Pin it There's something magical about that first sip of a Dalgona latte—the creamy whipped coffee hitting your tongue before the cold milk chases it down. I discovered this drink on a lazy Saturday morning when I was scrolling through my phone and saw someone whisking coffee into clouds, and I thought, why haven't I been making this the whole time? Now it's become my ritual on days when I need something that feels a little fancier than my usual coffee run, but still takes barely ten minutes to pull together.
I made this for a friend who'd been talking nonstop about trying one at a coffee shop, and watching her face when she took that first sip—when the whipped coffee melted into the milk—was worth every second of whisking. She's been asking me to make it for her ever since, which is my favorite kind of compliment.
Ingredients
- Instant coffee: Don't skimp on quality here because this is where all your flavor comes from, and there's nowhere for mediocre coffee to hide in a drink this simple.
- Dark brown sugar, packed: The packed measurement matters because you want that molasses richness to come through in every spoonful of the whipped layer.
- Hot water: It needs to be hot enough to dissolve the sugar and coffee completely, so fresh from the kettle is your friend.
- Milk: Use whatever you prefer—dairy creates a silkier mouthfeel, but oat milk froths beautifully and adds its own subtle sweetness.
- Ice cubes: These keep everything cold and refreshing, and honestly, the contrast between the cold milk and the whipped coffee on top is half the appeal.
- Ground cinnamon: Just a whisper of this on top adds warmth and depth without overpowering the caramel notes.
Instructions
- Combine your dry ingredients:
- Pour the instant coffee and brown sugar into a bowl—they should look almost like wet sand when you mix them together. Add the hot water and stir until the sugar dissolves and everything mingles into a smooth paste.
- Whisk until magic happens:
- This is where your arm gets a workout, and honestly, it's the most satisfying part. Whisk hard and fast for 2 to 4 minutes until the mixture transforms into something thick, glossy, and cloud-like with soft peaks that hold their shape.
- Build your drink:
- Fill each glass with ice first, then pour the cold milk over it—about one cup per glass. The ice keeps everything cold while you work.
- Layer the whipped coffee:
- Spoon that fluffy coffee mixture generously over the milk, watching it settle on top like a gorgeous caramel cloud. Don't stir yet—that's the beauty of seeing the layers before they mix.
- Finish with flair:
- A tiny pinch of cinnamon or a drizzle of brown sugar syrup on top makes it look like it came straight from a café. Serve right away while the contrast between cold and whipped is at its peak.
Pin it There was this morning when I made this for myself on a day everything felt overwhelming, and somehow sitting down with a beautiful drink that I'd made with my own hands shifted something. It turned a regular breakfast into a small moment of care.
Brown Sugar vs. Regular Sugar
Regular white sugar will whip up just fine, but the molasses in brown sugar brings this warmth and depth that feels like home—it's the difference between a good latte and one that makes you close your eyes for a second. If you want to experiment, light brown sugar gives you a gentler flavor, while dark brown sugar is bold and almost maple-like. I've also tried coconut sugar when I was feeling adventurous, and it adds this subtle floral note that's lovely if you're in the mood for something a little different.
The Milk Matters Too
The type of milk you choose will actually change the whole personality of this drink. Dairy milk gives you that classic silky richness, oat milk adds creaminess and plays nice with the caramel notes, and almond milk keeps things lighter if that's more your style. I've learned that the best milk is whatever one you'll actually enjoy drinking, so don't overthink this part—use what makes you happy.
Quick Variations to Try
Once you've mastered the basic version, this drink opens up to so many possibilities depending on your mood. You can adjust the coffee strength by using more or less instant coffee, swap in different sugars, or even add a splash of vanilla extract to the whipped mixture for depth. Here are some ideas I've loved experimenting with:
- Swap the cinnamon for cocoa powder or a tiny bit of espresso powder to make it feel more sophisticated.
- Make it vegan by using your favorite plant-based milk—oat is genuinely the best if you haven't tried it yet.
- Whip a little extra milk into the coffee mixture for an even fluffier, more cloud-like layer on top.
Pin it This drink has become my answer to that 3 p.m. slump when I want something that feels indulgent but takes almost no time. Once you make it once, you'll be making it forever.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do you achieve the perfect dalgona foam?
Whisk instant coffee, dark brown sugar, and hot water vigorously for 2-4 minutes until the mixture is thick, glossy, and forms soft peaks.
- → Can plant-based milk be used in this drink?
Yes, oat, almond, or soy milk can replace dairy milk without compromising flavor or texture.
- → What is the effect of using different types of sugar?
Light brown sugar offers a milder sweetness, while coconut sugar provides a subtle twist. Dark brown sugar gives a richer caramel note.
- → How should the drink be served for best taste?
Serve over ice with layered whipped coffee on top, garnished with a pinch of cinnamon or caramel drizzle, and stir before drinking for balanced flavor.
- → How can the coffee strength be adjusted?
Modify the amount of instant coffee to suit personal preference by increasing or reducing the quantity used in the whipped mixture.