Chocolate and Dessert Coffee
Dalgona Whipped Coffee
Quick answer
Instant coffee dissolves in the small amount of hot water and creates a concentrated mixture that can trap air as it is whipped. Brewed coffee contains more water and will not form the same stable topping in this recipe. Use plain instant coffee rather than a prepared sweetened mix so the listed sugar remains adjustable.
Key takeaways
- Instant coffee dissolves in the small amount of hot water and creates a concentrated mixture that can trap air as it is whipped.
- Use a clean bowl and whisk until the mixture thickens and leaves soft ridges.
- The topping is concentrated and sweet, while the milk beneath it is not.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp plain instant coffee
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp hot water
- 200 ml cold whole milk
- 80 g ice.
Method
- Whisk instant coffee, sugar and hot water for 3–5 minutes until fluffy.
- Pour milk over ice and spoon the whipped coffee on top.
- Stir before drinking.
- Brewed espresso is not a direct substitute for instant coffee here.
Whip to a texture that holds
Use a clean bowl and whisk until the mixture thickens and leaves soft ridges. A hand whisk takes more effort than an electric mixer, but both can work. If the foam still runs off a spoon, continue whisking; if it becomes very stiff, fold it gently before spooning it onto the milk.
Mix before drinking
The topping is concentrated and sweet, while the milk beneath it is not. Stir the layers together before sipping so each mouthful has coffee and milk. Add the foam gradually if you prefer a milder drink. Keep the unused mixture covered and follow normal food-safety practice for dairy and prepared drinks.
Make the foam easier to whip
Use a bowl that is large enough for the whisk to move without splashing. A hand whisk works, but it takes steady effort; a mixer can shorten the process. The mixture is ready when it looks lighter and holds soft ridges. Stop before it becomes dry or difficult to spoon.
If the topping will not hold
Check that the coffee is instant and that the coffee, sugar, and hot water were measured as listed. Brewed espresso contains too much liquid for this foam and is not a direct substitute. Continue whisking if the mixture is still loose, then spoon it over the milk rather than trying to pour it.
Cold milk and ice make a refreshing base, but the topping itself is concentrated and sweet. Stir the layers together before drinking, and adjust how much foam goes into each sip. You can also serve the whipped mixture over warm milk, though the texture will soften sooner.
A tip for serving
Use instant coffee for the whipped topping. A fresh espresso shot has a different structure and cannot replace it here. Stir the topping into the milk before your first sip.
Further reading
For background on instant coffee and milk, see Wikipedia.
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