Dalgona coffee, a frothy and creamy beverage, took the world by storm during the pandemic, quickly becoming a viral sensation on social media.
Named after a South Korean candy called "dalgona" due to its similar appearance, this coffee delight is as photogenic as it is delicious.
The basic recipe involves whipping equal parts of instant coffee, sugar, and hot water until it forms a thick foam, which is then spooned over milk. But why stop at the basic version? Here are five exciting Dalgona coffee recipes to try, each offering a unique twist on the classic.
1. "Classic Dalgona Coffee"
Before diving into variations, let’s perfect the classic Dalgona coffee. It’s a simple recipe that requires only three main ingredients, but the result is a decadent treat that tastes like it came straight from a café.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons instant coffee
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons hot water
- 1 cup milk (chilled or warm)
- Ice cubes (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, combine instant coffee, sugar, and hot water.
2. Using a hand whisk, electric mixer, or even a frother, whip the mixture until it becomes light and frothy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes with a hand whisk or about 2 minutes with an electric mixer.
3. Fill a glass with milk and ice cubes if using.
4. Spoon the whipped coffee mixture over the milk.
5. Stir the coffee into the milk before drinking, or sip it through the foam for a layered experience.
2. "Mocha Dalgona Coffee"
For chocolate lovers, this variation blends the rich flavors of coffee and chocolate for a mocha twist. The bitterness of the coffee is beautifully balanced by the sweetness of cocoa.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons instant coffee
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons hot water
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup milk (chilled or warm)
- Ice cubes (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, combine instant coffee, sugar, hot water, and cocoa powder.
2. Whisk the mixture until it becomes thick and frothy.
3. Fill a glass with milk and ice cubes.
4. Spoon the mocha Dalgona mixture on top.
5. Stir well before drinking to mix the cocoa into the milk for a delicious mocha flavor.
3. "Vanilla Dalgona Coffee"
This version is perfect for those who enjoy a hint of sweetness and a touch of vanilla aroma in their coffee. The addition of vanilla extract enhances the coffee’s flavor without overpowering it.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons instant coffee
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons hot water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup milk (chilled or warm)
- Ice cubes (optional)
Instructions:
1. Combine instant coffee, sugar, hot water, and vanilla extract in a bowl.
2. Whisk until the mixture is light and frothy.
3. Pour milk into a glass with ice cubes.
4. Top with the vanilla-flavored Dalgona foam.
5. Stir and enjoy the subtle vanilla notes in every sip.
4. "Caramel Dalgona Coffee"
Caramel lovers, this one’s for you! Adding a drizzle of caramel syrup to the milk base gives this Dalgona coffee a rich, buttery sweetness that pairs perfectly with the bitter coffee foam.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons instant coffee
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons hot water
- 2 tablespoons caramel syrup (plus more for drizzling)
- 1 cup milk (chilled or warm)
- Ice cubes (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, whisk together instant coffee, sugar, hot water, and caramel syrup until fluffy.
2. Pour milk into a glass, adding ice cubes if desired.
3. Drizzle some extra caramel syrup along the inside of the glass for added sweetness.
4. Spoon the caramel-flavored coffee foam over the milk.
5. Stir to combine the caramel and coffee flavors before drinking.
5. "Matcha Dalgona Coffee"
For those who enjoy the earthy taste of matcha, this version blends the creaminess of Dalgona coffee with the vibrant green flavor of matcha. It’s a delightful fusion of two popular drinks.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons instant coffee
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons hot water
- 1 teaspoon matcha powder
- 1 cup milk (chilled or warm)
- Ice cubes (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, combine instant coffee, sugar, hot water, and matcha powder.
2. Whisk the mixture until it’s thick and frothy.
3. Pour milk into a glass, adding ice cubes if desired.
4. Spoon the matcha-flavored coffee foam on top.
5. Stir well before drinking to enjoy the unique blend of matcha and coffee.
Whether you prefer your coffee classic, chocolaty, or with a hint of matcha, these Dalgona coffee recipes offer a delicious way to enjoy your favorite flavors at home. Each recipe brings a unique twist to the viral sensation, allowing you to customize your coffee experience to suit your taste. So, grab your whisk, and let’s make some frothy, Instagram-worthy drinks!