Are you looking for a new coffee recipe to try? Look no further than Korean Dalgona coffee! This trendy drink took the internet by storm in 2020, and it’s still a popular choice for coffee lovers worldwide. The recipe is simple, and you can easily make it at home with just a few ingredients.
Dalgona coffee is a whipped coffee drink that originated in South Korea. It’s made by whipping together instant coffee, sugar, and hot water until it becomes a creamy and frothy mixture. The name “Dalgona” comes from a Korean candy that has a similar texture to the whipped coffee. When you’re finished making the coffee, you spoon the whipped mixture over milk and ice to create a layered effect. The result is a delicious and Instagram-worthy coffee drink that’s perfect for any time of day.
History of Dalgona Coffee
If you’ve been on social media at all in the past year, you’ve probably heard of Dalgona coffee. This frothy, whipped coffee drink took the world by storm during the COVID-19 pandemic, with people all over the world trying their hand at making it at home. But where did this trendy drink come from?
Believe it or not, Dalgona coffee actually has roots in South Korea. According to Matador Network, the drink’s name comes from a type of Korean candy that has a similar texture. The drink itself is made by whipping together instant coffee, sugar, and hot water until it becomes creamy and frothy, then adding it to cold or hot milk.
While Dalgona coffee may have gained popularity in the Western world during the pandemic, it actually first became a viral sensation in South Korea. As Coffee Affection reports, the drink was first ordered by famous Korean actor Jung Il-Woo when he was in Macau, China in January 2020. Il-Woo ordered a whipped coffee on a Korean TV show called Stars’ Top Recipe at Fun-Staurant, and the rest is history.
Since then, Dalgona coffee has become a global phenomenon, with people all over the world putting their own spin on the drink. Whether you prefer it hot or cold, with milk or without, there’s no denying that Dalgona coffee is here to stay.
Essential Ingredients
To make a delicious cup of Korean Dalgona Coffee, you will need three essential ingredients: coffee, sugar, and hot water. Here’s a breakdown of each ingredient:
Coffee
The type of coffee you use can make a big difference in the taste of your Dalgona Coffee. Most recipes call for instant coffee, but you can also use espresso powder or finely ground coffee. Instant coffee is preferred because it dissolves quickly in hot water and produces a smooth foam. If you don’t have instant coffee, you can grind regular coffee beans into a fine powder using a coffee grinder or food processor.
Sugar
Sugar is an important ingredient in Dalgona Coffee because it helps create the foam that sits on top of the milk. You can use regular granulated sugar or any other type of sugar you prefer, such as brown sugar or coconut sugar. Some recipes call for a 1:1 ratio of coffee to sugar, while others use more sugar for a sweeter taste. Experiment with different ratios to find the perfect balance for your taste buds.
Hot Water
Hot water is needed to dissolve the coffee and sugar and create the foam for your Dalgona Coffee. The water should be hot, but not boiling. Boiling water can scorch the coffee and create a bitter taste. Use water that is between 160°F to 180°F (71°C to 82°C) for best results. You can heat water on the stove or in the microwave, or use a kettle to heat water to the desired temperature.
Now that you know the essential ingredients, you’re ready to make your own cup of delicious Korean Dalgona Coffee!

Step-by-Step Recipe
Making Dalgona coffee is easy and fun. You only need three ingredients: instant coffee, sugar, and hot water. Follow these simple steps to create a delicious cup of Dalgona coffee.
Whipping the Dalgona
First, you need to whip the Dalgona. In a mixing bowl, combine two tablespoons of instant coffee, two tablespoons of sugar, and two tablespoons of hot water. You can adjust the amount of sugar and coffee to your taste. Whip the mixture with a hand mixer or stand mixer until it turns into a light caramel-colored foam. This will take about 3-4 minutes.

Preparing the Milk
Next, prepare the milk. Fill 2/3 of a cup with cold milk (about 1/2 cup) and add some ice. You can use any type of milk you like, such as whole milk, almond milk, or oat milk.
Combining the Layers
Now it’s time to combine the layers. Spoon the foam and add it to the top of the cup. You can also sprinkle the top with some hot cocoa powder or cinnamon. Mix it with a spoon to enjoy it as a latte or just as it is as you get a little bit of milk and foam in one sip.
That’s it! You have now created a delicious cup of Dalgona coffee. Enjoy it as a morning pick-me-up or as an afternoon treat. Experiment with different types of milk and toppings to create your own unique Dalgona coffee recipe.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
Now that you have mastered the art of making Dalgona coffee, it’s time to get creative with it! Here are some serving suggestions and variations to try out:
Serving Suggestions
- Serve the whipped coffee over ice for a refreshing summer drink.
- Add a splash of milk or non-dairy milk to the whipped coffee for a creamier texture.
- Sprinkle some cocoa powder or cinnamon on top of the whipped coffee for an extra flavor boost.
- Serve the whipped coffee with a biscuit or a cookie for a sweet treat.
Variations
Matcha Dalgona Coffee
For a twist on the classic recipe, try making Matcha Dalgona Coffee. Follow the same recipe for Dalgona coffee, but replace the instant coffee with matcha powder. Whip the mixture until it forms stiff peaks, and serve over ice with milk.
Chocolate Dalgona Coffee
Chocolate lovers, rejoice! You can make a delicious Chocolate Dalgona Coffee by adding cocoa powder to the whipped coffee mixture. Start with the classic recipe and add 1-2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the mixture. Whip until it forms stiff peaks, and serve over ice with milk.
Baileys Dalgona Coffee
For an adult twist on the classic recipe, try adding a splash of Baileys Irish Cream to the whipped coffee mixture. Whip the mixture until it forms stiff peaks, and serve over ice with milk.
Caramel Dalgona Coffee
If you have a sweet tooth, you will love Caramel Dalgona Coffee. Start with the classic recipe and add a tablespoon of caramel sauce to the whipped coffee mixture. Whip until it forms stiff peaks, and serve over ice with milk.
With these serving suggestions and variations, you can enjoy Dalgona coffee in many different ways. Experiment with different flavors and find your favorite!
