Whipped coffee recently swept the nation, inspiring videos across social media. Individuals were creating a twist on whipped coffee by adding flavors, and swapping out instant coffee for Matcha, and much more. Also referred to as Dalgona, whipped coffee is a unique drink you can easily make all on your own.

Surprisingly enough, whipped coffee does not require the use of instant coffee and can be used through much healthier options. Originally crafted in South Korea, Dalgona coffee requires the use of three or four simple ingredients. While it may easily transform into a complicated drink, this lovely whipped coffee makes an Instagram-worthy drink in no time flat. With a few simple tools, it is fun to whip up a Dalgona of your own that your family will beg to have again and again.
How to Make Your Own Instant Coffee?
An inventor by the name of David Strang first invented instant coffee in 1899. There is a lot of controversy surrounding the production and purchase of store-bought instant coffee. The biggest problem with this freeze-dried coffee mostly involves untraceable additives and, in rare cases, animal byproducts. Essentially, this means instant coffee could be a problem for those following a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle – especially if the contents are questionable.
For this reason, the powers that be spent a great deal of time developing a method of making your own instant coffee at home. Why does this matter? If you are opposed to store-bought instant coffee for ethical reasons but still enjoy a good whipped coffee, you can have the best of both worlds. So, how can you go about making powdered instant coffee of your own?
Simply start out with a bag of fresh coffee beans, a burr coffee grinder, an air-tight container, and a strainer or fine-mesh sieve. If you don’t have access to a coffee grinder, you may also utilize a food processor. Set your grinder on the finest setting, and grind a desired amount of coffee. Hold a strainer over a container or bowl, and sift through the grinds. This will allow the finest granules to pass through and prevent larger clumps from getting into the powder.
You may try grinding these granules again, but it may be difficult to do so accurately. Once this is done, you will be able to make a batch of your own whipped coffee without the added bother of purchasing instant coffee from the store.
How to Make Whipped Coffee?
Dalgona is a type of whipped coffee you will want to enjoy on a regular basis. Aside from being tasty, it provides a pleasant aesthetic that’s simply lovely to look at. And, thanks to the heavy hitters on various social media platforms, it’s as popular as ever. You might be hard-pressed to find this South Korean drink served up at a coffee joint, but you can easily make this on your own with very little experience. Here is all that it takes to make whipped coffee without store-bought instant coffee.
- 2 tablespoons Coffee Powder
- 2 tablespoons Sugar
- 2 tablespoons Hot Water
- Milk as Desired
- Ice as Desired
- Mixing Bowl or Measuring Cup
- Electric Mixer or Hand Whisk
Begin by combining coffee powder, sugar, and hot water into a bowl. Whisk the ingredients together with an electric mixer or hand whisk until combined. Continue until the mixture reaches a light, airy, fluffy texture. Add milk to the glass, and spoon the whipped coffee mixture over the top. Add ice, if desired, and enjoy.
Slight Dalgona Variations
If coffee isn’t really your thing, or you tend to prefer more vegan options, you will be glad to know there are many lovely variations to try. Because the coffee powder acts much like egg whites in a meringue, the sugar content will offset the lack of coffee in many variations. This ensures a custard-like texture, which gives Dalgona the signature fluff you’re looking for. In most cases, the following types of whipped coffee adhere to the same recipe mentioned above. Ensure the coffee or coffee substitute is used in an equal ratio to the sugar, and chances are you’ll have zero regrets.

Using Espresso Instead
The fine level of grinding an espresso-level coffee must undergo makes it a great alternative to instant coffee powder. It’s also a lot easier than spending time making your own instant.
Matcha Whipped Coffee
Vegans alike tend to sing matcha-whipped coffee praises with this easy Dalgona recipe. Now you can enjoy a twist on traditional Matcha by subbing coffee powder with high-quality Matcha powder.
Cacao Dalgona
You can’t browse the internet lately without being met with an advertising marketing cacao as the new coffee alternative. If you are cutting back on caffeine, try enjoying a whipped coffee made with cacao powder instead.
Whipped Boba Strawberry
Milk tea adorned with Boba is, hands down, a favored drink of many. Put a fruity flair into your next whipped coffee with tapioca pearls and strawberry Nesquik powder. Prepare the tapioca pearls according to the directions on the bag, and add them to the milk. Replace the coffee powder with Nesquik and taste the difference.
Milk Alternatives
If you are attempting to kick dairy to the curb, you can easily replace milk with any number of nut alternatives. From almond milk to coconut and even oat milk, this aspect of the whipped coffee recipe is easy to customize.
Trendy Designer Drinks
No doubt, we are sure to see an endless amount of designer drinks with the passage of time. As these trendy drinks continue to become the star of TikTok, coffee lovers alike will be provided with additional drinks to enjoy for years to come.
While we have mentioned a number of top Dalgona variations, you are guaranteed to discover many more with a quick search online. From sweet and indulgent to savory or even spicy, whipped coffee continues to trend. Regardless of your taste, you can bet there is a flavor you will love alongside an easy-to-follow recipe.