DALGONA Coffee

DALGONA Coffee is a easy Korean recipe that serves 1. 120 calories per serving. Recipe by Island Vibe Cooking on YouTube.

Prep: 5 min | Cook: PT0M | Total: 10 min

Cost: $0.37 total, $0.37 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons Instant Coffee (fine, non‑decaf for best foam)
  • 2 tablespoons Granulated Sugar (regular white sugar; can use superfine for quicker dissolving)
  • 2 tablespoons Hot Water (just off the boil (about 90‑95°C))
  • 1 cup Milk (cold; any type (dairy, almond, oat, soy))
  • a handful Ice Cubes (optional, for a chilled drink)

Instructions

  1. Measure Ingredients

    Measure 2 Tbsp instant coffee, 2 Tbsp granulated sugar, and 2 Tbsp hot water into a mixing bowl.

    Time: PT1M

  2. Combine and Start Whipping

    Using a hand mixer on low speed (level 1), begin mixing the ingredients until they are just combined.

    Time: PT30S

  3. Whip to Stiff Peaks

    Increase the mixer to medium speed (level 2‑3) and whip for 3‑5 minutes until the mixture turns light caramel‑brown and forms stiff, glossy peaks.

    Time: PT4M

  4. Prepare the Serving Glass

    Fill a glass with a handful of ice cubes and pour the cold milk over the ice, leaving room for the foam.

    Time: PT1M

  5. Add the Whipped Coffee

    Spoon the whipped coffee foam on top of the milk. Serve immediately and stir before drinking if desired.

    Time: PT30S

Nutrition Facts

Calories
120
Protein
2 g
Carbohydrates
15 g
Fat
3 g
Fiber
0 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Can be made vegan with plant milk and vegan sugar

Allergens: Milk (if dairy milk is used), Caffeine (coffee)

Last updated: April 21, 2026

Amazon Associates

Amazon Associates PartnerTrusted

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases made through links on this page. This helps support our site at no extra cost to you. Clicking on ingredient or equipment links will take you to amazon.com where you can purchase these items.

DALGONA Coffee

Recipe by Island Vibe Cooking

A quick and refreshing Dalgona coffee made with just instant coffee, sugar, and hot water, whipped into a fluffy foam and served over milk and ice. Perfect for a viral TikTok-inspired treat.

EasyKoreanServes 1

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
6m
Prep
0m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
16m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$0.37
Total cost
$0.37
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Whipping the coffee mixture until stiff peaks form (step 3).
  • Layering the whipped coffee on top of the milk (step 5).

Safety Warnings

  • Hot water can cause burns; handle with care.
  • Be cautious when using an electric hand mixer to avoid splatter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Dalgona Coffee in Korean cuisine?

A

Dalgona Coffee originated in South Korea during the COVID‑19 pandemic as a simple, Instagram‑friendly drink made with instant coffee, sugar, and water. Its name comes from a Korean honey‑comb candy called dalgona, which the foam resembles, and it quickly became a global TikTok sensation.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Dalgona Coffee in Korean street food culture?

A

In Korea, the basic whipped coffee is sometimes flavored with a dash of vanilla or cocoa powder, and it can be served over sweetened condensed milk for extra richness. Some cafés also offer a cold‑brew version where the foam is made with cold water and a high‑speed blender.

cultural
Q

How is Dalgona Coffee traditionally served in South Korea?

A

Traditionally, the fluffy coffee foam is spooned over a glass of cold milk and ice, creating a striking two‑tone appearance. Diners stir the foam into the milk before drinking, enjoying the contrast of hot‑flavored foam with chilled milk.

cultural
Q

During which occasions or celebrations is Dalgona Coffee commonly enjoyed in Korean culture?

A

While not tied to a specific holiday, Dalgona Coffee became a popular treat during lockdowns and is now often served at casual gatherings, brunches, and as a refreshing summer beverage in Korean cafés.

cultural
Q

What other Korean drinks pair well with Dalgona Coffee?

A

Dalgona Coffee pairs nicely with Korean desserts such as bingsu (shaved ice) or hotteok (sweet pancakes). For a full Korean‑style café experience, serve it alongside a glass of sweet rice punch (sikhye) or a fruit‑infused barley tea.

cultural
Q

What makes Dalgona Coffee special or unique in Korean coffee culture?

A

Its uniqueness lies in the dramatic transformation of simple pantry ingredients into a light, airy foam that looks like a dessert topping. The visual appeal and the tactile experience of whisking the foam at home set it apart from typical Korean coffee drinks.

cultural
Q

How has Dalgona Coffee evolved over time in global social media trends?

