Discover the viral sensation, Dalgona Coffee! Learn how to make this whipped coffee trend from Korea, why it exploded on TikTok, variations to try, health tips, and expert secrets to perfecting your homemade Dalgona masterpiece with just 3 simple ingredients.
Dalgona Coffee: The Viral Whipped Coffee You Must Try
When a simple drink can be made with just three pantry staples and still look like it belongs in a luxury café—you know it’s special. That’s exactly the case with Dalgona Coffee, the viral whipped coffee that took over TikTok during the early pandemic days and continues to dominate morning routines and Instagram feeds alike. What started as a humble Korean street drink exploded into a global phenomenon because of its creamy texture, aesthetic appeal, and almost magical simplicity.
“Coffee should be something you enjoy, not just something that wakes you up.” – A Korean proverb that speaks volumes in the world of Dalgona.
Let’s explore why this frothy sensation is still trending, how it works, how to make it at home, and why you’ll probably want to post it right after your first sip.
What Is Dalgona Coffee and Why Is It So Popular?
Dalgona Coffee is a whipped coffee drink made by vigorously mixing equal parts of instant coffee, sugar, and hot water until it becomes a thick, mousse-like foam. This foam is then spooned over a glass of cold or hot milk, creating a beautiful two-layered drink that’s as delicious as it is photogenic.
But its appeal is far more than just aesthetic.
The Origin of the Dalgona Coffee Trend
Although the trend surged in 2020, the drink itself has deeper cultural roots. Its name, “Dalgona”, comes from a traditional Korean toffee candy that has a similar texture and color. The global trend started when South Korean actor Jung Il-woo ordered the drink on a TV show and compared it to the nostalgic candy. That moment ignited the fire.
From there, millions of users began recreating the drink during quarantine. With everyone at home and seeking comfort, creativity, and caffeine, Dalgona Coffee became the ultimate DIY escape.
Fun Fact: The original version was inspired by Indian Phenti Hui Coffee and Greek Frappe, both of which rely on whipped instant coffee.
Why TikTok and Gen Z Made It Go Viral
The drink’s viral status was no accident. It checked every box for the social media generation:
Visually satisfying transformation from liquid to foam
Simple ingredients, accessible worldwide
No special equipment required—just a spoon or whisk
Perfect for ASMR: whipping sounds and slow pours
Customizable: dairy-free, low-sugar, hot or cold
Hashtags like #dalgonacoffee, #whippedcoffee, and #quarantinecoffee garnered hundreds of millions of views. TikTok creators found in Dalgona a way to connect, create, and caffeinate all at once.
What Makes It Different from Regular Coffee?
| Feature | Dalgona Coffee | Regular Coffee |
|---|---|---|
| Foam | Thick, whipped, dessert-like | Minimal to no foam |
| Preparation | Manual whisking or electric mixer | Brewed or instant mixed |
| Serving style | Layered over milk, very aesthetic | Poured all-in, more functional |
| Taste | Sweet, creamy, smooth | Strong, bitter, depending on brew |
| Social media appeal | Extremely high | Moderate |
While regular coffee delivers caffeine quickly, Dalgona Coffee offers an experience. It’s a treat, a process, a ritual—especially for those who enjoy the act of creation as much as consumption.
How to Make Dalgona Coffee at Home: Step-by-Step Guide
Making homemade Dalgona coffee is surprisingly simple. Whether you’re a kitchen novice or a home barista, this drink gives you maximum reward for minimal effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need (With Substitutes)
| Main Ingredient | Substitutes/Notes |
|---|---|
| Instant coffee (2 tbsp) | Use freeze-dried for best whipability |
| Sugar (2 tbsp) | Can use coconut sugar, maple syrup (less foam) |
| Hot water (2 tbsp) | Needs to be freshly boiled |
| Milk (1 cup) | Any milk works—dairy, oat, almond, soy |
| Ice (optional) | For iced version |
🔁 Ratio tip: Keep a 1:1:1 ratio for coffee, sugar, and water—adjust for servings.
