• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • All Recipes
  • IP Calculator
  • SV Chart
  • Using Grow
  • Subscribe

Smells Like Delish

menu icon
go to homepage
  • All Recipes
  • IP Calculator
  • SV Chart
  • Using Grow
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • All Recipes
    • IP Calculator
    • SV Chart
    • Using Grow
    • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Recipes » Beverages

    Published: Dec 27, 2022 · Modified: Jan 30, 2023 by Kelly Bloom · This post may contain affiliate links · 1 Comment

    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • Instagram
    • Yummly
    • YouTube

    Dalgona Iced Coffee

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Scoop of coffee foam dropping on tall glass of ice and milk.

    Are you looking to bring a unique twist to your home barista experience? Then look no further than the latest trend - Dalgona iced coffee! Discover how this once relatively unknown frothy coffee beverage has become an internet sensation, and learn how to make it at home in just minutes.

    Iced dalgona coffee with coffee foam on top.
    Tall glass of iced milk topped with frothy whipped coffee 'cream'.

    What is Dalgona coffee?

    Dalgona coffee is a whipped, frothy hot or iced coffee drink made with instant coffee, sugar, water, and milk. Also known as "whipped coffee", "frothy coffee", "Korean coffee", or "foamy coffee", a Dalgona coffee has two distinct layers made from coffee whipped cream sitting on top of hot or iced milk.

    Dalgona coffee drinks started way back in South Korea in the 1960s, but the internet and the Pandemic brought a resurgence of popularity when Korean actor Jung Il-woo, enjoyed the drink during one of his TV shows.

    The popular Dalgona coffee brought something new, different, and interesting to make at home during the Pandemic.

    Why You Will Love This Recipe

    This Korean iced coffee treat is all the rage right now, and it's no wonder why. Thanks to its simple ingredients and minimal prep required, anyone can whip up this creamy dreamy delight in just five minutes or less.

    Not only that - one sip of your cool caffeinated beverage and you'll understand exactly why everyone has been talking about it lately. So stay caffeinated while keeping things interesting - read on to learn how to make an amazing Dalgona iced coffee at home!

    Jump to:
    • Why You Will Love This Recipe
    • Ingredients
    • How to Make a Dalgona Iced Coffee
    • Serving Suggestions
    • Substitutions
    • Variations
    • Equipment
    • Storage
    • Tips for Success
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Food Safety
    • Some Other Recipes We Are Sure You Will Love
    • Connect with Smells Like Delish!
    • 📖 Recipe

    Ingredients

    This trendy, delicious iced Dalgona coffee recipe is so very easy to make. It's a new twist on iced coffee, and only requires only four simple ingredients - sugar, hot water, instant coffee crystals and cold milk - making it super convenient to whip up in your own kitchen.

    Let's learn how to make this delectable Korean iced coffee drink together!

    Ingredients for iced dalgona coffee. Instant coffee, milk, ice cream,
    Ingredients for iced Dalgona coffee. Instant coffee, ice, sugar, milk, and ice cream instead of ice if you prefer,
    • Instant coffee powder or crystals - any brand, but don't get bold as it can make a bitter whipped coffee cream. Cheaper brands of instant coffee foam up better than the expensive brands.
    • Sugar - granulated. If you want sugar free, the coffee peaks will take a little longer. You can also use Monkfruit or Allulose sweeteners to taste.
    • Water - Hot to dissolve the coffee powder or crystals.
    • Milk - Whole milk or plant based. If following a Low Carb or Keto plan, you can use half & half or cream.
    • Ice - To fill the glasses ½ full with.
    • Ice Cream - totally optional, but oh so FUN! Add with or in lieu of ice cubes if you opt for ice cream.
    • Garnish - Garnish with a dusting of cocoa, coffee crystals, or chocolate jimmies or shavings.

    Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

    How to Make a Dalgona Iced Coffee

    This delicious and easy-to-make Dalgona iced coffee has made its way around the internet since it first originated in South Korea. With its light hint of sweetness, creamy body and unbeatable presentation, you'll be reaching to make it every chance you get!

    You’ll be surprised at how easy it is to create that perfectly blonded top layer of frothy coffee foam also!

    Step 1. Make the Coffee Whipped Cream

    Depending on how much you want to make, use an electric milk frother and a small bowl, a stick blender that has a whisk attachment and whipping container, or a regular household blender.

    The ratio is 1 part instant coffee, 1 part water, and 1 part sugar. The sugar ensures you get nice stiff peaks of frothy coffee, but if you prefer a sugar free whipped coffee cream, you can use some monkfruit or no sugar at all.

