The Ultimate Guide to Dalgona Coffee: Recipe, History, and Expert Tips

Dalgona coffee took the world by storm in 2020, becoming a viral sensation thanks to its visually appealing, velvety texture and simple ingredients. But beyond the trend, Dalgona coffee is a delightful and creamy whipped coffee beverage that offers a unique texture and bold flavor.

If you're wondering what is Dalgona coffee, how to make it, or where it comes from, this guide will walk you through the complete history, recipe, variations, and expert tips to elevate your homemade Dalgona coffee experience.

With insights from Specialty Coffee Association (SCA), Coffee Quality Institute (CQI), World Coffee Research, and Barista Hustle, we’ll ensure that every cup you make is rich, foamy, and flavorful.

What is Dalgona Coffee?

Dalgona coffee is a frothy, whipped coffee drink made by beating instant coffee, sugar, and hot water into a creamy foam, which is then served over milk.

The result is a beautifully layered beverage where the bold, airy coffee foam contrasts with the smooth, creamy milk base, making it both visually appealing and delicious.

Dalgona Coffee vs. Other Whipped Coffees

Dalgona coffee is often compared to Greek Frappe, Indian Phenti Hui Coffee, and Korean whipped coffee, as they all involve aerating instant coffee for a fluffy texture. However, what sets Dalgona coffee apart is its perfectly creamy consistency and social media fame.

Dalgona Coffee Origin: Where is Dalgona Coffee From?

Although Dalgona coffee gained popularity in South Korea, the concept of whipped coffee has been around for decades in India, Pakistan, and Greece.

The drink was named Dalgona after a Korean honeycomb toffee, as the foam resembles the light, airy texture of the candy. However, Dalgona coffee does not contain dalgona toffee the name was simply inspired by its appearance.

It became globally popular after South Korean actor Jung Il-Woo featured it on a TV show in early 2020, and soon, social media exploded with people making their own versions at home.

Dalgona Coffee Ingredients

The beauty of Dalgona coffee lies in its simplicity. The classic Dalgona coffee recipe requires only four ingredients:

• Instant Coffee (2 tablespoons) – The key ingredient that creates the frothy texture.

• Sugar (2 tablespoons) – Enhances sweetness and stabilizes the foam.

• Hot Water (2 tablespoons) – Helps dissolve the coffee and create the aeration needed for whipping.

• Milk (1 cup) – Can be dairy or non-dairy, depending on preference.

How to Make Dalgona Coffee: Step-by-Step Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Whipped Coffee Foam

1. In a mixing bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of instant coffee, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and 2 tablespoons of hot water.

2. Using a hand whisk, electric whisk, or frother, beat the mixture vigorously until it becomes thick, frothy, and light caramel-colored. This takes about:

• 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer

• 8-10 minutes by hand whisk

3. The foam should be thick enough to hold peaks when lifted.

Step 2: Prepare the Milk Base

1. Fill a glass ¾ full with cold or warm milk, depending on your preference.

2. Add ice cubes if making an iced version.

Step 3: Assemble Your Dalgona Coffee

1. Spoon the whipped coffee foam on top of the milk.

2. Optionally, stir the foam into the milk before drinking or enjoy the layered effect for a stronger initial sip.

Dalgona Coffee Ratio: How to Get the Perfect Consistency

The standard Dalgona coffee ratio is 1:1:1 of instant coffee, sugar, and hot water. However, adjustments can be made based on preference:

For a thicker, more stable foam, keep the ratio equal between coffee, sugar, and water.

How to Drink Dalgona Coffee

To fully enjoy Dalgona coffee, consider these drinking styles:

• Spoon and Stir: Mix the whipped coffee into the milk for a balanced flavor.

• Layered Sip: Enjoy the bold coffee foam on top before blending with the milk.

• Iced Version: Add ice cubes for a refreshing cold Dalgona coffee.

Dalgona Coffee Variations

Dalgona coffee is highly customizable. Here are some exciting variations to try:

1. Mocha Dalgona Coffee

• Add 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder to the coffee mixture for a rich chocolate twist.

2. Matcha Dalgona Coffee

• Swap instant coffee for matcha powder and beat it with sugar and heavy cream instead of water.

3. Vegan Dalgona Coffee

• Use oat milk, almond milk, or soy milk instead of dairy.

• Ensure coconut sugar or maple syrup is used as a sweetener.

4. Dalgona Affogato

• Pour the whipped coffee over a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat.

How Many Calories in Dalgona Coffee?

Dalgona coffee's calorie count depends on the ingredients used.

Using less sugar or low-fat milk can reduce calories, making it a lighter alternative.

Take Your Coffee Experience to the Next Level with Bazan Coffee

While Dalgona coffee is often made using instant coffee, upgrading to high-quality espresso transforms the drink into a rich and complex experience. At Bazan Coffee, we specialize in bold, expertly crafted Vietnamese coffee perfect for enhancing whipped coffee drinks.

If you appreciate tropical fruit flavors, deep caramelized sweetness, and a velvety crema, our Fine Robusta, Specialty Arabica, and Special Vietnam Blend offer an elevated take on Dalgona coffee with more depth, complexity, and natural sweetness.

The New Revolution: Fine Robusta from Vietnam

For decades, Robusta coffee was seen as secondary to Arabica, but Vietnam’s Fine Robusta is changing that perception. With high-altitude cultivation, advanced fermentation techniques, and meticulous processing, Fine Robusta – Krong Năng offers a smooth, naturally sweet, and bold coffee experience that pairs exceptionally well with whipped Dalgona coffee.

Why Choose Fine Robusta – Krong Năng?

• Grown at 650m in Krong Năng, Đắk Lắk, Vietnam, where rich volcanic soil enhances flavor development.

• 72-hour natural anaerobic fermentation, which enhances sweetness and complexity while reducing bitterness.

• Taste notes of durian, honey, and caramel, making it a rich and layered coffee experience.

• Thick, creamy body with a naturally low-acid profile, creating a smooth and well-rounded finish.

With twice the caffeine of Arabica, Fine Robusta delivers the intensity and depth that Dalgona coffee needs to be more than just a viral trend it becomes a truly gourmet experience.

Not Just Robusta The Best of Both Worlds

For those who prefer a more balanced espresso with fruity and caramel undertones, Special Vietnam Blend is an excellent choice. This blend of high-altitude Arabica and Fine Robusta brings together the best of both worlds:

• Ripe fruit, pineapple, caramel, and light floral aroma, adding depth and versatility to your coffee.

• A balanced body with smooth acidity, making it a great choice for Dalgona coffee lovers who enjoy mild complexity with natural sweetness.

If you prefer a refined, sophisticated espresso, our Specialty Arabica – Cầu Đất is a must-try. Grown at 1,550m in Cầu Đất, Đà Lạt, this fully washed Arabica delivers:

• Bell pepper, spices, and caramel notes, resulting in a clean, bright, and layered espresso experience.

• A silky mouthfeel and elegant acidity, offering a refined touch to both hot and iced Dalgona coffee.

Which Coffee is Best for Your Dalgona Coffee?

• For a bold, full-bodied espresso with deep caramelized sweetness → Fine Robusta Krong Nang

• For a smooth, balanced espresso with fruity complexity → Special Vietnam Blend

• For a refined, bright espresso with caramel and spicy notes → Specialty Arabica Cau Dat

A great Dalgona coffee starts with exceptional coffee beans. Whether you enjoy classic whipped coffee, a mocha-inspired variation, or a creative twist with spices, using premium Vietnamese espresso makes all the difference.

Shop Bazan Coffee today and craft a Dalgona coffee experience that stands out from the rest!