A Step-by-Step Recipe, Tips, Variations, and Everything You Need to Know
Dalgona coffee became a global trend in 2020, but its charm never faded. With just four simple ingredients—instant coffee, sugar, hot water, and milk—you can create a luxurious, creamy, café-style drink right at home. The reason it became popular is not only because of its taste but also because of how satisfying it looks: thick, glossy coffee foam resting on top of a glass of milk like a cloud.
Whether you’re a coffee lover or someone who simply enjoys trying viral recipes, this guide will teach you everything about making Dalgona coffee perfectly, every single time.
What Is Dalgona Coffee?
Dalgona coffee is a whipped coffee drink that originated in South Korea. It’s named after “Dalgona,” a honeycomb-like Korean candy that has a similar caramel color. The drink itself isn’t made with dalgona candy, but the appearance is reminiscent of it—light brown, fluffy, and silky.
The base concept is simple:
- Mix equal parts instant coffee, sugar, and hot water
- Whip until stiff, creamy peaks form
- Serve over hot or cold milk
The result is a café-style drink that tastes like a creamy iced latte but with a stronger, bolder coffee flavor.
Why Dalgona Coffee Became So Popular
Several reasons contributed to its massive success:
1. Viral Visual Appeal
The whipping transformation is incredibly satisfying. Watching a simple dark liquid turn into a thick, velvety foam became a huge trend on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube.
2. Only Four Ingredients
Almost everyone had instant coffee and sugar at home, especially during lockdowns when cafés were closed.
3. Café-Style Drink Without Equipment
No expensive machines needed. Just a whisk, bowl, spoon, or an electric mixer.
4. Fun to Make
The whipping part is almost therapeutic—especially when seeing the gradual color change.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make one serving of Dalgona coffee:
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons instant coffee
(Must be instant—ground coffee will not whip.) - 2 tablespoons sugar
(Regular granulated sugar works best.) - 2 tablespoons hot water
(Boiling or near-boiling.) - 1 cup milk (hot or cold)
- Ice cubes (optional for iced dalgona)
Optional Add-Ons
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
- Sprinkle of cinnamon
- A pinch of salt to balance sweetness
- Chocolate syrup for drizzling
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowl (metal or glass helps the mixture whip better)
- Hand whisk, electric whisk, or stand mixer
- Spoon or spatula
- Tall glass or mug
- Measuring spoons
Step-by-Step Method (Full Detailed Instructions)
Step 1: Add Your Ingredients to a Mixing Bowl
Combine:
- 2 tbsp instant coffee
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 2 tbsp hot water
Using equal parts is important for stability. The sugar helps the mixture thicken and hold its shape.
Step 2: Whip Until Thick, Creamy, and Glossy
Now comes the most essential step: whipping.
Using a Hand Whisk
- Takes around 5–8 minutes
- Whisk fast in a circular motion
- The mixture will change color slowly from dark brown → caramel → pale golden
- You’ll know it’s ready when it forms stiff peaks and doesn’t drip off the whisk
Using an Electric Mixer
- Takes 2–3 minutes
- Much easier and gives a fluffier result
- Start at medium speed, then increase for more airiness
Whipping Tip:
If the mixture isn’t thickening, add a tiny bit more sugar or continue whisking longer.
Step 3: Prepare the Milk
Choose your preferred base:
For Iced Dalgona Coffee:
- Fill a tall glass with ice
- Pour milk almost to the top
- Keep some space for the whipped coffee
For Hot Dalgona Coffee:
- Heat milk in a microwave or saucepan
- Pour into your mug
- Do not boil; warm milk gives the best flavor
Step 4: Add the Whipped Coffee on Top
Using a spoon, gently scoop the dalgona foam and place it over the milk. The thick texture will create a beautiful two-layer drink.
Step 5: Stir Before Drinking
Though it looks great layered, dalgona coffee tastes best when mixed. Stir the foam into the milk for a sweet, creamy, latte-like drink.
Flavor Variations to Try
Dalgona coffee is very customizable. Here are some creative twists:
1. Chocolate Dalgona
Add 1 teaspoon cocoa powder while whipping.
Richer and more dessert-like.
2. Mocha Dalgona
Mix cocoa powder into the milk and whip the dalgona as original.
3. Caramel Dalgona
Drizzle caramel sauce around the glass before pouring milk.
4. Vanilla Dalgona
Add ½ teaspoon vanilla extract for a softer flavor.
5. Sugar-Free Dalgona
Use powdered sweeteners such as erythritol or stevia.
Note: Whipping may be slightly less stable.
6. Vegan Dalgona Coffee
Swap milk for:
- Oat milk
- Almond milk
- Coconut milk
- Soy milk
Whip as usual — the topping remains the same.
Tips for the Perfect Dalgona Coffee
Use Instant Coffee Only
Only instant coffee granules contain compounds that allow whipping. Ground or brewed coffee will never foam.
Don’t Reduce the Sugar Too Much
Sugar stabilizes the foam. Without enough sugar, the mixture collapses.
Use Very Hot Water
Hot water melts the sugar and activates the coffee granules to whip better.
Chill the Bowl
A slightly cold bowl helps create more stable foam.
Whip Long Enough
Most failures happen because the mixture isn’t whipped enough. Keep going!
Why Dalgona Coffee Works (The Science Behind It)
The reason instant coffee can be whipped into thick foam is due to:
- Air incorporation while whisking
- Foam-forming compounds naturally present in instant coffee
- Sugar acting as a stabilizer
- Hot water dissolving the ingredients properly
All these elements trap air and create tiny bubbles, turning the mixture thick and glossy.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
1. Using ground or brewed coffee
This will never whip. Must be instant.
2. Not whisking enough
Keep whisking even if it looks liquid at first.
3. Using too little sugar
Reduces fluffiness.
4. Using cold or lukewarm water
Hot water is necessary.
5. Adding liquid flavorings too early
Add them after the foam is formed to prevent thinning.
How to Serve Dalgona Coffee Like a Café
- Use a clear glass for visual appeal
- Add chocolate or caramel drizzle
- Top with cocoa powder or coffee powder
- Serve with a metal straw
- Add whipped cream under the dalgona layer for extra richness
Presentation is a big part of the charm.
Final Thoughts
Making dalgona coffee at home is not only simple but also incredibly satisfying. With just a few ingredients and a bit of whipping, you can create a luxurious drink that looks and tastes like it came from a café. Whether you prefer it hot or cold, sweet or strong, classic or flavored, dalgona coffee is endlessly customizable and always impressive.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
No. Dalgona coffee only works with instant coffee, because instant coffee contains certain compounds that allow it to whip into a stable foam. Ground coffee or brewed coffee will not whip, no matter how long you mix.
The most common reasons are:
You didn’t whisk long enough
You used cold water instead of hot water
You reduced the sugar too much
You used the wrong type of coffee
Whip for at least 5–8 minutes by hand or 2–3 minutes with an electric mixer.
Yes, but the texture may not be as thick or stable. You can use sweeteners like erythritol, stevia, or monk fruit, but they may produce softer foam. For best results, use powdered sweeteners instead of granulated.
Yes! You can store the whipped foam in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 24–48 hours. It may lose a little bit of volume, but it will still be usable. Some people even freeze dollops of the foam on parchment paper for later use.
Yes, dalgona coffee is stronger than a regular latte because the whipped foam uses a concentrated amount of instant coffee. You can adjust the strength by adding more milk or using less coffee in the mixture.
