Whipped coffee, also known as Dalgona coffee, quickly became a global favorite due to its creamy texture and simple preparation. This frothy drink is made by whipping instant coffee granules, sugar, and hot water to a velvety consistency, which is then served over milk for a stunning and delicious treat.
In this guide, you'll learn how to effortlessly make whipped coffee, explore different ways to customize it, and incorporate helpful tips for storing and serving it. Whether you enjoy your coffee drink hot or cold, this guide will help recreate this delicious beverage at home.
What Do I Need to Make Whipped Coffee?
Specific ingredients and equipment are required to create whipped coffee or Dalgona coffee the right way, achieving the desired texture and flavor. The typical whipped coffee recipe includes coffee granules, sugar, and water.
Coffee
Most people go for instant coffee when making whipped coffee because it dissolves quickly and easily creates a frothy texture.
But here’s the interesting part — you can absolutely use regular ground coffee as well. It takes a few more steps, but with the right approach, it can result in a more unique flavor than you would normally get from using plain instant coffee.
Keep reading to discover how to make it work and elevate your whipped coffee experience using your favorite coffee grounds.
Sugar
Granulated sugar is typically used to stabilize the coffee foam. The sugar helps to create a thick, creamy consistency in your Dalgona coffee.
Alternative sweeteners can be used, but they may affect the texture and stability of the foam.
Water
Hot water is used to dissolve the instant coffee granules and sugar, facilitating the whipping process.
The water should be hot but not boiling to ensure the ingredients dissolve properly.
Note: The Dalgona coffee recipe won't work with brewed coffee or without sugar. |
Do I Need Any Special Equipment to Make Whipped Coffee?
Certain equipment facilitates the process of making whipped coffee, although basic kitchen tools can achieve the desired results.
The primary goal is to whip the coffee mixture until it becomes frothy and forms stiff peaks.
The following equipment can be used to handle your whipped coffee recipe:
Electric Mixer
An electric hand mixer or stand mixer is the most efficient tool for whipping the coffee mixture. It significantly reduces the time and effort required to achieve the desired consistency.
Typically, it takes about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.
Hand Whisk
A hand whisk can also be used to make whipped coffee or Dalgona coffee, though it requires more manual effort and time.
Whipping by hand may take approximately 8-12 minutes, depending on the vigor and consistency of the whisking for the coffee drink.
Frother
A milk frother can be an effective tool for whipping small quantities of the coffee mixture. It is particularly useful for those who do not have an electric mixer or prefer a more compact tool.
However, it may take slightly longer than an electric mixer.
Mixing Bowl
The choice of the bowl can impact the whipping process.
A small bowl usually doesn’t have enough space, even if you are brewing a very small serving size. A medium to large-sized mixing bowl is recommended to allow ample space for the mixture to aerate.
Stainless steel or glass bowls are preferred as they provide a stable base and are non-reactive to your whipped coffee recipe.
Measuring Tools
Accurate measurements are essential for achieving the perfect consistency in whipped coffee. Using a coffee scale, such as the Hario V60 Drip Scale & Timer, can help ensure the coffee, sugar, and water are in precise proportions, making it easier to maintain the ideal 1:1:1 ratio for best results.
Spoon or Spatula
A spoon or spatula is useful for transferring the whipped coffee mixture onto the milk.
Ingredient Proportions
The standard ratio for making whipped coffee is equal parts instant coffee, sugar, and water.
Typically, 2 tablespoons of instant coffee, 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, and 2 tablespoons of hot waterare used.
These proportions can be adjusted based on the desired quantity and strength of the coffee drink. It is important to maintain the 1:1:1 ratio to ensure the mixture whips up properly.
Recommendation: For a dairy-free and vegan Dalgona coffee option, substitute regular milk with a plant-based alternative like oat or almond milk. |
Can I Use Regular Ground Coffee Instead of Instant Coffee?
Using regular coffee grounds instead of instant coffee granules for whipped coffee is possible, but some adjustments are needed for optimal results.
Instant coffee is preferred because it dissolves quickly, producing a light, frothy texture when whipped. Ground coffee, on the other hand, does not dissolve as easily, which may affect coffee foam consistency and frothiness.
Brew a Strong Coffee Concentrate
To get smoother results, grind your coffee beans finely using a quality grinder like the Baratza Encore Electric Burr Grinder and prepare a strong coffee concentrate before whipping. This is done by using a higher coffee-to-water ratio than normally used.
For instance, consider using a 1:4 ratio (1 part coffee to 4 parts water) instead of the standard 1:15 (1 part coffee to 15 parts water) to create a more concentrated brew. Allow the concentrate to cool to room temperature before whipping it with sugar and water.
Expect a Different Texture Than Instant Coffee
Keep in mind that the texture will vary when using ground coffee compared to instant coffee.
Instant coffee dissolves fully, leading to a light and airy foam. Even when brewed into a concentrate, ground coffee may leave residue, resulting in a denser and less stable foam. You might not achieve the same frothy and fluffy consistency as instant coffee.
