Dalgona Whipped Coffee

Ingredients

• 2 tbspboiling water
• 2 tbspsugar
• 2 tbspinstant coffee
• 1 1/2 cupsmilk (or your favourite plant-based milk for a vegan version)

Instructions

1. 1

   Mix the coffee

   Put the sugar, instant coffee and boiling water in a medium-sized mixing bowl. The mixture grows as it is whisked, so use a bowl larger than you might expect.

2. 2

   Whip until thick

   Whisk until the mixture becomes lighter in colour and thick, with a consistency similar to yoghurt.

3. 3

   Add the ice

   Put a generous amount of ice in a cup.

4. 4

   Pour in milk

   Fill the cup about three-quarters full with milk.

5. 5

   Top with foam

   Spoon the whipped coffee mixture over the milk until the cup is nearly full. Adding more foam makes the drink taste richer.

6. 6

   Stir and serve

   Stir with a straw until the milk and whipped coffee are almost fully combined, then enjoy.

What is Dalgona coffee?

Dalgona coffee is a cold milk drink topped with a thick, whipped mixture of instant coffee, sugar and water. Its name is associated with dalgona, a Korean honeycomb toffee, while whipped coffee preparations have roots in South Asia, including India.

This quick version relies on equal amounts of coffee, sugar and hot water, whisked into a foam and spooned over iced milk. The contrast between the creamy milk and concentrated coffee topping is what makes each glass distinctive.

Nutrition and macros by portion

The nutrition label shows one serving as written: 351 calories, 13g protein, 49g carbs, 12g fat.

The milk provides much of the drink's protein and contributes fat and carbohydrate, while the sugar supplies a substantial share of the carbohydrates. Serve it alongside a filling breakfast such as eggs or porridge if you want a more balanced plate.

Why instant coffee matters

Instant coffee dissolves readily in the small amount of boiling water and whips into a stable-looking foam. Ground coffee is not a direct substitute: it will remain gritty and will not dissolve in the same way.

Sugar is part of the foam, not just a sweetener added to the finished drink. Reducing it can change how well the mixture thickens.

Choose a roomy bowl

Bowl size: the coffee mixture expands as air is whisked into it, so a medium-sized bowl gives you space to work without splashing.

Whisking: use a hand whisk or electric whisk and continue until the mixture is noticeably paler and holds a thick, yoghurt-like consistency.

Build the drink in layers

Ice first: add a generous amount of ice to the cup before pouring in the milk. This keeps the drink cold while you add the foam.

Leave room: fill the cup only about three-quarters full with milk, then spoon the coffee mixture on top until the cup is nearly full.

Adjust the coffee flavour

The amount of whipped coffee topping determines how rich and coffee-forward the drink tastes. Start with a modest spoonful if you prefer a milder drink, or use more of the foam for a stronger-tasting top layer.

Stir with a straw until the milk and foam are almost combined. Mixing it completely is optional; a little contrast between the layers makes the drink enjoyable to sip.

Milk and serving options

Use dairy milk or your favourite plant-based milk. The recipe does not specify a particular type, so choose one whose flavour you enjoy with coffee.

Serve straight after assembling, while the foam is still sitting on the cold milk and ice. A tall glass makes the layers easy to see and leaves room for stirring.

Recipe notes & tips

• Measure the sugar, instant coffee and boiling water in equal amounts for the topping.
• Use a medium-sized bowl because the mixture increases in volume as you whisk.
• Whisk until the coffee mixture is lighter and thick rather than stopping while it is still runny.
• Add the ice before the milk so the cup is ready for the topping.
• Spoon the foam on gently to keep the layers distinct until serving.

Variations

• Plant-based milk: swap the dairy milk for your favourite plant-based alternative.
• Milder coffee: spoon on less whipped topping for a gentler coffee flavour.
• Richer coffee: add more of the whipped mixture for a more pronounced coffee taste.
• Less ice: use a smaller amount of ice if you prefer less dilution as it melts.
• Fully mixed: stir the drink more thoroughly for an even coffee-and-milk flavour.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Using a small bowl: the mixture expands as it is whisked, so start with a medium-sized bowl.
• Stopping too soon: keep whisking until the mixture is pale and thick like yoghurt.
• Using ground coffee: choose instant coffee so it dissolves and can be whipped.
• Filling the cup to the brim with milk: leave space for the ice and coffee foam.
• Adding the foam before the milk: pour in the milk first, then spoon the topping over it.

How to store

This drink is best assembled and served straight away, as the ice melts and the foam gradually loses its texture. Keep any leftover whipped coffee mixture covered in the fridge and use it as soon as practical; whisk it briefly again if it softens.

Frequently asked questions