A thick coffee foam floats over cold milk, turning silky as you stir. Instant coffee, sugar and hot water whip into the caramel-colored cap.
Whisking air into dissolved instant coffee gives Dalgona Coffee its spoonable top. Sugar helps the bubbles hold their shape, so the strong foam sits over the milk instead of disappearing immediately into the glass.
Use plain instant coffee granules, not ground coffee or a sweetened latte mix. A narrow bowl makes it easier for the beaters to catch this small amount, and cold milk softens the foam's concentrated flavor.
Method
Put the instant coffee, sugar and hot water in a narrow mixing bowl. Stir until no dry granules remain.
Beat with a hand mixer for , until pale, thick and able to hold a soft peak.
Divide the ice and milk between 2 glasses. Spoon the coffee foam over the top, then stir the foam into the milk as you drink.
Forkue tips
- A hand whisk works too, but expect several more minutes of brisk whisking before the foam holds its shape.
Storing and reheating
Refrigerate the coffee foam separately for up to 1 day and whisk briefly to restore its volume. Pour over freshly iced milk just before serving.
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Kitchen gear
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Photo: Kguirnela, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons (cropped and enhanced)
Dalgona Coffee: FAQ
Can I use brewed coffee?
Brewed coffee contains too much water for this method. Plain instant coffee dissolves into a concentrated mixture that can trap enough air to hold a foam.
Can I reduce the sugar?
A small reduction works, but the foam will be softer and collapse sooner. Keep equal volumes of instant coffee, sugar and water for the firmest topping.
How do I store and reheat Dalgona Coffee?
Refrigerate the coffee foam separately for up to 1 day and whisk briefly to restore its volume. Pour over freshly iced milk just before serving.
How long does Dalgona Coffee take?
About 10 min in total: 10 min prep and 0 min cooking.
What do I need to make Dalgona Coffee?
The key ingredients are instant coffee, milk and ice, plus pantry basics.
Any tips for Dalgona Coffee?
A hand whisk works too, but expect several more minutes of brisk whisking before the foam holds its shape.
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