Save My mornings used to blur together until the day I tried whipping instant coffee with nothing but sugar and hot water. The first time I watched those three ingredients transform into glossy, caramel-colored peaks, I stood there holding the whisk like I'd just performed a magic trick. It felt absurd that something so simple could look so elegant. I called my sister over video chat just to show her the bowl, and she made me promise to teach her that weekend. That's how Dalgona coffee became our Saturday ritual.
I made this for my neighbor once when she stopped by unexpectedly, and she stood in my kitchen stirring the foam into her glass like she was afraid to mess it up. We ended up sitting on the porch for an hour, talking about nothing important, both of us nursing our drinks slowly. She told me later that she'd been making it every afternoon since. There's something about a drink that looks this good that makes you slow down and actually enjoy it instead of gulping it down on your way out the door.
Ingredients
- Instant coffee granules: This is the only type of coffee that will whip up properly, so don't try substituting brewed coffee or espresso. I keep a jar just for this recipe even though I usually drink the real stuff.
- Granulated sugar: It sweetens and stabilizes the foam, giving it that thick, mousse-like texture. You can cut it down to one tablespoon if you prefer less sweetness, but it won't whip quite as high.
- Hot water: Just enough to dissolve the coffee and sugar before you start whipping. I use water straight from the kettle, and it works every time.
- Milk: Any kind you like works here, whether it's cold from the fridge or warmed on the stove. I've used oat milk, almond milk, and regular dairy, and they all taste great.
- Ice cubes: Optional, but they make it feel more like a treat on a warm afternoon. I like the way the cold milk contrasts with the rich, sweet foam.
Instructions
- Combine the coffee base:
- Add the instant coffee, sugar, and hot water to a medium mixing bowl. Stir them together briefly just to make sure everything is dissolved before you start whipping.
- Whip until thick:
- Use a hand whisk, electric mixer, or milk frother to beat the mixture vigorously for two to four minutes. You'll know it's ready when it turns pale caramel, forms stiff peaks, and holds its shape when you lift the whisk.
- Prepare the glasses:
- Fill two glasses with milk, adding ice cubes if you want it cold. Leave a little room at the top for the whipped coffee.
- Top with whipped coffee:
- Spoon the fluffy coffee mixture evenly over the milk in each glass. It should sit on top like a cloud, and it looks almost too pretty to stir in.
- Serve and stir:
- Hand it over immediately and tell your guest to stir it all together before drinking. That's when the magic really happens, and the whole thing turns creamy and smooth.
Save One evening I made this for a friend who had just finished a long shift at work, and she took one sip and said it tasted like a hug. I laughed, but I knew exactly what she meant. It's not just coffee, it's the kind of drink that feels like someone took the time to do something nice for you. Even when I make it just for myself, it still feels like a little moment of care in the middle of a regular day.
Choosing Your Milk
I've tested this with almost every kind of milk I could find, and honestly, they all work. Oat milk gives it a creamy, slightly sweet base that I love, while almond milk keeps it lighter. If you're using something unsweetened, you might want to keep the full two tablespoons of sugar in the whipped coffee. Whole dairy milk makes it taste the most indulgent, but skim milk works too if that's what you have on hand. The whipped coffee is so flavorful that the milk really just acts as a smooth, cool backdrop.
Adjusting Sweetness and Strength
The first time I made this, I thought it might be too sweet, but once you stir it into the milk, it balances out perfectly. If you want it less sugary, drop the sugar down to one tablespoon, but be aware that it won't whip up quite as tall or hold its shape as long. For a stronger coffee flavor, you can add an extra half tablespoon of instant coffee without changing the other measurements. I've also seen people dust the top with a pinch of cinnamon or cocoa powder, and it adds a nice touch without much effort.
Serving Suggestions and Finishing Touches
This drink looks so good that I sometimes serve it in clear glasses just so people can see the layers before they stir it all together. If you want to make it feel even more special, try these little additions.
- Sprinkle a tiny bit of instant coffee or cocoa powder on top of the whipped foam for contrast.
- Add a drizzle of chocolate syrup or caramel to the inside of the glass before pouring in the milk.
- Serve it with a long spoon so people can scoop up some of the foam on its own before mixing it in.
Save This is one of those recipes that makes you feel like you've got a secret trick up your sleeve, even though it's almost laughably simple. Make it once, and I promise you'll keep coming back to it whenever you need something that feels a little bit special.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I get the whipped coffee to form stiff peaks?
Whisk the instant coffee, sugar, and hot water vigorously for 2-4 minutes using a hand whisk, electric mixer, or milk frother. The mixture will gradually become thick, pale, and form stiff peaks. An electric mixer or frother speeds up this process significantly.
- → Can I use regular ground coffee instead of instant coffee?
Instant coffee works best because it dissolves quickly and creates the desired whipped texture. Regular ground coffee won't dissolve properly in the whipping process and will result in a gritty mixture that won't achieve the signature fluffy peaks.
- → What milk options work best for this beverage?
Both dairy and plant-based milks work well. Oat, almond, and soy milk are excellent dairy-free alternatives. The choice of milk doesn't affect the whipping process, so select based on your dietary preferences and taste preferences.
- → How long does the whipped coffee stay fluffy?
The whipped coffee mixture is best enjoyed immediately after preparation. The peaks will gradually deflate over time as they sit on top of the milk. For optimal texture and appearance, serve and drink within a few minutes of assembly.
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prepare the whipped coffee mixture up to an hour in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator, though it will lose some of its fluffy texture. Prepare the milk separately and assemble just before serving for the best visual presentation and taste.
- → How do I adjust the sweetness level?
Reduce the sugar from 2 tablespoons to 1 tablespoon for a less sweet version. You can experiment with the ratio based on your preference. Note that reducing sugar may slightly affect the texture of the whipped mixture.