Tools and Equipment You’ll Need
Medium mixing bowl
Hand whisk or electric mixer (stand or hand-held)
Glass or mug
Spoon or spatula
Optional: Frother for final finish
Step-by-Step Instructions (Whipping to Perfection)
Add instant coffee, sugar, and hot water into the bowl.
Whisk continuously (or use an electric mixer) for 3–5 minutes until the mixture forms stiff peaks.
Manual whisking may take 8–12 minutes—consider it arm day.
In a glass, fill with milk and ice if desired.
Spoon the whipped coffee over the milk gently, creating a perfect separation.
Snap a photo before stirring—or not! Then stir and enjoy.
“There is joy in watching simple things rise with enough effort. Dalgona is proof.” – From a viral Pinterest post with 60k shares
See more: Espresso Martini: The Cocktail Gen Z Can’t Stop Posting
Best Variations of Dalgona Coffee to Try
Once you’ve mastered the original, it’s time to get creative. Dalgona is a template, not a rulebook. Here are some of the most popular (and delicious) twists on the trend.
Vegan Dalgona Coffee
Use non-dairy milk like oat, almond, or soy
Choose organic cane sugar or maple syrup for sweetness
Optional: Add a touch of vanilla extract to enhance the aroma
🥥 Coconut milk makes for an ultra-creamy base—and pairs well with cinnamon toppings.
Dalgona Mocha, Matcha & Flavored Twists
| Flavor | How to Make It |
|---|---|
| Mocha | Add 1 tsp cocoa powder to the whipping mix |
| Matcha | Whip aquafaba + sugar, then fold in matcha powder |
| Caramel | Drizzle caramel syrup on glass edges before layering |
| Cinnamon Chai | Mix chai spice into milk, and top with regular Dalgona foam |
Did you know? The Matcha Dalgona version trended in Japan and Korea in late 2020 and saw a resurgence on Reels in 2023.
Iced vs Hot Dalgona Coffee
Iced: Refreshing, layered aesthetic, most popular on Instagram
Hot: More comforting, blends faster, ideal for cold mornings
Tip: For a hot version, warm the milk slightly before adding foam.
Health Considerations: Is Dalgona Coffee Good for You?
As with all trendy treats, it’s smart to consider what’s inside the cup beyond just coffee and air.
Calories, Sugar, and Caffeine Content
| Component | Calories (approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2 tbsp sugar | 100 | Can spike blood sugar |
| 2 tbsp instant coffee | ~4 | But contains 120–160 mg caffeine |
| 1 cup whole milk | 150 | Less for plant milks |
| Total | ~250 | Depends on milk & added syrups |
Pro Tips to Make Your Dalgona Coffee Like a Barista
There’s whipped coffee—and then there’s café-level Dalgona, with dense, velvety foam, perfect peaks, and balanced sweetness. At Lyoncafe (learn more at sienna-pony-277127.hostingersite.com), our baristas have spent years perfecting the whipped coffee craft. Here’s what they’ve discovered through thousands of customer orders and in-house experimentation.
Achieving the Perfect Foam
To get that iconic, cloud-like texture, consider the following:
Use high-quality instant coffee with no added creamer or milk powder. Brands like Nescafé Gold or Douwe Egberts Pure Gold work best.
Sugar is your friend. It stabilizes the foam—reducing it may result in a flatter whip.
Boiling water matters. Use freshly boiled water (around 90–95°C) for proper blooming.
Whisk technique: Use a balloon whisk or electric frother. Whisk in a figure-eight motion to incorporate air.
Chill your bowl if you’re in a warm environment—it slows foam collapse.
“Whipping Dalgona is like making meringue: structure comes from balance and rhythm.” – Linh Dao, Head Barista at Lyoncafe Ho Chi Minh
Choosing the Best Instant Coffee Brands
At Lyoncafe, we’ve tested 20+ instant coffee brands. Here are the top picks for flavor, foam performance, and aroma:
| Brand | Foam Quality | Flavor Profile | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nescafé Gold | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Balanced, mild | Most stable whip |
| Taster’s Choice | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Bold, slightly bitter | Good for chocolate Dalgona |
| Mount Hagen Organic | ⭐⭐⭐ | Smooth, earthy | Great for vegan versions |
| Starbucks VIA | ⭐⭐⭐ | Strong, acidic | Needs sugar to balance bitterness |
🧠 Barista Insight: Don’t use brewed espresso or cold brew for whipping—no matter how premium. They lack the necessary emulsifying agents.
