Save My sister sent me a video during lockdown, her face half-hidden behind a glass of impossibly fluffy coffee. I thought she was joking. Three minutes later, I was standing in my kitchen with a whisk, muttering about my arm already burning. But then the coffee started to thicken, turning pale and glossy, and I felt like I'd discovered alchemy. When I spooned that cloud over cold milk and watched it hover there, I finally understood why the internet had lost its mind over Dalgona coffee.
I made this for my neighbor who swore she didn't like instant coffee. She took one sip, paused, then asked if I could teach her right then and there. We stood at my counter, whisking side by side, laughing as her mixture went from syrupy to stiff peaks in what felt like seconds. She left with her own jar of instant coffee and texted me a photo every morning for a week, each glass topped with a different shaped cloud.
Ingredients
- Instant coffee granules: This only works with instant coffee, not ground coffee, because the granules dissolve and trap air to create that magical foam. I keep a jar just for this, even though I usually brew fresh.
- Granulated sugar: Equal parts with the coffee is the classic ratio, but I've gone as low as one tablespoon when I wanted it less sweet and it still whipped up beautifully.
- Hot water: Just off the boil works best, helping everything dissolve quickly so you can start whipping without gritty bits.
- Milk: I've tried this with oat, almond, whole, and skim, and honestly, they all work. Cold milk makes it refreshing, warm milk turns it cozy.
- Ice cubes: Optional but highly recommended if you're serving it cold, they keep everything chilled while you stir that fluffy top layer into creamy swirls.
Instructions
- Mix the base:
- Combine the instant coffee, sugar, and hot water in a medium bowl. Stir just enough to make sure nothing is sitting dry at the bottom.
- Whip until fluffy:
- Use a hand whisk, electric mixer, or milk frother and beat the mixture vigorously. At first it will look thin and disappointing, then suddenly it thickens, pales, and holds stiff peaks like meringue, usually in two to four minutes.
- Prepare your glasses:
- Fill two glasses with milk, adding ice cubes if you want it cold. Leave a little room at the top for the whipped coffee.
- Spoon on the cloud:
- Divide the whipped coffee evenly between the glasses, dolloping it gently on top of the milk. It should float there like a soft, golden pillow.
- Stir and sip:
- Serve immediately with a spoon or straw. Before drinking, stir the whipped coffee down into the milk to blend the flavors into creamy, sweet perfection.
Save One Saturday morning, my nephew asked if we could make the fluffy coffee he saw on his tablet. I handed him the whisk and let him try. His little arms gave up after 30 seconds, so I took over, but we took turns and he was so proud when it finally peaked. He insisted on taking a picture before every sip. That glass of coffee took us 20 minutes to finish because he kept stopping to admire it.
Getting the Perfect Whip
The first time I made this, I used a fork and gave up after five minutes of frantic whisking. A proper whisk makes all the difference, but an electric mixer or even a milk frother turns it into a 90 second job. If you're doing it by hand, use a balloon whisk and a deep bowl so you can really get air into the mixture. You'll know it's ready when it's thick enough to hold a peak and has turned from dark brown to a pale caramel color.
Flavor Twists
After I got confident with the basic version, I started experimenting. A pinch of cinnamon whisked into the coffee gives it a warm spice that's perfect in the fall. I've also swirled in a tiny bit of vanilla extract and topped it with a dusting of cocoa powder, which made it taste like a deconstructed tiramisu. My friend adds a drop of peppermint extract around the holidays and says it tastes like a café mocha from her favorite coffee shop.
Serving Suggestions
I love this over oat milk with ice on hot afternoons, but I've also made it with warm milk on rainy mornings when I wanted something soothing. You can serve it in a clear glass to show off the layers, or go full café mode and dust the top with cocoa or extra coffee granules. Some people like to drizzle a little caramel or chocolate syrup inside the glass before adding the milk.
- Try it with cold brew instead of plain milk for an extra caffeine kick.
- Top with whipped cream if you're feeling indulgent and want an over the top dessert drink.
- Serve alongside biscotti or shortbread cookies for dipping.
Save This coffee became my little ritual during those strange, slow months at home, a small thing that felt special when everything else felt still. I hope it brings you that same spark of joy, that tiny moment of wonder when something so simple turns into something beautiful.
Recipe FAQ
- → How long does it take to whip the coffee mixture to the right consistency?
The mixture typically takes 2-4 minutes to whip into stiff peaks using a hand whisk, electric mixer, or milk frother. The exact time depends on your whisking method and intensity. Stop when the mixture becomes thick, pale, and holds peaks when you lift the whisk.
- → Can I use regular ground coffee instead of instant coffee?
Instant coffee is essential for this drink because it dissolves completely and whips into the proper texture. Ground coffee won't dissolve as easily and will sink rather than create the signature fluffy topping.
- → What type of milk works best for serving?
Any milk works well, including dairy milk, oat milk, almond milk, or soy milk. Dairy milk creates a classic experience, while plant-based alternatives work perfectly for vegan versions. Choose based on your preference and dietary needs.
- → How can I make this drink less sweet?
Reduce the sugar from 2 tablespoons to 1 tablespoon in the whipped mixture. This creates a less sweet topping while still achieving the proper whipped texture. Adjust to your taste preference.
- → How long can the whipped coffee sit before serving?
Serve immediately for the best experience. The whipped coffee may begin to deflate or lose its cloud-like appearance over time. For optimal texture and presentation, prepare and serve right away.
- → What toppings enhance this drink?
A light sprinkle of cocoa powder, cinnamon, or instant coffee granules adds visual appeal and extra flavor. These toppings complement the creamy whipped coffee and give a café-style finishing touch.