How to Make Dalgona Coffee: Viral Tik Tok Whipped Coffee Recipe
How to Make Dalgona Coffee: Viral Tik Tok Whipped Coffee Recipe is a easy Korean recipe that serves 1. 250 calories per serving. Recipe by Chef Studio on YouTube.
Prep: 5 min | Cook: PT0M | Total: 10 min
Cost: $0.45 total, $0.45 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Instant Coffee Granules (Fine instant coffee works best for a smooth foam)
- 2 tablespoons Granulated Sugar (White granulated sugar)
- 2 tablespoons Warm Water (Heat water to about 40°C (warm, not boiling))
- 1 cup Milk (Cold whole milk; any milk or plant‑based milk works)
- Handful Ice Cubes (Optional, for a chilled drink)
Instructions
Measure Ingredients
Add 2 tablespoons of instant coffee granules, 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, and 2 tablespoons of warm water into a mixing bowl.
Time: PT1M
Whisk into Foam
Whisk the mixture vigorously by hand or with an electric mixer until it becomes thick, glossy, and forms stiff peaks (about 2–3 minutes).
Time: PT3M
Prepare the Glass
Fill a glass with a handful of ice cubes and pour in 1 cup of cold milk.
Time: PT1M
Top with Whipped Coffee
Spoon the whipped coffee foam on top of the milk without stirring. Serve immediately.
Time: PT30S
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 250
- Protein
- 8 g
- Carbohydrates
- 30 g
- Fat
- 8 g
- Fiber
- 0 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Can be made vegan with plant‑based milk and a vegan sweetener
Allergens: Milk
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Instant Coffee Granules: Brewed coffee powder, Espresso powder
- Instead of Granulated Sugar: Brown sugar, Coconut sugar, Stevia (adjust amount)
- Instead of Milk: Almond milk, Oat milk, Soy milk
- Instead of Ice Cubes: Crushed ice
Equipment Needed
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring Spoons
- Glass
- Spoon
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Whisk the coffee‑sugar‑water mixture until stiff peaks form (about 2–3 minutes).
- Spoon the whipped coffee foam onto the cold milk without stirring.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use fine‑ground instant coffee for a smoother, more stable foam.
- A metal whisk works faster than a plastic one.
- Serve in a clear glass to highlight the beautiful layered appearance.
Troubleshooting
The mixture does not become fluffy and stays liquid.
Make sure the water is warm (around 40°C) and continue whisking for a few more minutes. Using fine instant coffee improves foam formation.
The whipped coffee sinks into the milk instead of staying on top.
Use very cold milk and ice; gently spoon the foam on top and avoid stirring until ready to drink.
Storage
Refrigerator: Whipped coffee can be kept in an airtight container for up to 12 hours, but texture will soften.
Freezer: Not recommended; foam loses its airy structure.
Room temperature: Best served immediately; foam will deflate within an hour.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Pre‑measure coffee, sugar, and water into a small container for faster assembly.
- You can whisk the foam ahead of time and store it in the fridge; give it a quick re‑whisk before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Dalgona Coffee in Korean cuisine?
Dalgona Coffee originated in South Korea in early 2020, inspired by a traditional honey‑comb candy called dalgona. The whipped coffee trend went viral on TikTok, turning a simple instant‑coffee foam into a fashionable café‑style drink.
What are the traditional regional variations of Dalgona Coffee in Korea?
While the classic version uses instant coffee, some Korean cafés experiment with matcha powder, cocoa, or flavored syrups mixed into the foam. The base of equal parts coffee, sugar, and water remains the same across variations.
How is Dalgona Coffee traditionally served in South Korea?
It is typically served in a clear glass or mug over cold milk and ice, allowing the fluffy coffee foam to sit on top. Diners stir the foam into the milk before drinking, creating a creamy, sweet coffee.
During which occasions is Dalgona Coffee commonly enjoyed in Korean pop culture?
Dalgona Coffee became a popular summer refreshment and a social‑media challenge, often shared at home gatherings, study breaks, or as a trendy Instagram post during warm weather.
What other Korean drinks pair well with Dalgona Coffee?
Pair it with a light Korean rice cake (tteok) or a sweet red bean dessert (patbingsu) for a balanced snack, or enjoy it alongside a cold barley tea (bori‑sikhye) for contrast.
What makes Dalgona Coffee special compared to regular iced coffee in Korean cuisine?
The distinctive airy foam created by whisking instant coffee, sugar, and water gives Dalgona Coffee a velvety texture and visual appeal that ordinary iced coffee lacks, turning a simple drink into a viral sensation.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Dalgona Coffee at home?
Common errors include using cold water, which prevents the sugar from dissolving; under‑whisking, which results in a liquid mixture; and adding the foam to warm milk, causing it to melt instantly.
Why does this Dalgona Coffee recipe use equal parts coffee, sugar, and warm water instead of a different ratio?
The 1:1:1 ratio balances sweetness, coffee intensity, and the ability to trap air during whisking, producing a stable, glossy foam that holds its shape when spooned over milk.
Can I make Dalgona Coffee ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can whisk the foam ahead and keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 12 hours. Before serving, give it a quick re‑whisk to restore its airy texture.
What does the YouTube channel Chef Studio specialize in?
The YouTube channel Chef Studio focuses on quick, trend‑driven recipes, coffee and tea experiments, and easy‑to‑follow tutorials for home cooks looking for modern, viral food ideas.
How does the YouTube channel Chef Studio's approach to coffee recipes differ from other coffee channels?
Chef Studio emphasizes minimal equipment, short prep times, and clear visual steps, often tying recipes to current social media trends, whereas many coffee channels focus on detailed brewing methods or specialty equipment.
Last updated: August 29, 2026
