How to Make the Viral Whipped Iced Coffee Hack from TikTok
If you’re coffee-obsessed like me, check out this popular drink idea to make at home!
Dalgona coffee was super trendy last year on TikTok, and it’s the creamiest iced coffee drink I’ve ever had and so tasty. When my tween daughter asked if we had any instant coffee to make one, I was highly skeptical and assumed her iced coffee would not taste great.
By the way, if you’re a visual learner, be sure to watch Stetson’s video below. 🙌
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XYrGakgjiLA]
If you can’t see the video, click here to watch.
I’m here to say this idea is DELICIOUS and easy!
According to the LATimes.com, Dalgona coffee is inspired by the South Korean dalgona candy, and involves whipping instant coffee, granulated sugar, and water into a rich gooey solid looking mixture that almost looks like toffee. It starts out black and then when whipped changes color to a satisfying and yummy mixture.
You can use a whisk as they do in this viral YouTube video from the Bustle.com, or you can use an electric hand mixer like we did to make it much faster! Then you pour it over iced milk, and mix it all together. We also added vanilla extract, and it was so tasty.
The result is a super creamy, rich iced coffee drink that is so fun and easy to make at home!
Hip recipe tips for making whipped Dalgona coffee:
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- For this recipe, you’ll need some instant coffee granules. We actually had instant espresso on hand and that worked great. If you’re concerned about caffeine, this also works well using decaf instant coffee!
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- You can use a whisk, coffee frother, or electric mixer to whip up the thick coffee mixture. We tested all three methods and preferred using the whisk attachment with my electric hand mixer.
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- This drink is highly adaptable to taste, so you can use a sugar, sugar substitute, milk, or coffee creamer of choice. For a low carb version, try out monk fruit sweetener and almond milk!
Dalgona Whipped Iced Coffee Drink
yield: 1 SERVINGS
prep time: 5 MINUTES
total time: 5 MINUTES
A rich and creamy iced coffee drink that you won't believe starts with instant coffee!
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons instant coffee or espresso
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons hot water
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract *optional
- 1 cup milk
Directions
1
Combine instant coffee, sugar, and hot water, and vanilla in a small bowl. Use a mixer to whip the mixture for a minute or two until it becomes thickened and light in color.
2
Pour ice and milk into a cup, and top with the whipped coffee mixture. Mix it in with a spoon, and enjoy! Feel free to add more milk, creamer, and/or sweetener as desired.
This is a must-try idea if you love hitting the coffee shops for iced lattes and drinks!
Creamy whipped coffee is something fun and affordable to make at home, and I still can’t believe that it all starts from a couple of scoops of instant coffee. We also tried using decaf instant coffee with awesome results too!
Try it and let us know your thoughts in the comments!
Looking for a classic cup of Joe? Here’s how one team member makes perfect coffee every morning!
This looks yummy. I will have to try it. Do you have to add sugar? Not sure if that helps make it fluff.
Ya I’m not sure that would turn out and would be quite bitter I’d imagine. You can use a sugar alternative like Swerve or Monkfruit if desired.
Dang, no instant coffee. Looks delicious!
I didn’t read the directions but you can do it. All you need is a little bit of liquid to make it cream. Keep in mind that instant coffee is a lot stronger than regular coffee.
Yes!! The whipped part was very strong and I was not expecting it to be!! I am a coffee weenie and added a lot more milk!! That being said, it was fun, easy, and delicious!!
I don’t add sugar, and it whips just fine. I do add a little sweetened cream after to give it a little sweetness. It’s yummy!
good morning ! i just made mine with maxwell house decaf instant crystals, and whipped with a fork to improvise 🙂 LOL ! the coffee, water, milk ratio was perfect . i always wondered how many tbsp crystals to use 🙂
Oh nice! Thanks for sharing your method 👍
i have some maxwell house decaf instant and i couldn’t get it to whip up. any tips?
Thanks have been wanting to try these! Have also been wanting to get some glasses like that. Are they dishwasher safe?
In my experience I think Monk fruit has an aftertaste. Does Swerve have an aftertaste?
I have never tried Monkfruit, but I detest Swerve’s aftertaste! I avoid it at all costs. Which is disappointing since it costs a ton more than Stevia. It’s weird how even sugars can taste different to everyone, but I’d highly recommend trying some from a friend (clean friend? Is that where we are in society now?) before buying an $8 tiny bag of the Swerve.
I’ve taken a liking to Truvia. It took a while for me to get used to it as there was some cooling aftertaste. But now I dont taste it at all. Theres also a blend which is 1/2 Sugar 1/2 Erythritol Stevia blend and 2 net carbs. Youll only need about 2-3 tsp in recipes that call for 2 tbsp.
