In spring 2020, millions of people whipped instant coffee, sugar and hot water by hand. They spooned the foam onto cold milk. The drink was called dalgona.
The name comes from a Korean toffee candy. The foam looks like the sweet.
Why it spread
People were at home. The drink needed only three ingredients. It looked striking on camera. Whipping by hand took long enough to feel like a project.
Short videos fuelled the craze. Each clip ended with the same satisfying scoop.
Why it faded
The drink was sweet and heavy. It also took effort. Once cafés reopened, people moved on.
But the trend left traces. Many cafés now offer whipped or foamed cold drinks. Cold foam became a menu staple.
Viral drinks rarely last. The habits they start often do.
The lesson
A trend works when it is easy, visual and social. Coffee suits all three. Expect another wave soon.