Experiment with Coffee Beans
When using ground coffee, the flavor profile will differ based on the type of beans used. Certain beans may produce a stronger or more acidic concentrate, influencing the taste of your whipped coffee or Dalgona coffee. It's a good idea to experiment with varying types of beans to find the flavor balance that suits your preferences.
While regular ground coffee can be used in whipped coffee, it requires brewing a strong concentrate, and the result will differ in both texture and taste. The additional steps and potential differences in consistency may make instant coffee the more convenient option for creating yummy and frothy whipped coffee.
Did You Know? Dalgona coffee is influenced by the South Korean Dalgona candy, a toffee-like treat that mirrors the creamy foam placed on top of iced coffee. |
How Long Does It Take to Whip the Coffee Mixture?
The time required to whip the coffee mixture can vary depending on several factors, including the type of equipment used and the specific ingredients.
Below are some of the factors influencing the whipping time of your Dalgona coffee recipe:
Type of Equipment
If you're using an electric mixer, the process usually takes 2 to 5 minutes. When using a hand whisk, it tends to require more time, ranging from 8 to 15 minutes. A frother, on the other hand, typically completes the task in about 3 to 6 minutes.
Ingredient Ratios
The standard ratio of 1:1:1 (instant coffee, sugar, and hot water) is optimal for achieving the desired consistency within the mentioned time frames.
Variations in these ratios can affect the whipping time. For instance, reducing the amount of sugar may increase the time required to achieve a stiff peak in your drinks.
Temperature of Water
Using hot water (approximately 195°F to 205°F or 90°C to 96°C) can expedite the whipping process.
Cold or room-temperature water may prolong the time needed to reach the desired consistency in your drinks.
Quality of Ingredients
High-quality instant coffee tends to whip faster and more consistently.
Granulated sugar dissolves more readily than other types of sugar, such as raw or brown sugar, which can affect the whipping time.
Signs of Properly Whipped Coffee
Properly whipped coffee can be identified by several key signs.
First, the mixture should form stiff peaks that hold their shape when you lift the whisk or mixer.
Additionally, it should have a glossy, smooth texture that suggests thorough mixing.
Lastly, the volume should noticeably increase, roughly doubling in size, indicating enough air has been incorporated into the mixture.
Over-Whipping Indicators
Indicators of over-whipping include a grainy texture, where the mixture loses its smooth consistency and becomes coarse.
Additionally, you may notice separation, with liquid starting to pool at the bottom of the mixture.
Fun Fact: The name "Dalgona" coffee came about when South Korean actor Jung Il Woo, while filming a show, tried whipped coffee at a café in Macau. It reminded him of a Korean honeycomb candy called dalgona, and the name stuck. |
How Do I Make Whipped Coffee Less Bitter?
Several methods can be employed to adjust the flavor profile of whipped coffee without compromising the texture or overall quality of the beverage, making it less bitter.
Use High-Quality Instant Coffee
High-quality instant coffee is essential for making whipped coffee with a smoother and less bitter flavor. Lower-quality instant coffee often has a harsher taste, affecting the overall experience.
Opting for instant coffee derived from single-origin beans can greatly improve the flavor and consistency of your delicious whipped coffee. Some premium instant coffee options are also specifically crafted to be less bitter, serving as excellent alternatives for a more balanced and enjoyable whipped coffee.
Sweeten the Coffee Mixture
One effective approach to make your whipped coffee more delicious and less bitter is to sweeten the coffee mixture. This can be achieved by increasing the amount of sugar used during the whipping process.
Typically, the standard recipe calls for equal parts of instant coffee, sugar, and hot water. By slightly increasing the sugar ratio, the bitterness can be balanced out, resulting in a smoother and more palatable taste.
Adjust the Coffee-to-Sugar Ratio
Another method to reduce bitterness is to adjust the coffee-to-sugar ratio.
While the traditional recipe uses a 1:1:1 ratio, experimenting with a higher sugar content or a lower coffee content can help achieve a less bitter flavor.
For instance, using two tablespoons of sugar for every tablespoon of instant coffee can significantly mellow the bitterness.
Incorporate Flavored Syrups or Extracts
In addition to adjusting the sugar or coffee content, incorporating other ingredients can also help mitigate bitterness.
Adding a small amount of vanilla extract or flavored syrups can introduce sweetness and additional flavors that counteract the bitter notes.
Popular flavored syrups include caramel, hazelnut, and chocolate, which can be added to the whipped coffee mixture or the warm milk base.
Choose Creamier Milk or Milk Alternatives
Lastly, the type of milk used can influence the bitterness of whipped coffee.
Whole milk or creamier milk alternatives, such as oat milk or almond milk, can provide a richer and more balanced flavor. These milk options can help to dilute the bitterness and enhance the overall taste of the beverage.
Master the Art of Whipped Coffee
Making whipped coffee is simple, yet the result is a café-quality beverage you can enjoy at home.
Whether you use single-origin instant coffee for a rich flavor or experiment with different milk alternatives and sweeteners, you can effortlessly customize this drink to your preferences. Serve your Dalgona coffee with ice cubes for a refreshing treat, or enjoy it warm; with practice, you'll perfect the art of this delightful drink in no time.
