Save My roommate burst into the kitchen at midnight during exam week, clutching a phone and demanding we make this coffee trend she'd seen everywhere. We took turns whisking until our arms actually ached, laughing at how ridiculous we looked making such a simple drink. That first sip changed everything about my morning routine forever.
Last summer I made these for my parents on their back porch, watching the whipped peaks hold their shape in the humidity while my mom took approximately fifty photos before even taking a sip. My dad, usually a black coffee purist, sheepishly asked for seconds.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons instant coffee granules: The instant coffee is non-negotiable here. Regular espresso or brewed coffee simply will not whip up into those gorgeous peaks we are after
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar: The sugar does more than sweeten. It creates the structure that allows the mixture to hold those Instagram worthy stiff peaks
- 2 tablespoons hot water: Hot enough to dissolve everything but not boiling. Too hot and you will have a hard time getting the right texture
- 2 cups milk: Dairy or plant based both work beautifully. I personally love how oat milk complements the coffee flavor
- Ice cubes: Optional but highly recommended. There is something magical about that temperature contrast
Instructions
- Combine your base:
- In a medium bowl, mix the instant coffee, sugar, and hot water until everything is dissolved. Make sure your bowl is large enough for vigorous whisking without making a mess.
- Whisk until transformed:
- Whisk with enthusiasm using a hand whisk, electric mixer, or milk frother. Keep going until the mixture turns pale, thick, and forms stiff peaks that hold their shape when you lift the whisk. This takes about 2 to 4 minutes depending on your method and determination.
- Prep your glasses:
- Fill two glasses with milk and add ice if you are using it. Leave about an inch of space at the top because that fluffy coffee topping is surprisingly voluminous.
- Add the cloud:
- Spoon the whipped coffee over the milk in each glass. Watch it float beautifully on top like the caffeinated dream it is.
- Serve immediately:
- Stir the whipped coffee into the milk right before drinking. The first sip is an experience, trust me on this timing.
Save This became my go-to when friends visited during that endless winter when nobody wanted to go out but everyone needed something to look forward to. Something about watching the coffee whip up into clouds felt like a tiny act of kitchen magic in difficult times.
Make It Your Way
I have discovered that reducing the sugar to one tablespoon still gives you enough structure for whipping while making it less sweet overall. The texture remains gorgeous but the coffee flavor shines through more prominently.
Serving Suggestions
A sprinkle of cocoa powder or cinnamon on top adds visual interest and another flavor dimension. Sometimes I dust with a tiny bit of instant coffee for an extra kick and that coffee shop aesthetic without leaving my kitchen.
Milk Options And Timing
Oat, almond, and soy milk all create delicious variations worth trying. Each brings its own subtle flavor notes that interact differently with the whipped coffee.
- Whip the coffee mixture right before you plan to serve it for the best texture
- Use a glass with a wide opening so you can properly stir everything together
- Cold milk creates the most dramatic temperature contrast with the whipped topping
Save Five minutes and a whisk are all that stand between you and the most Instagram worthy drink you will ever make at home. Enjoy every sip of that coffee cloud magic.
Cooking Questions & Answers
- → What makes Dalgona coffee so fluffy?
The magic happens when you whip equal parts instant coffee, sugar, and hot water together. The sugar dissolves and creates a stable structure, while vigorous whisking incorporates air bubbles, transforming the dark mixture into thick, glossy peaks similar to meringue.
- → Can I use regular ground coffee instead of instant?
Unfortunately, no—instant coffee is essential because it dissolves completely in hot water, allowing the mixture to whip into fluffy peaks. Regular ground coffee won't dissolve properly and won't create the signature airy texture.
- → How long does the whipped coffee stay fluffy?
For best results, enjoy immediately after whipping. The foam will gradually deflate over 30–60 minutes, losing some of its cloud-like texture. If you need to prep ahead, whip the coffee mixture first and store it in the refrigerator, then spoon it over milk when ready to serve.
- → What type of milk works best?
Any milk you enjoy works wonderfully. Dairy milk creates a richer, creamier drink, while oat milk offers natural sweetness and a silky texture. Almond, soy, and coconut milk all pair beautifully with the bold coffee flavor. Choose what suits your taste and dietary needs.
- → Can I reduce or skip the sugar?
Sugar plays a crucial role in creating the fluffy texture, so reducing it too much may affect the whipped consistency. You can cut it to 1 tablespoon for a less sweet version, but omitting it entirely will prevent the mixture from forming proper peaks.
- → Do I need special equipment to make this?
A simple whisk works perfectly, though it requires some elbow grease for 3–4 minutes. An electric hand mixer or stand mixer makes quick work of it, achieving stiff peaks in just 1–2 minutes. A milk frother can also work, though it may take longer. No fancy coffee equipment required.