How I Made the Viral Dalgona Coffee My Own (and Why It’s Now My Daily Treat)
Curious about the famous Dalgona coffee but want to make it your own? Here’s my personal spin on the viral recipe—full of flavor, personality, and daily-life vibes. Perfect for your cozy coffee moments!
We all remember that phase of the internet—when Dalgona coffee took over our feeds, our kitchens, and quite honestly, our sense of hope during lockdown. It was whipped, aesthetic, oddly satisfying to watch, and made us all feel like home baristas for a while.
But while most people moved on, I didn’t. I just… made it mine.
Let me take you through how I turned this trendy frothy drink into a personal ritual—with tweaks that fit my taste, my vibe, and my daily lifestyle.
Where It All Started: The Frothy Obsession
It was during one of those long afternoons scrolling Instagram when I first saw someone whisking their heart out over a bowl of instant coffee and sugar. I was skeptical. “Whipped coffee? What is this—meringue for adults?”
But the visuals were undeniably captivating. Creamy swirls. Minimalist mugs. Those satisfying slow-motion pours.
I had to try it.
My First Attempt: Sugar Shock
The classic Dalgona recipe calls for equal parts instant coffee, sugar, and hot water. I followed it exactly—and it was strong. Like, “I-can-feel-my-teeth” strong.
The texture was incredible, but I knew I had to adjust it to match my taste. I like my coffee rich, smooth, and slightly sweet—not a caffeine-flavored dessert.
So began my Dalgona evolution.
My Personalized Dalgona Coffee Recipe
Ingredients:
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1 tablespoon instant coffee (I use a dark roast blend)
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1 teaspoon sugar (or sweetener of your choice)
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1 tablespoon hot water
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1 cup cold oat milk (or any milk)
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Ice cubes
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A pinch of cinnamon or cocoa powder (optional)
Instructions:
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In a bowl, whisk instant coffee, sugar, and hot water until thick and frothy. This takes 2-3 minutes with a hand whisk or 1 minute with an electric frother.
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In a glass, add ice cubes and pour in your milk.
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Gently spoon the whipped coffee on top of the milk.
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Optional: Dust with cinnamon or cocoa powder for an extra vibe.
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Stir before sipping—or don’t. Watching the layers blend is half the magic.
The Twist That Made It Mine
Less sugar. More balance. A bit of spice.
I realized Dalgona doesn’t have to be overly sweet to be satisfying. Swapping in oat milk added creaminess. Skipping the extra sugar let the coffee flavor shine. And adding cinnamon? Chef’s kiss.
Now, it’s not just a “fun thing to try.” It’s part of my weekend morning routine—a soft start to the day when I want to feel a little fancy.
Why It’s Still Viral-Worthy in 2025
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It’s visual candy: The layers, the froth, the aesthetic pour—all content gold.
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It’s easy: No fancy machines. Just a whisk, a bowl, and 5 minutes.
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It’s customizable: Want it sweeter? Add honey. Dairy-free? Use almond or oat milk. Want a mocha twist? Stir in cocoa.
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It’s nostalgic: It carries that lockdown-era comfort energy, but now feels like a moment of intentional joy.
Lifestyle Bonus: Turn It Into a Moment
I don’t just make Dalgona. I set the scene:
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Light a candle or incense
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Put on lo-fi beats or jazz
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Use a pretty mug or glass
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Sip slowly, like you’re in a movie
This tiny ritual helps me feel grounded. It’s an instant (pun intended) mood boost.
My Dalgona vs. The Original
| Element | Classic Dalgona | My Version |
|---|---|---|
| Sugar Level | 1 tbsp (too much) | 1 tsp (just enough) |
| Milk | Regular dairy | Oat milk (creamy & light) |
| Add-ons | None | Cinnamon or cocoa |
| Frequency | A trend | A lifestyle choice |
Final Sip
Sometimes, trends fade—but rituals evolve.
My version of Dalgona coffee isn’t just a drink. It’s a pause. A hug in a glass. A reminder that you can take something viral, make it personal, and turn it into a ritual that sticks.
So next time you want a treat that feels both fun and grounded, grab your whisk. Create your own spin. Sip something you made with intention.
Because the best kind of trend? The one you make yours.