How to Make Dalgona Coffee at Home
What Is Dalgona Coffee?
If coffee had a celebrity moment, this would be it. Dalgona coffee is that creamy, frothy, cloud-like drink that looks like it belongs in a fancy café — but guess what? You can make it in your own kitchen.
It’s made by whipping equal parts instant coffee, sugar, and hot water until it turns into a thick caramel-colored foam. Then you spoon it over milk. That’s it. Simple, right?
The Origin of Dalgona Coffee
Dalgona coffee gained global fame during lockdown days, but its popularity skyrocketed in South Korea after a TV show featured it. The name “Dalgona” comes from a Korean honeycomb candy because the whipped coffee tastes similar in flavor and color.
Why It Became a Viral Trend
Why did everyone suddenly start whipping coffee like crazy? Because it’s:
Easy
Instagram-worthy
Made with pantry staples
Fun to prepare
It’s basically a mini science experiment in your kitchen.
Ingredients Needed for Dalgona Coffee
Let’s keep things simple.
Basic 3-Ingredient Formula
You’ll need:
2 tablespoons instant coffee
2 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons hot water
1 cup milk (cold or hot)
That’s it. No fancy syrups. No expensive espresso machines.
Optional Add-Ons for Extra Flavor
Want to level it up?
Vanilla extract
Cocoa powder
Cinnamon
Caramel syrup
Chocolate chips
Think of the basic recipe as a blank canvas. You’re the artist.
Tools You’ll Need
No need for complicated gadgets.
Manual Whisk vs Electric Mixer
A hand whisk works fine — but it’ll take about 8–10 minutes of serious arm workout. Think of it as your morning exercise.
An electric hand mixer? Done in 2–3 minutes.
Shortcut? Use a milk frother.
Best Glassware for Presentation
Clear glasses work best. Why? Because you want to show off those layers. The milk at the bottom. The fluffy coffee cloud on top. It’s edible art.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Dalgona Coffee
Ready? Let’s do this.
Step 1 – Mixing the Ingredients
In a bowl, combine:
Instant coffee
Sugar
Hot water
Make sure the water is hot — this helps dissolve everything quickly.
Step 2 – Whipping to Perfection
Start whisking.
At first, it looks watery. Then it thickens. Then suddenly — magic. It becomes creamy and forms stiff peaks.
How do you know it’s ready? When you lift the whisk and the foam holds its shape.
Step 3 – Preparing the Milk Base
Fill a glass ¾ full with milk.
Cold milk + ice cubes = Iced Dalgona
Hot milk = Cozy winter version
Step 4 – Assembling the Coffee
Spoon the whipped coffee mixture over the milk.
Don’t stir yet.
Take a moment. Admire it.
Then mix and enjoy.
Pro Tips for Perfect Whipped Coffee
Getting the Right Texture
The secret? Equal ratios. Always 1:1:1 (coffee, sugar, water).
Too much water? It won’t whip properly.
Too little sugar? Foam collapses.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using ground coffee instead of instant
Not whipping long enough
Using cold water
Remember — instant coffee is non-negotiable here.
Variations of Dalgona Coffee
Why stop at basic?
Iced Dalgona Coffee
Add ice cubes and cold milk. Perfect for hot afternoons.
Hot Dalgona Coffee
Use warm milk for a comforting twist.
Chocolate Dalgona
Add 1 teaspoon cocoa powder while whipping.
Vegan Dalgona
Use almond, soy, or oat milk. The foam still works beautifully.
Health and Nutrition Facts
Let’s talk numbers.
Calorie Breakdown
Instant coffee: Almost zero calories
Sugar: About 32 calories per tablespoon
Milk: Depends on type
Want fewer calories? Reduce sugar slightly (but not too much).
Caffeine Content
It’s strong. Two tablespoons of instant coffee pack a punch. If you’re sensitive to caffeine, maybe start with one tablespoon.
Why You Should Try Making It at Home
Why spend money at a café when you can make a trendy drink at home in 10 minutes?
It’s cheaper. It’s fun. And honestly? It feels satisfying to whip something into a fluffy masterpiece.
Plus, it impresses guests instantly.
Serving and Presentation Ideas
Want it to look professional?
Dust cocoa powder on top
Drizzle caramel
Add chocolate shavings
Use tall aesthetic glasses
Presentation matters. We eat with our eyes first.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Did you know you can store the whipped coffee in the fridge?
Keep it in an airtight container for up to 2–3 days. When needed, just scoop and serve over milk.
Meal prep, but make it fancy.
Conclusion
Dalgona coffee isn’t just a drink — it’s an experience. It turns three simple ingredients into a creamy, café-style treat. It’s quick, budget-friendly, and ridiculously satisfying to make.
So next time you crave something special, skip the coffee shop. Grab a whisk instead.
Your homemade coffee masterpiece is just minutes away.
FAQs
1. Can I use regular ground coffee instead of instant coffee?
No. Instant coffee is necessary for the whipping reaction to work properly.
2. Can I make Dalgona coffee without sugar?
Sugar helps create the foam. You can reduce it, but removing it completely may affect texture.
3. How long does it take to whip manually?
About 8–10 minutes by hand, 2–3 minutes with an electric mixer.
4. Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes! Almond, oat, or soy milk works perfectly.
5. Is Dalgona coffee very strong?
Yes, it’s stronger than regular coffee because of the concentrated foam. Adjust coffee quantity if needed.
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