Social media is a goldmine for food trends. If your algorithm is anything like mine, with nearly every scroll and swipe, you’re introduced to a trending recipe or hot new way to enjoy your favorite foods and drinks. I’ve found this to be especially true when it comes to coffee. While coffee has long been the world’s most beloved caffeinated beverage, it has become something of an art form in recent years.
While not every new coffee recipe or technique is something to get excited about, I’m happy to report that the latest craze is completely worth the hype. This trending new beverage is not only sinfully delicious, but quite simple to make compared to many of the other intricate coffee recipes online. Cloud Coffee is my latest obsession, and I can almost promise it will be yours, too.
What is Cloud Coffee?
Of course, as with most things, the exact rules and guidelines for Cloud Coffee are subject to debate, but the general consensus is that it’s a sweetened iced coffee beverage topped with a cloud-like coconut milk whipped topping. Sounds incredible, doesn’t it? It is.
Cloud Coffee is easily made at home by whipping coconut cream with a sweetener or flavoring and topping it with a mixture of iced espresso and milk. From there, you’re free to be as creative as you wish with any number of toppings or garnishes. There are no rules, which is one of the things that makes this trend such a fun one.
Why it might seem familiar
Variations of Cloud Coffee have been around for some time now. In the early days of the pandemic, while we were all still pretending to enjoy making our own bread, Dalgona coffee had a moment in the spotlight. While similar to Cloud Coffee, Dalgona coffee’s whipped portion is made from coffee, making the cloud itself caffeinated and not a sweet adornment. Dalgona coffee is made by combining instant coffee with sugar and water, then whipping the mixture into a creamy foam and topping it over milk. Cloud coffee, on the other hand, reverses the ingredients and makes the cloud even fluffier and sweeter without the addition of espresso.
How to make Cloud Coffee
Thankfully, unlike so many intricate coffee recipes, Cloud Coffee doesn’t require any special equipment. Of course, a single-serve espresso machine is necessary if you choose to use espresso rather than strongly brewed coffee, but it isn’t a necessity. Likewise, a milk frother of some kind is very handy to have, but you can also whip your cloud with a mixer or even a whisk and a little arm strength.
Cloud Coffee recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 shot of espresso or 1/4 cup strongly brewed coffee
- 1/2 cup milk (either dairy or non-dairy will work)
- 1/4 cup coconut cream (or heavy cream), chilled
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of cinnamon
- Pinch of nutmeg
- Ice
- Optional garnishes: Chocolate syrup, caramel syrup, chocolate shavings, butterscotch sauce, toasted coconut flakes, etc.
Method:
- Brew a fresh shot of espresso or a strong cup of coffee.
- Pour espresso into a glass over ice, add milk, and set aside.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the coconut cream, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg until soft peaks form. The consistency should be airy and fluffy.
- Gently spoon the whipped cream mixture over the coffee mixture, being careful not to stir. The “cloud” should sit on top, adding a light, foamy layer to the top of the beverage.
- Garnish with desired toppings and enjoy.
As mentioned earlier, there really are no set rules when it comes to making Cloud Coffee. If you’re not a fan of coconut milk, for example, feel free to use any other milk or creamer you prefer, so long as it will whip. You needn’t limit yourself when it comes to sweeteners and flavorings, either. I find the combination of coconut, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg in this recipe to be divine, but you can swap these flavors for any you like.
As with most things in the culinary world, presentation has a significant impact on Cloud Coffee. You could, of course, simply pour all of this into a large glass and call it a day, but adding toasted coconut flakes and a drizzle of your favorite sweetener gives this already extraordinary drink a special touch. So go ahead and treat yourself.
