Dalgona coffee, also known as whipped coffee, became a global sensation for its creamy, frothy texture and simple ingredients. This delicious coffee drink is easy to make at home and requires no fancy equipment—just a little whisking!
In this guide, we’ll show you how to make the perfect dalgona coffee, including variations and tips for achieving a light, airy foam.
1. What Is Dalgona Coffee?
Dalgona coffee is a whipped coffee drink made by beating together instant coffee, sugar, and hot water until it forms a thick, fluffy foam. The whipped mixture is then poured over cold or hot milk, creating a beautifully layered coffee drink.
✔️ Rich, creamy texture
✔️ Strong coffee flavor
✔️ Easy to make with only 3 ingredients
💡 Fun Fact: Dalgona coffee got its name from a Korean candy called “dalgona,” which has a similar foamy texture!
2. Ingredients for the Perfect Dalgona Coffee
✔️ 2 tablespoons instant coffee
✔️ 2 tablespoons sugar (white or brown)
✔️ 2 tablespoons hot water
✔️ 1 cup cold or hot milk
✔️ Ice cubes (for an iced version)
💡 Pro Tip: Use instant coffee instead of ground coffee—it whips better due to its fine texture and solubility.
3. Step-by-Step Guide to Making Dalgona Coffee
Step 1: Whip the Coffee Mixture
1️⃣ In a bowl, add instant coffee, sugar, and hot water (equal parts).
2️⃣ Whisk vigorously using:
✔️ A hand whisk (takes about 3-5 minutes)
✔️ A hand mixer (faster, about 1-2 minutes)
✔️ A milk frother (quick and efficient)
3️⃣ Keep whisking until the mixture turns thick, fluffy, and light brown.
💡 Pro Tip: The whipped coffee should form stiff peaks, similar to whipped cream.
Step 2: Prepare the Milk
✔️ For iced dalgona coffee: Fill a glass with ice cubes and pour in cold milk.
✔️ For hot dalgona coffee: Heat the milk before pouring it into a cup.
Step 3: Assemble the Drink
1️⃣ Spoon the whipped coffee mixture on top of the milk.
2️⃣ Stir gently before drinking to mix the flavors.
3️⃣ Enjoy the creamy, frothy goodness! ☕✨
4. Dalgona Coffee Variations to Try
🔥 Mocha Dalgona Coffee – Add 1 teaspoon of cocoa powder to the whipped mixture.
🔥 Vanilla Dalgona Coffee – Add ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract for extra sweetness.
🔥 Caramel Dalgona Coffee – Drizzle caramel syrup on top for a richer taste.
🔥 Matcha Dalgona (No Coffee) – Replace instant coffee with matcha powder.
🔥 Keto Dalgona Coffee – Use erythritol or monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar.
5. Best Coffee for Dalgona Coffee
✔️ Instant coffee (best choice!) – Creates the perfect whipped texture.
✔️ Espresso powder – Works but results in a less foamy mixture.
✔️ Ground coffee (not recommended) – Won’t whip properly.
💡 Pro Tip: Adjust the sugar-to-coffee ratio for a sweeter or stronger flavor.
6. Tips for the Best Whipped Coffee
✔️ Use hot water to dissolve the coffee and sugar faster.
✔️ Whisk until fluffy—don’t stop too soon!
✔️ Drink immediately to enjoy the perfect texture.
✔️ Try plant-based milk (almond, oat, or coconut) for a dairy-free version.
Final Thoughts
Dalgona coffee is a fun, delicious, and easy-to-make drink that brings café-style coffee to your home. Whether you enjoy it hot or iced, classic or flavored, this whipped coffee is a must-try for coffee lovers. ☕✨