Save The first time I saw dalgona coffee, it was on my phone—those dreamy, caramel-colored clouds floating impossibly above white milk. I was skeptical that something so photogenic could actually taste good, but I made it on a whim one morning, and the moment that whipped mixture hit the cold milk, I understood the appeal. It's the kind of drink that makes you feel like you're at a café, even when you're still in your pajamas.
I made this for my neighbor one afternoon, and she watched the entire whisking process like I was performing magic. When she took that first sip and closed her eyes, something clicked—this wasn't just coffee, it was a moment. Now she texts me photos of her attempts, always with some small variation she's testing.
Ingredients
- Instant coffee granules: The coarser the better; fine powder can make the mixture grainy instead of silky.
- Granulated sugar: This is what gives the mixture its structure and that glossy, stiff-peak texture—don't skip it or reduce it too much or everything falls flat.
- Hot water: Just off the boil works best; it helps dissolve everything evenly and speeds up the whisking process.
- Milk: Cold milk creates the most striking visual contrast, but hot milk is cozy on chilly mornings.
- Ice cubes: Optional, but they keep the drink cold longer and make it feel more special somehow.
Instructions
- Combine your base:
- Measure the instant coffee, sugar, and hot water into a bowl and stir until everything dissolves. You'll notice the mixture is loose and thin—this is exactly what you want before the magic happens.
- Whisk until transformed:
- This is the heart of it all. Using a whisk, electric mixer, or milk frother, beat the mixture constantly for 2 to 4 minutes, watching it gradually thicken and pale into something resembling soft serve ice cream, then stiff peaks. You'll feel the resistance increase as the texture builds—that's how you know it's working.
- Prepare your canvas:
- Pour cold or hot milk into two glasses, add ice if you'd like, and set them in front of you ready to receive the whipped masterpiece.
- Crown your drink:
- Spoon the whipped coffee mixture carefully over the milk's surface in equal amounts for both glasses. It should sit like a cloud on top, creating that striking two-tone effect.
- Serve and savor:
- Drink it as it is for a moment, coffee floating dramatically above milk, then stir it down into ribbons of brown and white—each sip gets richer and creamier as you go.
Save There's something unexpectedly comforting about standing in your kitchen, watching a humble mixture of three ingredients transform into something that looks like it belongs on a café menu. It's proof that sometimes the simplest actions—just whisking—create the most satisfying results.
Temperature Play
The temperature contrast is half the appeal here. Cold milk with the whipped coffee is refreshing and sharp, especially on warm days when you want coffee but don't want to heat up the kitchen. Hot milk, on the other hand, softens the whole experience—the whipped layer melts slowly, creating this rich, foamy drink that wraps around you like a hug.
Flavor Variations Worth Trying
Once you nail the basic version, the door opens to small experiments. A sprinkle of cocoa powder adds earthiness, cinnamon brings warmth, and a tiny pinch of cardamom feels almost luxurious. I've also tried tapping the top with finely grated dark chocolate and a whisper of vanilla extract mixed into the milk before adding the coffee.
Making It Your Own
The beauty of dalgona coffee is how forgiving it is. Adjust the sugar if you prefer less sweetness, use whatever milk speaks to you, and don't stress if your whipped layer isn't perfectly sculptural—the taste is the same whether it's fluffy or slightly deflated.
- A hand whisk takes longer but feels more intentional; an electric mixer is faster but less meditative.
- Some mornings I make extra whipped coffee and store it in the fridge for up to a day, though it won't hold its peaks quite as dramatically.
- This drink is about the moment as much as the flavor—make it on purpose, not while rushing.
Save This drink has a way of turning an ordinary morning into a small celebration. That moment when you watch someone taste it for the first time and see their face light up is exactly why I keep coming back to it.
Kitchen Guide
- → What type of coffee works best for this drink?
Instant coffee granules are ideal as they whip up easily to create the signature fluffy foam.
- → Can I use alternative milk options?
Yes, plant-based milks such as oat, almond, or soy milk work well and maintain the creamy texture.
- → How long does the whipped coffee stay fluffy?
The foam is best enjoyed fresh; it may gradually deflate over time if left standing.
- → Is it possible to adjust the sweetness?
Absolutely, reducing the sugar amount or adding a sprinkle of cocoa or cinnamon can tailor the flavor to your preference.
- → Can this drink be served hot?
Yes, simply use warm milk instead of cold to enjoy a cozy version of the drink.