Perfect Cloud Coffee Recipe
Cloud Coffee, also known as whipped or dalgona coffee, is a frothy café-style drink made by whipping instant coffee, sugar, and water into a thick foam and layering it over milk. After testing different methods, this recipe consistently delivers the smooth texture and striking two-tone look that made it a viral favorite.
Ingredient Quality & Sourcing Guide
- Instant Coffee: Always use instant, not ground beans. Medium-roast instant blends are smoother, while dark roasts bring more intensity.
- Sugar: White granulated sugar stabilizes the foam best. Coconut sugar, monk fruit, or erythritol work as alternatives.
- Water: Use hot water for faster results and better solubility.
- Milk: Dairy milk creates creaminess, while oat milk provides body and almond milk offers a lighter option.
- Premium upgrade: Barista oat milk or homemade flavored syrups (vanilla, caramel) elevate the drink.
Essential Equipment
- Mixing Bowl: Wide bowl allows air to incorporate properly.
- Whisk/Hand Mixer/Milk Frother: Hand mixers cut whisking time in half. Manual whisking works but takes longer.
- Glassware: Tall transparent glasses or mugs highlight the layered effect.
- Ice: Large cubes keep iced versions colder without fast dilution.
- Tip: Always pre-chill glasses for iced coffee or warm mugs for hot coffee.
Cloud Coffee History & Culture
Origin Story & Evolution
This whipped coffee trend has deep cultural roots: South Korea’s Dalgona coffee, Greece’s Frappe coffee, and India’s Beaten coffee. In 2020, it gained global fame on TikTok, turning a traditional technique into a worldwide viral trend. Today, it remains a home-friendly way to enjoy coffeehouse-style drinks.
The Science Behind the Perfect Cloud Coffee
The foam forms because instant coffee contains natural surfactants. When whisked with sugar and water, it traps air bubbles and creates a stable emulsion. Sugar stabilizes the foam, and hot water speeds the reaction. The result is a thick, creamy texture that floats on milk without collapsing too quickly.
Mastering Cloud Coffee Techniques
Professional Mixing Methods
- Add equal parts instant coffee, sugar, and hot water to a bowl.
- Whip with a whisk (10–12 minutes by hand) or mixer (5–7 minutes).
- Look for soft peaks, the foam should hold its shape.
- Spoon gently over hot or iced milk.
Troubleshooting: If foam is too runny, reduce water or whisk longer. If grainy, it’s over-whipped.
Garnish Artistry & Presentation
- Simple: Cocoa powder, cinnamon, or nutmeg dusting.
- Creative: Caramel or chocolate syrup drizzle in glass before milk.
- Seasonal: Crushed peppermint (winter) or edible flowers (spring).
- Pro tip: Serve in clear glassware for the best visual impact.
Cloud Coffee Variations & Adaptations
Seasonal & Regional Twists
- Summer: Add coconut or vanilla extract.
- Fall: Stir pumpkin spice syrup into the milk.
- Winter: Add peppermint extract or cocoa.
- Spring: Infuse lavender syrup into the milk base.
Dietary & Lifestyle Modifications
- Low-sugar: Use stevia, monk fruit, or erythritol.
- Vegan: Pair with oat, almond, or soy milk.
- Keto: Use erythritol and unsweetened nut milk.
- Protein boost: Mix collagen or protein powder into the milk.
Party Planning & Batch Coffees
- Scale easily: 6 tablespoons each of instant coffee, sugar, and water make enough foam for 6–8 drinks.
- Refrigerate whipped foam for up to 5 days, then re-whip lightly before serving.
- For gatherings, set up a DIY bar with flavored syrups and toppings.
Instruction Section
To make Cloud Coffee:
- Combine equal parts instant coffee, sugar, and hot water in a bowl.
- Whip with whisk or mixer until light and frothy (5–10 minutes).
- Fill a glass with hot or iced milk.
- Spoon whipped mixture over the top.
- Stir gently before sipping.
Tips: Always whisk in a bowl for proper aeration. Use hot water for faster results. If hand-whisking, rotate the bowl and whisk in quick, circular motions for efficiency.
Cloud Coffee Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing bow
- Whisk or hand mixer
- Tall glass
- Measuring spoons
Ingredients
2 tablespoons instant coffee
2 tablespoons sugar (or alternative)
2 tablespoons hot water
16 ounces milk (hot or cold)
Instructions
Combine coffee, sugar, and hot water in a bowl.
Whip until frothy and thick (5–10 minutes).
Add milk to two glasses.
Spoon whipped coffee on top.
Stir before drinking
Notes
- Store leftover foam in fridge up to 5 days.
- Foam won’t form with ground coffee, instant only.
- For iced versions, use large cubes to slow dilution.
- Adjust sugar for desired sweetness.
Nutrition
Conclusion
Cloud Coffee proves that with three ingredients and simple technique, you can enjoy a rich, café-style drink at home. Balance sweetness, bitterness, and texture, and you’ll have a drink that’s both impressive and delicious.