Dalgona coffee

Ingredients

• 30 ml (2 tablespoons)NESCAFÉ® CLÁSICO™ instant coffee
• 30 ml (2 tablespoons)sugar
• 30 ml (2 tablespoons)hot water
• 960 ml (4 cups)hot milk

Instructions

1. 1

   Combine coffee

   Put the instant coffee, sugar and hot water in a bowl, leaving out the milk.

2. 2

   Whip the mixture

   Using an electric whisk, beat until the ingredients emulsify and the mixture becomes airy and creamy.

3. 3

   Pour the milk

   Divide the hot milk between four cups.

4. 4

   Add the coffee

   Spoon or pour the whipped coffee mixture over the milk in each cup.

5. 5

   Stir before drinking

   Stir each cup before drinking.

What is dalgona coffee?

Dalgona coffee is a drink made by topping milk with a whipped mixture of instant coffee, sugar and water. It became widely popular through South Korean social media, and its name refers to dalgona, a Korean honeycomb-style sugar candy.

This version keeps the method simple: the coffee mixture is whipped separately, then served over hot milk in four cups.

Nutrition and macros by portion

The nutrition label shows one serving as written: 150 calories, 8g protein, 19g carbs, 5g fat.

The milk contributes protein and some fat, while the sugar supplies carbohydrates; the coffee adds flavour with little energy in this quantity. Pair a cup with fruit or a simple snack if you want a more substantial breakfast.

Why instant coffee works

Instant coffee: use the specified instant coffee rather than ground coffee, which will not dissolve into the same smooth mixture. The sugar and hot water help form the whipped topping.

Getting an airy topping

Whisking: an electric whisk makes it easier to beat the coffee mixture until it is emulsified, creamy and full of air. Use a bowl with enough room for the mixture to expand.

Serving it over milk

Hot milk: divide the milk among the cups before adding the coffee topping. This keeps the pale milk and dark foam distinct until each person stirs their drink.

Timing and texture

Quick finish: the listed total time is 2 minutes, so have the cups ready before whipping. The topping should look airy and creamy; stir it into the milk just before drinking.

What to serve alongside

A small biscuit or piece of toast makes a simple accompaniment. The coffee is sweet already, so a plain or lightly flavoured snack works well alongside it.

Recipe notes & tips

• Measure the coffee, sugar and hot water before you start whisking.
• Use an electric whisk to build the airy texture efficiently.
• Choose a bowl with enough room for the mixture to expand as it is beaten.
• Divide the milk evenly between the four cups before adding the topping.
• Stir the drink just before drinking so the coffee and milk combine.

Variations

• Iced version: pour cold milk over ice instead of using hot milk.
• Plant-based milk: use a hot plant-based alternative in place of the milk.
• Less sweet: reduce the sugar, bearing in mind that it may affect how the topping whips.
• Cocoa finish: dust a little cocoa over the whipped coffee before serving.
• Spiced coffee: add a pinch of cinnamon to the coffee mixture before whisking.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Using ground coffee: it will not dissolve like instant coffee; use instant granules.
• Whisking in a shallow bowl: the mixture can splash as it expands; choose a deeper bowl.
• Stopping too soon: a thin liquid topping will not be airy; keep whisking until creamy.
• Adding the topping before portioning the milk: divide the milk between the four cups first for an even serve.
• Drinking without stirring: the topping is concentrated; stir it through the milk before drinking.

How to store

This drink is best made and served straight away, while the topping is airy. If needed, refrigerate leftover coffee mixture in a covered container and whisk it again briefly before serving; keep prepared milk refrigerated and reheat it gently.

Frequently asked questions