It seemed to come out of thin air, but in a matter of days, a three-ingredient whipped coffee drink (aka Dalgona coffee) hailing from Southeast Asia has gone from an unheard-of regional favorite to a viral social media sensation. After gaining popularity on TikTok, it quickly spread across all platforms from Instagram to YouTube—there was no escaping it. I had no choice but to try this coffee craze out for myself!
During my search for a recipe, I discovered LA Times cooking columnist Ben Mims’ Instagram story on how to make whipped coffee. Breaking it down into steps, his recipe seemed straightforward and used ingredients I already had at home, so I got started right away.
How to Make Whipped Coffee
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons instant coffee
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons hot water
- 1 cup whole milk
Instructions
Combine instant coffee, sugar and hot water in a bowl. Using a whisk or electric mixer, beat for 2-5 minutes until mixture has lightened in color and holds a soft peak. Pour milk into a glass and top with coffee mixture. Stir to combine.
Initial Thoughts
The main question I had before starting was how on Earth do instant coffee, sugar and water whisk into a thick whipped-cream like consistency? I’d only ever whipped egg whites and heavy cream but never coffee. I thought I’d have to whisk for ages to get it to thicken, and I worried that my nonexistent upper body strength would make it impossible. There was only one way to find out.
Whipping the Coffee
To my surprise, the mixture started to thicken and change color after only a minute or two of whisking! It turns out that instant coffee has a preservative in it called xanthan gum that helps stabilize the coffee when whipped—giving it that airy, frothy texture. This is also the reason why this recipe only works with instant coffee powder, not finely ground espresso or regular coffee.
Adding the Milk
Once the mixture was thick enough to hold a soft peak (here’s what soft peaks look like), I poured my milk into a glass. I’ve seen some people pour their milk over ice, but I wanted to try it au naturel first and skipped this step. I spooned the coffee mixture over my milk, snapped the obligatory Instagram picture, and took a sip. My mustache of coffee cream made me realize that I should probably stir before drinking so I grabbed a spoon, gave it a good mix, and tried again.
The Outcome
Wow, this was good! It was strong like espresso yet creamy and frothy like a latte. It had just the right amount of sweetness to offset the coffee’s bitterness without making it too sweet—like drinking coffee-flavored cream. In fact, I have since made it every day this week. I think it’s safe to say I have officially joined the Dalgona Coffee Fan Club. Just one word to the wise: Don’t drink it in three big gulps like me or you’ll be bouncing off the walls for the rest of the afternoon!
More Coffee Drinks to Try at Home
I discovered this layered java beverage during my honeymoon in Spain. —Keri Hesemann, St. Charles, Missouri
Get Recipe
This recipe is a delicious morning pick-me-up and still tastes great when made with low-fat milk.—Vicki Wright, Omaha, Nebraska
Get Recipe
A quick-and-easy, fall-flavored coffee made with instant granules. What's not to love about this special beverage? —Jill Garn, Charlotte, Michigan
Get Recipe
Indulge in a coffeehouse-quality drink with this caramel mocha recipe. With whipped cream and a butterscotch drizzle, this treat will perk up even the sleepiest person at the table. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Get Recipe
This recipe is special to me because the delicious ingredients and flavors speak for themselves without those extra preservatives. Now that’s refreshing! —Brenda Schrag, Farmington, New Mexico
Get Recipe
Make spirits bright with a minty mocha to share under the mistletoe or around the piano. I’ve also stirred in coffee liqueur instead of peppermint. —Lauren Brien-Wooster, South Lake Tahoe, California
Get Recipe
My maternal grandma seldom drank more than a glass of champagne at Christmas, but she couldn't resist my Creamy Irish Coffee. —Rebecca Little, Park Ridge, Illinois
Get Recipe
When I'm sipping this delicious coffee, I almost feel like I'm visiting my favorite coffeehouse. —Jill Rodriguez, Gonzales, Louisiana
Get Recipe
Inspired by the spicy chai drinks served at coffee shops, I whipped up a caramel-drizzled latte I can enjoy at home anytime. —Katelyn Kelly, Perryville, Maryland
Get Recipe
This isn't your regular cup of Joe! Dress it up with chocolate, whipped cream and more, making it a drink to savor! —Sharon Delaney-Chronis, South Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Get Recipe
This smooth blend of coffee, cocoa and nutty flavors is better than any coffeehouse version we've tried. Try it, and we're sure you will agree. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Get Recipe
This is a great alternative to regular hot coffee and is much more economical than store-bought coffee drinks. Sweetened condensed milk and a hint of chocolate lend a special touch. —Heather Nandell, Johnston, Iowa
Get Recipe
I love frozen beverages, so I wanted to create one similar to those in coffee shops but without coffee as an ingredient. When I drink this frosty treat it's as good as any specialty shop drink but without the hassle or the cost. —Emily Semmelrock, Jewett City, Connecticut
Get Recipe
I have this beverage brewing in my slow cooker at my annual Christmas open house. I set out the whipped cream and grated chocolate in festive dishes so guests can help themselves to as much Kahlua-flavored coffee as they'd like.—Ruth Gruchow, Yorba Linda, California
Get Recipe
This frothy frosty beverage is positively delicious for breakfast, a mid-afternoon snack or an after-dinner dessert. It's also a great quick treat to serve with a plate of cookies when friends come to call during the holidays. To make the ice cream topping easier to drizzle, put it in a squeeze bottle, take the cap off and microwave for a few seconds. —Carol Mann, Summerfield, Florida
Get Recipe
We combine rich molasses, golden honey and a host of spices to create this warm and comforting beverage.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Get Recipe
The blend of flavors—coffee, hazelnut and a bit of chocolate—make this drink absolutely sensational. It is great for breakfast or brunch, but is also wonderful for a quiet moment at the end of the day. —Frieda Bliesner, McAllen, Texas
Get Recipe
A steaming cup of this jazzed-up coffee makes the perfect pick-me-up any time of day. Try experimenting with other liqueurs or creamers to give each cup new life. —Carol Fate, Waverly, Illinois
Get Recipe
I like to sit by the fire and sip this coffee on a cold winter day. It's a wonderful warmup after shoveling snow, skiing, skating or snowmobiling. —Audrey Thibodeau, Gilbert, Arizona
Get Recipe
When my sister introduced me to iced coffee, I didn't think I'd like it. Not only did I like it, I decided I could learn how to make iced coffee on my own. My fast-to-fix version is a refreshing alternative to hot java. —Jenny Reece, Lowry, Minnesota
Get Recipe
Most store-bought flavored coffees are expensive. Here's a special early-morning beverage you can make at home. The aroma of cinnamon and cocoa makes this mocha coffee hard to resist. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Get Recipe
When I tried this punch at a friend's wedding shower, I had to have the recipe. Guests will eagerly gather around the punch bowl when you ladle out this frothy mocha ice cream drink. —Rose Reich, Nampa, Idaho
Get Recipe
The post I Made Whipped Coffee for the First Time and Here’s What Happened appeared first on Taste of Home.
Audrey Rompon
