Good looking, easy to prepare – the perfect formula for a viral trend. A new star has risen on TikTok and Instagram – Dalgona coffee. The delicate, airy coffee drink is made from instant coffee, sugar, and hot water. The ingredients are whipped to a thick foam, which is then poured over cold or warm milk. Unlike the usual latte or cappuccino, it is created by hand, without brewing.
Origin and history of Dalgona coffee
The recipe originated in 2020 in South Korea. The name comes from a traditional Korean candy that is similar in taste and texture. The drink became popular after Korean actor Jung Il Woo tasted Macau Coffee in Macau and cooked it on a TV show. After that, social media users began to reproduce the recipe en masse.
Why long-haul coffee became a symbol of quarantine experiments in 2020
The pandemic forced people to stay at home. They were looking for new entertainment and activities. Fresh recipes for food and drinks became an escape from everyday life. At this point, the visually striking “Coffee with foam” was perfect for social media. Interesting videos quickly gained views, and trends spread around the world. Dalgona became a global hit.
The classic recipe for making dalgona coffee
We’ll take it:
- 2 tsp of sugar
- 2 tsp. coffee
- 2 tsp of hot water
- 200 ml of cold milk
Step-by-step instructions:
- Mix instant coffee, sugar, and hot water.
- Whisk for 2-15 minutes (depending on the method) until a thick, stable foam.
- Fill a transparent glass with milk.
- Carefully spread the foam on top.
Tips:
- Use a cold container for whipping.
- The ratio of ingredients should be 1:1:1.
- Beat with a mixer. It will take 2 minutes instead of 10-15 with a whisk.
Recipe variations and original interpretations
Dahlgona can be made with espresso, but it will be a much different recipe.
For those who do not consume sugar or have contraindications to caffeine, the option with sugar substitutes or decaffeinated coffee is suitable. At the same time, the taste of the cocktail is preserved.
Interpretations allow you to experiment with flavors and visual presentation:
- Matcha dalgona – a foam of matcha powder and cream
- Chocolate version – with cocoa instead of coffee
- Strawberry or caramel – with the addition of syrups or purees
What you need to know before making a drink
For a stable foam, choose fine, high-quality instant coffee. For whipping, use a large bowl. The proportions of coffee, sugar and water should be equal. This is the basis for a stable, lush texture of the drink.
Since it is impossible to whip espresso with sugar to a froth without an emulsifier, the egg white is used in the espresso version. It needs to be whipped and combined with sweet espresso and poured over cold milk.
According to another interpretation, espresso replaces water in the classic version.
Secrets of success: from screen to taste buds
The smooth, shiny foam and layered presentation are pleasing to the eye and perfect for photos. A simple recipe with inexpensive ingredients made coffee accessible to everyone. It combines Instagram aesthetics with home comfort.
Impressions and tasting characteristics
Dalgona coffee has a delicate sweet taste with a slight bitterness and a creamy, airy texture. It is ideal to drink in the morning or as a dessert in the afternoon. The drink is refreshing and invigorating at the same time. Due to its high sugar and caffeine content, it is not suitable for pregnant women, children, and people with sensitivities to certain ingredients. An alternative is decaffeinated or matcha versions of the drink.
Tips for perfect results at home
A common mistake is to use the wrong proportions. This affects the foam. It is also important to choose high-quality coffee.
To adapt the recipe to your own taste, you can replace sugar with honey or sweetener, and animal milk with vegetable milk.
Life hack. To save time, you can prepare the foam in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
Bottom line.
Dalgona coffee is a combination of taste, beauty and ease of preparation. This “oriental toffee” gives pleasure from texture, taste and aroma. Stylish presentation in a transparent glass wins hearts around the world. Try to make it at home, experiment with ingredients and create your own unique variants. Your interpretation of Dalgona coffee will become a small ritual of joy and daily inspiration!
