Dalgona coffee took the world by storm during the global lockdown, quickly becoming a viral sensation on social media.
The fluffy whipped coffee, served over milk, is not only easy to make but also incredibly satisfying.
This version swaps regular milk for almond milk, making it a dairy-free, healthier option.
Almond milk adds a creamy, slightly nutty flavor that perfectly complements the strong, whipped coffee.
It’s a great alternative for those who are lactose intolerant or looking to cut down on dairy, without sacrificing the richness of the drink.
Ready to give it a try? Let’s dive in!
How to Make Dalgona Almond Milk Iced Coffee: At A Glance
- Mix 2 tbsp instant coffee, 2 tbsp sugar, and 2 tbsp boiling water.
- Whip the mixture until stiff peaks form.
- Fill a glass with ice and almond milk, leaving room for the foam.
- Spoon the whipped coffee on top.
- Stir and enjoy, or leave the foam on top for a layered effect.
Ingredients Needed
Instant Coffee (2 tbsp)
Instant coffee is key to making Dalgona coffee because of its ability to whip up into a fluffy, airy foam.
Unlike ground coffee or espresso, instant coffee granules dissolve quickly in hot water and create a stable foam when whipped.
This makes it perfect for achieving the signature frothy texture of Dalgona coffee.
Ground coffee simply doesn’t dissolve well enough to achieve the same results.
Sweetener Options (2 tbsp)
You can customize your Dalgona coffee to fit your dietary needs by choosing from a variety of sweeteners.
Traditional sugar works well, but you can also use honey, coconut sugar, or stevia for a different flavor or to reduce calories.
Honey adds a rich sweetness, while stevia and coconut sugar offer low-calorie, natural alternatives.
Almond Milk (1/2 cup per glass)
Almond milk provides a smooth, creamy base for your Dalgona coffee without the dairy.
Its mild, nutty taste complements the bold coffee flavor beautifully.
For more variety, try oat milk for a thicker consistency, soy milk for added protein, or coconut milk for a tropical twist.
Ice Cubes (enough to fill the glass halfway)
Adding ice cubes keeps your iced coffee refreshing and perfect for hot days.
The cold milk and ice also balance the strong flavor of the whipped coffee, creating a smooth, enjoyable drink.
Step-by-Step Recipe
It takes just 3-5 minutes to make this refreshing Dalgona Almond Milk Iced Coffee.
Follow these 3 easy steps to make your own in no time!
Step 1: Whipping the Coffee Mixture
In a medium bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of instant coffee, 2 tablespoons of sugar (or an alternative sweetener like honey), and 2 tablespoons of boiling water.
Using a hand mixer or whisk, beat the mixture until it forms stiff peaks.
This should take about 1-2 minutes with a hand mixer.
Step 2: Preparing the Glass
Fill a glass halfway with ice cubes.
Pour in cold almond milk, leaving about 1/4 of the glass empty to make space for the whipped coffee.
Step 3: Topping and Serving
Spoon the fluffy whipped coffee mixture over the almond milk.
You can stir it in for a smoother drink, or leave the foam on top for a striking presentation.
Serve with a straw and enjoy!
Health Benefits and Nutritional Information
One of the key benefits of Dalgona almond milk iced coffee is its low-calorie content, making it a great option for those watching their calorie intake.
With around 99 kcal per serving, this drink provides a light, refreshing pick-me-up without the added calories from traditional dairy-based coffee drinks.
Using almond milk also brings additional health perks.
It’s naturally dairy-free, making this drink suitable for those who are lactose intolerant or looking to reduce dairy in their diet.
Almond milk is also lower in fat and calories compared to cow’s milk, while still providing a creamy texture that pairs well with the whipped coffee foam.
Plus, it’s vegan-friendly, so it fits well into plant-based diets.
Almond milk is also rich in vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant that supports skin health.
Additionally, it’s free of cholesterol and contains fewer carbs than regular milk, which can be beneficial for those monitoring their carbohydrate intake.