A

Since its viral rise on TikTok in 2020, Dalgona Coffee has inspired countless variations, including vegan versions, flavored foams, and even alcoholic twists. It has moved from a novelty to a staple menu item in many cafés worldwide.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Dalgona Coffee at home?

A

Common mistakes include using cold water, which prevents the sugar and coffee from dissolving properly, and under‑whipping, which results in a grainy texture. Also, using regular ground coffee instead of instant coffee will not produce the required foam.

technical
Q

Why does this Dalgona Coffee recipe use hot water instead of cold water for whipping?

A

Hot water helps dissolve the sugar and coffee instantly, creating a smooth base that can be aerated quickly. Cold water slows dissolution, making it harder to achieve the stiff peaks needed for the characteristic foam.

technical
Q

Can I make Dalgona Coffee ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, you can whip the coffee foam ahead and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Before serving, give it a quick whisk to revive any lost stiffness, then spoon it over fresh milk and ice.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Island Vibe Cooking specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Island Vibe Cooking specializes in easy, tropical‑inspired recipes that blend island flavors with simple, everyday ingredients, often focusing on quick meals and viral food trends.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Island Vibe Cooking's approach to Korean coffee drinks differ from other cooking channels?

A

Island Vibe Cooking emphasizes relaxed, beach‑vibe presentation and often adds a tropical twist—like using coconut milk—while still staying true to the original technique, setting it apart from more formal culinary channels that stick strictly to traditional methods.

channel

You Might Also Like

Similar recipes converted from YouTube cooking videos

Dalgona Coffee at Home (Frothy Coffee)
5

Dalgona Coffee at Home (Frothy Coffee)

A quick and easy homemade coffee foam made with instant coffee, sugar, and hot water. Whisked to a light, airy texture, it tops iced milk for a refreshing coffee‑style drink. Perfect for the current coffee‑foam trend on YouTube.

10 minServes 2$1
International
Dalgona Coffee Recipe Whipped Coffee Recipe Winter Special Dalgona Coffee
3

Dalgona Coffee Recipe Whipped Coffee Recipe Winter Special Dalgona Coffee

A fun, no‑machine version of the viral South Korean Dalgona coffee. Instant coffee, sugar and water are whisked into a thick, creamy foam and topped with hot milk for a rich, café‑style beverage that can be made at home in under 20 minutes.

35 minServes 2$1
Korean
Dalgona coffee from @soukainasing
3

Dalgona coffee from @soukainasing

A quick, sweet iced coffee made by mixing instant coffee, sugar, and hot water, then chilling with ice, milk, chocolate syrup, and colorful sprinkles. Perfect for a refreshing treat any time of day.

11 minServes 1$1
American
Whipped Coffee / Dalgona Coffee Recipe
4

Whipped Coffee / Dalgona Coffee Recipe

A quick, viral‑style whipped coffee made with equal parts instant coffee, sugar, and hot water, then floated over hot or iced milk. Optional vanilla, cinnamon, and cocoa powder add a Mexican‑chocolate twist. Perfect for a fast café‑like treat at home.

10 minServes 2$1
Korean
Dalgona whipped coffee…no instant!
3

Dalgona whipped coffee…no instant!

A quick, viral‑style whipped coffee made with just equal parts granulated sugar and coffee powder, whisked with hot water until light and fluffy, then spooned over milk. No instant coffee needed, just a hand frother and a few minutes of effort.

12 minServes 2$1
Coffee Beverage
The Pioneer Woman Makes Internet-Famous Dalgona Coffee
8

The Pioneer Woman Makes Internet-Famous Dalgona Coffee

A viral Korean whipped coffee made by vigorously mixing instant coffee, sugar, hot water and vanilla until fluffy, then spooned over cold milk and ice for a refreshing iced beverage.

7 minServes 1$1
Korean
Whipped Dalgona Coffee
5

Whipped Dalgona Coffee

A quick and easy whipped coffee recipe inspired by the viral Dalgona coffee trend. Mix instant coffee, sugar, and hot water, whip into a fluffy foam, and serve over cold milk and ice for a refreshing, cafe‑style drink at home.

11 minServes 2$1
Korean
4 Ingredient Magic✨Whipped Dalgona Coffee vs. Iced Greek Frappé
3

4 Ingredient Magic✨Whipped Dalgona Coffee vs. Iced Greek Frappé

A side‑by‑side guide to making two popular instant‑coffee drinks: Korean‑style Dalgona coffee with a fluffy, caramel‑colored foam and Greek‑style Frappé (Metrios) with a light, airy froth. Both are quick, easy, and perfect for hot days. The recipe includes detailed steps, equipment, tips, and cultural background.

15 minServes 2$1
Korean / Greek