It has a minimal cooling affect sometimes in baking, but I think for this would be tasty. I have used Swerve for ice cream, whipped cream, and frosting with no aftertaste.
No, not to me.
I like my coffee strong espresso. Is this that kind of strong? It seems it has a lot of milk ? Maybe I’m wrong. Please let me know i would love to try!
Ya it’s pretty strong – well the whipped coffee portion is. You can add less milk if desired.
The vanilla is not in the instructions
Thanks Vickie! Added.
Would this work with date sugar?
Unsure-but let us know if you try!
It works even without sugar… just FYI
That looks amazing!
YES!! We really liked it and made it again already!
Been wanting to get some of these glasses, are they dishwasher safe? It doesn’t mention on their site. Thanks
No, I think hand wash. I wash them by hand but my kids have thrown them in the dishwasher a few times- grr. LOL
Where did you get these glasses?
My mom asked me to get some instant coffee for her when I go to the store tomorrow. Gonna pick up a box for me as this looks like really good!! Thanks for sharing Lina!!
Sure! I hope you all enjoy it as much as we did!
My friend (a male) is now addicted to this drink 😂. It’s amazing how quickly regular coffee was forgotten after he started making this.
Ya I agree this could get out of control quickly! LOL So good.
My kids asked for instant coffee when I made a stay-in/stay-safe grocery run yesterday.
They made it and LOVED it!
I made this earlier this week with decaf coffee crystals and loved it!
Oh nice! Thanks for sharing Lydia!
I just tried it and used almond milk. I like it. Thanks for posting.
Oh nice! Thanks Doris- have a great day!
When we were kids (I grew up in a former communist country) my mom would get together with friends and they each would make their mixture of instant coffee and sugar and a drop or two of water. They would stir it with a spoon until it gets creamy. Of course they used “tiny” espresso cups and everyone knew their dose. I was fascinated by this. When I grew up I used to make it for myself but eventually I moved on to using an espresso machine.
I grew up in Indaa. We call it beaten-coffee and had it hot. Just like your method; sugar+instant coffee+few drop water= beat with spoon till creamy; then carefully pour hot milk into the cup from the inside; it would make a lovely pattern on the top.
Thanks for bringing back sweet memories!
Yeah, I always called this Indian coffee, Rama! A North Indian restaurant near me made it, so I researched it online to make it myself.
I made it once, and it took a lot of whipping by hand, now I wonder if I could use the bullet cup on my Ninja blender to whip it. Has anyone tried that?
They also do this in Argentina, years ago I went on a mission trip there and I was so fascinated watching them do their coffee every morning with this technique. Tastes pretty yummy.
I grew up in Romania. We used to drink it- we will call it Nesscaffe. We used Amigo instant granulated coffee. IMO that was stronger then what I found here in the states. When I first went back to visit my family, my mom made a cup for me and I could feel my heart in my chest- it was strong! And in my college years I remember that sometimes, instead of water we will use Pepsi or Coca Cola, especially during the exams. I suggest you do not try that!
This is great. My significant other watched a video about this yesterday so to see you post it is a sign we should definitely make it lol.
Pyure is my all time favorite sweetener and I have tried Truvia, Monkfruit, and Swerve♡ It is Stevia and erythritol combination. I soo wanna try this too sounds yummy 🙂
Oh thanks for sharing! Let us know when you try it! 🙂
Can you do this with regular coffee (not instant coffee) too?
I’m unsure on that. Maybe others can let us know. Great question!
Regular coffee does not dissolve as instant coffee does (hence the wet coffee grounds going into the trash after brewing). Also, there is a distinct sweet coffee flavor that comes from instant,
CJ is right. This only works with instant coffee because it needs to dissolve while creating the frothy mixture. I’m not a fan of instant coffee – I prefer freshly ground coffee beans, but I admit I have caved and tried this recipe 3 times now!
This has been made in the Indian subcontinent for generations, using it for hot milky coffee. The ppl there would mix coffee and sugar and a few drops water by hand for an incredibly long time to get it nice and fluffy!
I’m not a milk drinker, but I have this Frothy mixture ready made in my refrigerator in a glass mason jar all the time. I just heat up some water in a tea kettle and add the mixture to that. No milk at all. Tastes great, and dif from regular coffee! That frothing def does something to it.
Oh awesome! Thanks for sharing ❤️
This is the same as frappe in greek, beaten coffee in indian. Yum!
Oh nice! Thanks for adding those terms. I haven’t tried before until now, and it’s so GOOD.
You are so right!! 🙂
I just have to say, caffeine is not for children, and especially not espresso powder.
As someone who has been drinking espresso since age of 4, and am still alive, I think caffeine can be for children. Just a parental decision.
