How to Make a Dalgona Coffee at Home: A Step-by-Step Guide

Dalgona coffee has taken the internet by storm, becoming a viral sensation, especially during the pandemic when many sought comforting and creative ways to enjoy their daily caffeine fix. Named after a popular Korean candy, this whipped coffee drink offers a rich, velvety texture, and its eye-catching presentation makes it a perfect treat for both coffee lovers and those seeking an indulgent experience. While it may look complex, making dalgona coffee at home is quite simple and requires just a few basic ingredients. Here’s a detailed guide on how to prepare this trendy beverage in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make dalgona coffee, the ingredients are minimal, yet the results are impressive. You’ll need:

• Instant coffee: Instant coffee is crucial for creating the whipped coffee texture. This form of coffee dissolves easily and allows you to create the airy, frothy consistency that defines dalgona coffee.
• Sugar: Sugar helps to stabilize the coffee foam, making it light and fluffy. You can use regular granulated sugar or experiment with alternatives like brown sugar for a richer flavor.
• Hot water: Hot water helps dissolve the coffee and sugar, which is essential for the whipping process.
• Milk: You can use any milk of your choice—whole milk, almond milk, oat milk, or even a non-dairy alternative. The milk serves as the base for the coffee, providing a creamy and smooth texture beneath the whipped coffee topping.
• Ice: If you prefer your dalgona coffee cold, ice cubes are a must. They give the drink a refreshing element that contrasts beautifully with the rich, frothy coffee topping.

Equipment Required

While you don’t need any special equipment to make dalgona coffee, a few common kitchen tools will make the process much easier:

• Mixing bowl: A medium to large-sized bowl works best to give the coffee and sugar mixture room to expand as it’s whipped.
• Whisk or electric mixer: Although you can whisk by hand, using an electric hand mixer or stand mixer will make the process faster and less labor-intensive. If you prefer to whisk by hand, be prepared for a bit of a workout, as it can take around 5-10 minutes to achieve the desired consistency.
• Spoon or spatula: You’ll need a spoon or spatula to scoop the whipped coffee onto the milk and to mix it before drinking.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Dalgona Coffee

Step 1: Measure Your Ingredients

To begin, measure out 2 tablespoons of instant coffee. If you want a stronger coffee flavor, you can add a bit more, but two tablespoons is generally ideal for a balanced taste. Next, add 2 tablespoons of sugar to the instant coffee. The sugar not only sweetens the coffee but also helps create the fluffy texture, so be sure to use the full amount. Finally, add 2 tablespoons of hot water to the mixture. Hot water is important because it helps dissolve the coffee and sugar more quickly, which is key to achieving the smooth, frothy consistency you need.

Step 2: Whisk the Mixture

Using either a hand whisk or an electric mixer, beat the coffee, sugar, and hot water together. If you’re whisking by hand, expect it to take around 5-10 minutes to reach the right consistency. The mixture should turn light and fluffy, resembling whipped cream, and it should hold stiff peaks when you lift the whisk out of the bowl. If using an electric mixer, this process should only take about 2-3 minutes on high speed. The consistency is crucial—if it’s not whipped enough, the texture will be too runny, and it won’t give the signature dalgona look.

Step 3: Prepare Your Glass

While you’re whipping the coffee, fill a glass with milk. You can use ice cubes if you prefer a cold beverage, or use warm milk for a more comforting, cozy drink. The milk should fill about two-thirds of the glass, leaving enough room for the whipped coffee topping.

Step 4: Top the Milk with Whipped Coffee

Once the coffee mixture is ready, carefully spoon the fluffy whipped coffee onto the milk. The whipped coffee should sit on top of the milk like a cloud. If you’ve used ice, you may see the whipped coffee slowly start to settle into the milk, creating a stunning marbled effect. Use a spoon to gently spread it out if needed, but don’t mix it just yet.

Step 5: Stir and Enjoy

For the full dalgona experience, gently stir the whipped coffee into the milk before drinking. This will combine the rich, frothy coffee with the smooth milk, creating a perfectly balanced flavor profile. If you’ve used ice, the cold drink is wonderfully refreshing, while warm milk offers a richer, creamier experience.

Tips for Perfecting Your Dalgona Coffee

• Experiment with the sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet drink, try reducing the sugar to 1 tablespoon or substituting it with a healthier alternative like honey or maple syrup. Adjusting the sweetness is a great way to tailor the flavor to your liking.
• Flavor variations: While the classic dalgona coffee is made with just coffee, sugar, and milk, there’s room for creativity. You can add a dash of vanilla extract, cocoa powder, or cinnamon to enhance the flavor. Some people even top their dalgona coffee with chocolate shavings or a sprinkle of cocoa powder for extra flair.
• Non-dairy options: If you’re vegan or lactose intolerant, there are plenty of non-dairy milk options that pair wonderfully with dalgona coffee. Almond, oat, or coconut milk all offer unique flavors and can make the drink even more indulgent. Just ensure you choose a milk alternative that froths well for the best presentation.
• Adjust the coffee strength: If the coffee flavor is too weak for your taste, simply add a little more instant coffee next time. Conversely, if it’s too strong, reduce the amount of coffee or sugar slightly to balance the taste.

Final Thoughts on Making Dalgona Coffee

Making dalgona coffee at home is an easy and fun way to enjoy a café-style drink without stepping foot outside. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a deliciously creamy, frothy beverage that’s both visually stunning and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re making it as an afternoon treat, for a morning pick-me-up, or simply to impress guests, dalgona coffee is sure to become a favorite in your coffee repertoire. So grab your whisk or mixer, get creative with flavors, and enjoy your homemade whipped coffee masterpiece!