Discover how to make the viral, creamy Korean Dalgona coffee (whipped coffee) at home. This simple, indulgent drink uses only a few ingredients and yields a frothy, café-style beverage you can enjoy hot or iced.
The whipped coffee trend is irresistibly fun and surprisingly easy. Dalgona coffee is a quick way to elevate your daily coffee ritual with a velvety whipped topping made from instant coffee, sugar, and hot water. It’s a small luxury that’s worth the few minutes it takes to make.
This drink soared in popularity recently, especially on social platforms. It’s a comforting treat that works well with iced milk on warm days or warm milk for a cozy pick-me-up. The recipe is straightforward, making it a perfect quarantine or weekend project.
About Dalgona Coffee / Whipped Coffee
Dalgona coffee is a whipped coffee drink with two distinct layers: a thick, caramel-colored coffee foam and a base of milk. The whipped layer is made by vigorously whisking instant coffee, sugar, and hot water until it becomes light and mousse-like. The texture you achieve depends on how long you whisk—soft peaks blend more easily into milk, while stiffer peaks hold shape longer.
Because the whipped layer relies on instant coffee, choose a brand you like. Many grocery stores stock a variety of instant coffees; any decent-quality instant coffee will produce good results. The whipped topping is sweet and strong, so adjust sugar or coffee strength to your taste.
What is Dalgona Whipped Coffee?
Dalgona coffee is a simple whipped drink that gained global attention through social media. While similar whipped coffee traditions exist elsewhere, the name “Dalgona” came into popular use after a South Korean actor compared the whipped topping’s flavor to a toffee snack called dalgona. The basic idea—whipping instant coffee with sugar and water—creates a concentrated, aerated coffee mousse served over milk.
How does it compare to a cappuccino?
Although sometimes described as an “upside-down cappuccino,” Dalgona coffee is sweeter and more concentrated than a traditional cappuccino. The top layer is a thick, sweet foam rather than steamed milk foam, and the drink is typically sweeter and stronger in caffeine per spoonful than a standard espresso-based beverage.
Is whipped coffee delicious?
Yes—when made well, the combination of creamy milk and sweet coffee foam is delightful. Because the whipped topping is concentrated in caffeine and sugar, enjoy it in moderation or adjust the sugar amount to suit your preferences.
What’s in Dalgona Coffee and what makes it foam?
The classic Dalgona topping is made from three ingredients: instant coffee, granulated sugar, and boiling water. Instant coffee works because it’s a dried coffee extract that can trap air and form stable foam when whipped with sugar and hot water. The milk underneath can be dairy or any plant-based alternative—almond, soy, oat, or coconut milk all work beautifully.
Can I make Dalgona coffee without sugar?
Sugar helps stabilize and sweeten the foam, similar to meringue. Reducing sugar will make the foam lighter and may prevent it from reaching full volume. If you need a sugar-free or keto option, use a granulated sugar substitute designed for whipping, such as erythritol-based confectioners’ sweeteners or monk fruit blends that specify they work in recipes.
Vegan and lower-sugar variations
To make a vegan Dalgona coffee, simply use plant-based milk for the base. For a lower-sugar or keto-friendly version, swap granulated sugar for a granulated sweetener labeled for baking or whipping. Keep in mind texture and flavor can differ slightly with alternative sweeteners, so adjust to taste.
How to make Dalgona coffee
Combine equal parts (by volume) instant coffee, granulated sugar, and hot water—commonly one tablespoon each. Whisk vigorously by hand or beat with an electric mixer until the mixture becomes light, glossy, and forms peaks, about 3 to 5 minutes with a hand mixer. Spoon the whipped coffee over a glass of milk and ice, or over warm milk, and stir before drinking.
Can I use regular brewed coffee or grounds?
No—regular brewed coffee or coffee grounds won’t create the same stable foam. Instant coffee granules are essentially dried coffee extract and are necessary for achieving the light, airy mousse that defines Dalgona coffee.
How to enjoy Dalgona coffee
Although the layered presentation is attractive, the best flavor comes from mixing the whipped coffee into the milk. Stir well to combine the sweet, airy coffee with the milk for a smooth, balanced drink. Add ice for a refreshing iced version or use warm milk for a comforting hot version.
Recipe: Dalgona Coffee
Yield: Makes enough for 1 whipped coffee
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon instant coffee granules
- 1 tablespoon boiling hot water
- Whole milk or preferred milk alternative, for serving
- Ice, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
- In a small bowl, combine the sugar, instant coffee granules, and boiling water.
- Whisk vigorously by hand or use an electric mixer until the mixture becomes thick and mousse-like, about 3–5 minutes. Stop at soft peaks if you want it to mix easily into milk, or whisk longer for stiffer peaks.
- Fill a glass with milk and ice (or warm milk if preferred). Spoon the whipped coffee on top and stir to combine before drinking.
Notes: For a keto or sugar-free version, use a granulated sweetener rated for whipping. To make it adult-friendly, stir a splash of your favorite liqueur into the milk before topping with whipped coffee.
Nutrition (approximate per serving)
- Calories: 49
- Carbohydrates: 13 g
- Sugar: 13 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
Other Recipes You’ll Enjoy
- New York-Style Bagels
- Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels
- Perfect Chocolate Cupcakes
- Raspberry and Cream Scones
- Profiteroles
- Strawberry Pavlova
Enjoy making Dalgona coffee at home—experiment with different milks and sweeteners until you find the version you love most.