🌍 What Is Dalgona Coffee?
Dalgona Coffee is a frothy, whipped coffee drink made by whipping equal parts of instant coffee, sugar, and hot water until it becomes creamy and then spooning it over a glass of cold or hot milk.
This social media darling became wildly popular in early 2020, during the global lockdown, and quickly turned into a global coffee trend — all thanks to its irresistible visuals and café-quality taste made from just four ingredients.
Origin: From South Korea to the World
Despite the buzz around TikTok and Instagram, Dalgona Coffee didn’t begin on social media. Its roots trace back to South Korea, where the whipped coffee was inspired by a Korean honeycomb candy called dalgona (달고나).
The name “Dalgona Coffee” was coined when Korean actor Jung Il-woo tasted a whipped coffee during a visit to Macau and remarked that it reminded him of the nostalgic candy.
From there, the drink became a symbol of comfort, creativity, and togetherness during the COVID-19 pandemic.
📝 Ingredients (Serves 1)
- 2 tablespoons instant coffee
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons hot water
- 1 cup cold or hot milk
- Ice (optional)
👩🍳 How to Make Dalgona Coffee
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Whip It Good
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the instant coffee, sugar, and hot water. - Whisk Until Fluffy
Using a hand whisk, electric mixer, or milk frother, whisk the mixture for 3–5 minutes until it turns light, fluffy, and forms stiff peaks. - Pour the Base
Fill a glass with milk and add ice if making it cold. - Spoon the Magic
Gently spoon the whipped coffee mixture on top of the milk. - Stir and Sip
Mix before drinking or enjoy the contrast of whipped coffee on top and milk below.
🎨 Pro Tips and Creative Variations
🌈 Flavored Dalgona Twists:
- Mocha Dalgona: Add 1 tsp cocoa powder to the whipped mix
- Vanilla Dalgona: Mix vanilla extract into the milk base
- Cinnamon Dalgona: Sprinkle ground cinnamon on top
- Vegan Dalgona: Use plant-based milk like almond, soy, or oat
⚡ Troubleshooting:
- Only instant coffee works for whipping
- Use granulated sugar, not substitutes like honey or stevia (they affect texture)
- Whipping by hand? Try using a large bowl to get more air in the mix faster
📱 Why Dalgona Went Viral
- 🌟 Camera-Ready: Its rich layers and creamy texture make it highly photogenic
- 🌎 Global Appeal: Simple ingredients available in most kitchens
- 🤝 Community Challenge: The “Dalgona Challenge” trend swept across TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube
- 🏡 DIY Vibe: It became a quarantine ritual for millions stuck at home
🧠 Fun Facts
- In India, a similar drink existed long before the trend, known as Phenti Hui Coffee or Beaten Coffee.
- The hashtag #dalgonacoffee has garnered over 2 billion views on TikTok alone.
- You can use the same method to make whipped matcha, whipped cocoa, or even whipped Milo!
🍰 What to Pair with Dalgona Coffee
Pair it with:
- 🥐 Fresh croissants
- 🍰 Cheesecake slices
- 🍞 Banana bread
- 🍪 Cookies or shortbread
🧾 Conclusion: More Than a Trend, A Feel-Good Ritual
Dalgona Coffee isn’t just a drink. It’s a memory of slowing down, of mornings made better at home, and of small joys in a cup. Whether you whip it up for your next brunch or serve it as an after-dinner treat, it’s a surefire way to impress.
So grab your whisk and whip up a cloud of comfort — one frothy spoon at a time.
