Dalgona is the whipped coffee that went viral on Tik Tok. It looks like a pillow of mousse over milk. Beautiful and fairly simple to make. I had to try it and so, naturally I wanted to compare it to the classic Greek frappe. Here’s what happened…
Dalgona Whipped Coffee
Dalgona coffee comes from South Korea. If you have instant coffee, granulated sugar, water, and milk then, you can whip this drink up in a few minutes.
Basically, combine equal parts instant coffee, granulated sugar, and cold water in a mixing bowl. You may add a splash of vanilla extract to it. Using a hand mixer with the whip attachment whip it all together until a thick and glossy coffee cream is made. It only takes a minute. You can whip it by hand without a mixer but, it will take much longer. About 5-6 minutes. Then, dollop it over hot or cold milk and serve.
Can you make Dalgona coffee without instant coffee?
No. I almost always offer substitutes, however, in this case, there aren’t any. I can’t explain the science behind it and I’m positive that it can be located on Google.
Can Dalgona coffee be served hot?
Yes! Once the coffee is whipped together, it can be dolloped over steaming hot milk or over ice and milk (any milk, including milk substitutes). The choice is yours. If you ask me, I prefer it over hot milk because it melts better and you get more of the coffee flavor that way.
Can milk Substitutes be used instead of cow’s milk?
Yes, of course! Use any of your favorite milk: almond milk, cashew milk, oat milk, goat milk. Whatever you like!
Can Dalgona coffee be made with sugar substitutes?
The granulated sugar is what helps it whip up and hold it’s shape. You can use sugar substitutes and let me know how they work out in the comments section.
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Greek Frappe
Frappe is the whipped coffee of Greece. It’s not as fancy looking as the Dalgona and also much simpler to make. The same exact ingredients are made yet since the method differs so, does the taste.
Cafes all over Greece make this drink using old fashioned milkshake machines. You may purchase one from my affiliate right here.
They help make a very thick frothy foam but, you definitely do not need a special machine for this drink. A shaker or even any leak-proof Tupperware will get the job done. Here’s a frappe shaker right here, if you’d like to purchase it.
You can also use a milk frother too.
How is Frappe made?
There are 3 ways that frappe is served:
Sketos (plain): 1-2 teaspoons of instant coffee and no sugar
Metrios (medium): 1-2 teaspoons of instant coffee with 2 teaspoons of sugar
Glykos (sweet): 1-2 teaspoons of instant coffee with 4 teaspoons of sugar
I like my frappe in between sketos and metrios with 1 teaspoon of sugar and some milk. Metrios me gala (mildy sweet with milk)
Combine the intsant coffee, sugar, and 2-3 tablespoons of water in a shaker and shake vigorously until a thick foam is created. Alternatively, add the ingredients to a tall glass and use a frother or the milkshake maker to create the froth.
Add ice cubes to the glass and pour the foam into it. Fill it with water and milk (if desired). Serve cold, preferably by the beach 🙂
The Taste Test
Dalgona Whipped Coffee vs Greek Frappe:
Hands down, frappe is a winner in this competition. You might think that I chose it over the Dalgona because I’m Greek and that might be true. I say this because I went into this thing already knowing what Frappe tastes like and I expected the Dalgona to be a creamier more luxurious version of it.
With the frappe, you get a whole lot of coffee flavor. It’s refreshing and gives you a quick hit of energy. The Dalgona was too “milky” for my taste. Not only that, but the whipped coffee topping did not melt into or mix into the cold milk. It might taste much better in steamed milk. However, I’m not a huge fan of drinking big glasses full of milk anyway, so it’s just not for me.
I hope that you give these drinks a try and let me know what you think. Which one do you like better? Let me know in the comments section 🙂

Dalgona Whipped Coffee vs The Greek Frappe
Dalgona is the whipped coffee that went viral on Tik Tok. It looks like a pillow of mousse over milk. Beautiful and fairly simple to make. I had to try it and so, naturally I wanted to compare it to the classic Greek frappe. Here's what happened...
Ingredients
- For the Dalgona Coffee:
- 1-2 servings:
- 2 tablespoons of instant coffee
- 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons of cold water
- optional: splash of vanilla extract
- ice and milk or steamed milk
- optional toppings: cinnamon and/or cocoa powder
- For the Frappe (1 serving):
- Sweet: 1-2 teaspoons instant coffee plus 4 teaspoons sugar
- medium: 1-2 teaspoons instant coffee plus 2 teaspoons sugar
- plain: 1-2 teaspoons instant coffee and no sugar
- ice
- water
- milk (optional)
Instructions
- For the Dalgona Coffee:
- Combine the coffee, sugar, water, and vanilla extract in a bowl and beat together on high speed with an electric mixer until thick and glossy. Pour hot or cold milk into a glass and dollop the whipped coffee over top. Garnish with cinnamon and/or cocoa powder and serve.
- For the Frappe:
- Combine the coffee, sugar, and 2-3 tablespoons of cold water into a shaker and shake vigorously until a thick froth is created. Alternatively, whip the ingredients together using a milk frother or a milkshake machine.
- Place some ice cubes int a tall glass and pour the froth into the glass. Fill with water and milk and serve immediately.
Can you make your posts printable? Your background stories are very interesting and knowledgeable.
I like the frappe because it’s mixed up instead of layered. And I’m Greek too!
I’m also Greek and have been drinking frappe for many years – learned to make it at home and love it. When Dologna because a craze I tried that as well but it couldn’t touch the frappe for me. Thanks for sharing your findings! And agree with Karen (another commenter) that I want my coffee mixed, not layered.
The Greek Frappe is really a special beverage. It’s delicious and foamy, and the warmer months really wouldn’t be the same without it!
Hands down for me a frape is the winner
I lived in Greece for a short time back in the 80’s and I had their Frappe’s. There’s nothing like them!!!!
I’m not Greek but I married one. 🙂 Yasou!!