    Once stiff peaks form, set the whipped coffee cream aside to prepare your glasses.

    Whisk with coffee foam.
    Bowl of whipped coffee cream.

    Mix the hot water, sugar, and instant coffee together in a frothing container or bowl, and mix to dissolve.

    close-up of whisk with whipped coffee foam for dalgona coffee.
    Close-up of whisk with Korean whipped coffee cream for Dalgona coffee.

    Use a wire whisk by hand, or an electric milk frother to build up a frothy coffee cream.

    Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

    Step 2. Add Ice to Glasses

    Typically, you would add ice cubes to a glass. However, if you want you make this more of a Dalgona ice cream coffee, and add scoops of vanilla ice cream, dairy based or non dairy based instead of ice.

    What a terrific twist huh? The ice cream makes this foamy coffee topped Korean iced coffee beverage more of a milkshake type of beverage. These will make a big hit with your children (maybe use decaf instant coffee though, so they don't bounce off your walls)!

    Ice being added to a tall glass with tongs.
    Ice being added to a tall glass with tongs to prepare an iced Dalgona coffee.

    Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

    Step 3. Add the Milk to the Glasses

    Pour enough milk over the ice cubes (or the ice cream) ¾'s up the glass. You can use whole milk, or if you prefer a plant based milk, use that.

    Pouring milk in a glass full of ice.
    Dalgona coffee, pouring milk in glass.

    Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

    Step 4. Top with Coffee Whipped Cream

    Using a spoon, top off each glass of milk and ice (or milk and ice cream) with spoonfuls of the thick, frothy coffee whipped topping. Garnish with a sprinkle of either cocoa powder or instant coffee powder. Serve immediately.

    Scoop of coffee foam dropping on tall glass of ice and milk.
    Scoop of frothy coffee foam dropping on tall glass of ice and milk.

    Serving Suggestions

    Trust us when we say this smooth and delicious beverage will quickly become one of your favorite iced coffee drinks! Stop spending your hard-earned money on expensive cafe drinks when it's so easy and customizable to make at them at home!

    Not only delicious and satisfying, Dalgona coffee can be enjoyed by either hot or cold drink lovers alike!

    Dalonga iced coffee with coffee foam garnished with a few coffee crystals.
    Dalgona iced coffee with frothy coffee foam on top, garnished with a few coffee crystals.

    For other popular coffeehouse beverages, see our Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte and Green Matcha Latte.

    Substitutions

    Substitute the whole milk in this Korean iced coffee recipe for any plant based milk. If you are following a low carb or Keto diet, you can also use cream or Half & Half.

    For a sweeter, thicker, and more milkshake type of iced Dalgona coffee drink, substitute ice cream, dairy or non dairy, for some or all of the ice cubes!

    Variations

    Try some additional Dalgona coffee recipes:

    • Dalgona Latte - Add the ice cubes to a glass, then pour in the whipped coffee foam. Next, pour in the milk or ice cream. You can make a hot Dalgona latte by pouring hot milk on top of the whipped coffee cream. Garnish with whipped cream and powdered cocoa or coffee powder.
    • Hot Dalgona Coffee - Instead of using ice cubes, warm up the milk and pour it into mugs ¾'s full. Top with the frothy coffee topping and garnish.
    • Vegan Dalgona Coffee - Use plant based milk and ice cream options for the dairy versions in this Dalgona iced coffee recipe.
    • Dalgona Ice Cream Coffee - Use any combination of Vanilla, Coffee, Chocolate, or Chocolate chip ice cream to make a milk shake type of Dalgona ice cream coffee!
    • Low Carb or Keto Dalgona Coffee - whether hot or cold, use cream or half & half instead of the regular milk. This will keep the fat high and carbs low.

    Equipment

    Equipment can have a big impact on how a recipe turns out. You will need a blender, electric frother, or stick blender with a wire whisk attachment:\

    • Electric milk frother - perfect for individual mugs of iced Dalgona coffee.
    • Stick blender with whisk attachment - Make enough frothy coffee foam for 2 - 4 mugs of Korean iced coffee.
    • Blender - Handle the demands of a party with a large blender. Make enough coffee whip cream for about 8 mugs of iced dalgona coffees.
    Whipped coffee foam on top of a Dalgona coffee.
    Whipped coffee cream on top of a Dalgona coffee.

    Storage

    Barista style beverages don't really store long term, they are made to be enjoyed in the moment. You can however freeze any left over whipped Dalgona coffee foam in an ice cube tray. Drop a few cubes of the frozen foamy coffee in your next glass of sparkling or water for a kick of flavor.

