Learn how to make cloud coffee at home with this step-by-step guide. Discover ingredients, tools, tips, variations, and barista secrets to craft the perfect fluffy whipped coffee drink right in your own kitchen.
How to Make Cloud Coffee at Home: Step-by-Step Guide
Imagine waking up on a Sunday morning, sunlight streaming through your kitchen window, and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee filling the air. Now imagine topping that with a fluffy, cloud-like layer of whipped coffee floating over your glass of milk — smooth, velvety, and Instagram-worthy. That, my friend, is Cloud Coffee, and in this guide, you’ll discover exactly how to make Cloud Coffee at home so good, it could rival your favorite café’s creation.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Cloud Coffee at Home
If you’ve searched for how to make Cloud Coffee at home, chances are you want a foolproof method that works every time. This section is your ultimate barista-approved roadmap to creating the perfect drink — from the ingredients to the final swirl.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Cloud Coffee lies in its simplicity — just a few ingredients and you’re on your way. Here’s what you need:
2 tablespoons instant coffee (high-quality brand for richer flavor)
2 tablespoons granulated sugar (or sweetener of choice)
2 tablespoons hot water (around 90°C/194°F for best dissolving)
1 cup cold or warm milk (dairy or plant-based like oat, almond, or soy)
Optional: Ice cubes for an iced version
Pro Tip: For the most velvety foam, use fine granulated sugar and premium instant coffee. The quality of your base ingredients dramatically affects the end result — just like a chef selecting the freshest produce.
Essential Tools for the Perfect Whipped Coffee
Even the best ingredients need the right tools for the magic to happen:
Hand whisk or electric hand mixer
Mixing bowl (metal or glass is best; avoid plastic to prevent static cling)
Tall glass or mug for serving
Spoon or spatula for layering the foam
Step 1: Measure and Prepare Ingredients
Measure equal parts instant coffee, sugar, and hot water — the classic 1:1:1 ratio. This ratio creates the perfect stability for the foam. Pour them into your mixing bowl.
Why it matters: Too much water will make the foam collapse. Too little sugar will reduce structure and stability, leaving you with a sad, sinking cloud.
Step 2: Whip Until Fluffy
Using a whisk or electric mixer, beat the mixture vigorously for 3–5 minutes until it becomes light, airy, and forms stiff peaks.
By hand: It’s a great arm workout, but expect to whisk for about 8–10 minutes.
With a mixer: You’ll reach the perfect texture in under 3 minutes.
Visual cue: The foam should be a rich caramel-brown color and glossy, holding its shape without dripping.
“Patience is the secret ingredient,” as any seasoned barista will tell you. Whipping too fast without allowing air to incorporate evenly can result in large bubbles instead of a fine, creamy texture.
Step 3: Assemble and Serve
Fill a tall glass with milk (cold for an iced version or warm for a cozy drink).
Add ice cubes if desired.
Gently spoon the whipped coffee foam over the milk, creating a beautiful layered effect.
Serve immediately and stir before drinking to blend the flavors.
Presentation tip: Use a clear glass to showcase the distinct layers — it’s what makes Cloud Coffee so mesmerizing in social media photos.
See more: 10 Healthy Coffee Alternatives Without Caffeine to Energize Your Day
What is Cloud Coffee and Why It’s Trending
Cloud Coffee is more than just a drink — it’s a social media sensation that skyrocketed to fame in 2020 during global lockdowns, thanks to its mesmerizing visuals and comforting taste. Often compared to Dalgona Coffee, this whipped coffee variant has been embraced by home baristas worldwide.
The Origins of Cloud Coffee
While its viral fame is recent, the concept of whipped coffee isn’t new. Versions of it have existed in Korea, India (as Phenti Hui Coffee), and Greece (Frappe) for decades. The Korean “Dalgona” style — named after a honeycomb toffee candy — inspired the worldwide trend.
Differences Between Cloud Coffee and Dalgona Coffee
While both involve whipping instant coffee, sugar, and hot water, Cloud Coffee often emphasizes a lighter, creamier texture — like a soft meringue — compared to the denser, toffee-like consistency of traditional Dalgona Coffee.
The Role of Social Media in Its Popularity
From TikTok tutorials to Instagram reels, Cloud Coffee became the “stay-at-home café” drink of choice. People shared creative twists — from matcha clouds to chocolate swirls — fueling a wave of at-home experimentation.
Barista Tips for the Best Homemade Cloud Coffee
Making Cloud Coffee at home is simple, but perfecting it requires a few professional secrets.
