New Delhi: Coffee names like cappuccino and latte are not the only ones popular with consumers, with social media turning everyday brews into global sensations.
On International Coffee Day, celebrated on October 1, some of the biggest coffee crazes of recent years deserve another look. Dalgona coffee became a lockdown phenomenon when people began whipping instant coffee, sugar and hot water at home, while richer creations such as Biscoff and pistachio coffee later found an enthusiastic audience online.
Spanish latte gained popularity for its creamy sweetness, and traditional Vietnamese coffee reached more café menus around the world. Each drink offers something different, from frothy textures and dessert-inspired flavours to slow brewing methods and strong coffee notes. Their popularity also shows how changing tastes, café culture and visually appealing recipes continue to influence the way people enjoy their daily caffeine fix. Here are five coffee trends that became social media favourites worldwide.
International Coffee Day: 5 Viral coffee trends worth revisiting
1. Dalgona coffee
Dalgona coffee became one of the defining food trends of the pandemic lockdowns. Instant coffee, sugar and hot water are whipped together until thick and frothy before being layered over milk. The simple ingredients and striking appearance made it ideal for home experiments and social media videos. For many Indians, the process also felt familiar, recalling the hand-beaten coffee enjoyed at home long before the trend went viral.
2. Spanish latte
Sweeter and creamier than a regular latte, Spanish latte combines espresso and milk with sweetened condensed milk. Its rich texture and approachable flavour helped it move quickly across café menus and social feeds. It particularly appeals to coffee drinkers who prefer their brew on the sweeter side.
3. Biscoff coffee
The popularity of Biscoff soon made its way into coffee cups. Espresso or coffee is paired with milk, Biscoff spread and, in some versions, crushed biscuits and indulgent toppings. Served hot or iced, the drink became a favourite among home baristas recreating café-style beverages.
4. Pistachio coffee
Pistachio’s popularity in desserts and drinks also gave rise to pistachio coffee. Typically made with espresso, milk and pistachio syrup or cream, the beverage offers a mildly sweet, nutty flavour. Crushed pistachios are often added on top, while its distinctive appearance has helped boost its social media appeal.
5. Vietnamese coffee
Vietnamese coffee stands apart for both its strength and brewing technique. Traditionally prepared using a small metal filter called a phin, coffee slowly drips into sweetened condensed milk. The popular iced version, cà phê sữa đá, balances intense coffee with creamy sweetness and has become increasingly familiar beyond Vietnamese cafés.
International Coffee Day 2026 offers another reason to revisit a favourite or try a different brew. These five drinks show how traditional techniques, new flavour combinations and social media have reshaped coffee trends.
