Save I made this on a slow Sunday morning when the rain wouldnt stop and I had nothing but instant coffee in the pantry. My sister called it "cloud coffee" the first time she saw it, and honestly, thats exactly what it looks like. The whipped top sits so light and perfect over the milk that you almost dont want to stir it in. Almost.
The first time I served this to friends, they thought I had ordered it from a café. One of them tried to take a photo before even tasting it, and I realized this drink does something rare: it makes you pause. Theres a little ritual in watching the whipped coffee slowly sink and swirl into the milk, and everyone at the table gets quiet for just a second before that first sip.
Ingredients
- Instant coffee granules: This is the backbone of the whole thing, and yes, it has to be instant. I learned the hard way that ground coffee wont whip no matter how long you beat it.
- Granulated sugar: It helps stabilize the foam and gives it that glossy, stiff-peak texture. You can cut it down if youre not into sweetness, but dont skip it entirely.
- Hot water: Just enough to dissolve everything and create the base for whipping. It should be hot but not boiling.
- Milk: I use whatever I have, cold from the fridge, sometimes oat milk when Im out of dairy. Both work beautifully.
- Ice cubes: Optional, but I love how the cold milk contrasts with the rich, airy coffee on top.
Instructions
- Whip the coffee mixture:
- Combine the instant coffee, sugar, and hot water in a bowl and whisk hard until it turns thick, pale, and holds stiff peaks. It takes a few minutes by hand, but the transformation is oddly satisfying to watch.
- Prepare the glasses:
- Fill two glasses with milk and add ice if you want it cold. I like mine icy on warm afternoons.
- Top with whipped coffee:
- Spoon the fluffy coffee mixture over the milk in each glass, dividing it evenly. It should sit right on top like a little cloud.
- Serve and stir:
- Hand it over immediately and let everyone stir it themselves. Thats half the fun.
Save My neighbor saw me making this through the kitchen window one morning and texted me asking for the recipe before I even finished my cup. Now she makes it every Saturday, sometimes with cinnamon on top, sometimes with a splash of vanilla in the milk. Its become her thing, and I love that something so simple traveled that way.
Flavor Variations
You can dust the top with cocoa powder or a pinch of cinnamon for a little extra warmth. I once added a tiny bit of vanilla extract to the milk and it felt like drinking a latte from a café I used to love. Some people like to drizzle chocolate syrup in the glass before adding the milk, which turns it into something almost dessert-like.
Dairy-Free and Sweetness Adjustments
Oat milk froths beautifully and has a natural sweetness that pairs well with the coffee. Almond milk works too, though its a bit thinner. If you want less sugar, start with one tablespoon instead of two, the coffee will still whip, just not quite as stiff.
Serving and Storage Tips
This is best made fresh, right before you sit down to drink it. The whipped coffee holds its shape for a little while, but it will eventually collapse, so dont make it ahead. If you have leftover whipped coffee, you can store it in the fridge for a few hours, but youll need to re-whip it lightly before using.
- Serve it in a clear glass so you can see the layers before stirring.
- Use a straw or spoon to mix it in slowly and watch the swirl.
- Try it over hot milk in the winter, it works just as well and feels cozy.
Save This drink showed me that you dont need fancy tools or expensive beans to make something that feels special. Sometimes all it takes is a little patience and a willingness to whip something by hand.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I achieve the perfect whipped texture?
Use instant coffee with sugar and hot water, whisking vigorously until thick and stiff peaks form, usually within 2-4 minutes.
- → Can I use non-dairy milk options?
Yes, oat, almond, soy, or other plant-based milks work well and maintain the creamy contrast with the whipped coffee.
- → What are some flavor variations to try?
Try adding a sprinkle of cocoa powder, cinnamon, or coffee granules on top for an extra touch of flavor and visual appeal.
- → Is it better to serve over hot or cold milk?
Both options work well; hot milk gives a cozy warmth while cold milk offers a refreshing and crisp contrast to the whipped coffee.
- → How can I reduce sweetness without affecting texture?
Simply reduce the sugar quantity while whisking, but maintain the instant coffee and water ratio to ensure proper whipping.