Whipped coffee blew up on social media during the pandemic, and millions of people have tried it at home.
But not everyone enjoyed the bitter taste of making instant coffee that was used in the viral recipe. Coffee drinkers are now searching for fresher alternatives that still deliver the fluffy texture and sweet, indulgent taste they enjoy.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to make whipped coffee using freshly brewed espresso or strong drip coffee instead of instant coffee.
The difference is huge. Keep reading to find out…
What Is Whipped Coffee (a.k.a. Dalgona)?
Whipped coffee, also known as dalgona coffee, is a fluffy coffee drink made by whipping together equal parts coffee, sugar, and water.
You whip it until it turns into a thick, creamy foam that looks almost like soft whipped cream. Then you layer it on top of milk — either iced or hot.
Why Dalgona Coffee is So Popular
Dalgona coffee exploded online when people were stuck at home during the COVID lockdowns.
It became popular because it only needed basic ingredients that most people already had. Videos on TikTok and Instagram quickly got billions of views, making whipped coffee a global hit.
The original version always used instant coffee because it’s quick to whip and forms stiff peaks easily. The name "dalgona" actually comes from a Korean honeycomb candy that looks similar to the whipped topping.
But instant coffee often tastes bitter, sharp, and flat compared to fresh coffee. If you prefer smoother, richer coffee, the instant version probably left you wanting something better...
Ingredients You’ll Need (No Instant Coffee)
Here’s everything you'll need to make whipped coffee without instant coffee:
- Espresso or Concentrated Drip Coffee (cooled) — Espresso is the best option because it’s rich and concentrated. If you don’t have an espresso machine, use strong drip coffee instead.
- Granulated Sugar — White sugar makes the fluffiest foam. Coconut sugar is a good alternative if you prefer a deeper, caramel-like sweetness. However, it won’t form as stiff a foam.
- Hot Water (optional)— Sometimes the coffee and sugar mix feels too thick. If it does, add one or two teaspoons of hot water.
- Milk or a Plant-Based Alternative — Regular milk works fine, but almond, oat, soy, or coconut milk also tastes great. You can serve it iced or warmed up.
- Optional Extras — Vanilla extract, cocoa powder, or cinnamon can give your whipped coffee extra flavor and a nice finishing touch.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Whipped Coffee Without Instant Coffee
If you want to make the best-tasting whipped coffee, using fresh coffee brewed from high-quality whole beans is essential.
Here’s exactly how to do it:
1. Brew a Double Shot of Espresso or ¼ Cup Strong Coffee
Start by brewing a double shot of espresso (around 2 ounces). If you don’t have an espresso machine, you can use strong drip coffee instead.
For drip coffee, increase the coffee-to-water ratio (double the amount of grounds and half the water volume). This way, you end up with a strong, concentrated coffee.
Once brewed, let the coffee cool completely. Hot coffee won’t whip into a stable foam — it should be room temperature or slightly chilled.
If you're short on time, place your freshly brewed coffee in the fridge or freezer for about 5 to 10 minutes to cool it faster.
2. Combine Coffee with Sugar (and Optional Hot Water)
Next, pour two ounces (60 mL) of espresso or strong coffee into a medium-sized mixing bowl and add 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar.
White sugar is ideal because it dissolves quickly and helps create a fluffier texture.
If your coffee and sugar mixture seems thick or the sugar doesn’t dissolve easily, add 1 tablespoon of hot water. If it’s too thin, add more sugar. Stir the mixture gently until the sugar completely dissolves.
3. Whip the Coffee Mixture Until Fluffy (3 to 5 minutes)
Use one of these methods to whip the coffee mixture until it becomes fluffy:
- Hand Mixer— This is the easiest way. Just set your mixer to medium-high and whip the coffee mixture. After about 3 to 4 minutes, you’ll see the color get lighter and the texture become airy and fluffy. Keep mixing until it forms stiff peaks.
- Milk Frother — A handheld milk frother works great if you don’t have a mixer. It might take slightly longer (around 5 minutes), but it still creates a light, airy foam. Keep moving the frother up and down through the mixture to get air into it.
- Whisk by hand — If you don’t have electric kitchen appliances, you can still whip the coffee by hand using a whisk. It takes a bit more time and elbow grease (5 to 7 minutes), but it works. Keep whisking until you get that fluffy texture and the mixture holds its shape.
Tip: For extra-stable foam, chill your bowl in the fridge beforehand. A cold bowl helps create fluffier, longer-lasting foam.
4. Pour Cold or Warm Milk into Your Glass
Once your coffee mixture is whipped and fluffy, choose your milk.
You can serve whipped coffee two ways:
- Iced — Fill a glass about three-quarters full with cold milk. Add ice to make it even colder and refreshing.
- Hot — If you prefer hot coffee, warm your milk gently (microwave for 30 to 60 seconds or warm it on the stove). Pour it into your cup until about three-quarters full.
Note: You can use regular milk or any plant-based option like almond milk, oat milk, coconut milk, or soy milk. All work perfectly for whipped coffee.
5. Spoon the Whipped Coffee on Top and Enjoy!
Use a spoon to gently add the whipped coffee mixture to the milk. It will sit on top, creating a beautiful layered look.
You can swirl gently with a spoon or straw just before drinking, but keep the layers intact for the best visual effect.
Your whipped coffee without instant coffee is ready. It’s creamy, delicious, and tastes much smoother than the traditional version. Enjoy!