All in all, this dairy-free version of Dalgona coffee offers a delicious way to enjoy a coffee treat without compromising on nutrition.
Variations and Customizations
Flavored Dalgona Coffee
If you want to take your Dalgona almond milk iced coffee to the next level, try adding different flavorings.
You can easily mix in syrups like vanilla, hazelnut, or chocolate to the almond milk before adding the whipped coffee.
These syrups add a touch of sweetness and variety, making each sip more enjoyable.
For a classic taste, vanilla syrup works well, while hazelnut and chocolate syrups can give it a richer, more indulgent twist.
Keto-Friendly Version
For those following a keto diet, you can still enjoy Dalgona coffee by simply swapping out the sugar.
Replace it with a keto-friendly sweetener like erythritol or monk fruit.
These sweeteners will still help the coffee mixture whip into those signature stiff peaks, without adding carbs.
Pair it with unsweetened almond milk to keep the drink low-carb and satisfying.
Extra Toppings
You can elevate your Dalgona coffee even further by adding some fun toppings.
A sprinkle of cinnamon, a dusting of cocoa powder, or a few chocolate shavings can make your drink even more indulgent.
These small additions not only enhance the flavor but also give the coffee a café-style finish.
You can even experiment with crushed cookies or shaved nuts for a little extra texture.
Tips for the Perfect Dalgona Coffee
How to Achieve the Right Texture
Getting the perfect whipped texture is all about precision.
To create stiff peaks, start by using a medium-sized bowl.
This ensures that the coffee mixture doesn’t get spread too thin, which could make it harder to whip.
Make sure you’re using equal parts instant coffee, sugar (or sweetener), and boiling water.
Whip the mixture for 1-2 minutes with a hand mixer, or up to 5 minutes by hand, until it’s fluffy and holds its shape.
The type of sweetener you use can also affect the texture—sugar works best, but alternatives like honey or erythritol might require a bit more whipping time.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake is not whipping the mixture enough.
If the foam doesn’t reach stiff peaks, keep going!
Under-whipping will result in a runny mixture, so patience is key.
Using too much water can also thin out the foam, making it difficult to achieve the desired texture.
Stick to the 1:1:1 ratio for best results.
Another issue can occur if the bowl you’re using is too large—the whisk may not catch all the ingredients, leading to inconsistent whipping.
Storage and Leftovers
While Dalgona coffee is best enjoyed fresh, you can store the whipped foam for later use.
It will keep its fluffy texture in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
Just make sure to cover it properly to prevent it from drying out.
However, it’s important to note that the foam may start to lose some of its volume over time, so for the best experience, it’s always a good idea to prepare it right before serving.
Conclusion
Dalgona Almond Milk Iced Coffee is a simple, refreshing drink that’s perfect for a quick pick-me-up.
It’s easy to make, dairy-free, and customizable to fit your preferences.
With just a few ingredients, you can whip up a delicious and satisfying treat.
Try out different flavors or sweeteners to make it your own, and don’t forget to share your creations with us!
Enjoy!
FAQs
Can I Use Ground Coffee Instead of Instant?
No, ground coffee doesn’t work well in this recipe.
The whipping process relies on instant coffee’s unique properties to dissolve quickly and form a stable foam when mixed with sugar and hot water.
Ground coffee won’t dissolve properly, and it will leave a gritty texture, preventing the mixture from reaching stiff peaks.
What Other Milks Can I Use?
If almond milk isn’t your preference, you can use a variety of other plant-based milks.
Oat milk is a great option for a creamier texture, while coconut milk adds a tropical, slightly sweet flavor.
Soy milk is another good choice, offering a rich, smooth consistency that pairs well with whipped coffee.
Can I Make it Hot Instead of Iced?
Yes, you can make a hot version of Dalgona coffee.
Simply heat the almond milk (or your milk of choice) before topping it with the whipped coffee mixture.
This version is perfect for colder days when you want a warm, comforting drink.
