What is Whipped Coffee and How to Make It

Whipped coffee, famously known as dalgona coffee, is a Korean coffee trend that became popular through different social media platforms. It has been around for a long time, but its international popularity exploded once it featured on TikTok. The dalgona coffee trend gained momentum during the quarantine period caused by the novel coronavirus, earning the nickname of quarantine coffee.

Whipped or dalgona coffee is a highly photogenic beverage. The fluffy, thick layer of coffee floating on top of the iced milk is fascinating for many. It is also known for its other names, such as fluffy coffee, beaten coffee, frappe coffee, frothy coffee and cloud coffee.

The main four ingredients of this famous drink are instant coffee, sugar, water and milk.

Learn how to make whipped coffee by following the tips and instructions below. See if this drink should be a staple on your morning coffee menu or become part of your favourite home cold coffee repertoire.

How to Make Whipped Coffee

You will need equipment plus the right ingredients to bring a whipped coffee to a frothy consistency. For the final look, the whipped coffee mixture is then put on top of chilled milk to make a visually appealing presentation.

Whipped Coffee Recipe

The whipped coffee recipe below is an estimate and can make 1 to 2 servings. A traditional whipped coffee recipe calls for the following:

• 2 Tbsp. Instant coffee
• 2 Tbsp. Granulated sugar
• 2 Tbsp. water
• 1 cup of milk
• Ice cubes or block for serving (optional)

Directions

1. Add the instant coffee and sugar to a small or medium-sized bowl. Get a small amount of boiling water and immediately pour over the ingredients. Stir to dissolve.
2. Whisk together all three ingredients using an electric mixer. If unavailable, you can do the whisking by hand until it forms a mousse-like mixture. It typically takes about 1 to 2 minutes when using an electric mixer and can take up to 12 minutes if you do it by hand. Manual stirring also requires upper arm strength and endurance.
3. Pour the foam on top of a glass of cold milk and ice. It will create an iced coffee-like drink. If you are feeling daring, try topping it with cinnamon, cocoa, or an additional sprinkle of espresso coffee powder.
4. Stir it with a straw or spoon and enjoy your frothy whipped coffee.

Whipped coffee is creamy in texture and sweet in flavour

Many described this drink as having a similar taste to coffee ice cream or a Starbucks frappuccino. You can adjust the sweetness and caffeine content somewhat by changing the ratio and choosing a milk flavour base.

Whipped coffee does not remain in two distinct layers for a long period. It is recommended that you mix the foam into the milk right after preparing it for a better texture. It is best to drink it with a good-sized straw to get a good blend of topping and milk. If you choose to dive straight in without mixing, do not be surprised if you get a foamy moustache and something on your nose.

Best Whipping Method

• Hand Whisk — This method is not for the faint-hearted. Please note that this takes a lot of elbow grease and you may need to stir vigorously for 10 to 12 minutes for a good result.
• Electric Mixer — This is, hands-down, the easiest and favourite whipping method for home baristas and professional baristas. In 2-3 minutes, you will have the perfect whipped coffee, with little mess.
• Stand Mixer — The stand mixer produces equally great results similar to an electric mixer. However, an electric mixer is easier to clean than this one.
• Milk Frother — These may work for professionals but be careful when using them as they can create a big, splattery mess.

Whipped Coffee Healthier Version

Whipped coffee is a sweet drink due to its sugar content. The two tablespoons of sugar are already over the limit for most people’s daily sugar budget.

You will need to find an alternative if you are trying to steer clear of unhealthy sugar. Ensure that the alternative will still melt together with the instant coffee to create the perfect fluffy texture.

For a healthier sweetener, you can use granulated stevia and granulated monk fruit.

In addition, you can use unsweetened almond milk, oat milk or soy milk instead of traditional milk.

Whipped Coffee Variations

The whipped or dalgona coffee has taken on different variations since its first days. You can try some of these variations in your home café or boost your café drink menu.

• Vanilla whipped coffee. This recipe calls for you to mix the following ingredients: one tablespoon of instant coffee, instant espresso powder or instant decaf, two tablespoons of sugar and milk, a dash of salt, and half a tablespoon of vanilla extract. You may also add a dash of cornstarch to create a thicker foam texture.

Adding salt to the drink will help balance the flavours and bring out the sweetness of the sugar and the vanilla.

• Matcha whipped coffee. Stir until all sugar, syrup, and vanilla extract are mixed. Once done, add the matcha powder and continue to whip until all matcha is combined. Pour in your favourite milk of choice, add some ice cubes, and spoon the mixture on top.
• Chocolate whipped coffee. If you do not like coffee, you can replace it with the same amount of cocoa powder. Serve it over iced milk, steamed milk, or ice cream. Yum!
• Whipped strawberry dalgona — Use strawberry Nesquik and heavy whipped cream. Serve it over milk on ice.

Final Thoughts

The making process of whipped coffee is a simple concept. Whip and stir together equal parts of water, sugar and instant coffee. The last step is to pour the fluffy, cloud-like foam into a glass of milk and voilà — your Whipped coffee is now ready to drink.

Incorporating the delightful trend of whipped coffee into your repertoire is a surefire way to elevate your coffee experience, whether at home or in a professional setting. 

Gain a deep understanding of the fascinating and rewarding world of coffee by enrolling in a Nationally Recognised Barista Course.

Master the art of creating the perfect frothy concoction or enhance your skills to tantalize coffee-loving taste buds. Seize the moment and sign up for the course today – your coffee friends and future customers will thank you!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make whipped coffee without using instant coffee?

Yes, you can absolutely make whipped coffee without instant coffee, you need to add enough sugar to get that creamy texture!

The actual key to making whipped coffee without instant coffee is the sugar content. This coffee is like making a meringue, the sugar provides the structure needed to give it that creamy custard-like texture. Your coffee-to-sugar ratio needs to be equal.

Why won’t my whipped coffee whip?

Check to make sure that your instant coffee powder doesn’t contain any milk powder as this will prevent the coffee/sugar mixture from whipping up.

What does whipped dalgona coffee taste like?

Absolutely delicious but incredibly sugary! Though it boasts a delightful custard-y consistency, the excessive sweetness is a result of the sugar required to achieve this texture.

What is the shelf life of dalgona coffee?

The whipped coffee maintains its fluffiness for several hours when stored in the fridge. If you’ve prepared an excess amount or want to streamline your morning routine by making a large batch of whipped coffee: store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week

Does Whipped coffee have health benefits?

Here are five positive effects on the health of this popular trend…

Potential aid for acidity: Consuming Dalgona coffee might offer relief from acidity due to its inclusion of milk, known to assist with digestive troubles. Research suggests that the calcium and protein found in milk may contribute to alleviating heartburn. Once again, however, the sugar content is high, so not too much at once.