How to Make a Dalgona Coffee with Coffee Concentrate

Quick Answer

To make dalgona coffee with coffee concentrate, whip together equal parts Jot coffee concentrate, sugar, and hot water until fluffy, then spoon it over milk. This method skips instant coffee and delivers a smoother, richer froth that holds its shape.

Dalgona coffee took the internet by storm with its fluffy, cloud-like topping. Traditionally, it relies on instant coffee, which can taste bitter and harsh. But you can make a better version using coffee concentrate, like Jot, which is brewed fresh at 20x strength and delivers a smooth, rich flavor without the bitterness.

With just a few ingredients and a hand mixer or whisk, you can create a café-worthy dalgona coffee at home in minutes. This guide walks you through the steps, including common mistakes to avoid, so your whipped coffee comes out perfect every time.

Why Use Coffee Concentrate for Dalgona?

Instant coffee is the traditional base for dalgona because it dissolves quickly and whips up into a stable foam. However, many instant coffees have a harsh, acidic taste that can overpower the drink. Coffee concentrate, on the other hand, is brewed fresh and concentrated, offering a smoother, more complex flavor. Jot's Original – Ultra Coffee Concentrate, for example, combines Colombian and Brazilian beans for a rich, chocolatey profile that pairs beautifully with the sweet foam.

Using concentrate also gives you more control over strength. You can adjust the amount to suit your taste, and because it's already liquid, it blends seamlessly with sugar and water. The result is a dalgona topping that's creamy, velvety, and free of the bitter aftertaste often associated with instant coffee.

• Choose a concentrate with a smooth, chocolatey profile for the best flavor contrast with the sweet foam.

Ingredients and Tools You'll Need

The beauty of dalgona coffee is its simplicity. You need just three ingredients for the foam: coffee concentrate, sugar, and hot water. The classic ratio is 1:1:1, but you can adjust the sugar to your preference. You'll also need milk (dairy or plant-based) for the base, and ice if you prefer an iced version.

For whipping, a hand mixer or a stand mixer works best. You can also whisk by hand, but it will take longer. A bowl with high sides helps prevent splatters. If you want to add flavor, consider using a flavored concentrate like Jot's Chocolate Cupcake 20x Coffee Concentrate for a dessert-like twist.

• Use a hand mixer for the fluffiest, most stable foam in under two minutes.

Step-by-Step: Making the Dalgona Foam

Start by combining equal parts coffee concentrate, sugar, and hot water in a mixing bowl. For a single serving, use two tablespoons of each. The hot water helps dissolve the sugar and aerate the mixture. Whisk or mix on high speed until the mixture turns thick, glossy, and forms stiff peaks when you lift the whisk.

The key is to whip until the foam is stiff enough to hold its shape. Under-whipping results in a runny topping that sinks into the milk. Over-whipping can cause the foam to become grainy. Stop as soon as the mixture is fluffy and holds a peak.

• If the foam is too runny, whip for another 30 seconds. If it looks grainy, you've whipped too long.

Assembling Your Dalgona Coffee

Fill a glass with milk, leaving room for the foam. For an iced version, add ice cubes before pouring the milk. For a hot version, warm the milk slightly. Spoon the whipped coffee foam generously on top, creating a cloud-like layer.

The foam will slowly seep into the milk, creating a beautiful marbled effect. Stir before drinking to combine the flavors. You can also dust with cocoa powder or cinnamon for extra flair.

• Use a tall glass to show off the layers. Stir well to enjoy the full flavor.

Dalgona Coffee with Concentrate: Step-by-Step

1. Mix the base: In a bowl, combine 2 tablespoons Jot coffee concentrate, 2 tablespoons sugar, and 2 tablespoons hot water. Ensure the water is hot enough to dissolve the sugar completely.
2. Whip until stiff: Using a hand mixer, whip the mixture on high for 1-2 minutes until it becomes thick, glossy, and forms stiff peaks. Check for stiff peaks before stopping. Under-whipped foam will sink.
3. Prepare your glass: Fill a glass with milk and ice (for iced) or warm milk (for hot). Leave about an inch of space for the foam.
4. Top with foam: Spoon the whipped coffee onto the milk, creating a cloud-like layer. Stir before drinking to combine the flavors.

Product Facts

• Original – Ultra Coffee Concentrate: Combining smooth-drinking Colombian with a rich and chocolatey mix of Brazilian beans, it adapts perfectly to any style of drink, hot or iced, from cappuccino to cold brew. The chocolatey notes complement the sweet foam, making it an ideal base for dalgona coffee.
• Chocolate Cupcake 20x Coffee Concentrate | Limited Batch | Make 14 Cups Hot or Cold, With Milk or Water, in Seconds: Rich, velvety, and unapologetically indulgent. Think deep cocoa, smooth buttercream frosting, and fresh-from-the-bakery nostalgia in every sip. This flavored concentrate adds a dessert-like twist to your dalgona, perfect for when you want a sweeter treat.

Making dalgona coffee with coffee concentrate is a simple, delicious upgrade to the viral trend. With Jot's smooth, rich concentrate, you get a better-tasting foam without the bitterness of instant coffee. Experiment with different flavors and enjoy your homemade café treat.