If you love creamy coffee drinks and that soft, nutty ube flavor, this one is going to win you over fast.
It’s light, fluffy, and just sweet enough.
I’ve made this on slow mornings and also as an afternoon pick-me-up, and it never disappoints.
The color alone makes it feel special.
Why I Love This Recipe
The first time I made this, I was curious if ube would actually work with coffee. It does—and in a really smooth, mellow way.
- The flavor is lightly sweet and nutty, not overpowering
- The color is naturally beautiful and calming
- It feels fancy but takes just minutes
- You only need a few simple ingredients
- It’s easy to customize for sweetness or strength
What You’ll Need
- 2 tablespoons instant coffee
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons hot water
- 2 tablespoons ube jam (smooth, no chunks)
- 1 cup milk (cold, any kind)
- 1 cup ice cubes
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl
- Hand whisk or electric mixer
- Spoon or spatula
- Tall glass
Recipe & Instructions
Step 1: Make the Coffee Foam Base
Add 2 tablespoons instant coffee, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, and 2 tablespoons hot water into a mixing bowl.Whisk hard for 2–4 minutes until thick, fluffy, and pale brown. It should hold soft peaks.
Step 2: Add the Ube Flavor
Add 2 tablespoons smooth ube jam to the whipped coffee foam.Whisk again until fully blended and the color turns a soft lavender. The mixture should stay fluffy.
Step 3: Prepare the Glass
Fill a tall glass with 1 cup ice cubes. Pour in 1 cup cold milk over the ice.
Step 4: Assemble the Drink
Spoon the ube coffee foam on top of the milk. Use all the foam and gently spread it to cover the top.
Step 5: Serve and Stir
Serve as is, then stir before drinking to combine flavors.
Servings & Time
- Servings: 1 drink
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
Macros Information (Approximate per serving)
- Calories: 180
- Carbs: 30g
- Sugar: 26g
- Fat: 3g (depends on milk)
- Protein: 4g
Pro Tips
- Use an electric mixer if you want super fluffy foam faster
- Make sure your ube jam is smooth so it blends easily
- Taste before serving—some ube jams are sweeter than others
- Chill your glass beforehand for an extra refreshing drink
Substitutions and Variations
- Use oat milk or almond milk for a dairy-free version
- Swap sugar with honey or maple syrup (foam may be softer)
- Add a drop of vanilla extract for extra flavor
- Use espresso powder instead of instant coffee for stronger taste
Make Ahead Tips
You can whip the foam ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 1 day. Re-whisk briefly before using.
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
Whipping instant coffee, sugar, and water traps air, creating a stable foam. Sugar helps hold that structure. Adding ube works because it blends into the foam without breaking it, thanks to its smooth, thick texture.
Common Mistakes
- Not whipping long enough → foam won’t hold
- Using chunky ube jam → lumpy texture
- Too much liquid → foam won’t thicken
- Skipping sugar → foam won’t stabilize properly
What to Serve With
- Butter toast or brioche
- Pancakes or waffles
- Light pastries
- Fresh fruit
Leftovers and Storage
This drink is best fresh. The foam can be stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours, but it may lose some fluffiness.
FAQ
Can I use brewed coffee instead of instant?
No, it won’t whip the same way. Instant coffee is key.
Is ube the same as purple yam?
They’re similar, but ube has a sweeter, nuttier taste.
Can I make it less sweet?
Yes, reduce the sugar or use unsweetened milk.
Can I make it hot?
Yes, just use warm milk instead of iced.
Final Thoughts
This ube dalgona coffee is one of those simple treats that feels a little special every time. It’s quick, pretty, and easy to tweak to your taste. Try it once, and you’ll probably find yourself making it again. If you do, share how it turned out and what you changed—I’d love to hear about it.