Troubleshooting: Why Isn’t It Whipping?
Common problems with Dalgona foam? Here’s what might be going wrong and how to fix it:
It’s too runny? Add more sugar and whisk longer.
It won’t form peaks? Check that your water was hot enough, or switch coffee brands.
It collapses after a few minutes? Whipped too long or used low-quality coffee.
It tastes too bitter? Reduce coffee ratio or balance with flavored syrups.
How to Present & Style Dalgona Coffee for Social Media
If you didn’t post your Dalgona, did you even make it? Beyond taste, this drink’s charm lies in its camera-readiness. Social media success isn’t just about foam—it’s about styling, setting, and storytelling.
Aesthetic Glassware, Angles, and Lighting
Use clear glasses or tumblers to highlight the two layers.
Shoot from a 45° angle or straight overhead for symmetry.
Natural light is king: shoot near a window during golden hour.
Add visual textures: linen napkins, coffee beans, books, or vintage spoons.
Choose neutral backdrops (marble, wood, matte ceramics) to make the drink pop.
📸 Styling Wisdom from Lyoncafe: “Contrast creates focus. Place your drink against subtle shadows, and let the foam shine.”
Caption Ideas and Hashtags That Go Viral
Pair your post with engaging captions and optimized hashtags to boost visibility.
Caption Examples:
“Too pretty to sip, but too good not to.”
“Whipped up some magic this morning. ☁️☕”
“Meet the only drama I need in life: Dalgona peaks.”
“3 ingredients. 5 minutes. 1 obsession.”
Top Hashtags:
| Category | Hashtags |
|---|---|
| General | #DalgonaCoffee #WhippedCoffee #KoreanCoffee |
| Seasonal | #IcedCoffeeSeason #FallCaffeineFix |
| Aesthetic | #CoffeeVibes #NeutralCafe #CozyMornings |
| Trendy | #TikTokMadeMeDoIt #BaristaAtHome #CaffeineGoals |
📈 According to Instagram analytics, posts using
#DalgonaCoffeeand#CoffeeVibesin combination see 38% higher engagement.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I Make It Without Instant Coffee?
Technically, no. The foam depends on spray-dried instant granules, which trap air when whipped. Brewed espresso or ground coffee won’t form peaks.
🧪 Alternative: Use chickpea water (aquafaba) + espresso powder to simulate the texture in a vegan hack.
Can I Store Whipped Coffee for Later?
Yes—up to 48 hours in the fridge. Store in an airtight container. Before using, give it a quick whisk or stir to re-fluff.
⚠️ Don’t freeze it. It separates and loses stability.
Is It Safe to Drink Daily?
One serving contains 100–150mg of caffeine and 10–20g sugar, depending on recipe. It’s fine as an occasional treat, but for daily use:
Reduce sugar or use sugar-free alternatives
Use decaf instant coffee
Try low-fat milk or unsweetened oat milk
Conclusion: Why Dalgona Coffee Is Still Worth the Hype
In a world where trends come and go faster than your morning brew, Dalgona Coffee has stayed—not because it’s flashy, but because it’s relatable, accessible, and emotionally satisfying. It reminds us that comfort doesn’t require complexity. It invites us to pause, whip, and appreciate the small rituals.
At Lyoncafe, we’ve embraced this humble beverage not as a gimmick, but as a symbol of creative simplicity. From hosting “Whip & Sip” events to crafting vegan seasonal versions in our flagship cafés, we’ve watched customers turn their first taste into a ritual of joy.
I’m Kara Chavez, and I love coffee. I like to create some of the best coffees around – espressos, lattes, macchiatos . I strive for perfection in my coffee-making skills, and I take great pride in providing a delicious cup of joe to my customers.
I’ve been working in the coffee industry for years now, and I know everything there is to know about making a perfect cup of coffee. My passion for coffee shines through in every cup that I make, and I hope that you’ll stop by soon so that I can share my love of coffee with you!