The Ultimate Guide to Making Dalgona Coffee with Espresso

Dalgona coffee became a global sensation during the early 2020s, captivating coffee lovers with its rich, frothy texture and visually stunning presentation. Traditionally made with instant coffee, sugar, and hot water, this whipped coffee drink has a smooth and creamy consistency that floats atop milk. But what if you want to elevate it even further?

Enter Dalgona Coffee with Espresso—a premium twist on the viral drink that replaces instant coffee with fresh, high-quality espresso. By using espresso instead of instant coffee, you achieve a richer, more complex flavor while maintaining the signature frothy texture.

In this guide, we’ll explore:

  • The science behind Dalgona coffee’s foam

  • How to make Dalgona coffee with espresso step-by-step

  • Pro tips for achieving the perfect consistency

  • The best coffee beans to use for a premium espresso-based Dalgona

Can You Make Dalgona Coffee with Espresso?

Yes, you can! While instant coffee is the easiest way to achieve Dalgona coffee’s signature foam, espresso can be used with the right technique. The challenge is that instant coffee contains a high concentration of emulsifiers and stabilizers that help create the airy, stiff peaks seen in Dalgona coffee. Espresso, on the other hand, has a more delicate structure and does not whip as easily.

The key to making Dalgona coffee with espresso is using the right coffee beans, adjusting the espresso concentration, and incorporating a suitable whipping agent (such as egg whites or a sugar substitute).

How to Make Dalgona Coffee with Espresso

Ingredients:

  • 1 shot (30ml) of espresso (made with Bazan Coffee’s Fine Robusta – Krong Năng for a bold, caramelized flavor)

  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, monk fruit sweetener, or erythritol

  • 1 tablespoon hot water (optional, to help dissolve sugar)

  • ½ teaspoon xanthan gum or egg white (optional, for stability)

  • 1 cup milk (whole milk, oat milk, or almond milk for keto-friendly options)

  • Ice cubes (if making an iced version)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Espresso Base

  1. Brew a strong shot of espresso using a high-quality coffee bean, such as Bazan Coffee’s Fine Robusta – Krong Năng, for a full-bodied crema and rich taste.

  2. Let the espresso cool slightly to prevent it from losing aeration when whipped.

Step 2: Create the Whipped Espresso Mixture

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine espresso, sugar (or sweetener), and xanthan gum/egg white (this helps stabilize the foam).

  2. Using a hand mixer, whisk, or electric frother, whip the mixture on high speed for 4-5 minutes until it becomes light and frothy.

    • If using a hand whisk, expect to whip for 8-10 minutes to achieve similar results.

    • The mixture will not be as stiff as instant coffee Dalgona but should be airy and thick.

Step 3: Assemble Your Dalgona Coffee with Espresso

  1. Fill a glass with ice cubes and milk of your choice (for an iced version) or warm milk (for a hot version).

  2. Spoon the whipped espresso mixture over the milk, allowing it to sit on top for the signature Dalgona look.

  3. Gently stir before drinking to mix the layers and enhance the overall taste.

Step 4: Optional Flavor Enhancements

  1. Dust with cocoa powder, cinnamon, or vanilla extract for added depth.

  2. For a mocha-style Dalgona, mix in 1 teaspoon of unsweetened cocoa powder before whipping.

  3. Add a shot of vanilla or hazelnut syrup for extra sweetness.

Why Use Espresso Instead of Instant Coffee?

1. Richer, More Authentic Flavor

Using fresh espresso allows you to experience a fuller body, deeper crema, and natural sweetness that instant coffee lacks. The bold caramel and honey undertones of Fine Robusta – Krong Năng enhance the drink’s complexity.

2. Less Processed, Higher Quality Coffee

Instant coffee undergoes freeze-drying or spray-drying, which strips some natural oils and aromatic compounds. Espresso retains these flavors, making it the superior choice.

3. More Customization Options

With espresso, you can choose from light, medium, or dark roasts to create different Dalgona experiences.

FAQs About Dalgona Coffee with Espresso

1. Can I Make Dalgona Coffee with Cold Brew Instead of Espresso?

Yes, but cold brew is less concentrated than espresso, so the foam will be weaker. Use a double-strength cold brew to achieve better results.

2. Why Isn’t My Espresso Foaming Like Instant Coffee?

Espresso lacks the soluble solids and stabilizers found in instant coffee. To improve the texture, add xanthan gum, egg whites, or a sugar substitute that helps retain air bubbles.

3. Can I Use a Plant-Based Milk Alternative?

Yes! Some great options include:

  • Oat milk (best for frothiness)

  • Almond milk (low-calorie, nutty taste)

  • Coconut milk (adds creaminess with a tropical note)

4. How Many Calories Are in Dalgona Coffee with Espresso?

It depends on the ingredients:

  • With whole milk and sugar: ~150-200 calories

  • With almond milk and erythritol: ~50-80 calories

  • With coconut milk and sugar-free sweetener: ~100-120 calories

5. How Can I Make a Sugar-Free or Keto Version?

Replace sugar with erythritol, monk fruit sweetener, or stevia to keep the recipe keto-friendly.

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

At Bazan Coffee, we believe that an exceptional coffee experience starts with premium coffee beans. If you're looking for a richer, bolder, and more flavorful espresso base for your Dalgona coffee, our Vietnamese Fine Robusta and Specialty Arabica selections will elevate every sip.

The New Revolution: Fine Robusta from Vietnam

For years, Robusta coffee was underrated, 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.

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.

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 Dalgona Coffee with Espresso?

Upgrade your Dalgona coffee experience today with Bazan Coffee!

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