Dalgona coffee, also known as whipped coffee, became one of the biggest coffee trends in early 2020 and quickly gained worldwide popularity on social media thanks to its creamy texture and eye-catching appearance.
Dalgona coffee is a type of iced whipped coffee traditionally served over cold milk. In many ways, it can even be described as a coffee dessert because of its thick, creamy texture similar to mousse or whipped cream.
This coffee became famous in South Korea, a country well known for creative coffee trends and visually striking café experiences.
In Korea, coffee is often considered more than just a drink. It represents a moment of comfort and relaxation in the middle of a fast-paced lifestyle. As a result, cafés constantly experiment with new flavors, textures, and presentations designed to create memorable experiences.
The name “Dalgona” comes from a traditional Korean honeycomb candy with a caramel-like flavor and airy texture. This explains the sweet taste and fluffy consistency that characterizes whipped coffee.
Curiously, the recipe itself is not entirely new. Dalgona coffee is inspired by the Indian and Pakistani tradition of “phitti hui coffee,” which translates roughly to “beaten coffee.”
Unlike traditional iced coffee, Dalgona coffee focuses on texture as much as flavor. The whipped coffee foam creates a creamy top layer that contrasts with the cold milk underneath, making every sip smooth, rich, and balanced.
Making whipped coffee at home requires only a few ingredients and minimal equipment. The secret lies in whipping the coffee mixture long enough to create a stable and airy foam.
For a classic Dalgona coffee recipe (serves 1-2):
• 2 tablespoons instant coffee
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 tablespoons hot water
• Cold milk or plant-based milk
• Ice cubes
• Optional espresso shot for a stronger coffee flavor
Follow these simple steps to prepare homemade whipped coffee:
1. Add the instant coffee, sugar, and hot water to a mixing bowl using equal proportions.
2. Whisk the mixture until it becomes thick, fluffy, and creamy. Depending on the method used, this process usually takes between 5 and 10 minutes.
3. Fill a tall glass with cold milk and ice cubes.
4. Spoon the whipped coffee foam gently over the milk to create the iconic layered effect.
5. Stir before drinking and enjoy immediately.
For coffee lovers looking to recreate café-style drinks at home more easily, De’Longhi automatic coffee machine allow you to prepare smooth espresso-based beverages with minimal effort. Pairing freshly brewed espresso with whipped coffee foam creates a richer and more balanced Dalgona-style drink with a more authentic coffee flavor.
Instant coffee is essential for creating the signature whipped foam because it dissolves quickly and traps air more effectively than ground coffee.
Traditional Dalgona foam cannot be made using espresso alone because espresso does not whip in the same way as instant coffee. However, adding one or two espresso shots to the milk base creates a more balanced drink with stronger coffee notes and reduced sweetness.
Both dairy and plant-based milk work well for Dalgona coffee.
Popular choices include:
● whole milk for a creamier texture,
● oat milk for natural sweetness,
● almond milk for a lighter taste,
● coconut milk for a tropical twist.
Cold milk is generally recommended because it helps maintain the contrast between the fluffy foam and the refreshing iced base.
You can personalize the recipe with ingredients such as cocoa powder, cinnamon, grated dark chocolate, crushed cookies, caramel sauce, vanilla syrup, matcha powder, sea salt flakes, coconut flakes.
Traditional Dalgona coffee has a sweet and dessert-like taste because the foam is made with equal parts sugar and instant coffee. If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce the sugar slightly or add an espresso shot to create a stronger coffee balance.
Iced coffee is typically brewed hot and then cooled before serving over ice. Dalgona coffee, on the other hand, is defined by its whipped coffee foam texture layered over cold milk. The visual presentation and creamy consistency are what make Dalgona coffee unique.
