What Is Dalgona Coffee

Dalgona coffee is instant coffee, sugar, and hot water whipped in equal parts until it becomes a thick, golden-brown foam. That foam is spooned on top of a glass of cold or hot milk. The name comes from dalgona, a Korean honeycomb toffee candy, because the whipped coffee's color and sweetness resemble it.

The drink existed in various forms across Asia for years before it became a global phenomenon in early 2020. When the pandemic closed cafes worldwide, people started making it at home and posting the process on social media. It was photogenic, simple, and satisfying. Within weeks it was everywhere.

How It Works

Equal parts instant coffee, sugar, and hot water. Two tablespoons of each. Whip with a hand mixer until the mixture transforms from liquid to a stiff, glossy foam. The key ingredient is instant coffee, specifically because it contains compounds that stabilize foam in a way that ground coffee does not. You cannot make dalgona with espresso or brewed coffee. It will not whip. This is the rare case where instant coffee is not a compromise but a requirement.

Why It Stayed

Most viral food trends disappear within months. Dalgona coffee persisted because the drink is genuinely good. For millions of people whose relationship with coffee was limited to drip machines, dalgona was the first time they made something with intention. It led some of them to specialty coffee for the first time. Some trends open doors. This one did.

Keep reading: Cold Brew vs. Iced Coffee, What Is a Matcha Latte, How to Find Great Coffee.