Dalgona coffee, also known as whipped coffee, is a creamy and frothy iced coffee made with instant coffee, sugar, and hot water. It became globally popular during the TikTok trend because of its smooth texture and easy preparation. You can make this café-style drink at home in just 5 minutes using simple ingredients.
Let’s check the Dalgona Coffee Recipe in detail.
What is Dalgona coffee?
Dalgona coffee is a whipped coffee drink made by beating instant coffee, sugar, and hot water until creamy, then serving it over cold or iced milk.
Different cultures have distinct coffee flavors based on their origins. One such flavor is frozen whipped coffee, or Dalgona coffee, which originated in South Korea.
Check the recipe for brown sugar iced coffee.
How to make a Dalgona coffee at home? (Dalgona coffee recipe)
This drink is similar to the coffee flavors that I usually make. However, I must say I like this delicious flavor for many reasons.
Also, you should try frozen Café au lait at home.
Dalgona Coffee Recipe (Frozen whipped coffee)
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp. instant coffee
- 1 tbsp. granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp. hot water
- half cup whole milk
- half cup iced cubes
Instructions
- Add instant coffee, sugar, and hot water to the bowl, and whip them.
- Pick a glass, add milk, put ice cubes in the glass, and mix it with a tablespoon.
- gently add the mixture on top of the ice cubes and milk glass.
- Coffee is ready to serve
Notes
Important tips from a barista
I’ve tested this recipe multiple times, and the best results come from using equal parts coffee, sugar, and water. Whipping for at least 3 minutes gives the perfect thick foam.
Here are some important tips to keep in mind during the brewing process.
- Always use instant coffee to get better foam.
- Whip it well for a better texture.
- For better contrast, use cold milk.
- Also, use less sugar to get a creamier taste.
- Optionally, you can add pinch of espresso powder for a stronger taste.
What Does Dalgona Coffee Taste Like?
Dalgona coffee is rich, creamy, and slightly sweet with a bold coffee flavor. The whipped top is smooth and airy, while the milk balances the intensity, creating a perfectly layered iced drink.
However, you can also brew it without adding sugar, which makes it much stronger and bitter.
How many calories and caffeine are in Dalgona coffee?
| Ingredient | Amount | Calories | Caffeine |
|---|---|---|---|
| Instant coffee | 2 tbsp | 10 | 120 mg |
| Sugar | 1 tbsp | 48 | 0 |
| Milk | ½ cup | 75 | 0 |
| Total | 1 glass | 133 kcal | 120 mg |
It depends on the type of milk and the amount of sugar used in a single cup. I always try to make a low-calorie drink with minimum sugar and low-fat milk.
Also, you can manage caffeine according to your preference. Add one tablespoon of instant coffee to avoid extra caffeine, since all the caffeine in this coffee comes from instant coffee.
You can shift to decaf instant coffee, which contains 5 mg of caffeine per tablespoon.
Can You Store Whipped Coffee?
Yes! Store the whipped coffee foam in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2–3 days.
For the best taste and texture, use it fresh.
The good thing about this flavor is that you can preserve it and use it in the future.
Can You Make It Without Instant Coffee?
Not really, Instant coffee is essential because it creates the foam. Brewed coffee doesn’t whip properly. However, you can use espresso powder for a stronger flavor.
Check the recipe for iced long black.
Dalgona Coffee vs Frappe: what is the difference?
| Feature | Dalgona Coffee | Frappé |
|---|---|---|
| Texture | Creamy foam on top | Fully blended drink |
| Preparation | Whipped | Blended |
| Taste | Rich & layered | Light & icy |
| Difficulty | Easy | Easy |
Frequently Asked Questions
You may not have whipped it long enough, or you used brewed coffee instead of instant coffee.
Yes, but the foam will be less stable because sugar helps create structure.
Absolutely! Use almond, oat, or soy milk as a substitute.
Whole milk gives the creamiest taste, but almond, oat, or skim milk also works well, depending on your preference.
Yes, Dalgona coffee can be served hot. Simply, pour the whipped coffee over warm milk instead of iced milk.
Any regular instant coffee works well. Avoid “3-in-1” mixes, as they contain added sugar and creamer, which can affect the foam.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth Trying?
Dalgona coffee is one of the easiest and most satisfying coffee drinks you can make at home. It’s creamy, visually appealing, and highly customizable.
Whether you’re a casual coffee drinker or a home barista, this whipped coffee recipe is definitely worth trying.