Whipped Coffee (3 Ingredient Dalgona Coffee)

The first time I made whipped coffee, I stood in my kitchen watching a few spoonfuls of instant coffee, sugar and water turn into a thick, glossy, caramel colored cloud, and I could not believe it. It is one of the most satisfying drinks you can make at home. You spoon that fluffy coffee foam over a glass of cold or warm milk, stir it in, and get a creamy, sweet, cafe style drink for pennies. Here is exactly how I make it, plus the tricks that guarantee it whips up every time.

Quick answer: To make whipped coffee, add 2 tbsp of instant coffee, 2 tbsp of sugar and 2 tbsp of hot water to a bowl. Whisk with a hand mixer for 2 to 3 minutes, or by hand for 8 to 10 minutes, until thick, pale and fluffy with stiff peaks. Fill a glass with ice and 1 cup (240 ml) of milk, spoon the whipped coffee on top, then stir before drinking.

It makes 1 large drink or 2 small ones, and you only need 3 ingredients plus milk.

What Is Whipped Coffee?

Whipped coffee, also called dalgona coffee, is a drink made by whipping equal parts instant coffee, sugar and hot water into a thick, airy foam, then spooning it over milk. It became hugely popular online a few years ago, and the name comes from a South Korean honeycomb candy called dalgona, which has a similar golden color. It tastes like a sweet, creamy iced latte with a light, mousse like topping.

Why You Will Love It

• Only 3 ingredients. Instant coffee, sugar and water, plus milk to serve.
• No coffee machine needed. A whisk or hand mixer is all you need.
• It looks impressive. That fluffy layer on top of milk is so pretty in a clear glass.
• It is cheap. It costs a fraction of a cafe drink.
• Hot or iced. It works over cold milk with ice or warm, frothy milk.

Ingredients

This makes 1 large or 2 small drinks.

• 2 tbsp instant coffee granules or instant espresso powder
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar (white or light brown)
• 2 tbsp hot water
• 1 cup (240 ml) cold or warm milk of your choice
• Ice (for the iced version)
• Optional: a pinch of cinnamon or cocoa powder to finish

A few notes on the ingredients

Instant coffee: You must use instant coffee or instant espresso. Regular ground coffee or brewed coffee will not whip, because instant coffee is dried in a way that lets it hold air. Granules or powder both work.

Sugar: Sugar is what makes the foam stable and glossy. You can reduce it a little, but with no sugar at all the foam is thinner and collapses faster. Brown sugar gives a lovely caramel flavor.

Water: It needs to be hot so the coffee and sugar dissolve fully. Just off the boil is perfect.

Milk: Whole milk is creamiest, but oat, almond, soy and coconut milk all work nicely.

How to Make Whipped Coffee (Step by Step)

Add the ingredients. Put the instant coffee, sugar and hot water into a medium mixing bowl. Use a bowl with a little room, as the mixture grows to about 4 times its size.

Whisk. Using a hand mixer on high speed, whip for 2 to 3 minutes. With a handheld milk frother it takes about 3 to 4 minutes. By hand with a balloon whisk, it takes 8 to 10 minutes of fast whisking, so take turns if you need a break.

Watch it change. It will go from dark brown and bubbly, to light brown and foamy, to pale caramel, thick and glossy. It is ready when it holds stiff peaks and stays put if you turn the spoon upside down.

Prepare the glass. Fill a glass about two thirds with ice and pour in the cold milk. For a hot version, warm and froth the milk and pour it into a mug.

Top it. Spoon the whipped coffee on top of the milk and swirl it with the back of the spoon. Dust with a little cinnamon or cocoa.

Stir and enjoy. Stir the foam into the milk before drinking for a creamy coffee all the way through.

Jar trick: Put the coffee, sugar and hot water in a small jar with a tight lid and shake hard for 3 to 4 minutes. It is a great workout, and it really does whip up.

6 Whipped Coffee Variations

• Mocha whipped coffee. Add 1 tbsp cocoa powder to the coffee mixture before whipping, or pour the foam over chocolate milk.
• Vanilla whipped coffee. Add ½ tsp vanilla extract while whipping. Simple and so good.
• Caramel whipped coffee. Use brown sugar and drizzle caramel sauce inside the glass before adding milk.
• Cinnamon dolce. Add ½ tsp cinnamon to the mixture and sprinkle more on top.
• Strawberry milk whipped coffee. Pour the foam over strawberry milk, or blend milk with a few strawberries first. It looks gorgeous in layers.
• Whipped matcha. Instant coffee is the only coffee that whips, but if you love green tea, try a creamy matcha latte topped with a spoon of vanilla whipped cream for a similar look.

Troubleshooting: Why Won’t My Coffee Whip?

Can You Make Whipped Coffee Without Sugar?

You can, but the foam will not be as thick or stable, and it will collapse quickly. If you want a sugar free version, use a granulated sugar substitute that measures like sugar. Liquid sweeteners and stevia drops do not give the same thick texture.

My Tips for Perfect Whipped Coffee

• Use equal parts. The 1 to 1 to 1 ratio of coffee, sugar and water is the key to success.
• Use an electric tool if you can. A hand mixer or frother saves your arm and gives the fluffiest result.
• Use a deep bowl. It keeps the splatter in and helps the mixture whip faster.
• Serve right away. The foam slowly deflates, so assemble just before drinking.
• Make extra. Whipped coffee keeps in a sealed jar in the fridge for 2 to 3 days. Just give it a quick stir before using.

Common Mistakes

• Using decaf or regular coffee grounds. Decaf instant works, but grounds never will.
• Adding too much water. Extra water makes the foam thin. Stick to equal amounts.
• Stopping too early. It needs to reach stiff peaks, not soft bubbles.
• Skipping the stir. The foam on its own is very strong and sweet. Stir it into the milk for a balanced drink.

More Coffee Drinks to Try

If you love making coffee at home, try my everyday iced coffee recipe with homemade syrup, or keep it simple with a bold americano coffee made with espresso and hot water.

Whipped Coffee FAQs

What does whipped coffee taste like?

The foam on its own is strong, sweet and slightly bitter, a bit like coffee candy. Once stirred into milk, it tastes like a creamy, sweet iced latte.

Can I use regular coffee for whipped coffee?

No. Only instant coffee or instant espresso powder will whip into a thick foam.

How long does it take to make whipped coffee by hand?

About 8 to 10 minutes of fast whisking. A hand mixer cuts that to 2 to 3 minutes.

Can I make whipped coffee hot?

Yes. Spoon the foam over warm, frothy milk in a mug and stir.

How much caffeine is in whipped coffee?

It depends on the brand, but 2 tbsp of instant coffee usually has about 120 to 180 mg of caffeine, so this recipe is a strong drink. Split it between 2 glasses if you prefer it milder.

Can I store whipped coffee?

Yes. Keep it in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days and give it a quick whisk before using.

Final Thoughts

Whipped coffee is fun to make, gorgeous to look at and delicious to drink. With just instant coffee, sugar, hot water and milk, you can make a cafe worthy drink in a few minutes. Grab a whisk and try it tomorrow morning.