Dalgona Coffee

Dalgona Coffee is a visually striking and delicious beverage made by whipping instant coffee, sugar, and hot water into a creamy froth. This rich, bittersweet foam is then spooned over cold or hot milk, creating a delightful two-layered drink. It's known for its reverse latte-like structure and intense coffee flavor that you stir together before sipping.
Dalgona Coffee

Preparation

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

Dalgona Coffee is classified as a modern coffee drink. It is not a traditional cocktail but a contemporary beverage that gained popularity through social media trends. Its unique preparation method sets it apart from classic coffee preparations.

Serving

This is a non-alcoholic, cold drink typically served in a medium-sized tumbler or highball glass to showcase its beautiful layers. No special glass preparation is needed.
Serving size
Approximately 250-300 ml / 8-10 oz
Alcohol content
0% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Tumbler
Glass treatment
None

Backstory

Dalgona Coffee surged to international fame in early 2020 through social media platforms like TikTok. Its rise coincided with global lockdowns, earning it the nickname "quarantine coffee" as people made it at home. The name was coined by South Korean actor Jung Il-woo, who likened the taste to dalgona, a traditional Korean honeycomb toffee snack.
Origin
South Korea, 2020.

Dalgona Coffee

The drink is globally known as Dalgona Coffee, a name derived from a Korean honeycomb toffee it resembles in taste. It gained immense popularity under names like Whipped Coffee or Quarantine Coffee during the 2020 global lockdowns. The original Korean name is 달고나커피.
Original name
달고나커피
Alternative names
  • Whipped Coffee
  • Frothy Coffee
  • Quarantine Coffee

Characteristics overview

It has a strong, bittersweet coffee flavor with a rich, velvety texture from the whipped foam. The aroma is of roasted coffee and caramel, creating a visually appealing two-layered, non-fizzy drink.
Flavor
Sweet, Strong coffee, Creamy, Rich, Bittersweet
Aroma
Roasted coffee, Caramelized sugar
Taste balance
Sweet, Bitter
Aftertaste
Lingering coffee, Smooth
Fizziness
Still
Color appearance
Two-layered, Light brown foam, White milk base, Opaque
Texture
Frothy, Creamy, Velvety, Smooth
Seasonality
Refreshing, All-season

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor profile is dominated by a balance of high sweetness and moderate coffee bitterness, complemented by a very creamy texture. It is a non-alcoholic and non-carbonated beverage.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

You'll need equal parts instant coffee, granulated sugar, and hot water to create the whipped topping. This is served over cold milk, with ice being an optional addition.
  • Instant Coffee Granules2 tablespoons
    Standard instant coffee is required for the whipping process to work correctly; brewed coffee will not work.
  • Granulated Sugar2 tablespoons
    Sugar is crucial for stabilizing the whipped foam. The amount can be adjusted slightly to taste.
  • Hot Water2 tablespoons / 30 ml / 1 oz
    The water must be hot to dissolve the coffee and sugar properly.
  • Milk180 ml / 6 oz
    Whole milk is common, but any plant-based milk (oat, almond, soy) works well for a dairy-free or vegan version.
  • Ice CubesAs needed(optional)
    Optional, for serving the drink cold.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

A hand mixer is recommended for speed and ease, though a simple whisk and bowl will work with some effort. No shaker or strainer is required for this drink.
  • Hand mixer or stand mixer for easy whipping
  • Whisk for manual whipping
  • Mixing bowl for combining the whip ingredients

Instructions

The process involves whipping instant coffee, sugar, and hot water into a stable foam. This foam is then spooned over a glass of iced milk to serve.
1. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the instant coffee, sugar, and hot water.
2. Using a hand mixer or a whisk, whip the mixture vigorously for 3-5 minutes (with a mixer) or 8-15 minutes (by hand), until it becomes light, airy, and forms stiff peaks.
3. Fill a serving glass with ice cubes, then pour in the cold milk.
4. Carefully spoon the whipped coffee mixture on top of the milk, creating a distinct layer.
5. Optionally, garnish the top with a light dusting of cocoa powder or cinnamon.
6. Serve immediately with a spoon or straw, and instruct to stir before drinking to combine the layers.

Garnishing

A simple garnish of dusted cocoa or cinnamon powder can be added on top of the foam. This enhances both the visual appeal and the flavor profile of the drink.
  • Cocoa powder or cinnamon powder: A light dusting on top for flavor and appearance.

Dietary Information

This drink is vegetarian and naturally free from eggs, soy, nuts, and gluten. It contains caffeine and dairy, but can be made dairy-free and vegan by substituting with plant-based milk.
✕ Contains alcohol
✕ Caffeine-free
✕ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✕ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This drink is moderately caloric with a high carbohydrate and sugar content, primarily from the sugar in the whip and the milk. Nutritional values can vary based on milk type and sugar quantity.
Calories
Averagely 160 kcal / 670 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 26 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 25 g
Sugar level

Occasions

Perfect as a morning coffee alternative or a sweet afternoon treat. Its photogenic nature makes it ideal for sharing on social media, and it's a simple, enjoyable drink for any casual break.
  • Morning pick-me-up
  • Afternoon treat
  • Social media post
  • Casual coffee break

Pairing suggestions

Dalgona Coffee pairs well with simple, not-too-sweet baked goods that complement its strong coffee flavor. Biscuits, plain pastries, or light cookies make for an excellent accompaniment during a coffee break.
  • Biscuits or shortbread
  • Plain croissants
  • Madeleines
  • Korean honey cookies (Yakgwa)

Dalgona Coffee: The Viral Whipped Sensation

Dalgona Coffee is a modern, non-alcoholic coffee drink that became a global phenomenon for its unique whipped preparation and photogenic appearance. It consists of a rich, creamy, and bittersweet coffee foam layered over cold milk. The recipe is simple, requiring only instant coffee, sugar, water, and milk, making it an accessible and delightful treat. Its viral fame cemented it as a memorable icon of at-home café culture.

Similar drinks

Greek Frappé

A similar whipped instant coffee drink, but it is typically shaken, not whipped to stiff peaks, and served over ice and water or milk.

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