    Tips for Success

    • Cheaper brands of instant coffee, foam up better than the expensive brands.
    • You can use monkfruit instead of sugar if you want a Sugar Free iced Dalgona coffee.
    • Instant coffee also whips without the addition of sugar or sweetener at all, though it will take longer to get the thick texture and peaks.
    • Powdered instant milk also whips into a froth with equal parts water. You can swirl the instant coffee with whipped instant milk for an artistic look.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can I use any instant coffee?

    Cheap Instant coffee works best. Don't use Freeze dried. And, make sure it's not a dark or bold roast as the whipped coffee cream may come out too bitter.

    Why can instant coffee be whipped foamy and frothy?

    Instant coffee is made by either Spray Drying or Freeze Drying. Freeze dried coffee preserves more of the oily aromatics, making a more full bodied brew when reconstituted.

    Spray Dried coffee is cheaper and has far less oily aromatics, allowing it to emulsify and stabilize with sugar and water, much like egg white meringue.

    Why can't I used brewed coffee to make whipped coffee cream?

    Brewed coffee has residual oils. That tiny bit of coffee oil prevents the emulsification of the coffee and sugar, just like a speck of egg yolk will prevent egg white meringue from forming.

    Also, while you can whip egg whites without sugar, it takes longer and they collapse faster. The same goes with whipping instant coffee. The sugar helps create a longer lasting whipped coffee cream.

    What does 'Dalgona' mean?

    Dalgona is a type of South Korean sweet made from sugar and bicarbonate of soda, making a sort of 'brittle' or 'honeycomb' type of confection. It's a popular street candy. The actual Korean pronunciation of Dalgona is more 'Talgona' due to the sounds of the Korean language.

    How many calories are in a Dalgona coffee?

    Depending on the ingredients you use (whole milk, almond milk, or ice cream) an Iced Dalgona Coffee averages around 300 calories per serving.

    Food Safety

    • Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
    • Wash hands after touching raw meat
    • Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
    • Never leave cooking food unattended
    • Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
    • Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove

    See more guidelines at USDA.gov.

    Some Other Recipes We Are Sure You Will Love

    • icing drizzled over baked wedge shaped lemon poppy seed scones.
      Best Lemon Poppy Seed Scones
    • jumbo gluten-free chocolate chip muffins on a cooling rack.
      Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Muffins
    • air fryer frozen french toast sticks.
      Air Fryer Frozen French Toast Sticks
    • baked broccoli bacon quiche.
      Broccoli Bacon Quiche

    Connect with Smells Like Delish!

    Be sure to follow us on our social media accounts.

    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • Instagram
    • Yummly
    • YouTube

    📖 Recipe

    Iced dalgona coffee with coffee foam on top.
    Print Recipe SaveSaved!
    5 from 4 votes

    Dalgona Iced Coffee

    Are you looking to bring a unique twist to your home barista experience? Then look no further than the latest trend - Dalgona iced coffee! Discover how this once relatively unknown frothy coffee beverage has become an internet sensation, and learn how to make it at home in just minutes.
    Prep Time5 mins
    Cook Time0 mins
    Total Time5 mins
    Course: Beverages
    Cuisine: Korean
    Servings: 2
    Calories: 213kcal
    Author: Kelly Bloom

    Equipment

    • Electric Milk Frother
    • Stick Blender with Whisk attachment
    • blender

    Ingredients

    • 4 tablespoon Instant coffee not freeze dried
    • 4 tablespoon sugar granulated
    • 4 tablespoon water hot
    • 10 oz milk any variety, dairy or non dairy based.
    • 1 cup ice cubes
    • 4 scoops vanilla ice cream OPTIONAL only
    US Customary - Metric

    Instructions

    • Mix the hot water, sugar, and instant coffee together in a frothing container or bowl, and mix to dissolve.
      4 tablespoon Instant coffee, 4 tablespoon sugar, 4 tablespoon water
    • Use a wire whisk by hand, or an electric milk frother to build up a frothy coffee cream. Set aside while you prepare your glasses.
    • Add ice cubes to a glass. However, if you want to make this more of a Dalgona ice cream coffee, add scoops of vanilla ice cream, dairy based or non dairy based instead of ice.
      1 cup ice cubes, 4 scoops vanilla ice cream
    • Pour enough milk over the ice cubes (or the ice cream) ¾'s up the glass. You can use whole milk, or if you prefer a plant based milk, use that.
      10 oz milk
    • Using a spoon, top off each glass of milk and ice (or milk and ice cream) with spoonfuls of the thick, frothy coffee topping. Dust with a sprinkle of either cocoa powder or instant coffee powder. Serve immediately.

