What is Dalgona Coffee?

Dalgona coffee originated from South Korea and gained massive popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic as people turned to creative home cooking and brewing. Named after a Korean candy called “dalgona,” the drink consists of instant coffee whipped together with sugar and hot water, creating a rich, creamy foam that sits atop a glass of milk.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making Dalgona coffee requires just a few simple ingredients, all of which you might already have in your pantry:

• 2 tablespoons instant coffee: Any brand will do, but the quality of the coffee will impact the flavor.
• 2 tablespoons sugar: White granulated sugar is the most common, but you can experiment with brown sugar for a richer taste.
• 2 tablespoons hot water: Make sure the water is hot but not boiling to help dissolve the coffee and sugar.
• Milk: You can use any type of milk—dairy or non-dairy—depending on your preference.
• Ice (optional): If you prefer your Dalgona coffee iced, have some ice cubes ready.

Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowl: A medium-sized bowl will work perfectly.
• Whisk or hand mixer: You can whisk by hand, but a hand mixer or stand mixer will save you a lot of time and effort.
• Spoon: For serving.
• Glass or cup: To enjoy your Dalgona coffee!

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Coffee Mixture

• Combine Ingredients: In your mixing bowl, add 2 tablespoons of instant coffee, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and 2 tablespoons of hot water.

• Mix It Up: Using a whisk or a hand mixer, beat the mixture until it becomes thick and frothy. This can take anywhere from 2 to 5 minutes with a hand mixer or about 10 minutes by hand. You’re aiming for a consistency similar to whipped cream.

2. Assemble Your Drink

• Choose Your Milk: Take your glass or cup and fill it with your choice of milk. You can use cold milk for an iced version or heat it up for a warm treat. If you're making an iced Dalgona coffee, fill the glass with ice cubes first.

• Add the Whipped Coffee: Spoon the whipped coffee mixture on top of the milk. The frothy coffee should float beautifully on top, creating a visually stunning drink.

3. Mix and Enjoy

• Combine Before Drinking: Before you dive in, give your Dalgona coffee a gentle stir to mix the whipped coffee into the milk. This will create a creamy, coffee-flavored drink.

• Garnish (Optional): For an extra touch, you can sprinkle some cocoa powder, cinnamon, or even a few coffee granules on top of the whipped coffee.

Tips for the Perfect Dalgona Coffee

• Use Instant Coffee: Dalgona coffee only works with instant coffee. Regular ground coffee won’t create the same whipped texture.

• Experiment with Ratios: Feel free to adjust the coffee-to-sugar ratio according to your taste preferences. More sugar will give you a sweeter drink, while less will let the coffee shine through.

• Try Different Flavors: Get creative! You can add flavors like vanilla or chocolate syrup to the milk for a twist on the classic recipe.

• Make It Vegan: Use plant-based milk such as almond, oat, or soy milk for a vegan-friendly option.