The Ultimate Guide to Making Korean Dalgona Coffee

Korean Dalgona coffee is more than just a trend-it’s a unique take on a whipped coffee drink with deep cultural roots. This frothy, velvety coffee became a global sensation during the early 2020s, but many don’t realize that its name is inspired by the Korean street snack "Dalgona" (달고나), a caramelized sugar candy.

Unlike traditional Dalgona coffee, which uses instant coffee, sugar, and hot water to create its signature foam, authentic Korean Dalgona coffee can incorporate real Dalgona candy as a topping or an ingredient, adding a toasty, caramelized depth to the drink.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

  • The origins of Korean Dalgona coffee and its cultural significance

  • How to make traditional and modern variations of Dalgona coffee

  • Pro tips to achieve the perfect whipped coffee texture

  • The best coffee beans to use for an elevated version of the drink

The Origins of Korean Dalgona Coffee

The term "Dalgona" originates from Korea’s famous street food-a brittle, honeycomb-like candy made by melting sugar and mixing it with baking soda. The reaction creates a light, airy texture with a toasty, caramelized flavor. This nostalgic treat became even more well-known after appearing in the Netflix hit series Squid Game.

In South Korea, Dalgona coffee was named after this candy due to its resemblance-the foamy, whipped coffee topping looks and feels like melted Dalgona. While the modern whipped coffee version gained global fame, Korean cafes often serve it with actual Dalgona candy sprinkled on top or melted into the drink for a richer caramel flavor.

The Origins of Korean Dalgona Coffee

How to Make Authentic Korean Dalgona Coffee

Ingredients for Classic Korean Dalgona Coffee:

  • 2 tablespoons instant coffee (or finely ground espresso)

  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

  • 2 tablespoons hot water

  • 1 cup milk (whole milk, oat milk, or almond milk for variations)

  • Dalgona candy (optional, crushed or melted into the drink for extra flavor)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Whip the Coffee Mixture

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine instant coffee, sugar, and hot water in a 1:1:1 ratio.

  2. Use a hand mixer, whisk, or electric frother to whip the mixture for 3-5 minutes until it becomes light, airy, and holds soft peaks.

  3. If whisking by hand, expect to whip for 8-10 minutes for the same result.

Step 2: Prepare the Milk Base

  1. Fill a glass with ice and milk for an iced version or use warm milk for a hot variation.

Step 3: Assemble the Dalgona Coffee

  1. Spoon the whipped coffee mixture on top of the milk, letting it sit as a separate layer.

  2. Sprinkle crushed Dalgona candy over the foam for an extra caramelized crunch.

Step 4: Stir and Enjoy

  1. Before drinking, mix the layers to balance the flavors. The creamy milk will contrast with the bold whipped coffee, creating a smooth, well-rounded taste.

How to Make Authentic Korean Dalgona Coffee

How to Make Korean Dalgona Coffee with Real Dalgona Candy

For a truly authentic experience, try infusing real Korean Dalgona candy into your coffee.

How to Make Dalgona Candy:

  • Ingredients: 2 tablespoons sugar, ⅛ teaspoon baking soda

  • Instructions:

    1. Melt sugar over low heat in a pan, stirring constantly until it turns golden brown.

    2. Remove from heat and quickly mix in baking soda.

    3. Pour onto parchment paper and let it harden before breaking into pieces.

How to Use Dalgona Candy in Your Coffee:

  • Melt the candy directly into the milk for a deeper caramelized flavor.

  • Crush it over the whipped coffee as a topping.

  • Dip pieces of Dalgona candy into your coffee for a nostalgic Korean café-style experience.

Best Coffee Beans for Korean Dalgona Coffee

While instant coffee is the standard ingredient, using high-quality espresso or freshly ground beans can take your Dalgona coffee to the next level.

Recommended Coffee Beans:

  • For a bold, rich taste with a thick body: Fine Robusta – Krong Năng

  • For a smooth, balanced flavor with fruitiness: Special Vietnam Blend

  • For a refined, sophisticated taste: Specialty Arabica – Cầu Đất

Pro Tips for the Best Korean Dalgona Coffee

  • Use ultra-fine coffee grounds if substituting espresso instead of instant coffee.

  • Adjust the sugar ratio to make the foam stiffer and more stable.

  • Chill your mixing bowl before whipping to speed up the process.

  • Experiment with alternative sweeteners like honey or coconut sugar.

FAQs About Korean Dalgona Coffee

1. What is the Difference Between Korean Dalgona Coffee and Regular Dalgona Coffee?

Korean Dalgona coffee is often served with real Dalgona candy, while the viral Dalgona coffee is simply whipped coffee without the candy.

2. Can I Make Korean Dalgona Coffee Without Instant Coffee?

Yes! Use freshly brewed espresso and a whipping agent like xanthan gum or egg whites to stabilize the foam.

3. How Many Calories Are in Korean Dalgona Coffee?

  • Classic version with sugar: ~150-200 calories

  • Keto version with monk fruit sweetener: ~50-80 calories

4. Is Korean Dalgona Coffee Too Strong?

Since it uses a 1:1 coffee-to-water ratio, it’s stronger than regular coffee. Mixing well with milk balances the taste.

5. Can I Make a Dairy-Free Version?

Yes! Use oat milk, almond milk, or coconut milk. Oat milk provides the best frothiness.

FAQs About Korean Dalgona Coffee

Take Your Korean Dalgona Coffee to the Next Level with Bazan Coffee

At Bazan Coffee, we believe that every great coffee drink starts with exceptional coffee beans. If you want to elevate your Korean Dalgona coffee beyond instant coffee, try using our premium Vietnamese Fine Robusta and Specialty Arabica selections for a richer, bolder, and more flavorful whipped coffee experience.

The New Revolution: Fine Robusta from Vietnam

For years, Robusta coffee was underestimated, but Vietnam’s Fine Robusta is transforming the specialty coffee world. With high-altitude cultivation, innovative fermentation, and meticulous processing, Bazan Coffee offers a smooth yet bold taste with natural caramel sweetness-a perfect match for Dalgona coffee.

Why Choose Fine Robusta – Krong Năng?

  • Grown at 650m in Krong Năng, Đắk Lắk, Vietnam

  • 72-hour natural anaerobic fermentation for enhanced sweetness

  • Distinct flavor notes of durian, honey, and caramel

  • Thick, velvety body with a naturally low-acid profile

Not Just Robusta – The Best of Both Worlds

For a balanced espresso with fruity undertones, Special Vietnam Blend combines high-altitude Arabica and Fine Robusta, delivering ripe fruit, pineapple, caramel, and a light floral aroma-a versatile choice for coffee lovers.

For a refined, complex espresso, Specialty Arabica – Cầu Đất is the ultimate choice, grown at 1,550m in Cầu Đất, Đà Lạt, with bell pepper, spices, and caramel notes that create a clean, sophisticated coffee experience.

Which Coffee is Best for Your Korean Dalgona Coffee?

Upgrade your Dalgona coffee experience today with Bazan Coffee!

Take Your Korean Dalgona Coffee to the Next Level with Bazan Coffee
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