Dalgona Coffee is so Amazing
Dalgona Coffee is so AMAZING 🤯 is a easy Korean recipe that serves 1. 180 calories per serving. Recipe by Dustin Hadley on YouTube.
Prep: 5 min | Cook: PT0M | Total: 10 min
Cost: $3.52 total, $3.52 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Instant Coffee (fine, non‑decaf preferred for best foam)
- 2 tablespoons Granulated Cane Sugar (white cane sugar; can use regular granulated sugar)
- 2 tablespoons Hot Water (just boiled and slightly cooled (around 80‑90°C))
- 1 cup Milk (whole milk recommended; can substitute with any plant‑based milk)
- as needed Ice Cubes (optional, for a chilled drink)
Instructions
Measure Ingredients
Measure 2 Tbsp instant coffee, 2 Tbsp granulated cane sugar, and 2 Tbsp hot water into a mixing bowl.
Time: PT1M
Combine and Whisk
Stir the coffee, sugar, and hot water together briefly to create a uniform slurry.
Time: PT30S
Whip the Mixture
Using a hand mixer on high speed, whip the mixture for 3‑5 minutes until it becomes thick, glossy, and holds stiff peaks (it should look like a light mousse).
Time: PT4M
Prepare the Glass
Fill a glass with ice cubes (optional) and pour 1 cup cold milk over the ice.
Time: PT30S
Top with Whipped Coffee
Spoon the whipped coffee mousse on top of the milk, creating a layered look.
Time: PT30S
Serve and Enjoy
Insert a straw or use a spoon, stir the foam into the milk, and enjoy immediately.
Time: PT30S
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 180
- Protein
- 8 g
- Carbohydrates
- 20 g
- Fat
- 8 g
- Fiber
- 0 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Can be made vegan by using plant‑based milk and a non‑refined sugar
Allergens: Milk
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Instant Coffee: Espresso powder, Coffee granules
- Instead of Granulated Cane Sugar: Brown sugar, Honey (use less for texture), Maple syrup (reduce amount)
- Instead of Milk: Almond milk, Oat milk, Soy milk
Equipment Needed
- Mixing Bowl
- Hand Mixer or Whisk
- Measuring Spoons
- Glass or Cup
- Straw (optional) (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Whipping the coffee mixture to stiff peaks is essential for the characteristic fluffy texture.
- Using hot water (not cold) ensures the coffee and sugar dissolve completely before whipping.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a chilled mixing bowl and beaters; cold metal helps the foam set faster.
- For an extra‑creamy drink, use 3 Tbsp milk and a dash of vanilla extract.
- If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce the sugar to 1 Tbsp.
Troubleshooting
The coffee mixture stays liquid and never forms peaks.
Check that you used the correct ratio (2:2:2) and that the water is hot enough. Add a pinch of extra instant coffee and continue whipping for another minute.
The foam collapses quickly after topping the milk.
Serve immediately after topping. If you need to hold it longer, keep the whipped foam separate in a sealed container and add just before serving.
The foam is grainy.
Make sure the sugar is fully dissolved before whipping. Using superfine sugar or dissolving the sugar in the hot water first helps achieve a smoother texture.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store the whipped coffee mixture in an airtight container for 3‑5 days.
Freezer: Freeze the whipped mixture in a sealed container; it will keep for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge before use.
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature for more than 2 hours due to sugar fermentation.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Whip a larger batch of the coffee foam and keep it refrigerated; simply spoon the desired amount over fresh milk each morning.
- Cover the whipped mixture tightly to prevent it from absorbing odors from the fridge.
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 when a TikTok video showed the frothy coffee made with instant coffee, sugar and water. The name comes from a Korean honey‑comb candy called dalgona, which has a similar light, airy texture. The drink quickly became a global viral sensation, symbolising a fun, Instagram‑ready coffee trend.
What are the traditional regional variations of Dalgona Coffee in Korean coffee culture?
In Korea the classic version uses whole milk and ice, but variations include adding a splash of condensed milk for extra richness, using oat or almond milk for a dairy‑free twist, or flavoring the foam with cocoa powder or cinnamon. Some cafés also serve it over shaved ice for a summer‑style dessert drink.
How is Dalgona Coffee traditionally served in South Korea?
It is typically served in a clear glass or tall mug with a generous layer of whipped coffee foam on top of cold milk and ice. Diners stir the foam into the milk before drinking, creating a sweet, creamy coffee beverage.
On what occasions is Dalgona Coffee traditionally enjoyed in Korean culture?
While not tied to a specific holiday, Dalgona Coffee became popular as a refreshing summer drink and a social media‑friendly treat. It is often enjoyed at home during a coffee break, at gatherings, or as a novelty beverage in cafés.
What other Korean drinks pair well with Dalgona Coffee?
Dalgona Coffee pairs nicely with traditional Korean desserts such as patbingsu (shaved ice with sweet toppings) or hotteok (sweet pancakes). For a full Korean‑style coffee experience, serve it alongside a glass of milky sweetened barley tea (bori‑sikhye).
What makes Dalgona Coffee special compared to other coffee drinks in Korean cuisine?
Its unique appeal lies in the dramatic transformation of simple instant coffee into a light, airy mousse using only a whisk or mixer. The visual contrast of the fluffy foam over milk and the quick, no‑brew preparation set it apart from traditional brewed Korean coffee.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Dalgona Coffee at home?
Common errors include using cold water (which prevents the sugar and coffee from dissolving), incorrect ingredient ratios, and stopping the whisking too early. The foam must reach stiff peaks; otherwise it will be watery and collapse.
Why does this Dalgona Coffee recipe use hot water instead of cold water for the foam?
Hot water quickly dissolves the instant coffee and sugar, creating a smooth base that can be aerated efficiently. Cold water leaves granules undissolved, resulting in a grainy texture and preventing the mixture from reaching the required volume.
Can I make Dalgona Coffee ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, whip a larger batch of the coffee foam and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3‑5 days. For longer storage, freeze the foam in a sealed container; thaw it in the fridge before using.
What does the YouTube channel Dustin Hadley specialize in?
The YouTube channel Dustin Hadley focuses on simple, everyday cooking hacks, quick beverage tutorials, and approachable recipes that require minimal equipment and ingredients.
How does the YouTube channel Dustin Hadley’s approach to coffee drinks differ from other coffee‑focused channels?
Dustin Hadley emphasizes ultra‑simple, no‑fuss methods using common pantry items and household tools, whereas many coffee‑centric channels often rely on specialty equipment like espresso machines or elaborate latte art techniques.
Last updated: August 29, 2026
