What is Dalgona Coffee?

Dalgona Coffee:

Dalgona Coffee, 달고나커피 in Korean, is a whipped iced coffee drink made from equal parts of instant coffee granules, sugar and water. It became popular during the 2020 COVID-19 quarantine, when most coffee shops were closed and people shared their coffee creations over social media.

While Dalgona Coffee is the most common name for the now trendy whipped instant coffee drink, whipping instant coffee isn't a new phenomena. For example, in Spain, whipped instant coffee is called Batido, which means "beaten" in English. It is served on top of a hot cup of milk. In India, "pheta (beaten) coffee" or D esi Cappuccino, is a whipped instant coffee served as a homemade cappuccino on top of steamed milk. In Pakistan, “Phitti Hui Coffee” is a Pakistani version of homemade latte made from beaten instant coffee with water and milk. In Macau, you could already order "Chow Yun-Fat” or whipped instant coffee from local cafés like the Hon Kee café. It is also very similar to the Greek traditional frapp é.

The name Dalgona Coffee is derived from the Korean sugary candy Dalgona (similar to honeycomb). The color and consistency of the whipped instant coffee looks similar to the traditional candy while it is not actually included in the drink.

How is Dalgona Coffee Made?

Combine two tbsp of Waka instant coffee, two tbsp of sugar, and two tbsp of hot water in a medium bowl.
Whip the mixture by hand or with a hand mixer for about three minutes, or until the foam is lightened in color and creamy. If mixing by hand, use a whisk (this will take longer time).
Spoon the creamy mixture atop two glasses filled with milk and ice. Add toppings such as, cookie crumbles, cinnamon powder or chocolate chips if desired.
Gently mix whipped coffee with the milk and enjoy.