Dalgona Coffee is a delightful cold latte topped with a velvety, sweet coffee foam. The harmonious blend of cold milk and bittersweet coffee creates a heavenly experience. Best of all, you can craft this treat without any special equipment, just a bit of arm strength and patience.

FULL RECIPE:

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons instant coffee
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
2 tablespoons hot water
1/2 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
Ice cubes (optional)

Directions:

Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, mix the instant coffee, sugar, and hot water in equal parts.
Whip the Mixture:
- By Hand: Use a round whisk to blend the mixture until the coffee and sugar dissolve. Then, whisk vigorously until stiff peaks form, which should take about 2 to 3 minutes.
- With a Mixer: Start at a low speed to dissolve the ingredients, then increase to high speed and whip until stiff peaks form, approximately 1.5 minutes.
Prepare the Glass: Fill a glass with cold milk, leaving some space at the top. Add ice cubes if desired.
Assemble the Drink: Spoon the whipped coffee mixture over the milk. For an extra touch, you can sprinkle cocoa powder, cinnamon, or crushed dalgona candy on top.
Enjoy: Stir the foam into the milk before drinking, or sip through the foam for a layered experience.

Nutritional Information (Per serving):

Calories: 101
Carbohydrates: 19g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 2g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 6mg
Sodium: 29mg
Potassium: 257mg
Sugar: 15g
Vitamin A: 99 IU
Calcium: 76mg
Iron: 1mg

The Viral Rise of Dalgona Coffee

Dalgona Coffee took social media by storm after a South Korean actor, Jung Il-woo, demonstrated how to make it on a television show. His comparison of the coffee’s taste and texture to dalgona candy—a nostalgic Korean street treat, led to its viral name. As home cooks, coffee lovers, and influencers started making the drink and sharing their creations on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, it quickly became a global trend. The mesmerizing transformation of three simple ingredients into a rich, foamy delight fascinated millions.

Why is Dalgona Coffee So Popular?

There are several reasons why Dalgona Coffee has remained a favorite even after the initial viral wave:

Simplicity – It requires only three main ingredients and minimal kitchen tools, making it accessible to everyone.
Customizable – The recipe can be easily adapted by adjusting the sweetness, switching up the milk choice, or adding flavors like vanilla, cinnamon, or cocoa powder.
Aesthetic Appeal – The beautiful contrast between the milk and frothy coffee makes it an Instagram-worthy drink.
Rich and Creamy Texture – The whipped coffee layer creates a unique experience, blending the airy froth with the smooth milk.
Cafe Experience at Home – During the pandemic, many people were looking for ways to recreate their favorite café drinks at home, and Dalgona Coffee provided an easy, satisfying alternative.

The Science Behind Dalgona Coffee’s Frothy Texture

The magic of Dalgona Coffee lies in its ability to transform liquid coffee into a thick, airy foam. This happens because of a chemical reaction when instant coffee is whipped with sugar and water. Instant coffee contains emulsifiers and stabilizers, which help trap air bubbles, creating a foamy, meringue-like consistency. Sugar plays a key role in maintaining the foam’s structure by stabilizing the air bubbles, much like how sugar helps create a stiff meringue when whipping egg whites. Unlike freshly brewed coffee, instant coffee dissolves quickly and whips up easily, which is why this method does not work as well with regular ground coffee or espresso.

Different Variations of Dalgona Coffee

One of the best things about Dalgona Coffee is its versatility. Here are some creative variations to try:

Iced Dalgona Coffee – The most common version, where the whipped coffee is layered over a glass of iced milk.
Hot Dalgona Coffee – Perfect for colder weather, this version uses warm milk instead of iced milk, creating a cozy and comforting drink.
Dalgona Matcha – Instead of instant coffee, matcha green tea powder is whipped with sugar and a creamy base like coconut cream for a unique twist.
Chocolate Dalgona – Cocoa powder is used in place of coffee, mixed with heavy cream or egg whites for a chocolate lover’s delight.
Flavored Dalgona Coffee – Infuse the whipped coffee with flavors such as vanilla extract, caramel syrup, or cinnamon for added depth.
Dairy-Free or Vegan Dalgona Coffee – Use almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk as a base for a plant-based alternative.

Tips for Perfect Dalgona Coffee

Achieving the perfect Dalgona Coffee may take some trial and error, but these tips will help:

Use Instant Coffee – Freshly brewed coffee or ground coffee will not work because they lack the stabilizers needed to create the frothy consistency.
Whip for the Right Time – If whisking by hand, expect to whisk vigorously for 2-3 minutes. With an electric mixer, it takes about 1-2 minutes.
Use Equal Ratios – The standard ratio is 1:1:1 of instant coffee, sugar, and hot water. Adjusting the sugar content may affect foam stability.
Chill Your Milk – For the best contrast between the creamy coffee and the milk, use cold milk or add ice cubes.
Experiment with Sweetness – Some find the original recipe too sweet; feel free to reduce the sugar or use alternatives like honey or stevia.

Health Benefits and Nutritional Aspects

Dalgona Coffee, while indulgent, does come with certain nutritional factors to consider:

Caffeine Boost – Since it uses instant coffee, it contains a concentrated amount of caffeine, making it a great energy booster.
Sugar Content – The standard recipe includes a significant amount of sugar, but it can be modified for those looking to reduce their intake.
Dairy-Free Options – By using plant-based milk alternatives, the recipe can be adapted for those with lactose intolerance or vegan preferences.
Metabolism Kick – Coffee is known to enhance metabolism and improve focus, making Dalgona Coffee a suitable option for a morning pick-me-up.

Conclusion

Dalgona Coffee remains one of the most popular and visually stunning homemade coffee drinks. Its ease of preparation, rich flavor, and viral fame have made it a beloved drink worldwide. Whether enjoyed iced, hot, or in creative variations, this whipped coffee treat offers a simple yet satisfying way to elevate your daily coffee routine. If you haven’t tried making Dalgona Coffee yet, it’s a must-try for any coffee enthusiast.

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