Choosing the Best Coffee Type
Instant coffee vs. brewed espresso: Only instant coffee creates the stable foam needed for Cloud Coffee. Espresso lacks the same concentration of solids to hold the peaks.
Light vs. dark roast: Dark roasts give deeper, bolder flavor; light roasts offer fruity notes. Choose according to your taste preference.
Getting the Perfect Foam Texture
Temperature matters: Use hot water (not boiling) to dissolve granules fully without burning the coffee.
Whip in a chilled bowl if your kitchen is warm — it helps stabilize the foam.
Balancing Sweetness and Flavor
If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the sugar slightly but don’t omit it entirely — sugar plays a structural role in keeping the foam intact. For alternative sweeteners, try coconut sugar or maple syrup for a unique twist.
Creative Cloud Coffee Variations to Try
One of the reasons Cloud Coffee has captured the hearts of coffee lovers is its incredible versatility. Once you’ve mastered the base recipe, you can explore endless flavor variations to suit your mood or impress guests. Here are some of our favorites at Lyoncafe — each tried, tested, and perfected in our own kitchen.
Iced Cloud Coffee
Perfect for hot afternoons, this version swaps warm milk for chilled milk and adds ice cubes before spooning the foam on top. The contrast between the icy milk and the creamy coffee cloud creates a refreshing yet indulgent experience.
Matcha Cloud Coffee
For tea lovers, replace half the instant coffee with matcha powder. The result? A striking green-and-brown layered drink that offers the earthy notes of matcha with the richness of coffee. Matcha is also loaded with antioxidants, giving your drink a health boost.
Chocolate or Mocha Cloud Coffee
Blend cocoa powder or chocolate syrup into the milk base for a mocha twist. This is a hit with those who enjoy a dessert-like coffee. You can also dust cocoa powder over the foam for a café-style finish.
Vegan & Dairy-Free Options
Plant-based milks like oat, almond, and soy pair beautifully with Cloud Coffee. Oat milk, in particular, offers a naturally sweet and creamy texture that complements the whipped topping without overpowering it.
Lyoncafe Tip: Serve these variations in clear glasses to highlight their stunning layers — a visual treat that’s as satisfying as the taste.
Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them
Even with a simple recipe, mistakes can happen. At Lyoncafe, we’ve seen (and made) them all, so here’s how to avoid the most common pitfalls:
Over-Whipping the Coffee Mixture
Over-whipping can cause the foam to become grainy and lose its glossy finish. Stop whipping as soon as stiff peaks form.
Wrong Ingredient Ratios
Stick to the 1:1:1 ratio for coffee, sugar, and water. Deviating too much can lead to a weak foam or overpowering bitterness.
Serving After the Foam Collapses
Cloud Coffee foam is best enjoyed fresh. If left sitting for too long, the foam will deflate and lose its airy texture. Prepare the foam just before serving for the best results.
Health and Nutrition Facts
While Cloud Coffee is undeniably indulgent, it can fit into a balanced lifestyle — especially with a few mindful tweaks.
Calories and Nutritional Value
A standard serving made with whole milk and sugar contains around 180–200 calories. Using skim milk or unsweetened plant-based milk can significantly lower the calorie count.
| Version | Calories | Sugar (g) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whole milk + sugar | 190 | 15 | Classic version |
| Skim milk + sugar | 140 | 15 | Lower fat |
| Oat milk + honey | 160 | 12 | Plant-based sweetness |
| Almond milk + stevia | 90 | 1 | Low-calorie option |
Healthier Ingredient Alternatives
Natural sweeteners: Honey, maple syrup, or stevia can replace white sugar.
Plant-based milks: Almond, oat, and soy milk offer lower fat and unique flavors.
Caffeine control: Use decaf instant coffee for an evening-friendly version.
“The bitterness of coffee and the sweetness of life often blend best when enjoyed in moderation.” — a motto we live by at Lyoncafe.
Conclusion: Perfecting Your Cloud Coffee at Home
Mastering how to make Cloud Coffee at home isn’t just about following a recipe — it’s about crafting a moment. Every step, from measuring the coffee to the final swirl, is an act of creation. At Lyoncafe, we believe coffee is more than a drink; it’s an experience, a daily ritual that can be both comforting and inspiring.
I’m Kara Chavez, and I love coffee. I like to create some of the best coffees around – espressos, lattes, macchiatos . I strive for perfection in my coffee-making skills, and I take great pride in providing a delicious cup of joe to my customers.
I’ve been working in the coffee industry for years now, and I know everything there is to know about making a perfect cup of coffee. My passion for coffee shines through in every cup that I make, and I hope that you’ll stop by soon so that I can share my love of coffee with you!