I agree. Some kids can’t tolerate the jolt but if your child does not get too hyper, it is not unhealthy.
My kids love to drink coffee and tea. Only in America do children not drink coffee. They are allowed to smoke at 18 but coffee at 5 will hurt them? They are allowed alcohol as an adult, but coffee as a child will hurt them? What is the legal age for coffee?
In Europe, at least around my country, kids are not allowed to drink coffee either. It is just not healthy
Who says coffee is bad at age 5? Today’s kids are being raised in Starbucks. Target Starbucks.
You can use caffeine free!
Sugar is must in it And I don’t like sweet coffee at all.
This looks delicious! I can’t wait to try it! Thank you for sharing 😁
Sure – enjoy!
Does not work with microground coffee or cappuccino/cafe mocha powder.
Although we haven’t tried that, it sounds like it should work! Be sure to come back and let us know if you try it that way!
Would this work with Starbucks via?
Yes, Starbucks VIA instant coffee should work in this recipe.
Or try redi whip barista sweet foam if you’re lucky enough to have it in a store near you. It makes a regular cup of coffee even better than any drink at Starbucks! It’s usually next to the cans of whipped cream.
The Little FROTHER You guys posted awhile ago comes in handy when whipping this up. My daughter was making this and I told her I have something that can help you. Game changer ! She even made me one. It was delicious.
Good yay!! Thanks for sharing Debbie!
Okay I tried this with Trader Joe’s instant coffee pack and it wouldn’t whip. I put 1tbls coffee, 1 tbls monk fruit, 1 tbls hot water and whipped with electric beat for 10 minutes and it never thickened. What did I do wrong? After 10 minutes or so I added a little HWC to thicken it and poured over my hot water to make a coffee. Help me Lina Please😊
Well shoot! I’m sorry that didn’t work out for ya. I’m not sure what could have gone wrong then. 🙁 Maybe the brand of coffee?
The instant coffee packs have creamer in it
Hey! Success! Given your issue with Trader Joe’s instant coffee packs, I sifted out the cream and sugar as best I could and proceeded with the instant coffee granules remaining and it worked! : )
I think it’s the monk fruit. I’ve tried using that in the past and it doesn’t seem to dissolve well.
Has anyone tried this with pure erythritol?
Delicious! I would not add sugar, but I love espresso straight up. Husband added sugar free vanilla creamer and loved it! Thank you!
Oh nice!! Thanks for sharing 😍
Any idea what the caffeine content is?
I would just look at your bottle of instant coffee for that info.
I’d say it’s pretty high- my instant coffee label says you usually use 1 tsp. To make a cup of coffee. So 2 tbs is equal to the amount used in 6 cups of coffee! (1 Tbs=3 tsp). I realized this after making the recipe yesterday and feeling kind of jittery. You could always adjust- just use equal amounts of coffee, sugar and hot water.
We made it today using decaf coffee instead – so that’s an option.
Strange question but since I’m not a coffee drinker, does anyone know if this would work with hot chocolate?
Ya I think it would! Just found this article with a chocolate and matcha tea versions
https://sea.mashable.com/culture/9702/5-more-dalgona-recipes-to-try-now-that-everyones-making-dalgona-coffee?amp=1
Thanks Lina! I really appreciate your reply!
Thanks Lina! I really appreciate your reply!
Aldi’s instant coffee is GREAT in this recipe! I am very picky about coffee, and do not generally like instant coffee. Since I was sceptical about this recipe, I bought the Aldi”s brand. It was inexpensive. To my surprise, it worked and tasted delicious. The first time I made it, I added a shake or two of cinnamon and a tiny pinch of salt. This is an old method for making not so great coffee better. It was delicious!
I used a little battery powered milk frother to whip it up. It took a little while. My batteries were low. Still, there was that magic and sudden moment when it all comes together. Very exciting!
I woke up the next morning craving more Dalgona (whipped coffee) and I am not a big coffee drinker. Must.Have.Dalgona.
This time, I used a mini food processor. It worked like a charm.
Getting the foam out was a little bit of work, but nothing bad. What’s left rinses out easily with hot water.
I had enough left for two more cups. I put it in a half pint Mason jar and stored it in the fridge. I noticed a small layer of black coffee mix at the bottom of the jar. I took a fork and stirred it back up. Tah-dahh!
I made it again.
Oh nice! Thanks for sharing your process Patricia 👏❤️
Nice. I also used ALDI’s coffee
Nice tip to use cinnamon and salt to fix bad coffee. I had bought a jar of Aldi coffee and not liked it. Will use this hint to finish off the bottle. Thanks for sharing!
How fun! We did this and it was great earlier this week. Today it is icing outside so it will be hot coffee for us but hopefully we will be drinking cold, fluffy coffee outside on the deck in the sunshine soon!
