If you spend any time on Instagram or TikTok these days, chances are you've been inspired to brew your own cup of Dalgona coffee or smoothie. Everybody is doing it. It's been trending since it went viral in South Korea earlier this year. Search #dalgonacoffee on Instagram and you will get more than 265,000 posts. On TikTok, that number reaches 207 million views. Crazy.
"I think the trend took off very quickly because people are bored at home while distancing themselves socially and want a quick and easy distraction," says Michelle Lopez, founder of the food blog Hummingbird High. “The recipe is easy, takes just five minutes, and serves as a good replacement for many people's morning coffee routine. I also think this recipe brought a lot of joy to people's lives by being tasty and fun to make and share online. "
Julie Resnick, co-founder of feedfeed, a popular multi-source digital food publication and community, agrees. "This recipe is easy, affordable, requires only a few ingredients, looks great and tastes pretty good," he says. “It is a cloud of happiness for lovers of sweet coffee. It tastes especially sweet and creamy with a bit of bitterness. ”
López says he would compare the flavor to a Starbucks Frappuccino. "They have the same kind of airy texture," she says. "I think Starbucks gets its texture by mixing coffee with crushed ice, but you don't do that with Dalgona coffee."
Ready to make yours at home? This is what you will need and how to prepare it -and do it well- with all the products recommended by professionals and from our favorite brands.
How to make beaten coffee
To make a Dalgona coffee, López says, you will need 2 tablespoons of instant coffee, granulated sugar and boiling water. You will also need 1/2 cup of ice, 8 ounces of milk and cocoa powder to decorate, if desired. ("Don't try it unless you're using instant coffee," advises Resnick, since regular coffee doesn't work with this recipe.)
Combine the instant coffee and sugar in a bowl, then add the hot water. "The Dalgona coffee recipe works best if you use hot water: it dissolves both instant coffee and sugar more quickly and leads to more fluffy coffee," says López.
Now use a hand mixer to beat the mixture until it is fluffy (about five minutes) or use an electric or stand mixer (it will save effort, Resnick says) for about a minute or two.
"I usually mix my coffee by hand, but I'm a professional baker, so I also have a lot of practice whipping whipped cream and meringue," says Lopez. “If you don't do what I do for a living, I definitely recommend using an electric hand mixer. It is the fastest and easiest way to get the maximum amount of foam for your coffee. ”
Once beaten, pour the creamy coffee into a glass of iced milk with a rubber spatula and garnish with the cocoa powder if desired. Take a photo, shake it and enjoy.
What you will need
Folgers Instant Coffee Crystals Classic Roast Single Serve Packets ($ 12; amazon.com)
These single-serving packs are perfect for those who want to try the Dalgona coffee trend without compromising too much.
Folgers Classic Medium Roast Instant Coffee ($ 5.03; amazon.com)
If you are looking to make a lot of smoothie or just prefer instant drip, why not buy a bigger jar that is miraculously still in stock? And if you love French style toast, try this one.
Morning Bird Tea Kettle Circle ($ 39.95; amazon.com)
Boil the water in style with this 2-quart stovetop kettle that will add a stylish touch to your kitchen. We love it in bright turquoise, but it also comes in black, chocolate, and orange.
Bodum Bistro Electric Teapot ($ 25.69; amazon.com)
When you want your water to boil quickly, use electricity. This sleek, modern design includes a transparent water level scale, so you know exactly how much water is boiling.
Oxo 9 ″ Whisk ($ 7.99; amazon.com)
Loved by buyers, this whisk is smaller for mixing something as simple as instant coffee, sugar, and water.
Kate Aspen The Perfect Mix Whisk ($ 1.99; bedbathandbeyond.com)
Here's a sweet pink whisk at a lower price, which features a stainless steel handle and silicone-coated cables.
Breville Handy Mix Scraper ($ 129.95; amazon.com)
Hummingbird High's Lopez says this is his favorite portable mixer. "It's powerful but lightweight, and I love that it has a little bit of light on the mixer that shines on whatever you're doing so you can see it better," she says.
KitchenAid 5-Quarter Stand Mixer ($ 349.99; amazon.com)
Preparing Dalgona coffee is just one reason to invest in this kitchen essential. From kneading to mixing wet and dry ingredients to whipping the fluffy coffee, you'll use it over and over again.
Luminarc 10-Piece Stackable Bowl Set ($ 29.99; amazon.com)
The key to making Dalgona coffee is in the blend. This set of 10 lead-free glass bowls stacks easily for storage and ensures you always have the perfect size on hand.
Cuisinart 3-Piece 3-Piece Spatulas Set ($ 8.99; amazon.com)
Spoon your beaten coffee with a nice rubber spatula. Durable and smaller, this version will help make your coffee perfect for Instagram.
Fellow Set of 2 Coffee Cups ($ 30; amazon.com)
Milkshake is made for social media display and will look more impressive photographed in glass rather than a ceramic mug. These 10 ounce hand blown glasses are almost as impressive as your drink.
Iridescent Stainless Steel Straws ($ 7.90; amazon.com)
Complete your coffee masterpiece with a reusable iridescent stainless steel straw. Extra long, fit 30 ounce glasses and are BPA free.
Reusable Silicone Straws ($ 9; uncommongoods.com)
Or better yet, add a pop of color to your Dalgona coffee with this fun set of six silicone straws that can be thrown in the dishwasher between uses.
Ghirardelli Cocoa Chocolate 100% Sugar Free Baking ($ 3.98; amazon.com)
Make your drink special with a pinch of cocoa powder on top.
Note: The above prices reflect the price at the time of article posting.