Dalgona coffee, a whipped coffee drink that became a viral sensation during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, has continued to captivate coffee lovers worldwide. This frothy, creamy, and visually stunning beverage has transformed the coffee culture, sparking creativity in the kitchen and allowing anyone to become their barista at home.
In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about making Dalgona coffee from scratch. Whether you’re a seasoned coffee aficionado or a beginner who loves a good caffeine fix, this guide will take you through the process with detailed steps, expert tips, and useful insights to help you perfect your Dalgona coffee every time.
What is Dalgona Coffee?
Dalgona coffee is a whipped coffee drink made by whipping instant coffee, sugar, and hot water until it forms a light, fluffy foam. This foam is then served over a glass of cold milk, creating a beautiful contrast of colors and a rich, creamy texture.
The drink got its name from “Dalgona,” a Korean honeycomb toffee, which it resembles in both color and texture. The trend took off after a viral TikTok challenge, where people began to experiment with the combination of ingredients to create their versions of the drink. Since then, it has become a global sensation, with variations of Dalgona coffee popping up across social media platforms.
Key Ingredients:
- Instant Coffee: The backbone of Dalgona coffee is the instant coffee powder. It’s quick-dissolving and has a strong flavor that holds up when whipped.
- Sugar: Sugar helps stabilize the foam and adds sweetness. Typically, granulated white sugar is used, but variations such as brown sugar or even sweeteners can be used.
- Hot Water: The hot water activates the instant coffee granules and helps in whipping the mixture into a fluffy consistency.
- Milk: Most people use cold milk, either dairy or plant-based alternatives like almond, oat, or soy milk.
How to Make Dalgona Coffee: Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons of instant coffee
- 2 tablespoons of sugar (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons of hot water
- 1 cup of cold milk
- Ice cubes (optional, but recommended)
You can also tweak the recipe by adding a pinch of salt for extra flavor or experimenting with different types of sweeteners.
Step 2: Whip the Coffee Mixture
- Combine the instant coffee, sugar, and hot water in a medium-sized bowl. Use a whisk or a hand mixer for this step.
- Whisk vigorously: Start with a hand whisk or use an electric mixer on medium speed. Whisk until the mixture turns into a light, airy foam. This process can take anywhere from 3 to 5 minutes with an electric mixer, or 10-15 minutes if you’re doing it by hand.
- Check the consistency: The coffee should form stiff peaks, similar to the consistency of meringue. When you lift the whisk, the foam should hold its shape and not drip back into the bowl.
If you’re looking for an easier way to make Dalgona coffee, you can use a stand mixer or a hand blender. This will drastically reduce the whipping time, but traditional whipping by hand can also be a fun and rewarding workout.
Step 3: Prepare the Milk Base
- Fill a glass with cold milk: You can use any milk of your choice, but using chilled milk creates a contrast with the warm whipped coffee on top. For an extra touch, add ice cubes to the glass.
- Layer the whipped coffee on top: Spoon the fluffy coffee foam over the cold milk. Don’t worry if it doesn’t fully mix – the layers of foam and milk create the signature look of Dalgona coffee.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
For an extra aesthetic touch, you can sprinkle cocoa powder, cinnamon, or even shaved chocolate on top of the whipped coffee foam. If you want to make it a little more indulgent, drizzle caramel or chocolate syrup along the inside of the glass before pouring in the milk.
Once you’ve added the finishing touches, your Dalgona coffee is ready to enjoy! Stir it gently for a blended coffee drink, or keep the layers intact for a more dramatic presentation.
Tips and Tricks for Perfecting Your Dalgona Coffee
Making Dalgona coffee is easy, but there are a few tips and tricks to help you elevate your beverage to the next level.
1. Use the Right Instant Coffee
Not all instant coffees are created equal, and using high-quality instant coffee will significantly affect the flavor of your drink. Opt for a strong, full-bodied instant coffee for the best results. Some popular brands include Nescafé, Starbucks VIA, and local artisanal instant coffee brands.
