You’ve Never Had an Espresso Martini Like This (Dalgona-Style)

Dalgona coffee, also known as whipped coffee, went viral on TikTok during the early pandemic days. Originally from South Korea, this trendy drink is made by whipping instant coffee, sugar, and hot water until it forms a light, frothy topping. This creamy cloud of coffee is then spooned over cold or hot milk, creating a delicious contrast between the airy coffee layer and smooth milk beneath. It’s been a couple years since the whipped coffee craze, so I think the drink is more than due for an upgrade. Enter the Dalgona espresso martini — a classic espresso martini topped with a frothy Dalgona coffee layer.

Keep reading for step-by-step instructions on how to make it!

What You’ll Need

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s make sure you have all the ingredients on hand. For this Dalgona Espresso Martini, you’ll need:

• 1 tbsp instant coffee: Instant coffee is key here; its granules whip up to the perfect texture. I recommend using a decaf version if you’re drinking this in the evening.
• 1 tbsp brown sugar: Adds a deeper, caramel-like sweetness compared to regular white sugar.
• 1 tbsp water: Turns your instant coffee into a frothy delight.
• 1 shot of vodka: The backbone of any good martini.
• 1 shot of coffee liqueur: Kahlúa is a classic choice, but feel free to use your favorite.
• 3 ounces of oat milk: Creamy, smooth, and dairy-free, oat milk balances the strong flavors beautifully.
• A cocktail shaker: Essential for blending the ingredients into a silky mixture. If your cocktail shaker doesn’t have the ability to strain, get yourself a cocktail strainer as well.
• A hand mixer or milk frother: You’ll need this to whip up the Dalgona topping.

Got everything? Great! Let’s get started.

Step 1: Making the Whipped Dalgona Topping

First things first, you need to make the whipped coffee topping. In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of instant coffee, 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon of water. The ratio here is key; keeping everything equal ensures that your coffee whips up perfectly.

Now, grab your hand mixer or milk frother and get to work. Start on a low setting, gradually increasing the speed as the mixture begins to thicken. It might take anywhere from 5 to 10 minutes to get the consistency just right — you’re aiming for stiff peaks, just like whipped cream. Be patient! This step is crucial for creating that gorgeous, frothy layer that will float atop your martini.

If you’re using a milk frother, it may take a bit longer, but the result is worth it. You’ll know it’s ready when the mixture is thick, glossy, and holds its shape when you lift the mixer.

Related: 8 Virgin Mojito Recipes You’ll Be Sipping on All Summer

Step 2: Mixing the Cocktail

Once your Dalgona topping is ready, it’s time to focus on the cocktail itself. In a cocktail shaker, combine 1 shot of vodka, 1 shot of coffee liqueur, and 3 ounces of oat milk. Oat milk is my go-to for this recipe because it adds a creamy texture without overpowering the drink, but if you have a different milk preference, feel free to experiment!

Add a handful of ice to the shaker, seal it tightly, and shake vigorously. This will chill the ingredients and create a beautifully blended drink. If you’re wondering how long to shake, aim for about 15-20 seconds, or until the shaker feels cold to the touch.

Step 3: Assembling the Dalgona Espresso Martini

Now for the fun part — putting it all together. Grab a small glass, preferably one with a wide mouth to showcase that beautiful Dalgona layer. Strain the cocktail mixture from the shaker into the glass.

Using a spoon, gently dollop the whipped Dalgona coffee on top of the drink. Be careful not to mix it in—the goal is to have the two distinct layers. This contrast in texture is what makes the Dalgona Espresso Martini so special.

 

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Customizing Your Drink

If you take a sip and find the coffee flavor a bit too intense, don’t worry—you can easily adjust it. Simply add more oat milk to the base before shaking, or even pour a splash on top of the finished drink. This will mellow out the bitterness without compromising the cocktail’s overall flavor.

For those with a sweet tooth, you might consider adding a touch more brown sugar to the whipped coffee or even rimming your glass with some sugar before pouring in the cocktail. The extra sweetness will complement the coffee’s bold flavor beautifully.

The Final Sip

And there you have it — a Dalgona espresso martini that’s sure to impress. This cocktail is perfect for an after-dinner treat or a weekend indulgence. It’s rich, creamy, and just the right amount of boozy, with a coffee kick that will keep you coming back for more.

Whether you’re hosting a small gathering or just treating yourself to something special, this drink is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. So go ahead, give it a try, and don’t be surprised if you find yourself making it on repeat.