Whipped Coffee Recipe
Whipped Coffee Recipe is a easy Fusion recipe that serves 1. 270 calories per serving. Recipe by Cooking With A Little Spice on YouTube.
Prep: 8 min | Cook: PT0M | Total: 18 min
Cost: $10.13 total, $10.13 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Instant Coffee (fine, strong‑flavored instant coffee (e.g., Nescafé))
- 2 tablespoons Granulated Sugar (regular white sugar)
- 2 tablespoons Hot Water (just boiled, then slightly cooled)
- 2 pieces Ice Cube Balls (large spherical ice cubes for a slow melt)
- 1.5 ounces Espresso Liqueur (e.g., Kahlúa or any coffee‑flavored liqueur)
- 4 ounces Milk (whole milk or any plant‑based milk of choice)
Instructions
Gather Ingredients and Tools
Measure out instant coffee, sugar, hot water, milk, espresso liqueur, and have ice cube balls ready. Set out the mixing bowl, whisk, measuring spoons, shot glass, rocks glass, and stirring spoon.
Time: PT3M
Whisk the Coffee Mixture
In the mixing bowl combine 2 Tbsp instant coffee, 2 Tbsp sugar, and 2 Tbsp hot water. Whisk vigorously by hand (or with a frother) until the mixture becomes thick, glossy, and forms stiff peaks – about 2 minutes.
Time: PT2M
Prepare the Glass
Place two ice‑cube balls into the rocks glass.
Time: PT0M
Add Espresso Liqueur
Measure 1.5 oz espresso liqueur in a shot glass and pour it over the ice.
Time: PT0M
Add Milk
Pour 4 oz milk into the glass, leaving a small gap at the top for the whipped coffee.
Time: PT0M
Top with Whipped Coffee
Spoon the whipped coffee mixture on top of the milk, allowing it to float as a fluffy layer.
Time: PT0M
Stir Before Drinking
Just before sipping, stir the drink gently to blend the coffee foam with the milk and liqueur.
Time: PT0M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 270
- Protein
- 4 g
- Carbohydrates
- 18 g
- Fat
- 4 g
- Fiber
- 0 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Contains caffeine, Contains alcohol
Allergens: Milk, Alcohol
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Instant Coffee: Instant espresso powder
- Instead of Granulated Sugar: Brown sugar, Honey (use less, adjust sweetness)
- Instead of Hot Water: Warm milk (will change flavor)
- Instead of Ice Cube Balls: Regular ice cubes
- Instead of Espresso Liqueur: Coffee vodka, Rum mixed with a shot of espresso
- Instead of Milk: Almond milk, Oat milk, Soy milk
Equipment Needed
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring Spoons
- Shot Glass
- Rocks Glass (or similar short glass)
- Bar Spoon or Stirring Spoon
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Whisk the coffee mixture until stiff peaks form; under‑whisked coffee will be watery.
- Pour the espresso liqueur over ice before adding milk to keep the alcohol chilled.
- Float the whipped coffee on top without mixing until ready to drink.
Chef Tips from the Video
- For extra shine, drizzle a tiny drizzle of chocolate syrup over the foam.
- A dash of cinnamon or cocoa powder on top adds aroma and visual appeal.
- If you prefer a non‑alcoholic version, replace the espresso liqueur with a shot of cold brew concentrate.
Troubleshooting
The coffee mixture stays grainy and never becomes fluffy.
Continue whisking; use a metal bowl and ensure the water is hot (around 190°F/88°C). Adding a pinch of baking soda can help stabilize the foam.
The whipped coffee sinks instead of floating.
Make sure the foam is fully set with stiff peaks before topping. Spoon gently and avoid over‑mixing.
Drink becomes too diluted quickly.
Use ice‑ball molds for slower melt, or add the ice just before serving.
Storage
Refrigerator: Whipped coffee can be stored in an airtight container for up to 12 hours; keep ice and milk separate.
Freezer: Not applicable.
Room temperature: Serve immediately; the assembled cocktail should be consumed within 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Whip the coffee mixture up to 12 hours in advance and keep it refrigerated; give it a quick stir before topping.
- Prepare ice balls the night before and keep them frozen.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Dalgona coffee in South Korean coffee culture?
Dalgona coffee originated in South Korea during the 2020 pandemic when home‑bound coffee lovers created a frothy, sweet coffee using instant coffee, sugar, and hot water. Its light, airy texture went viral on social media, symbolizing a simple comfort drink that could be made with pantry staples.
How did the whipped coffee trend become popular worldwide and influence cocktail creations?
The viral TikTok videos of Dalgona coffee spread globally, inspiring baristas and home mixologists to incorporate the fluffy foam into drinks beyond coffee, such as cocktails, mocktails, and desserts. The trend shows how a visual, Instagram‑ready technique can cross over into adult beverage culture.
What traditional Korean variations of Dalgona coffee exist, and how does this cocktail differ?
Traditional Korean Dalgona coffee is served over milk without alcohol. Some variations add a pinch of salt or cocoa powder for flavor. This recipe adds espresso liqueur and serves the drink over ice, turning the sweet foam into a spirited cocktail suitable for adult gatherings.
In what occasions or celebrations is a coffee cocktail like this typically enjoyed in modern café culture?
Coffee cocktails are popular at brunches, summer patio parties, and after‑work happy hours. The chilled, frothy nature makes it a refreshing alternative to classic hot coffee drinks during warm weather gatherings.
How does the addition of espresso liqueur transform the traditional Dalgona coffee into a cocktail within the broader coffee beverage tradition?
Espresso liqueur introduces alcohol, depth, and a slightly bitter coffee note that balances the sweet whipped topping. It elevates the drink from a non‑alcoholic treat to a cocktail, aligning it with classic coffee‑based drinks like Irish coffee while keeping the modern Dalgona aesthetic.
What are the authentic ingredients for classic Dalgona coffee versus acceptable substitutes used in this recipe?
Authentic Dalgona coffee uses instant coffee, granulated sugar, and hot water. Acceptable substitutes include instant espresso powder for a stronger flavor, brown sugar or honey for a richer sweetness, and warm milk instead of water if a creamier base is desired.
What other coffee‑based cocktails pair well with this whipped coffee cocktail?
Pairs nicely with an Espresso Martini, a Cold Brew Negroni, or a simple Coffee Old Fashioned. Serving a contrasting bitter cocktail alongside highlights the sweet‑creamy profile of the whipped coffee cocktail.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when whisking the instant coffee mixture for the whipped coffee topping?
Common mistakes include using lukewarm water, stopping too early before stiff peaks form, and whisking in a shallow bowl which limits foam development. Use hot water (around 190°F/88°C), a deep metal bowl, and whisk continuously for at least two minutes.
Why does this recipe use hot water instead of warm milk for whisking the coffee mixture?
Hot water dissolves the coffee and sugar instantly, allowing the proteins in the instant coffee to denature and trap air, creating a stable foam. Warm milk adds fat that interferes with foam formation, resulting in a less airy texture.
What does the YouTube channel Cooking With A Little Spice specialize in, and how does its approach to coffee drinks differ from other channels?
Cooking With A Little Spice focuses on easy‑to‑make, flavor‑forward recipes that blend global trends with home‑cooking practicality. Its coffee‑drink videos emphasize quick, pantry‑based techniques and often add a twist—like turning viral drinks into adult cocktails—setting it apart from channels that stick to traditional coffee brewing methods.
Last updated: September 4, 2026
