Have you seen that fluffy, picture-perfect coffee drink all over TikTok and Instagram—the one that looks like a creamy cloud floating on milk? That’s cloud coffee, also known as Dalgona coffee, and it’s become a worldwide sensation for a reason.
This whipped coffee drink is as beautiful as it is simple to make. In this article, we’ll explain what cloud coffee is, where it came from, why it works, and why it went viral—plus how you can make your own version at home.
What Is Cloud Coffee?
Cloud coffee is a whipped drink made by vigorously beating instant coffee, sugar, and hot water until the mixture turns into a thick, creamy foam. This coffee foam is then spooned over hot or cold milk to create a stunning, two-layered beverage that’s both visually striking and delicious.
The name comes from the drink’s light, airy appearance—like a cloud floating above milk. Its signature “cloud” texture makes it one of the most photogenic drinks ever to go viral on social media.
All you need to make cloud coffee at home are three basic ingredients you probably already have in your pantry:
- 2 tbsp instant coffee
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 2 tbsp hot water
- 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
When whipped together, the coffee, sugar, and water form a stable foam that holds its shape—perfect for spooning over milk and snapping a quick photo (or just enjoying a delicious sip).
Want the full recipe? Try our Cloud Coffee Recipe Guide for step-by-step instructions and flavor variations.
Where Did Cloud Coffee Come From?
While cloud coffee became a global trend thanks to TikTok and Instagram, its roots go back to South Korea, where it’s known as Dalgona coffee. The drink gets its name from “dalgona,” a golden-brown Korean candy with a similar look and color to the whipped coffee foam.
Although whipped coffee has existed in several cultures—such as Indian beaten coffee and Greek frappé—it was South Korea that refined and popularized this version. The method spread rapidly when celebrities and influencers began sharing it on TV and online during the 2020 lockdown.
The hashtag #dalgonacoffee exploded across platforms, inspiring home cooks and food bloggers to whip up their own versions. From kitchen counters to coffee feeds, cloud coffee became a comforting, creative ritual during a time when many people were stuck at home.
💡 Want to see how it’s made? Here’s our step-by-step cloud coffee recipe to try at home.
Why Does Cloud Coffee Only Work with Instant Coffee?
The secret behind cloud coffee’s fluffy foam lies in the unique structure of instant coffee granules. Unlike regular ground coffee, instant coffee is pre-brewed and then freeze-dried or spray-dried. This process creates fine particles that easily dissolve and trap air when whipped with sugar and hot water.
When you beat the mixture, air bubbles get trapped and stabilized—thanks to the sugar—creating that signature thick and creamy foam. This is what gives cloud coffee its signature “cloud-like” texture.
In contrast, regular ground coffee contains oils and larger particles that prevent proper foam formation. So if you’ve tried cloud coffee with drip coffee or espresso and it flopped—that’s why!
💡For more pro tips, don’t miss our How to Make Perfect Cloud Coffee (and Avoid Mistakes).
Why It Became a Viral Sensation
Cloud coffee didn’t just become a drink—it became a moment. Here’s why it took off across TikTok, Instagram, and beyond:
📸 1. It’s Extremely Photogenic
The contrast between the caramel-colored coffee foam and smooth white milk is visually stunning. Its layered look made it a hit on TikTok and Instagram, inspiring millions of people to post their creations using hashtags like #cloudcoffee and #dalgonacoffee.
🧂 2. It Uses Pantry Staples
Unlike café drinks that require fancy ingredients or gear, this one uses instant coffee, sugar, hot water, and milk—things most people already have at home. Accessibility made it easy for anyone to join the trend.
🏠 3. The “Café at Home” Experience
During lockdowns, people were looking for comforting routines. Cloud coffee offered a fun, satisfying ritual that felt like making a café-quality drink in your own kitchen. Whipping the foam—even by hand—was oddly soothing and rewarding.
🎯 4. Shareability & Simplicity
The 3-ingredient recipe was easy to replicate and personalize. From cinnamon and cocoa toppings to sugar-free versions, everyone could make it their own—and share it.
💡Curious how to make your own? Start with our easy cloud coffee recipe and whip up your own version in minutes.
Final Thoughts: Why Cloud Coffee Is Here to Stay
More than just a passing trend, cloud coffee represents the magic that happens when simplicity meets creativity. With just instant coffee, sugar, hot water, and milk, anyone can turn everyday ingredients into a luxurious whipped drink that looks—and tastes—amazing.
Whether you know it as cloud coffee, Dalgona coffee, or just “that fluffy coffee from TikTok,” it’s a drink that combines comfort, beauty, and fun in every sip.
☕ Want to try it yourself?
Make your own with our 3-ingredient Cloud Coffee Recipe, or explore how to make cloud coffee step by step.
For another cozy café-style creation, don’t miss our Turmeric Ginger Spice Latte.