Frothy, creamy, and Instagram-worthy, whipped coffee (also known as Dalgona coffee) took the internet by storm as a lockdown trend, but its appeal remains stronger than ever. With just a few pantry staples, you can create a café-style treat right in your own kitchen. Whether you’re looking to elevate your morning cup of joe or impress guests with a simple yet stunning drink, this guide has you covered.
Here’s everything you need to know to perfect the art of whipped coffee, from ingredients to tips that make all the difference.
What is Whipped Coffee?
Whipped coffee, or Dalgona coffee, originated in South Korea and quickly gained global fame after viral TikTok and Instagram videos showcased its unique preparation. The drink gets its name from “dalgona,” a Korean sugar candy, because of the drink’s similarity in texture and color.
The concept is simple yet brilliant: Instant coffee, sugar, and hot water are whipped together to create a thick, velvety foam. The foam is then dolloped atop a glass of milk, resulting in a rich and creamy coffee layer that’s both visually stunning and delicious.
It’s not just a drink; it’s an experience. And the best part? You don’t need fancy equipment or barista-level skills to make it.
Why You’ll Love Whipped Coffee
Before we jump into the recipe, here are a few reasons why whipped coffee deserves to be your new favorite drink:
- Quick & Easy: It takes just 5 minutes to whip up (pun intended).
- Minimal Ingredients: All you need is instant coffee, sugar, water, and milk.
- Customizable: Adjust sweetness, milk type, and flavorings (think cocoa powder or vanilla extract).
- Instagram-Worthy: Its layered presentation is almost too pretty to drink.
Now, are you ready to create magic in a cup? Roll up your sleeves and grab these ingredients.
What You’ll Need
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons of instant coffee (or instant espresso powder for a stronger kick)
- 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons of hot water
- 1 cup of milk (any kind, including dairy-free alternatives like oat, almond, or soy)
- Ice cubes (optional, if you prefer it chilled)
Equipment
- A medium-sized mixing bowl
- A whisk (manual or electric)
- A spoon or spatula
- A glass for serving
Optional tools (to make things even easier):
- Hand mixer
- Milk frother
Got your ingredients and tools ready? Great, let’s whip it up!
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Whipped Coffee
1. Combine the Ingredients
Start by adding the instant coffee, sugar, and hot water into your mixing bowl. This 1:1:1 ratio ensures the perfect texture for your foam.
2. Whisk it Up
Take your whisk (or hand mixer) and start whipping the mixture. If you’re using a manual whisk, prepare for a mini arm workout! After a couple of minutes, you’ll notice the mixture transforming into a glossy, light-brown foam. Keep whisking until it reaches stiff peaks.
Tip: If you’re short on time, use an electric hand mixer or milk frother to cut down on the whipping time.
3. Prepare Your Milk
While your coffee foam is coming together, pour your choice of milk into a glass. Add a handful of ice cubes if you’d like an iced version. For a hot whipped coffee, heat your milk in the microwave or on the stovetop first.
4. Assemble the Drink
Spoon the whipped coffee foam over the milk, creating a thick and luscious layer on top. Take a moment to admire your Insta-worthy creation before mixing it!
5. Serve and Enjoy
Whipped coffee is best enjoyed immediately. Stir the foam into the milk to combine the flavors, or sip through the coffee foam for an indulgent layered experience.
Tips & Tricks for Perfect Whipped Coffee
- Use Instant Coffee: The recipe works best with instant coffee or espresso powder. Unfortunately, fresh ground coffee won’t whip up the same way due to the lack of concentrated coffee solids.
- Sweetness Level: Adjust the sugar to suit your taste. If you prefer less sweetness, use only 1 tablespoon instead of 2.
- Upgrade Your Presentation: Sprinkle cocoa powder, cinnamon, or chocolate shavings on top of the foam for an extra-special touch.
- Make It Dairy-Free: Oat milk, almond milk, or coconut milk work beautifully in this recipe, making it vegan-friendly.
- Try Flavors: Experiment with adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or caramel syrup to the foam for added flavor depth.
Why Instant Coffee Works Best
You might be wondering, “Why can’t I use brewed coffee?” The answer lies in science! Instant coffee granules are concentrated and dissolve easily in water. This creates a stable foam full of small bubbles that stay light and fluffy. Brewed coffee, on the other hand, lacks the structure needed for whipping.
Beyond Coffee: Creative Variations
While the classic whipped coffee is a treat on its own, you can take it up a notch. Here are some fun twists to try:
- Whipped Matcha Latte
Swap the coffee for matcha green tea powder and whip it with sugar and water. Pair with your favorite milk for a creamy, earthy delight.
- Mocha Whip
Add cocoa powder or melted chocolate to the whipped coffee mixture for a luscious mocha twist.
- Pumpkin Spice Whipped Coffee
Blend pumpkin spice seasoning into the foam for a fall-inspired treat.
Wrapping Up
Whipped coffee isn’t just a drink; it’s a delicious ritual that adds joy to your day. With just a few simple ingredients and a little effort, you can create a café-style beverage that’s perfect for slow mornings, afternoon pick-me-ups, or impressing your friends on social media.
Now that you’re armed with this DIY whipped coffee recipe, it’s time to get creative! Whether you stick to the classic or try new variations, one thing’s for sure: coffee breaks will never be boring again.
Why wait? Gather your ingredients and start whisking! And don’t forget to share your creations on social media with the hashtag #WhippedCoffeeCreations—we might just feature your masterpiece.
