I bet you didn’t know that Dalgona Coffee, the trendy drink that took social media by storm, has roots in a South Korean street snack. While it might seem like a recent invention, the concept of whipped coffee has been around for decades in various forms across different cultures. What’s particularly intriguing about this beverage is how it transforms simple ingredients into a luxurious treat through a bit of elbow grease. If you’re curious about the science behind the foam or want to learn some pro tips for achieving the perfect consistency, you’re in for a treat. Let’s explore the world of Dalgona Coffee together.
History
In spite of its recent viral fame, Dalgona coffee has roots that stretch back decades. While it gained worldwide popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic, the concept of whipped coffee isn’t new.
In fact, I’ve discovered that similar beverages have existed in various cultures for years. The drink’s origins can be traced to India, where it’s known as “phenti hui coffee” or “beaten coffee.” It’s been a popular homemade beverage there for generations.
In Greece, a similar drink called “frappe” has been enjoyed since the 1950s, highlighting the diverse brewing traditions around the world.
The Korean version, which gave us the name “Dalgona,” emerged in the 2010s, showcasing the creativity of coffee preparation. The term “Dalgona” itself comes from a Korean honeycomb toffee with a similar texture to the whipped coffee foam.
It wasn’t until 2020, however, that the drink truly went viral. A South Korean actor posted about it on social media, sparking a global trend. As people found themselves spending more time at home during lockdowns, Dalgona coffee became a fun, easy-to-make treat that anyone could recreate in their kitchen, reminiscent of the simplicity found in Greca preparation steps.
Recipe
Dalgona coffee is a trendy and visually striking beverage that gained immense popularity during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. This South Korean-inspired drink features a creamy coffee foam layered over cold milk, creating a delightful contrast in both taste and texture.
The key to a perfect Dalgona coffee lies in the whipped coffee topping, which is made by vigorously mixing equal parts instant coffee, sugar, and hot water until it becomes light and fluffy. This frothy mixture is then spooned over a glass of cold milk and ice, resulting in a invigorating and indulgent drink that’s perfect for warm days or as a special treat any time of the year.
- 2 tablespoons instant coffee
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons hot water
- 1 cup cold milk
- Ice cubes
To prepare Dalgona coffee, start by combining the instant coffee, sugar, and hot water in a bowl. Using a hand whisk or electric mixer, whip the mixture vigorously for 3-5 minutes until it becomes thick and creamy, with stiff peaks forming. Fill a glass with ice cubes and cold milk, leaving some space at the top.
Carefully spoon the whipped coffee mixture over the milk, creating a distinct layer. Serve immediately and stir before drinking to combine the coffee foam with the milk.
For best results, use a high-quality instant coffee for a richer flavor. If you prefer a stronger coffee taste, you can add an extra spoonful of instant coffee to the mixture. Experiment with different types of milk, such as oat or almond milk, for a dairy-free version. To make the whipping process easier, use very hot water to dissolve the coffee and sugar more effectively.
Lastly, if you find the drink too sweet, you can adjust the sugar content to your liking or add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.
Step-By-Step
I’ll walk you through the simple steps to make Dalgona coffee.
First, you’ll combine the instant coffee, sugar, and hot water in a bowl, then whip the mixture until it becomes fluffy and forms stiff peaks.
Next, you’ll fill a glass with cold milk and ice, carefully add the coffee foam on top, and finally stir it all together before enjoying your delicious creation.
Step 1. Combine Ingredients in Bowl
To begin creating Dalgona coffee, you’ll need to mix the key components in a bowl. Start by measuring out equal amounts of instant coffee, sugar, and hot water. For a single portion, I suggest using 2 tablespoons of each. It’s crucial to use instant coffee, as regular ground coffee won’t yield the same outcomes.
Pour the measured components into a medium-sized bowl. Make sure the bowl is spacious enough to allow for vigorous whisking without spilling. The hot water should be freshly boiled to guarantee it’s hot enough to dissolve the coffee and sugar quickly. If you’re using an electric mixer, you can use a deeper bowl to prevent splattering.
