If you spend time scrolling through Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok, chances are you have seen the viral dalgona coffee recipe, also called whipped coffee. This frothy, two-layered beverage became a Korean coffee trend during early 2020 and quickly turned into a global sensation.
Making dalgona coffee at home is simple. Whip together instant coffee, sugar, and hot water, then spoon the fluffy coffee foam over iced or hot milk. The result is a frothy coffee drink that is both beautiful and delicious.
Searches for “dalgona coffee” spiked by more than 1,800% in March 2020, overtaking all other coffee-related terms. So, what exactly is this drink and how can you make the best dalgona coffee recipe at home?
What Is Dalgona Coffee?
Dalgona coffee, also known as whipped coffee, frothy coffee, or fluffy coffee, is a creamy drink made with just four basic ingredients: instant coffee, sugar, water, and milk. Its signature look comes from the contrast of whipped coffee cream floating on top of cold or hot milk.
The name “dalgona coffee” was popularised when South Korean actor Jung Il-Woo featured the drink on a TV program in early 2020. After trying a whipped coffee in Macau, he noted that its taste and bubbly texture reminded him of dalgona candy, a honeycomb flavoured dessert.
Dalgona Coffee Ingredients
To make an easy dalgona coffee recipe, you will need:
12 g instant coffee powder (about 2 teaspoons, not ground coffee)
12 g sugar (about 2 teaspoons)
30 ml boiling water (about 2 tablespoons)
500 ml cold or hot milk (about 2 cups)
Ice cubes as required
Tip: You can also use instant espresso for a stronger flavour, or swap dairy milk with almond, oat, or soy milk for a popular dalgona coffee variation.
A standard serving of dalgona coffee made with two teaspoons of instant coffee, two teaspoons of sugar, and 500 ml of whole milk contains roughly 180–200 calories. The exact number will vary depending on the type of milk and sugar you use.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Whipped Coffee at Home
Step 1: Mix the Coffee Base
In a bowl, combine equal parts instant coffee, sugar, and hot water.
Step 2: Whip Until Frothy
Use a whisk, hand blender, or stand mixer to whip the mixture until it is light, fluffy, and forms stiff peaks. By hand, this can take about 5 minutes. With a mixer, just 1–2 minutes.
Step 3: Assemble the Drink
Fill a glass with cold milk and ice, or warm milk for a hot version. Spoon the whipped coffee mixture over the milk. Stir before drinking.
Barista Tips for the Best Dalgona Coffeeere
Use high-quality instant coffee powder for richer flavour.
Adjust sweetness by adding condensed milk or reducing sugar.
Store leftover whipped coffee in an airtight container in the fridge.
Try variations such as iced dalgona coffee, chocolate dalgona coffee, or even matcha dalgona.
Make the Viral Coffee Trend Your Own
The dalgona coffee recipe is proof that sometimes the simplest drinks can create the biggest buzz. Whether you call it whipped coffee, frothy coffee, or Korean dalgona coffee, this viral drink is easy to make and endlessly customisable.
So grab your whisk and try making your own fluffy dalgona coffee at home. The trend may have started in 2020, but it is still a delicious way to enjoy your daily cup. Learn more tips on making dalgona and other coffee varieties by taking a barista course.
FAQs
Why Did the Dalgona Coffee Trend Go Viral?
The dalgona coffee trend started in South Korea in early 2020, as people sought café-style drinks while in quarantine during the Covid-19 pandemic. Fuelled by hashtags like #dalgonacoffee and #quarantinecoffee, the drink spread across TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. By March 2020, dalgona coffee tutorials were flooding feeds across Australia, the United States, and beyond.
Can You Use Instant Coffee?
Yes, instant coffee is essential. Ground coffee beans will not work, as it has not been brewed and dehydrated like instant coffee. Instant espresso can also be used, though it produces a stronger flavour.
Can You Make Dalgona Coffee With Matcha?
Yes, you can make a matcha version by using matcha powder instead of coffee in your recipe. This variation is sometimes called “matcha dalgona” or “whipped matcha,” and it offers a creamy, earthy twist.
