This Dalgona Coffee is a smooth, creamy, and sweet drink that gives your regular coffee routine a unique twist. The whipped coffee topping sits beautifully on the milk base, creating an aesthetic and Instagram-worthy drink that’s perfect for any coffee lover.
It’s incredibly easy to make, and you can customize it by using different types of milk or sweeteners. Whether you prefer it sweet, lightly whipped, or extra creamy, this drink is sure to give you that much-needed energy boost while being a treat for your senses.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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2 tablespoons instant coffee
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2 tablespoons sugar
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2 tablespoons hot water
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1 cup milk (or dairy-free milk of choice)
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Ice cubes (optional)
Directions:
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In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the instant coffee, sugar, and hot water.
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Using an electric hand mixer, beat the mixture on high speed for 2-3 minutes until it becomes thick, frothy, and light brown in color. If you don’t have an electric mixer, you can whisk it manually, but it will take more time and effort.
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Fill a glass with milk and add ice cubes if you prefer a chilled drink.
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Spoon the whipped coffee mixture on top of the milk.
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Stir gently before drinking to combine the whipped coffee and milk together.
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 5 minutes | Total Time: 10 minutes Kcal: 125 kcal (varies depending on milk type) | Servings: 1 serving
The Origin of Dalgona Coffee
The name “Dalgona” comes from a traditional Korean honeycomb toffee, also called “ppogaji,” which has a similar light golden color and airy texture to the whipped coffee topping. This connection between the candy and the coffee was not just a coincidence. The drink gained its name because of the way the whipped coffee resembled the airy texture of Dalgona, an iconic Korean sweet.
While Dalgona Coffee might seem like a new innovation, it has historical roots in Korea. The candy itself dates back to the 1960s and is a popular street snack, especially among children. The coffee version, however, is a recent creation that became a global sensation thanks to social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. During the lockdown periods, people found comfort in making the drink at home as a way to entertain themselves while stuck indoors, and this led to its viral success.
Why Dalgona Coffee Took Over Social Media
Dalgona Coffee’s appeal is multifaceted. The aesthetic beauty of the drink—its fluffy, golden-brown foam contrasted against the white milk—is Instagram-perfect. The preparation method, which involves whipping coffee, sugar, and hot water into a thick, frothy consistency, feels like a mini-science experiment and creates an engaging visual process. Watching the transformation from a simple liquid into a beautiful, frothy topping is satisfying for many, making it an enjoyable activity to share on social media.
Another key factor in the drink’s popularity is its simplicity. With only three main ingredients—instant coffee, sugar, and hot water—it’s accessible to anyone, even those who aren’t regular coffee drinkers or don’t own fancy coffee machines. All it takes is an electric mixer or a bit of elbow grease to achieve the signature frothiness. Dalgona Coffee has proven to be the perfect way to enjoy a barista-quality coffee drink at home.
How to Make Dalgona Coffee: Tips for the Perfect Foam
To achieve the best Dalgona Coffee, there are a few tips that can help elevate your drink-making game. First, it’s important to use instant coffee—this is essential for the foam to form properly. Instant coffee is finely ground, allowing it to dissolve quickly in hot water and become frothy when whipped. Using regular brewed coffee or espresso will not yield the same results.
For those seeking a lighter or stronger taste, adjusting the amount of sugar and coffee used can help tailor the drink to individual preferences. While the original recipe calls for equal parts instant coffee, sugar, and hot water, some might opt for less sugar if they prefer a less sweet beverage. Additionally, the milk base can be customized; whether using whole milk, almond milk, oat milk, or any other variety, the milk should be chilled for the most refreshing experience.
Using an electric mixer is the quickest and most efficient way to get that signature fluffy foam, but for those without one, a hand whisk or even a jar can be used, though it requires more effort and time. Patience is key when whipping the coffee to the right consistency, so don’t rush the process!
Dalgona Coffee Variations: Get Creative with Your Drink
While the classic Dalgona Coffee recipe is delicious on its own, there are many creative variations you can try to customize the flavor and presentation to your liking. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Iced Dalgona Coffee: For a refreshing twist, serve your Dalgona Coffee over ice. The cold temperature of the milk and ice cubes creates a delightful contrast to the rich and creamy coffee foam. It’s the perfect summer beverage.
Dalgona Hot Chocolate: For a cozy winter twist, swap out the milk for hot chocolate. The whipped coffee topping will add a rich and frothy layer to the chocolatey base, creating a deliciously indulgent treat.
Spiced Dalgona Coffee: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the whipped coffee mix to give your Dalgona Coffee a spiced kick. You can also experiment with other spices like cardamom or ginger for a different flavor profile.
Vegan Dalgona Coffee: For those who follow a plant-based diet, simply swap the regular milk for any dairy-free alternative, such as almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk. The fluffy whipped topping will still work beautifully with vegan milk.
Dalgona Coffee with Flavored Syrups: Adding flavored syrups such as vanilla, caramel, or hazelnut can introduce a new layer of flavor to your drink. You can stir in the syrup into the milk before adding the whipped coffee, giving it an extra touch of sweetness.
Dalgona Coffee with a Twist of Chocolate: Add cocoa powder to the whipped coffee mixture to make a chocolate-flavored version of this coffee drink. Alternatively, you can drizzle melted chocolate on top for a decadent finishing touch.
The Health Benefits of Dalgona Coffee
While Dalgona Coffee may not be the healthiest option if consumed every day, it does offer some benefits when enjoyed in moderation. The primary ingredient—coffee—has several health perks. Coffee is known for its high levels of antioxidants, which can help protect cells from damage. Additionally, coffee has been linked to improved mental alertness and concentration, thanks to its caffeine content. The whipped coffee is typically made with sugar, so it’s not ideal for those watching their calorie intake or blood sugar levels. However, if made with a sugar substitute or reduced sugar, the drink can be a slightly healthier indulgence.
If you choose to use plant-based milk, this adds additional benefits. For example, almond milk is rich in vitamin E and low in calories, while oat milk provides fiber, which can be beneficial for digestion. There are also versions of Dalgona Coffee made with natural sweeteners like stevia, which can make the drink more diet-friendly.
Conclusion: Why Dalgona Coffee Is Here to Stay
Dalgona Coffee has captured the hearts and taste buds of people around the world due to its aesthetic appeal, simplicity, and deliciously frothy nature. This easy-to-make, customizable drink offers endless possibilities for variation, allowing coffee lovers and non-coffee drinkers alike to experiment with flavors, milk types, and sweetness levels. Whether served hot or cold, this whipped coffee treat is sure to make any coffee moment feel like a special occasion.
Although its fame may have been boosted by the pandemic, Dalgona Coffee has proven that it’s more than just a fleeting trend—it’s a drink that’s here to stay. It offers a sense of comfort and a touch of fun, whether you’re enjoying it alone or sharing it with friends. So, the next time you’re in the mood for a simple yet indulgent coffee drink, you can rely on Dalgona Coffee to deliver that perfect frothy experience that’s both Instagram-worthy and utterly delicious.