You have probably seen it on TikTok, Instagram or Facebook: Dalgona coffee with its signature creamy froth. The two-toned drink, now nicknamed quarantine coffee, has become a favorite beverage for people around the world who are holed up at home and unable to get their coffee fix due to lockdown, quarantine and social distancing rules emanating from the coronavirus pandemic.
The coffee started gaining popularity on TikTok where users around the globe would post their attempts at making the beverage. Curiously, while the Dalgona coffee trend on social media is new, the beverage has been around for years and has its origin in Pakistan, Macau, and India, where it is commonly known as beaten or whipped coffee.
Dalgona coffee would have remained in obscurity if Jung-Woo, a South Korean actor had not visited Macau where he was served with the beverage. He got so impressed with the drink that he nicknamed it Macau Dalgona because it looked similar to a traditional Korean candy with the same name that is made of baking soda and sugar. Later, the actor appeared on a Korean TV show known as Pyunstorang, where he demonstrated how to make the coffee.
Soon after the show, the beverage went viral in South Korea. And it did not take long before TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook users from around the globe, took up the challenge. With time, it became a favorite pastime especially for those under lockdown as they tried to outdo each other by preparing and posting their Dalgona drinks, turning it into a quarantine challenge.
“I never expected Dalgona coffee to get this popular,” Mr. Jung said in an interview conducted through direct messages on Instagram. Basically, Dalgona coffee is made by mixing milk with a whipped, frothy mixture of equal parts of hot water, sugar, and coffee.
The Internet Patrol is completely free, and reader-supported. Your tips via CashApp, Venmo, or Paypal are appreciated! Receipts will come from ISIPP.
CashApp us
Venmo us
Paypal us
To make the coffee, you mix equal parts of instant coffee, hot water and sugar in a bowl (two tablespoons would do for a single serving). To get it frothy, you whip it using use a hand whisk or stand mixer.
Alternatively, you can whip the mixture using a spoon until it turns frothy and thick.
When you are satisfied with the results, pour some milk (hot or cold) into a glass, throw in some ice cubes (optional) and top the glass with the frothy brew. To show off your Dalgona skills, take a photo and post it on any of the social media platforms.
Since the challenge started, brewers have sought to outdo each other with different attempts at making the drink, with results ranging from pure aesthetic to comical. Some are taking the challenge further by using the Dalgona coffee technique to make other whipped drinks.
Ultimately, Dalgona coffee is filling a special void as people hunker down at home. In addition, its texture, taste, and appearance are welcome distractions in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Internet Patrol is completely free, and reader-supported. Your tips via CashApp, Venmo, or Paypal are appreciated! Receipts will come from ISIPP.
CashApp us
Venmo us
Paypal us