Before you start blending, give the components a quick stir with a spoon to help them mix. This initial blending will make the whisking process easier and more efficient.
Step 2. Whip Mixture Until Fluffy
Now that you’ve combined the ingredients, it’s time to transform them into the signature Dalgona coffee foam. I’ll guide you through the whipping process to achieve that perfect fluffy texture.
Using either a hand whisk or an electric mixer, start vigorously whipping the mixture. You’ll notice it begin to change color and consistency as you continue. The key is to maintain a steady, rapid motion to incorporate air into the mixture. If you’re using a hand whisk, you’ll need to put in some elbow grease – this can take about 3-5 minutes of continuous whipping.
As you whip, you’ll see the mixture become lighter in color and increase in volume. Keep going until you achieve stiff peaks – this means when you lift your whisk or beaters, the mixture should hold its shape without drooping.
The texture should be thick, creamy, and velvety smooth. If you’re not sure if it’s ready, try turning your bowl upside down. If the mixture stays put, you’ve achieved the perfect consistency for your Dalgona coffee foam.
Step 3. Fill Glass With Milk
While your Dalgona coffee foam is ready, it’s time to prepare the base of your drink. I’ll guide you through the process of filling your glass with milk, which will serve as the foundation for your delicious coffee creation.
First, choose a clear glass that’s tall enough to accommodate both the milk and the coffee foam. This will allow you to appreciate the visual appeal of the layered drink.
Next, add a handful of ice cubes to the glass. The ice will help keep your drink cold and invigorating.
Now, it’s time to pour in the milk. I recommend using cold milk for the best results, as it creates a nice temperature contrast with the coffee foam. Fill the glass about two-thirds full with milk, leaving enough space at the top for the whipped coffee mixture.
If you prefer a dairy-free option, you can easily substitute regular milk with alternatives like almond, oat, or soy milk. These options will still provide a creamy base for your Dalgona coffee while catering to different dietary preferences or restrictions.
Step 4. Add Foam to Milk
The crowning glory of your Dalgona coffee awaits as we move to the final step. Now that you’ve prepared the whipped coffee mixture and filled your glass with cold milk and ice, it’s time to add the foam.
Take your bowl of fluffy coffee foam and grab a spoon. Carefully scoop the whipped mixture onto the top of the milk, making sure to create a distinct layer. You’ll want to add enough foam to form a generous mound above the milk’s surface.
As you spoon the foam, try to maintain its airy texture. Don’t press it down or mix it into the milk just yet. The goal is to create a visually striking contrast between the dark, creamy foam and the white milk beneath.
Once you’ve added all the foam, take a moment to admire your creation. The coffee foam should sit proudly atop the milk, resembling a soft, pillowy cloud. When you’re ready to drink, give it a gentle stir to combine the foam with the milk, creating a perfectly balanced and indulgent Dalgona coffee experience.
Step 5. Stir and Enjoy Immediately
Finally, it’s time to relish your Dalgona coffee creation. Before you take your first sip, gently stir the whipped coffee foam into the cold milk. This step is important as it combines the rich, creamy coffee layer with the cool, invigorating milk, creating a perfectly balanced beverage.
As you stir, you’ll notice the drink’s color change to a light brown, indicating that the coffee and milk have blended well. Don’t overmix, though; you want to maintain some of the foam’s texture for a luxurious mouthfeel.
Once you’ve stirred to your desired consistency, it’s best to enjoy your Dalgona coffee immediately. The foam will gradually dissolve into the milk if left too long, altering the drink’s signature texture and appearance. Sip slowly to fully appreciate the contrast between the sweet, velvety coffee foam and the cold milk underneath.
If you find the drink too sweet, you can adjust the sugar content in future preparations. I also like to drink it with something savoury like this recipe to offset the sweetness. The choice is yours. Remember, Dalgona coffee is highly customizable, so feel free to experiment with different milk types or even add a sprinkle of cocoa powder on top for extra flavor.