Have you ever come across those creamy, frothy cups of whipped coffee taking over social media? I did too — and it was love at first sip. It’s called Dalgona Coffee, and once I learned how easy it was to make, I couldn’t stop experimenting with it. You don’t need a fancy machine or a barista’s skillset — just three simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
I remember the first time I made it at home. The process was surprisingly satisfying: whipping instant coffee, sugar, and hot water into a silky, airy foam. It looked so luxurious atop a glass of milk that I didn’t want to stir it — but once I did, the flavor was rich, bold, and smooth. It became my go-to treat during mid-afternoon slumps or when I needed a pick-me-up without heading to the café.
In this post, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make the perfect Dalgona Coffee, plus some creative variations I’ve tried and loved. Whether you like it cold or hot, sweet or bitter, you’ll find a style that suits your taste.
What is Dalgona Coffee?
Dalgona Coffee is a whipped coffee drink that originated in South Korea and went viral on TikTok and Instagram in 2020. The name “Dalgona” comes from a Korean honeycomb toffee candy that shares the same look and texture as the coffee foam. It’s made by whipping together instant coffee, sugar, and hot water until it forms a thick, velvety foam, then spooning it over milk.
This drink became popular not only because of its aesthetic appeal but also because it’s incredibly simple to make. No espresso machine, no complicated brewing — just a whisk or mixer and a few minutes of your time.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
To make one serving of Dalgona Coffee, gather the following:
- 2 tablespoons instant coffee
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons hot water
- 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- Ice cubes (optional, for iced version)
Optional equipment: electric hand mixer or milk frother (for faster whipping)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Combine the instant coffee, sugar, and hot water in a medium-sized bowl.
- Using a whisk or electric mixer, whip the mixture vigorously until it becomes thick and frothy. This usually takes 3–5 minutes by hand, or about 1–2 minutes with an electric mixer.
- In a glass, add the milk. For an iced version, add a few ice cubes first.
- Spoon the whipped coffee on top of the milk.
- Stir to combine (or don’t — it looks beautiful either way!) and enjoy.
Pro Tips & Tricks:
- Use equal parts of coffee, sugar, and hot water for best results.
- Make sure your water is hot but not boiling (around 90–95°C / 194–203°F).
- The quality of instant coffee makes a difference. Go for a bold, smooth flavor.
- For less sweetness, reduce the sugar slightly — but note that sugar helps stabilize the foam.
- Use a handheld milk frother or stand mixer to save time and effort.
Variations to Try:
Once you’ve mastered the classic Dalgona, here are some fun twists to experiment with:
- Mocha Dalgona: Add 1 tsp cocoa powder to the whipped mixture for a chocolatey twist.
- Vanilla Dalgona: Add a drop of vanilla extract for aroma and sweetness.
- Caramel Milk Base: Use caramel syrup in the milk for added richness.
- Cinnamon Sprinkle: Dust cinnamon or nutmeg on top before serving.
- Vegan Option: Use plant-based milk like oat, almond, or soy — all pair wonderfully.
Make it Hot or Cold:
While Dalgona is often served cold, you can enjoy it warm too:
- Hot Version: Warm your milk on the stovetop or microwave, then pour it into your mug and spoon the whipped coffee on top.
- Cold Version: Pour chilled milk into a glass with ice before adding the whipped coffee.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips:
- You can whip a double batch and refrigerate the foam for up to 2 days.
- Store it in an airtight container. Stir before use.
- If the foam separates slightly, whip it again for a few seconds.
Nutrition Facts (Approximate per serving with whole milk):
Calories: 150
Sugar: 12g
Caffeine: 90–100mg
Fat: 5g
Why Dalgona Became a Trend:
People fell in love with Dalgona during lockdowns for a reason. It was comforting, visually stunning, and easy to make at home. It became a daily ritual for many — a little moment of joy. And let’s be honest, it’s Instagram gold.
I think it resonated so strongly because it reminded us that we could create beautiful, satisfying things with what we already had. No need to leave the house or spend extra money — just a little creativity and care.
Final Thoughts:
Dalgona Coffee is more than just a drink — it’s an experience. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet morning or sharing a moment with friends, this frothy treat adds a little luxury to the everyday. I hope this guide inspires you to try it and make it your own. Once you do, you’ll see why it’s still one of the most searched coffee recipes on the internet.
Now it’s your turn — grab your whisk, your favorite mug and let’s whip up some magic.
