Why Dalgona Coffee Took Over Social Media – And How to Make It

Who knew that a simple mix of instant coffee, sugar, and water could break the internet? In just a matter of weeks, dalgona coffee went from being a quirky drink on a Korean TV show to dominating social media feeds worldwide. Now, if you’ve scrolled through your timeline and wondered why everyone is whipping coffee into a fluffy cloud, you’re in the right place.

The Unexpected Dalgona Coffee Craze

Dalgona coffee didn’t start off as a global phenomenon. It burst onto the scene when a South Korean actor tried a whipped coffee drink in Macau and joked that it tasted like dalgona, a Korean candy made from sugar and baking soda. The candy has a similar golden, foamy look, so the name stuck. Soon, people everywhere were giving this sweet, airy coffee recipe a try, posting mouthwatering photos and short how-to videos on every social media platform.

Part of its appeal is how simple it is to make. You don’t need any fancy equipment or unusual ingredients. All you need is instant coffee, sugar, hot water, milk, and a strong arm (or an electric whisk). The process is easy, but the final look—fluffy whipped coffee foam perched on top of a glass of milk—feels a little gourmet. And that’s exactly what social media loves: something that’s both camera-ready and easy to replicate.

Where Did Dalgona Coffee Come From?

Although it’s been linked to a Korean candy, dalgona coffee has roots in various parts of the world. In India, there’s a similar drink called “phenti hui coffee,” where coffee and sugar are whipped together by hand before adding milk. Versions of whipped coffee are also found in other countries, often known simply as beaten or frothy coffee.

However, the catchy name “dalgona” and a viral moment on Korean TV helped catapult this version into the spotlight. The timing also played a big role. During a period when many people found themselves spending more time at home, folks were looking for fun food trends to try. Dalgona coffee showed up right on schedule: it promised a coffee-shop aesthetic without stepping outside the front door.

The Aesthetics That Hooked Social Media

It’s not just the taste that made dalgona coffee a massive hit—it’s the visual appeal. Social media thrives on eye-catching images, and dalgona coffee serves up a perfect shot every time. The stark contrast between the fluffy, caramel-colored foam and the white milk below is a dream for anyone who loves a good “before and after” stir shot. One swirl of a spoon turns the distinct layers into a deliciously creamy blend, ideal for a short video clip or a boomerang post.

Another point in dalgona coffee’s favor is that it’s so easy to personalize. People began adding cocoa powder, cinnamon, or even matcha to the whipped layer, creating colorful, mouthwatering variations. Just like latte art before it, the whipped top of a dalgona coffee became a canvas for culinary creativity. That meant endless possibilities for social media posts—everyone could give their foam its own spin, from chocolate shavings to sprinkles of sea salt.

And it didn’t stop at the coffee mug. Some creative home chefs even used dalgona foam as a dessert topper, layering it over ice cream or folding it into cake batter. Every experiment was another shareable moment, turning dalgona coffee from a simple beverage trend into an all-out online event.

Making Dalgona Coffee at Home

Ready to see what all the fuss is about? Good news: dalgona coffee is surprisingly easy. The biggest challenge is working up the patience to whip the mixture to that perfect texture. Here’s a step-by-step guide for a classic version:

1. Gather Your Ingredients
   • 2 tablespoons of instant coffee (it has to be instant).
   • 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar.
   • 2 tablespoons of hot water.
   • 1 cup of milk (dairy or non-dairy alternatives).
   • Optional: ice cubes, if you prefer a cold drink.
2. Combine Instant Coffee, Sugar, and Hot Water
   In a small bowl, add the coffee, sugar, and hot water. Make sure you use equal amounts of each for the best consistency. This ratio—often called 1:1:1—lets you scale the recipe up or down as needed.
3. Whisk Until Fluffy
   This is where the magic happens. You can use a hand whisk, electric mixer, or even a stand mixer. Whisk the mixture until it turns light brown and holds stiff peaks, similar to whipped cream. It can take several minutes if you’re whisking by hand, so brace yourself for a bit of an arm workout. An electric mixer, on the other hand, will get the job done in about a minute or two.
4. Fill Your Glass
   Fill a cup about three-quarters of the way with milk. You can use either warm or cold milk. Most people prefer cold milk to get the classic iced effect, but a cozy warm version is just as tasty. If you’re using cold milk, feel free to add ice cubes first.
5. Spoon the Foam on Top
   Carefully scoop the whipped coffee foam on top of the milk. Go slow, and let it sit nicely so you get that layered look that’s perfect for a photo. If you want to garnish, sprinkle a little cocoa powder, cinnamon, or chocolate shavings on top.
6. Stir and Enjoy
   Snap that Instagram pic, then stir everything together to get the full dalgona coffee flavor. The foam will blend into the milk, creating a silky, sweet coffee drink that’s as satisfying as it looks.

Tips and Tricks for a Perfect Whip

• Choose the Right Coffee: The recipe works best with instant coffee, not ground beans or coffee pods. Instant espresso can also work, but be mindful that it may turn out more intense.
• Use Hot Water: The temperature helps dissolve the coffee and sugar quickly, making it easier to whip.
• Play with Ratios: If you like your coffee stronger or sweeter, adjust the coffee or sugar accordingly. Some folks prefer 1 tablespoon coffee, 2 tablespoons sugar, 1 tablespoon water, or other custom mixes.
• Go Electric: If you want to save time (and your arm strength), an electric mixer or a handheld milk frother can speed things up. Hand-whisking works too but can take a while—think of it as a mini workout.

The Lasting Impact of Dalgona Coffee

You might be asking, “Why did dalgona coffee become such a big deal so fast?” Part of the answer is timing. People were stuck at home and looking for easy kitchen projects. Throw in the share-worthy look of the whipped foam, and you have a viral hit. But dalgona coffee also tapped into a deeper need: the joy of creating something café-quality in the comfort of your own home.

Its popularity showed that folks aren’t just interested in grabbing a quick caffeine fix; they also want an experience. Whipping up dalgona coffee turns an ordinary morning routine into a mini event. For many, the real fun comes from showing off the final masterpiece online or treating friends and family to something that looks straight out of a trendy coffee shop.

One Final Whisk

Dalgona coffee isn’t just another viral fad—it’s a sweet, creamy reminder that a little creativity can make ordinary ingredients shine. Whether you whip it up to satisfy a caffeine craving, impress your brunch guests, or snap a picture for social media, the joy comes from seeing those fluffy peaks perched on top of milk. Give it a try, and you might find yourself hooked on this do-it-yourself trend that captured hearts worldwide.