When the world paused and slowed down in 2020, people turned to simple joys that could be recreated from the comfort of their homes. That’s when a humble cup of coffee took the internet by storm and transformed into something utterly indulgent—Dalgona Iced Coffee. This frothy, creamy, and photo-worthy drink isn’t just a TikTok trend—it’s become a modern classic in home coffee culture.
If you’ve ever wondered how to make Dalgona Iced Coffee or why it’s so addictive, you’re in the right place. This guide is more than just a recipe—it’s an exploration into the craft, culture, and creativity behind this luxurious whipped beverage.
So grab your whisk (or electric mixer), get cozy, and let’s dive into the delicious world of Dalgona Iced Coffee—step-by-step, tip-by-tip, and sip-by-sip.
What Is Dalgona Iced Coffee?
Dalgona Iced Coffee is a South Korean-inspired whipped coffee drink that rose to international fame through social media. It gets its name from “dalgona,” a Korean sugar candy with a similar airy texture and caramel-like color. The actual drink consists of three simple ingredients—instant coffee, sugar, and hot water—whipped into a creamy foam, then spooned over cold milk and ice.
The beauty of Dalgona Iced Coffee lies in its simplicity. You don’t need a fancy espresso machine, a coffee shop membership, or even a barista certification. All it takes is a bit of elbow grease (or a mixer) and a few pantry staples.
Why Dalgona Iced Coffee Became a Global Sensation
The appeal of Dalgona Iced Coffee goes beyond its frothy top. It became a global phenomenon for several key reasons:
1. Easy to Make at Home
With just instant coffee, sugar, and hot water, anyone can recreate a cafe-style beverage without leaving home.
2. Visually Stunning
Its two-layer presentation—light, airy coffee foam resting on a glass of milk—makes it a natural for social media snaps.
3. Customizable
You can tailor Dalgona Iced Coffee to your exact liking—strong, sweet, dairy-free, sugar-free, or even with a chocolate twist.
4. Affordable
Skip the $6 coffee shop drinks. This recipe can be made at a fraction of the cost using basic kitchen tools.
Dalgona Iced Coffee Recipe (Classic Version)
Let’s get straight to what you came for—the perfect Dalgona Iced Coffee recipe. This is the classic version that took the internet by storm.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons instant coffee (regular or decaf)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons hot water
- 1 cup milk (dairy or any plant-based milk like almond, oat, or soy)
- Ice cubes
Instructions: Step-by-Step
1. Whip the Coffee
In a medium bowl, add the instant coffee, sugar, and hot water in equal parts.
Using a hand mixer, frother, or whisk, beat the mixture vigorously for 2–5 minutes until it transforms into a thick, fluffy, and light brown foam. It should resemble whipped cream in texture.
Tip: For the quickest results, an electric hand mixer is your best friend. If using a whisk, be prepared to whip intensely for a few extra minutes.
2. Assemble Your Drink
Take a glass and fill it with ice cubes.
Pour cold milk over the ice, leaving about an inch of space at the top.
Now, gently spoon the whipped coffee foam on top of the milk.
3. Serve and Enjoy
You can either:
- Serve it as-is, with the two layers separate for a dramatic look, or
- Stir it all together to blend the creamy foam into the milk before drinking.
Pro Tip: Use a wide straw or spoon to stir everything together just before sipping.
Tips for Making the Perfect Dalgona Iced Coffee
Want to take your Dalgona Iced Coffee to the next level? Here are some expert tips:
1. Always Use Instant Coffee
Ground or brewed coffee doesn’t have the same emulsifying power. Only instant coffee (freeze-dried) will give you that iconic whipped texture.
2. Use Hot Water
It’s essential that the water you use is hot, not warm or cold. The heat helps dissolve the sugar and coffee completely, creating that rich foam.
3. Stick to Equal Ratios
The magic formula is 1:1:1—equal parts instant coffee, sugar, and hot water. This creates the optimal consistency.
4. Whisk in a Metal or Glass Bowl
These materials retain heat better than plastic and make the whipping process more efficient.
5. Whip Until It Peaks
Keep going until your mixture forms soft peaks. This means when you lift the whisk or mixer, the foam should hold its shape.
Variations of Dalgona Iced Coffee You’ll Love
1. Chocolate Dalgona Iced Coffee
Add ½ teaspoon of cocoa powder to the milk before topping with the foam. For extra indulgence, drizzle chocolate syrup around the glass.
