo before you sip.
The appeal is obvious. Cloud coffee is approachable enough to make in your pajamas, yet stylish enough to serve at a chic brunch. It doesn’t require an espresso machine or a barista certification—just a whisk, a few pantry staples, and a willingness to whip for a few minutes. In return, you get a drink that’s soft, velvety, and layered in a way that begs to be Instagrammed.
Beyond its photogenic qualities, this drink is also a testament to how coffee culture adapts and evolves. Born from South Korea’s café scene and popularized during the 2020 lockdowns, cloud coffee has moved from quarantine fad to a staple of home cafés everywhere. Let’s explore where it came from, why it’s still popular, and—most importantly—how you can make your own dreamy version at home.
DIY Cloud Coffee at Home: The Origins
Cloud coffee’s viral rise can be traced to South Korean actor Jung Il-woo, who encountered the drink on a TV show in Macau. The frothy concoction reminded him of dalgona, a Korean honeycomb toffee candy, and the name stuck. When lockdowns hit in 2020, people turned to the internet for distractions, and videos of people whipping instant coffee into fluffy peaks took off.
The charm was in its simplicity—just instant coffee, sugar, and hot water whipped until airy, then spooned over cold or hot milk. It was accessible, beautiful, and comforting during a time when cafés were out of reach.
Why Cloud Coffee Is Still Trending in 2025
While many food trends fade quickly, cloud coffee has staying power because it checks multiple boxes:
- Visual appeal: The contrasting layers make it a social media magnet.
- Customizable: Swap in alternative milks, flavor syrups, or even matcha for a twist.
- Easy to master: Minimal equipment, low cost, quick prep time.
- Experiential: Making the foam feels like a small event, perfect for sharing online.
As coffee culture increasingly embraces at-home barista creativity, cloud coffee offers a playful way to express it.
DIY Cloud Coffee Recipe
Here’s the classic recipe that went viral, plus some pro tips to get the perfect “cloud” every time.
Ingredients (1 serving):
- 2 tbsp instant coffee (regular or decaf)
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp hot water
- 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- Ice cubes (for iced version)
Equipment:
- Hand whisk, electric whisk, or stand mixer
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon
Method:
- Combine: In a bowl, add instant coffee, sugar, and hot water.
- Whip: Whisk vigorously for 3–5 minutes by hand, or 1–2 minutes with an electric mixer, until thick and glossy.
- Prepare the base: Fill a glass with milk (iced or hot).
- Top with the cloud: Spoon the whipped coffee mixture over the milk.
- Serve: Enjoy as is, or stir gently to blend before sipping.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Coffee Cloud
- Use instant coffee: Regular ground coffee won’t foam the same way.
- Sugar is key: It stabilizes the foam, helping it hold its shape.
- Chill your milk: Cold milk makes the foam sit higher and look more dramatic.
- Whisk in a deep bowl: Prevents splatter and incorporates more air.
- Serve immediately: Foam will gradually deflate over time.
Creative Variations to Try
- Mocha Cloud: Add cocoa powder to the coffee mix.
- Caramel Dream: Drizzle caramel syrup over the foam before serving.
- Matcha Cloud: Replace coffee with matcha powder and whip with sugar and water.
- Spiced Latte Cloud: Add cinnamon, cardamom, or pumpkin spice.
- Layered Art: Pour colorful milk bases like strawberry or lavender milk before adding foam.
Turning Cloud Coffee into a Café Experience at Home
If you want to turn cloud coffee into a moment rather than just a drink:
- Serve it in a tall glass for maximum visual impact.
- Pair with a small pastry for a café feel.
- Use a clear ice cube mold for aesthetics.
- Invite friends for a “DIY cloud coffee bar” session with various toppings.
This not only elevates your coffee game but also creates shareable experiences—perfect if you’re running a coffee-related Instagram, YouTube channel, or blog.
Cloud Coffee and SEO: A Match Made in Marketing Heaven
If you’re a coffee business owner, influencer, or café looking to attract attention, cloud coffee is a great content hook. Its Instagram-worthy nature means it performs well on social platforms and can drive traffic to your website or storefront. Pairing the trend with strategic keywords like “whipped coffee recipe” or “iced cloud coffee” can help you rank higher in search results, pulling in both casual browsers and serious coffee enthusiasts.
You might like our other recipes: See Stories!
FAQ
1 – Can I make cloud coffee without sugar?
Yes, but it won’t hold its shape as well. Sugar acts as a stabilizer for the foam.
2 – Can I use regular coffee instead of instant?
No—regular coffee grounds won’t whip into foam. Instant coffee is essential.
3 – Is cloud coffee stronger than regular coffee?
Yes, since the foam is concentrated instant coffee, it has a bolder taste.
4 – Can I make it vegan?
Absolutely—use plant-based milk and ensure your sugar is vegan-friendly.
5 – How long does the foam last?
About 20–30 minutes before it starts to deflate, so serve it right away.
