Dalgona Coffee Recipe
Dalgona coffee is a whipped mixture of instant coffee, sugar and hot water spooned over milk. You do not need an espresso machine. Instant coffee dissolves into the mixture; ordinary ground coffee is not a substitute.
Ingredients for two small drinks
- 2 tablespoons instant coffee
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons hot water
- About 300–400 ml milk, divided between two glasses
- Ice, if serving cold
This makes a strong, sweet topping. Use less topping per drink if preferred. Decaf instant coffee is an option, although decaf does not mean completely caffeine-free.
Whip and assemble
- Combine instant coffee, sugar and hot water in a bowl large enough to contain splashes.
- Whisk by hand or with an electric whisk until lighter in color and thick enough to hold soft peaks.
- Divide cold milk and ice between two glasses, or use warm milk in heat-safe cups.
- Spoon the topping over the milk.
- Stir together before drinking for a more even balance of coffee and milk.
Time varies with the whisk, bowl and instant coffee. Judge the texture rather than stopping at an exact minute.
If the mixture will not thicken
Check that you used soluble instant coffee, not ground beans. Too much water makes whipping harder, and reducing sugar substantially can reduce foam stability. Start with the stated proportions before experimenting.
Some soluble espresso powders may work, but products vary. Brewed espresso cannot be swapped in at the same quantity without changing the water and dissolved-solids balance.
Adjust the finished drink
For less sweetness, first use less topping over more milk. Add a light dusting of cocoa or cinnamon after whipping rather than assuming every flavor powder will form the same foam. Matcha needs a different recipe; it is not a direct replacement for instant coffee here.
For a different cold-coffee approach, try AeroPress iced coffee. If you want to practice steam-wand texture instead, read how to steam milk; dalgona topping and steamed microfoam are different preparations.
