Origin: South Korea  |  Prep: 10 minutes  |  Brew: 0 minutes

About This Brew

Dalgona coffee is a whipped-coffee phenomenon that swept the globe in 2020 but draws its name from a Korean honeycomb-toffee candy it resembles in colour and sweetness. Equal parts instant coffee, sugar and hot water are whipped relentlessly until they transform into a thick, glossy, caramel-coloured cream that holds its shape in soft peaks.

That fluffy coffee cloud is then spooned over a glass of cold (or hot) milk, creating a striking two-tone drink. The whipped layer is sweet and intensely coffee-flavoured, almost like a soft mousse, which gradually melts into the milk as you stir. It is easy, dramatic and endlessly customisable, the recipe that turned millions of home kitchens into café counters.

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp instant coffee granules
• 2 tbsp white sugar
• 2 tbsp hot water
• 1 glass cold milk (dairy or plant)
• Ice (optional)

Equipment Needed

• Whisk, electric mixer or milk frother
• Bowl
• Tall glass

Instructions

1. Combine instant coffee, sugar and hot water in a bowl.
2. Whip vigorously (by hand or with an electric mixer) for several minutes until thick, pale and forming stiff peaks.
3. Fill a glass with cold milk (and ice, if using).
4. Spoon the whipped coffee generously over the milk.
5. Stir together before drinking to combine.

Tags: East Asia · Cold · Easy