I can’t fathom “icing outside” … LOL! We live in Texas. It was 90 degrees last week … it’s going to be nearly 90 degrees next week … but, this morning it was 48 degrees in my town! We have weird weather patterns! 😎
My daughter made this (watched on Tik Tok of course) and loved it! She added a vanilla carmel creamer and loved this!
Oh how fun! Yummy 😋
Made this for the first time this morning. Used the whisk on my electric hand mixer and it came out perfectly. Set the bowl in the fridge to chill a bit before putting it together. Fabulous! I have some left over so I’ll put it in a mason jar (that Patricia mentioned above ^^).
Yay that’s a great idea! And yep the whisk with hand mixer is what we use. Thanks for sharing!
This is AMAZING! I’m not a fan of the coffee taste and always have to doctor it up. LOL! But I’ve just found my favorite iced coffee. I may not have to make a batch of cold brew anymore. I did make a half recipe and didn’t get the foamy texture like pictured in the videos. It could have been the frother not having enough power to whip the thicker liquid (and I put in fresh batteries), or I wasn’t patient enough to whip it for a long time, but it did dissolve the ingredients and I mixed it with the milk. I also added 2 pumps of vanilla sugar free syrup. DELISH!!!
Oh yummy! Sounds excellent with vanilla syrup 😀
I made this using almost the same recipe, but it didn’t include vanilla. I reduced the instant coffee to 1 Tbsp. and it was PLENTY strong! Quite honestly even though I absolutely LOVE iced coffee drinks I was more intrigued by the scientific part of this…just three ingredients could make a mousse-type substance? Yep! It was good and pretty to look at! 🙂 It kinda did a number on my digestive system (anyone else have issues?) but I will try it again with vanilla, cinnamon and a shake of salt. Appreciate all the tips!
I’ve been using a variation of this recipe for years. My recipe is a bit quicker and easier to prepare. It calls for 1 cup milk, 3 TBS sugar, 1 TBS instant coffee and 1-2 cups ice. I just put the ingredients in a blender and mix well. The consistency of my recipe is different but the taste is exactly the same as the recipe here (except with less coffee it’s not quite as strong).
Oh thanks for sharing your method!
The recipe I used calls for a sprinkling of cocoa powder on the top. This makes it!
Oh nice! I will try that next 👍
If you follow the recipe 2TBSP of instant coffee is equivalent to 5-6 cups of coffee, just know before handing a kid an entire one. I make it and the whole family shares, this just means we each have a smaller serving but all of my kids love it. I make it will half the sugar because I don’t like sweetened coffee, I prefer it this way but the kids like the original proportions. I’m going to look for decaf next time I go to the store.
Yep we buy decaf – works the same 👍
My kids make this all the time. Buy instant de-caf like you said! They add some caramel ice cream syrup to the top! 🙂
Oh yum!
This is delicious! I tried it per the instructions and it came out just like your photo, but was way strong. The next few times I made this, I used only 1 TBS coffee and it tasted so much better! Just my tastebuds, but recommend cutting coffee in 1/2 if you want a less bitter flavor. Kids enjoyed it too! Thank you for posting!!
Perfect and I see some people use half the mixture one day and the other half next day in more milk if it’s too strong. Thanks for sharing your experience!
It’s so good 😉
I’ve become addicted to it- I even froth milk to layer.
I’ve been making this I’m obsessed I use sweet and low instead and half and half so delicious!!! I’m hooked for sure haha.
Made this yesterday for all 5 of us! Took a cute pic to send to friends and they all wanted the recipe! Thanks for sharing and all you do!
Oh I love this!! Thanks so much for sharing <3
I added some leftover brewed coffee to the milk before adding the whipped coffee on top.
Oh that’s smart! Thanks for sharing 👍
So….I just made this for the husband and I, and it did NOT look as awesome as yours. Guess I suck at frothing. Lol. Anyway, this was super delicious regardless and I will be making it again. Hopefully next time I get it as beautifully frothed as yours. Lol
Aw well yay I’m glad it tasted great!! Thanks Michelle for sharing!
I made it twice. Once with the 2 tablespoons of sugar…..so yummy!! One with one tablespoon of truvia. Not as good and I drink my normal everyday coffee black.
Truvia is not 1:1 to sugar. You only need 1 1/4 teaspoons of Truvia to = 1 TBSP of Sugar. When I make mine with Truvia, I use 3 tsps. So you overdid it with the Truvia using 1 TBSP, since that is equal to almost 1/4 C of Sugar! I learned my lesson after making cookies by swapping out 1:1 and the cookies were awful! So make sure to follow the conversion chart on the bag or container.