The Viral Coffee That Took Over the World
Dalgona coffee became a global sensation in 2020, dominating social media feeds with its elegant layers and fluffy whipped topping. It’s photogenic, easy to make, and most importantly—delicious. Despite its luxurious appearance, this coffee drink is incredibly simple and uses just four basic ingredients that most people already have at home.
But what exactly is dalgona coffee, and why did it become so popular? In this in-depth guide, we’ll explore the origins of this whipped coffee trend, how to make it perfectly at home, how to troubleshoot common mistakes, and a few creative twists to take your dalgona game to the next level.
What Is Dalgona Coffee?
Dalgona coffee is a whipped coffee beverage made by vigorously mixing instant coffee, sugar, and hot water into a thick, creamy foam, which is then spooned over milk—served hot or cold.
It gets its name from dalgona, a Korean honeycomb toffee candy that resembles the drink’s foam in appearance, though not in taste. The actual flavor of dalgona coffee is closer to a rich iced latte topped with a concentrated coffee mousse.
A Quick History of Dalgona Coffee
While the viral version of dalgona coffee exploded on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube in early 2020, the technique of whipping instant coffee is not new.
In India, Pakistan, and Greece, whipped coffee or “beaten coffee” has been enjoyed for decades.
In Macau, celebrity chef Jung Il-woo popularized it on Korean television, where it was compared to the Korean candy dalgona—and the name stuck.
From there, it spread like wildfire during pandemic lockdowns, becoming a comfort drink for millions at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The basic recipe requires only four simple ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons instant coffee (not ground coffee)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons hot water
- 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
Optional toppings and variations:
- Ice (for cold version)
- Cocoa powder, cinnamon, or nutmeg for dusting
- Vanilla extract or flavored syrups
Equipment
You don’t need any special barista gear to make dalgona coffee. Here are your options:
- Hand whisk – Takes effort but works great
- Electric hand mixer – Best for volume and consistency
- Milk frother – Works with some practice
- Stand mixer – Perfect for large batches
- Jar and strong arm – Old-school and fun
How to Make Dalgona Coffee Step by Step
Step 1: Add the Base Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine the instant coffee, sugar, and hot water in a 1:1:1 ratio. Stir to dissolve the sugar and coffee before whipping.
Step 2: Whip It Good
Whisk the mixture using your preferred method. With a hand whisk, it may take 8–10 minutes of continuous effort. An electric mixer cuts that time down to 2–3 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it becomes light, fluffy, and holds stiff peaks.
Step 3: Prepare Your Glass
Fill a glass with cold or warm milk, depending on how you want to serve it. Add ice if you’re making the iced version.
Step 4: Spoon and Serve
Spoon the whipped coffee mixture over the milk. Use a spoon or spatula to smooth it out evenly. Serve with a straw or stir stick—or enjoy it as is.
Tips for the Perfect Whip
- Use hot water (not warm)—it helps activate the instant coffee faster.
- Don’t use ground coffee or espresso—it won’t whip the same way.
- For best results, use a medium or fine instant coffee like Nescafé Classic, Taster’s Choice, or similar.
- Granulated sugar works best, but you can also use brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
- A chilled glass keeps the contrast between the whipped layer and the milk more defined for longer.
Serving Suggestions
Iced Version: Add ice cubes to your glass of milk before topping with whipped coffee. Perfect for summer or warm climates.
Hot Version: Warm your milk before adding the whipped coffee. Great for cozy mornings or chilly evenings.
Layered Look: To achieve the signature dalgona aesthetic, use a clear glass so the coffee foam sits beautifully on top of the milk.
Toppings: Lightly dust the foam with cinnamon, cocoa powder, or crumbled cookies for extra flair.
Creative Variations
Mocha Dalgona: Add 1 teaspoon of cocoa powder to the coffee mixture before whipping.
Vanilla Dalgona: Add a few drops of vanilla extract to the milk before serving.
Caramel Dalgona: Drizzle caramel syrup inside the glass and mix some into the milk.
Matcha Dalgona: Use matcha powder with heavy cream and sugar to create a green tea version—though technically, it’s not coffee.
Decaf Dalgona: Use decaf instant coffee to make a late-night-friendly version.
Spiced Dalgona: Add cinnamon, cardamom, or pumpkin spice to the whipped layer.
Is Dalgona Coffee Strong?
Yes, dalgona coffee is strong. It uses two tablespoons of instant coffee for just one cup of milk, meaning the caffeine content can hit hard—especially if you’re sensitive. It’s wise to enjoy it in moderation or use decaf versions if you prefer a milder effect.
Why Did Dalgona Go Viral?
A few key reasons explain the worldwide obsession:
- It’s visually stunning – The contrast of fluffy foam on top of milk looks great in photos and videos.
- It’s easy to make – No need for espresso machines or fancy equipment.
- It’s a shared experience – During lockdowns, people found comfort and fun in making the same drink together, virtually.
- It’s customizable – You can personalize it with flavors, milk types, and temperature preferences.
Troubleshooting Dalgona Coffee
My coffee won’t whip!
- Make sure you’re using instant coffee, not ground.
- Check the ratio—equal parts is crucial.
- Whip longer or use an electric mixer if needed.
My foam deflates quickly.
- Whip longer for stiffer peaks.
- Use white sugar for more stable foam.
- Don’t let the mixture sit too long before serving.
It’s too bitter.
- Try adding more sugar to the whip.
- Add flavored syrups to the milk.
- Use a smoother brand of instant coffee.
Is Dalgona Coffee Here to Stay?
While trends come and go, dalgona coffee has proven to be more than just a passing fad. It’s now a go-to drink for people looking to elevate their home coffee game. Whether you’re making it as a fun social media experiment or genuinely love the flavor and texture, dalgona coffee has earned its place in modern coffee culture.
Wrapping Up: From Trend to Classic
Dalgona coffee began as a viral experiment but evolved into a beloved homemade beverage for coffee lovers around the world. With a few ingredients, a little whisking, and a dash of creativity, you can craft this luxurious, airy treat in just minutes.
Whether you enjoy it as a morning pick-me-up, an afternoon delight, or an impressive guest drink, dalgona coffee is proof that sometimes, the simplest recipes have the most satisfying results.
Next time you crave a café-style drink, skip the trip—and whip one up at home.