2. Flavored Milk Base
Try adding a splash of vanilla extract, caramel syrup, or hazelnut flavoring to the milk for a new taste profile.
3. Sugar-Free Dalgona Coffee
Replace granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener, stevia, or coconut sugar. Be aware that some alternatives may not whip as well, so you might need to experiment.
4. Vegan-Friendly
Use plant-based milk such as oat, almond, soy, or coconut milk. Most non-dairy milks pair beautifully with the coffee foam.
5. Hot Dalgona Coffee
Yes, you can make this hot! Just pour steamed milk instead of iced and skip the ice cubes. Spoon the foam on top and sip a cozy version of the drink.
Health Considerations: Is Dalgona Iced Coffee Healthy?
Dalgona Iced Coffee, while a treat, can be adjusted to fit a variety of health-conscious lifestyles.
- Low-Calorie Version: Use a low-calorie sweetener and unsweetened almond milk.
- Keto Version: Try using erythritol or monk fruit sweetener.
- Decaf Option: Replace with decaf instant coffee for a caffeine-free version.
Just keep in mind that the sugar content in the original version may be high for some diets. Modify accordingly!
How to Store Leftover Whipped Coffee Foam
If you’ve made extra foam (which is easy to do), you can store it in the fridge for up to 2–3 days in an airtight container.
Before using it again:
- Give it a quick re-whip with a spoon or mini whisk to revive the fluffiness.
- Or fold it gently and pour it over a new glass of milk and ice.
Creative Ways to Use Dalgona Coffee Foam
You don’t have to limit the foam to milk alone. Here are other ways to use it:
- Spoon it over a bowl of vanilla ice cream.
- Add it on top of a cold brew or latte.
- Swirl it into pancake batter for a unique twist.
- Layer it into a coffee-flavored dessert parfait.
Common Mistakes When Making Dalgona Iced Coffee
Even though the process seems simple, a few missteps can ruin your foam. Watch out for these:
- Using brewed coffee instead of instant coffee.
- Skipping the sugar—you need it for the structure.
- Not using hot water, which leads to poor emulsification.
- Under-whipping—if it’s not fluffy, it’s not ready.
- Over-whipping—yes, you can whip it too much and make it curdle.
Stick to the basics and you’ll get that rich, silky whip every time.
FAQs About Dalgona Iced Coffee
What kind of instant coffee works best for Dalgona coffee?
Use a high-quality freeze-dried instant coffee. It should be strong in flavor and quick to dissolve in hot water.
Can I make Dalgona Iced Coffee without sugar?
Yes, but be aware that sugar helps stabilize the foam. If you skip it, your whipped coffee may not hold its shape as well.
Is Dalgona Coffee stronger than regular coffee?
Yes. Since you’re using 2 tablespoons of instant coffee in one drink, it’s often stronger than a typical cup of coffee.
How long does it take to whip the coffee by hand?
If you’re whisking by hand, it can take 5–10 minutes of vigorous whipping. Using an electric mixer is much faster.
Can I use a blender instead of a whisk or mixer?
You can use a milk frother, handheld mixer, or stand mixer. A traditional blender isn’t ideal for such a small amount of liquid.
Can I make a large batch of whipped coffee?
Absolutely. Just maintain the 1:1:1 ratio, and scale up accordingly. Store any extra foam in the fridge.
Does Dalgona Coffee work with cold brew or espresso?
Not for the foam. You can pour your whipped topping over cold brew or espresso, but only instant coffee will give you the frothy texture.
Conclusion: Whip Up Your Own Dalgona Iced Coffee Today
Whether you’re new to coffee or a seasoned home barista, Dalgona Iced Coffee is a simple, creative, and satisfying drink that deserves a spot in your recipe collection. It’s more than just coffee—it’s an experience. From the first creamy sip to the last melted ice cube, it offers both flavor and fun in a single glass.
This coffee trend may have started online, but its staying power proves it’s here for the long haul. With endless customizations, easy prep, and ingredients you likely already have at home, there’s no reason not to make Dalgona Iced Coffee part of your morning or afternoon ritual.
So next time you’re craving something a little extra, skip the coffee shop and reach for your whisk—you’ve got everything you need to make the best Dalgona Iced Coffee right at home.