    Notes

    • Cheaper brands of instant coffee, foam up better than the expensive brands.
    • You can use monkfruit instead of sugar if you want a Sugar Free iced Dalona coffee.
    • Instant coffee also whips without the addition of sugar or sweetener at all, though it will take longer to get the thick texture and peaks.
    • Powdered instant milk also whips into a froth with equal parts water. You can swirl the instant coffee with whipped instant milk for an artistic look.
    • Nutrition information was calculated as a No ice cream Iced Dalgona coffee.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 213kcal | Carbohydrates: 38g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 17mg | Sodium: 65mg | Potassium: 567mg | Sugar: 31g | Vitamin A: 230IU | Calcium: 193mg | Iron: 0.5mg
    Keyword : coffee whipped cream, Dalgona iced coffee, Dalgona latte, frothy coffee, iced Dalgona coffee, Korean iced coffee, Korean whipped coffee

    Like this recipe? Be sure to share it, pin it, or add it to your collection!

    • Facebook
    • Yummly
    • Email
    • Twitter

    More Beverage Recipes

    • Whip cream and sprinkles on top of a mug of pink hot chocolate.
      Pink Hot Chocolate
    • two stemless wine glasses filled with berry smoothie's, garnished with a strawberry on the rim.
      Berry Bliss Tropical Smoothie
    • Jim Beam Old Fashioned cocktail in a rocks cocktail glass.
      Jim Beam Old Fashioned
    • two cheesecake cocktails with graham cracker rims.
      Cheesecake Cocktails

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      Leave a Reply Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




    1. Dahn says

      January 06, 2023 at 9:58 pm

      5 stars
      That looks so good. The frothy foam makes it look so decadent and rich.

      Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    Author photo for Kelly Bloom

    Hi, I'm Kelly! and I have a love affair with herbs & spices! Here at Smells Like Delish, I'm all about creating food that has three aspects: flavor, aroma, and texture - to create satisfying fare!

    More about me →

    Newest Recipes

    • Serving dish of air fryer orange chicken and white rice with potstickers in the background.
      Air Fryer Orange Chicken
    • platter full of pot stickers with soy sauce dip in the middle and chop sticks nearby.
      Air Fryer Frozen Potstickers
    • fluffy rice on a wooden spoon over a rice cooker full of cooked rice.
      Aroma Rice Cooker Instructions
    • serving bowl of panda express string bean chicken with blue teapot nearby.
      Panda Express String Bean Chicken
    recipe newsletter

    Diet Friendly Recipes

    • guacamole with tortilla chips on a platter.
      4-Ingredient Guacamole Recipe
    • Salmon filet in a serving dish with rice pilaf and brussels sprouts.
      Longhorns Salmon Recipe
    • serving dish with blackened mahi mahi and lemon wedges with tartar sauce in a bowl.
      Blackened Mahi Mahi
    • platter of roasted asparagus garnished with cheese and lemon.
      Air Fryer Frozen Asparagus

    Asian Inspirations

    • blue and white porcelain bowl full of steamed white rice.
      Fluffy Steamed White Rice
    • slicked chicken Katsu in a bento box.
      Air Fryer Chicken Katsu
    • beef & broccoli stir fry in a skillet.
      Panda Express Beef and Broccoli
    • powdered sugar dusted croffles on a serving platter.
      Croffles (Croissant Waffles)

    Recommended

    • del frisco's butter cake with ice cream, caramel sauce, and whip cream.
      Del Frisco's Butter Cake
    • serving bowl of mashed potatoes garnished with butter & parsley.
      Bob Evans Mashed Potatoes
    • A corn muffin with the wrapper removed.
      Cracker Barrel Cornbread Recipe
    • small plate with cut pork lumpia and a small bowl of dipping sauce nearby
      Traditional Pork Lumpia
    • close up of serving bowl with black beans, tostones, cilantro.
      Instant Pot Cuban Black Beans
    • close up of white serving platter with three grilled pork chops and a green napkin on a white background
      Pan Grilled Steakhouse Pork Chops

    International Favorites

    • air fried samosa appetizers with dip.
      Air Fryer Frozen Samosa
    • Fried Sweet Plantains in a serving dish.
      Fried Sweet Plantains (Platanos Maduros)
    • Bowl of Chimichurri rice.
      Chimichurri Rice
    • ghana meat pies on a platter.
      Ghanaian Meat Pie

    Footer

    ↑ back to top
    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclosure Policy
    • Disclaimer
    • Contact
    • About
    • Amazon Store
    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • Instagram
    • Youtube
    • LinkedIn

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2022 Smells Like Delish