The Ultimate Guide to Making Whipped Dalgona Coffee

Whipped Dalgona coffee took the world by storm as one of the most visually appealing and delicious coffee drinks. Its signature frothy texture, created by whipping instant coffee, sugar, and water, makes it a delight to drink and a fun coffee experiment at home.

However, there’s more to this drink than just whipping ingredients together. A perfectly crafted Dalgona coffee depends on the right coffee-to-water ratio, proper whipping technique, and high-quality coffee beans to enhance the flavor and texture.

This comprehensive guide will explore:

  • What whipped Dalgona coffee is and where it came from

  • A step-by-step recipe for making Dalgona coffee at home

  • Expert techniques for achieving the best whipped consistency

  • Alternatives using espresso and freshly brewed coffee

  • How to elevate your Dalgona coffee with specialty beans

What is Whipped Dalgona Coffee?

Whipped Dalgona coffee is a frothy, sweet coffee drink made by whipping instant coffee, sugar, and hot water until thick and creamy, then serving it over milk. It is named after "Dalgona," a Korean sugar candy known for its caramelized, honeycomb texture.

Though the drink became a viral sensation in 2020, Korean cafes had been serving a similar beverage long before, using whipped coffee foam over iced or hot milk. The method of whipping coffee into a thick froth has also existed in places like India (Phenti Hui coffee), Greece (Frappe), and Macau (whipped coffee drinks) for decades.

What makes Dalgona coffee special is its airy yet creamy texture and rich coffee flavor, which balances perfectly when stirred into milk.

 

What is Whipped Dalgona Coffee?

Whipped Dalgona Coffee Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons instant coffee (or finely ground espresso powder)

  • 2 tablespoons sugar (granulated, brown sugar, or coconut sugar)

  • 2 tablespoons hot water

  • 1 cup milk (whole milk, oat milk, almond milk, or coconut milk)

  • Ice cubes (for iced version)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Whip the Coffee Mixture

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine instant coffee, sugar, and hot water in equal parts.

  2. Use a hand mixer, whisk, or electric frother to whip the mixture for 3-5 minutes until it becomes thick, glossy, and forms stiff peaks.

  3. If whisking manually, expect to whip for 8-10 minutes for the best results.

Step 2: Prepare the Milk Base

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

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. Optional: Sprinkle cocoa powder, cinnamon, or grated chocolate for extra flavor.

Step 4: Stir and Enjoy

  1. Before drinking, mix the whipped coffee with the milk to blend flavors.

Whipped Dalgona Coffee Recipe

How to Make Whipped Dalgona Coffee Without Instant Coffee

Many coffee lovers prefer fresh espresso or brewed coffee over instant coffee. While traditional Dalgona coffee relies on the solubility and emulsifiers in instant coffee, you can still create a frothy version using the following methods:

Alternative Methods:

1. Using Espresso (Dalgona Coffee with Espresso)

  • Brew a double shot of espresso and mix with 2 tablespoons of sugar.

  • Let it cool slightly before whipping.

  • Add 1/4 teaspoon xanthan gum or egg white to help stabilize the foam.

2. Using Freshly Brewed Coffee

  • Use strong brewed coffee (e.g., Moka pot, AeroPress, or French press).

  • Add sugar and whip with a milk frother or hand mixer.

  • It won’t be as thick as the original, but still creates a creamy topping.

Expert Tips for the Best Whipped Dalgona Coffee

  • Use ultra-fine coffee grounds if substituting instant coffee.

  • Chill the mixing bowl before whipping for better aeration.

  • Use coconut sugar or monk fruit sweetener for a healthier version.

  • For an even creamier texture, use heavy cream instead of water while whipping.

 

FAQs About Whipped Dalgona Coffee

1. Why is My Dalgona Coffee Not Getting Frothy?

This can happen if:

  • The coffee-to-sugar-to-water ratio isn’t balanced (stick to 1:1:1).

  • You didn’t use instant coffee (espresso or ground coffee needs a stabilizer).

  • The whipping wasn’t long enough (keep whipping for at least 5 minutes).

2. How Many Calories Are in Whipped Dalgona Coffee?

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

  • With sugar substitutes and almond milk: ~50-80 calories

3. Can I Make Dalgona Coffee Dairy-Free?

Yes! Use oat milk, almond milk, or coconut milk for a plant-based alternative. Oat milk froths the best.

4. Can I Make a Keto-Friendly Dalgona Coffee?

Yes! Substitute sugar with monk fruit sweetener, erythritol, or stevia.

FAQs About Whipped Dalgona Coffee

Take Your Dalgona Coffee to the Next Level with Bazan Coffee

At Bazan Coffee, we believe the best coffee experience starts with high-quality coffee beans. While traditional whipped Dalgona coffee uses instant coffee, upgrading to freshly roasted, specialty Vietnamese coffee will enhance the depth and richness of your drink.

The New Revolution: Fine Robusta from Vietnam

For decades, Robusta coffee was overlooked in favor of Arabica, but Vietnam’s Fine Robusta is redefining specialty coffee. With high-altitude cultivation, advanced fermentation, and meticulous processing, Bazan Coffee’s Fine Robusta – Krong Năng offers:

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

  • 72-hour natural anaerobic fermentation for enhanced sweetness

  • Taste notes of durian, honey, and caramel

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

Fine Robusta – Krong Năng’s bold, creamy body and caramel sweetness make it an ideal upgrade for Dalgona coffee, replacing instant coffee with a more refined, specialty-grade alternative.

Not Just Robusta – The Best of Both Worlds

If you prefer a more balanced espresso with fruity undertones, our Special Vietnam Blend combines high-altitude Arabica and Fine Robusta for a unique mix of ripe fruit, pineapple, caramel, and light floral notes-perfect for those who love a smoother, more delicate Dalgona coffee.

For those who seek a refined, complex espresso, Specialty Arabica – Cầu Đất is the perfect choice. Grown at 1,550m in Cầu Đất, Đà Lạt, this fully washed Arabica offers bell pepper, spices, and caramel notes, delivering a clean, layered espresso that enhances whipped coffee with brightness and complexity.

Which Coffee is Best for Your Whipped Dalgona Coffee?

Upgrade your Dalgona coffee today with Bazan Coffee and experience Vietnam’s finest specialty coffee!

Take Your Dalgona Coffee to the Next Level with Bazan Coffee
Back to Recipe