Best Coffee Substitutes for Instant Coffee in Dalgona
If you’re skipping instant coffee, here are the best alternatives. Each option provides slightly different results, but all of them taste better than using regular instant coffee.
1. Cafely Instant Espresso (Best Quick Option)
Cafely Instant Espresso is a perfect option if you're short on time but still want great flavor and texture. It isn't like typical instant coffee; instead, it’s crafted from premium Vietnamese robusta beans. Each serving has about 150 mg of caffeine — equal to roughly two cups of regular coffee.
What sets Instant Espresso apart is that it's naturally sweetened with monk fruit. You won't experience the sugar crash that comes with regular sweeteners.
It whips quickly and easily, giving you fluffy, stiff foam and deep flavor — ideal when you're busy but still want quality coffee at home or on the go.
2. Fresh Espresso (Best Overall Choice)
Fresh espresso is always the top choice if you have access to an espresso machine. Espresso packs the richest flavor and creates the fluffiest foam.
It contains natural oils and crema (that creamy golden layer), making whipped coffee smoother, creamier, and more satisfying.
For best results, let your espresso cool completely before whipping. Hot espresso won’t hold the foam properly, whereas cooled espresso helps create stable, airy peaks.
3. Strong Brewed Coffee (Good Alternative)
If you don’t own an espresso machine, strong drip coffee is your next best choice.
To get the right strength, double your usual amount of coffee grounds and half the amount of water used. Once brewed, let it cool to room temperature or chill it briefly in the fridge before whipping.
The whipped coffee foam from drip coffee won't be quite as stiff as espresso, but the flavor is still smooth and delicious. This option is accessible and great if you're using regular home brewing equipment.
4. Cold Brew Concentrate (Smooth Flavor, Less Foam)
Cold brew concentrate provides a naturally smooth, mellow flavor with very low bitterness and acidity. It’s an excellent choice if you prefer a mild, easy-drinking coffee flavor.
However, keep in mind that cold brew concentrate doesn't whip into very stiff peaks. The foam it creates will be looser and less fluffy compared to espresso or strongly brewed hot coffee. Still, it’s enjoyable if you're less concerned about foam height and more interested in smooth, refreshing taste.
Tips for Whipped Coffee With Better Texture and Flavor
These extra tips will help you get the best results when making whipped coffee:
1. Use Espresso or Moka Pot Coffee
Freshly brewed espresso or strong coffee from a stovetop Moka pot provides the richest flavor and best foam stability. The higher concentration helps the whipped mixture hold its fluffy shape longer.
2. Try Cafely Instant Espresso for Convenience
If you're busy but want great whipped coffee, Cafely Instant Espresso is your best shortcut. It’s quick, easy, and tastes better than regular instant coffee, giving you a rich flavor and thick, creamy foam.
3. Don’t Skip the Sugar
Sugar isn't just for sweetness — it actually helps stabilize the foam. Without sugar, your coffee won't whip up properly or stay fluffy. Always use the full recommended amount of sugar for the best results.
4. Use a Milk Frother for Faster Whipping
A handheld milk frother is an affordable, fast tool for whipping coffee. It incorporates air quickly, making the foam fluffy in just a few minutes without tiring out your arm.
5. Optional Baking Trick: Add Cream of Tartar
A pinch of cream of tartar (just a tiny bit on the tip of a teaspoon) helps stabilize the whipped coffee foam. It's a trick borrowed from baking — cream of tartar is used to make whipped egg whites (meringues) more stable. It's optional, but helpful if you want the coffee foam to stay fluffy for longer.
FAQs: How to Make Whipped Coffee Without Instant Coffee
Here are clear answers to common issues about making whipped coffee without instant coffee.
1. Can You Use Regular Coffee for Whipped Coffee?
Yes, but regular coffee needs to be brewed stronger than usual. Espresso or very strong drip coffee works best for the fluffiest foam.
2. Why Isn’t My Whipped Coffee Getting Fluffy?
You probably need stronger coffee, more sugar, or a longer time whipping. Try chilling the mixture first — cold ingredients tend to whip better.
3. How to Make Foam Coffee Without a Machine?
You can use a whisk or a handheld milk frother. It might take a bit longer by hand, but you'll still get fluffy foam.
4. Can I Whip Coffee With a Blender?
Yes, a small, high-speed blender or hand mixer works well. Just blend until fluffy, usually 1 to 2 minutes.
5. Why Is My Whipped Coffee Not Creamy?
Creaminess depends mostly on how strong your coffee is, using enough sugar, and whipping thoroughly. Adjust these to improve creaminess.
6. Can I Microwave Milk for Instant Coffee?
Yes, gently heat the milk in a microwave, but avoid boiling. Too much heat affects flavor and foam quality.
7. What Is the Best Instant Coffee for Dalgona Coffee?
Vietnamese Instant Espresso, or a similar high-quality instant coffee, is the best choice. It has a better flavor, smoother texture, and whips up fluffier than regular instant coffee.
8. Can I Make Whipped Coffee With Honey?
Yes, but honey doesn’t whip up as firmly. Sugar helps hold peaks better, giving you a sturdier, fluffier foam.
9. How to Make Your Own Instant Coffee Powder?
Making instant coffee powder requires dehydrating brewed coffee. It’s simpler to use espresso or a coffee concentrate instead.
10. Is Folgers Coffee Instant Coffee?
Not all Folgers coffee is instant. They offer regular ground coffee and some instant coffee varieties. Check the packaging carefully.
