Whipped coffee, also known as Dalgona coffee, has taken the internet by storm, winning over coffee enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike. Its creamy texture and bold flavor make it a luxurious treat that’s simple to prepare. This viral sensation first gained popularity during the 2020 lockdown, and it continues to be a favorite for coffee lovers around the world. If you’re looking for a fun and indulgent way to enjoy your daily coffee, making whipped coffee is the perfect solution.
In this detailed guide, we’ll show you how to make the perfect whipped coffee, with tips, tricks, and variations to suit your taste. Whether you’re a coffee connoisseur or a beginner, you’ll be able to craft this creamy, frothy drink with ease.
What is Whipped Coffee?
Whipped coffee is a frothy, creamy coffee drink that is made by whipping instant coffee, sugar, and hot water together until it forms a thick, light foam. This foam is then spooned on top of milk, creating a beautiful layered drink. The texture is smooth and velvety, while the flavor is rich and bold, making it a delightful treat to sip on during any time of the day.
The drink gets its name from “Dalgona,” a Korean street candy that is similar to honeycomb toffee. The texture of the whipped coffee foam is said to resemble the airy, bubbly structure of the candy, and hence, it’s often referred to as Dalgona coffee.
Why is Whipped Coffee So Popular?
Whipped coffee’s popularity surged due to its aesthetic appeal and ease of preparation. The drink has an Instagram-worthy look, with its layers of frothy coffee sitting atop the milk. It also gained traction during quarantine when people were looking for new ways to experiment in the kitchen. Not to mention, the ingredients are simple and the recipe doesn’t require any fancy equipment or ingredients—just a few pantry staples!
Ingredients You’ll Need for Whipped Coffee:
Making whipped coffee requires only a handful of ingredients that are likely already in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 tablespoons instant coffee: Instant coffee works best because it dissolves quickly and easily, allowing you to create that frothy texture.
- 2 tablespoons sugar: Sugar is what gives the whipped coffee its sweetness and helps achieve the airy foam. You can adjust this to taste or use alternative sweeteners.
- 2 tablespoons hot water: Hot water helps dissolve the coffee and sugar, making it easier to whip into foam.
- 1 cup milk (any kind): You can use whole milk, almond milk, oat milk, or any milk of your choice to complement the whipped coffee.
- Ice (optional): For an iced whipped coffee, add ice to your milk for a refreshing twist.
Tools You’ll Need:
- A hand whisk or electric mixer (stand mixer or handheld)
- A medium-sized bowl
- A glass for serving
- A spoon for stirring the foam into the milk
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare Your Coffee Mixture
Start by placing the instant coffee, sugar, and hot water in a medium-sized bowl. Stir the ingredients together to ensure they’re evenly combined before beginning the whipping process.
Step 2: Whisk the Coffee Mixture
The key to whipped coffee is the frothy foam, and this requires some serious whisking! You can whisk by hand using a regular hand whisk, but it will take some time and effort. If you want quicker results, use an electric hand mixer or stand mixer.
Whisk the mixture for about 3-5 minutes until it turns into a thick, creamy foam that forms soft peaks when you lift the whisk out of the bowl. The mixture should have a light, airy texture, similar to whipped cream. The more you whisk, the fluffier the foam will become. If you prefer a firmer foam, whisk for an extra minute or two.
Step 3: Prepare Your Milk
While you’re whisking the coffee, prepare the milk. You can use any type of milk you prefer—regular dairy milk, almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk all work well. If you’re making an iced version, pour cold milk into a glass and add ice cubes. For a warm whipped coffee, gently heat the milk until it’s slightly steaming, but not boiling.
Step 4: Spoon the Whipped Coffee Foam
Once the coffee foam has reached the desired consistency, it’s time to spoon it onto the milk. Use a spoon to scoop the thick foam and gently place it on top of the milk. You’ll see the foam float atop the milk, creating a gorgeous layered effect.
Step 5: Stir and Enjoy!
Before drinking, stir the whipped coffee into the milk. This will blend the rich, creamy foam with the milk, creating a smooth and delicious drink. Take a sip and enjoy the sweetness and smoothness of the whipped coffee!
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Tips for Perfect Whipped Coffee:
- Instant Coffee is Key: Instant coffee dissolves quickly and creates the best foam. Avoid using brewed coffee as it won’t give you the same texture. If you don’t have instant coffee, you can substitute it with espresso powder, but keep in mind that the flavor may be slightly different.
- Adjust the Sweetness: The amount of sugar you use can be adjusted based on how sweet you like your coffee. If you prefer a less sweet drink, start with a smaller amount of sugar, or try a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit for a healthier option.
- Don’t Skimp on the Whisking: The key to a great whipped coffee is whisking the mixture long enough to form a thick, fluffy foam. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer will speed up the process, but if you’re whisking by hand, be patient—it will take around 5-7 minutes.
- Use Cold or Warm Milk: Whipped coffee pairs well with both cold and warm milk, so it’s up to you! If you’re in the mood for something refreshing, go for cold milk and ice. If you want something cozy, warm the milk and enjoy a hot version of the drink.
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Variations of Whipped Coffee:
While the basic whipped coffee recipe is delicious on its own, there are many fun ways to customize the drink to fit your preferences. Here are a few variations to try:
- Iced Whipped Coffee: Add ice cubes to your glass before pouring in the milk for an iced version. This is perfect for hot weather or when you’re craving something cold.
- Flavored Whipped Coffee: To add extra flavor, stir in a few drops of vanilla extract, cinnamon, or cocoa powder into the whipped coffee foam. This will create a unique twist on the classic recipe.
- Caramel Whipped Coffee: For a decadent treat, drizzle some caramel sauce on top of your whipped coffee before serving. The sweetness of the caramel pairs wonderfully with the rich, frothy coffee.
- Dairy-Free Whipped Coffee: If you prefer non-dairy milk, oat milk, almond milk, or soy milk work perfectly with whipped coffee. These options still provide that creamy texture while offering a dairy-free alternative.
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Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Not Using Instant Coffee: Instant coffee dissolves quickly and creates the frothy texture necessary for whipped coffee. Brewed coffee will not give you the same result.
- Under-Whisking: If the mixture isn’t whisked enough, the foam will be too runny and won’t form peaks. Be patient and whisk for the required time.
- Overheating the Milk: If you’re heating milk, make sure it doesn’t boil. Milk that is too hot can curdle or create an unpleasant taste.
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Conclusion
Whipped coffee is an indulgent and visually stunning treat that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a café-worthy coffee experience at home. Whether you prefer it iced or warm, sweet or strong, whipped coffee is a fun way to experiment with your daily coffee routine. Get creative and try adding different flavors or toppings to make it uniquely yours. So, go ahead—whisk, pour, and savor your very own whipped coffee masterpiece!
FAQ’s on How to Make Whipped Coffee
Whipped coffee, or Dalgona coffee, is a frothy drink made by whisking instant coffee, sugar, and hot water until it forms a creamy foam, which is then served on top of milk.
No, instant coffee works best because it dissolves easily and creates the desired frothy texture. Regular brewed coffee won’t achieve the same consistency.
You can reduce the sugar to taste or use sugar substitutes like stevia or monk fruit to make it less sweet while still enjoying the creamy texture.
Yes! You can use any plant-based milk, such as almond, oat, or soy milk, for a delicious dairy-free whipped coffee.
Whipped coffee is best enjoyed fresh. However, you can store any leftover foam in the fridge for a few hours. Just re-whisk it before serving to restore its fluffy texture.
