Sometimes, a trip to Starbucks or your favorite local coffee shop just doesn’t fit into your schedule (or budget). Luckily, you don’t have to leave the comfort of your own home or own any fancy barista coffee tools to treat yourself to the truly stunning caffeinated delight that is whipped coffee.
Also known as “Dalgona coffee,” whipped coffee is a striking drink that originated in Asia. It became popular on platforms like TikTok and Instagram during the pandemic. If you haven’t hopped on the whipped coffee train yet, it’s not too late. This easy coffee drink comes together in minutes and requires only three simple ingredients. What are you waiting for?
What is whipped coffee?
Whipped coffee is a cold, sweetened coffee drink made from equal parts instant coffee, hot water and sugar. After the ingredients are mixed, a whisk beats air into the concoction until it forms fluffy, soft peaks (here’s the difference between soft peaks and stiff peaks). The whipped sweetened coffee is then dolloped like clouds over cold milk and stirred together.
If you’ve never tried it before, Dalgona coffee is the perfect combination of sweet, creamy and caffeinated. If you enjoy a Starbucks Frappuccino or Thai tea every now and then, you’re going to love whipped coffee.
Ingredients for Whipped Coffee
- Instant coffee: Coffee snobs may scoff at instant coffee, but it does have its uses—and Dalgona coffee is one of them. If you don’t have some at home already, here are our favorite instant coffees.
- Sugar: A spoonful of sugar is important for whipped coffee. It sweetens the drink and stabilizes the whipped coffee mixture to hold soft peaks.
- Hot water: Whether you warm it in the microwave or in a kettle on the stovetop, just make sure the water is hot to ensure the sugar and instant coffee dissolve nicely during the whipping process.
- Milk: Whole milk is recommended to make your beverage the indulgent, creamy coffee drink recipe it should be. However, you can use skim milk, low-fat milk, or any dairy-free milk alternative you enjoy drinking.
Directions
Step 1: Combine and whip
In a small bowl, combine the coffee granules, sugar and hot water. Beat using an electric hand mixer or whisk until the mixture lightens in color and soft peaks form, two to five minutes.
Step 2: Spoon over milk
Pour the milk into a glass, and spoon the whipped coffee mixture over it.
Editor’s Tip: We suggest using a mason jar or clear glass (like one from this collection of vintage glassware) so you can see the beautiful layers. If you prefer, whipped coffee can be served over warm, steamed milk, too.
Step 3: Stir and sip
Stir to blend the whipped coffee and milk together.
Whipped Coffee Variations
- Boozy whipped coffee: For a real treat, add a shot (or two) of Kahlua, Irish cream, Rumchata or another cream liqueur to the glass of milk. Or, try topping a white Russian with some whipped coffee.
- Dirty whipped chai: Brew a cup of your favorite chai tea recipe, or add a splash of your favorite chai tea concentrate to milk for a Dalgona-style dirty chai delight.
- Black Forest whipped coffee: Serve the whipped coffee over a glass of chocolate milk mixed with a pump of cherry syrup. You could also spoon the whipped coffee over your favorite hot chocolate recipe with cherry syrup drizzled on top.
- Chocolate-hazelnut whipped coffee: Swirl a few tablespoons of Nutella into the whipped coffee before spooning it over milk. If you love that hazelnut flavor, add a pump of hazelnut syrup to the milk too.
- Pumpkin spice whipped coffee: For pumpkin drink lovers, add a pinch of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and cloves to the original Dalgona coffee whip recipe. Then, mix 2 to 3 tablespoons pumpkin puree into 1/4 cup steamed milk until fully dissolved. Enjoy warm, or pour the pumpkin milk over ice and garnish with cinnamon.
- Butterbeer whipped coffee: Substitute brown sugar for the granulated sugar and whip until fluffy. Then, add one pump of caramel syrup and one pump of toffee syrup to hot or cold milk over ice. Top with the customized coffee whip, and drizzle with caramel and butterscotch.
- Matcha whipped coffee: This recipe works for more than coffee! Matcha lovers on TikTok have also shared that you can make a yummy, whipped tea version using your favorite brand of matcha powder.
How to Store Whipped Coffee
If you make extra whipped coffee, you can refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to five days. If you choose to store some for later, a wide-mouth mason jar works great. The mixture will lose some of its airiness over time, though, so you may need to whip it for several minutes before using it again.
Whipped Coffee Tips
Can you make whipped coffee without sugar?
No. Sugar is important to the recipe because it sweetens and stabilizes the whipped coffee mixture. The equal ratios are important, so don’t be tempted to reduce the sugar too much. That said, you can swap the sugar for a sugar alternative, and make a Dalgona coffee that has fewer carbs and less sugar. Monk fruit sweetener is a choice that would work just as effectively as regular granulated sugar.
Can you make whipped coffee without instant coffee?
Yes. Most recipes for whipped coffee call for instant coffee because it is affordable and accessible. If you are lucky enough to have an espresso maker (or Moka Pot) at home, you can make whipped coffee without instant coffee and hot water and opt for freshly brewed espresso instead, using your favorite type of coffee grounds.
However, the ratios still need to be equal to whip the coffee effectively. Therefore, use 2 tablespoons of sugar and 2 tablespoons of hot brewed espresso. Prepare and serve as directed.
Can you make whipped coffee in a blender?
Yes. If you don’t have an electric hand mixer, you can also enlist the help of a blender or immersion blender to make whipped coffee. A small blender, like a NutriBullet, is best since larger blenders may struggle to whip such a small amount of liquid. However, you could also make a double or triple batch in a blender to serve Dalgona coffee for a crowd or to have extra for later consumption.