2. Adjust the Sweetness
Dalgona coffee can be quite sweet, especially with the traditional ratio of 1:1:1 (instant coffee, sugar, and hot water). If you prefer a less sugary version, you can adjust the sugar to your liking or experiment with other sweeteners like maple syrup, honey, or stevia.
3. Whisking by Hand vs. Electric Mixer
While using an electric mixer or stand mixer speeds up the process, whisking by hand adds a personal touch and allows you to control the texture of the foam. It’s a fun activity that can become a satisfying ritual.
4. Try Dairy-Free Options
Dalgona coffee is traditionally made with dairy milk, but you can easily swap in your favorite plant-based milk. Almond, oat, and soy milk are all excellent alternatives, but be mindful that some plant-based milk may have a more pronounced flavor, which can alter the taste of the coffee.
5. Experiment with Flavors and Variations
One of the great things about Dalgona coffee is its versatility. Once you’ve mastered the classic version, feel free to get creative! You can add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the whipped coffee mixture, or infuse the milk with flavors like vanilla or caramel. For a more indulgent treat, top your Dalgona coffee with whipped cream or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Dalgona Coffee
While Dalgona coffee may seem straightforward, there are a few common pitfalls that people fall into when trying to recreate the perfect drink.
1. Not Using Instant Coffee:
One of the key elements of Dalgona coffee is instant coffee, which dissolves quickly in hot water and can be whipped into foam. Regular brewed coffee or ground coffee won’t work in the same way, and you may end up with a watery, unwhipped mixture.
2. Incorrect Ratio of Ingredients:
The classic ratio of 2 tablespoons of instant coffee, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and 2 tablespoons of hot water is ideal for achieving the right consistency. Too much water will make the foam too runny, while too little water may make it difficult to whip.
3. Using Cold Water Instead of Hot Water:
Hot water is essential for dissolving the instant coffee and ensuring that the foam forms correctly. If you use cold water, the mixture won’t whip up into the desired fluffy texture.
4. Not Whisking Enough:
The whipped coffee requires a fair amount of whisking to achieve the proper texture. If you don’t whisk long enough, the foam will be too runny and won’t hold up on top of the milk. If using an electric mixer, aim for a thick consistency that holds its shape when lifted.
Real-Life Examples: Dalgona Coffee Across the Globe
Dalgona coffee became a social media sensation in 2020, and its global popularity hasn’t waned. Here are a few examples of how people around the world have made the trend their own.
1. Korean Style Dalgona Coffee
In Korea, where the trend originated, Dalgona coffee is sometimes served with a sprinkle of cocoa powder or cinnamon on top of the foam. It’s often paired with traditional Korean desserts like tteok (rice cakes) or bungeoppang (fish-shaped pastries filled with red bean paste).
2. American Twist on Dalgona Coffee
In the U.S., many people experiment with different types of milk and sweeteners. Some even add flavorings such as vanilla extract or caramel syrup for a more dessert-like coffee experience. Dalgona coffee is often served in large mason jars for a rustic touch, particularly in trendy cafes.
3. Indian Version: Iced Dalgona Coffee
In India, where coffee culture is growing rapidly, Dalgona coffee is often made with condensed milk or evaporated milk for an ultra-creamy texture. People in India also enjoy an iced version of Dalgona coffee, where the whipped coffee is served over cold milk and ice cubes.
Conclusion: Enjoy Your Dalgona Coffee and Get Creative!
Making Dalgona coffee is not just about following a simple recipe—it’s about having fun, experimenting with flavors, and discovering your unique twist on this viral drink. Whether you’re enjoying it as a morning pick-me-up or a sweet afternoon treat, Dalgona coffee has earned its place in the hearts of coffee lovers worldwide.
With these tips, tricks, and variations, you’re ready to perfect your Dalgona coffee and share it with friends or family. Don’t be afraid to get creative with ingredients and flavor combinations to make it your own. The key is to enjoy the process and savor the results.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your instant coffee, whisk it away, and dive into the world of Dalgona coffee!