The Second Wave Is Here
Cast your mind back to early 2020. We were all stuck at home, endlessly scrolling, and collectively decided to become at-home baristas by whipping instant coffee into a frothy frenzy. Dalgona coffee was born, and our Instagram feeds were never the same.
Well, the internet has done it again, but this time it has refined its palate. 'Cloud Coffee 2.0' is the unofficial name for the latest viral sensation, which is essentially a modern, social media-friendly take on the classic Viennese Einspänner. [3, 5] It consists of strong, brewed coffee (or espresso) topped with a thick, generous, and gently sweetened layer of whipped cream. [1, 6] Unlike Dalgona, which was a bottom-up creation with milk at the base, this new trend focuses on the luxurious experience of sipping hot or cold coffee *through* a cool, pillowy cloud of cream. [1, 4] It’s less of a science experiment with instant coffee and more of a return to classic indulgence, made easy.
Not Your Lockdown Dalgona
While both trends offer a photogenic, two-toned coffee experience, the similarities largely end there. The original Dalgona relied on the specific chemical properties of instant coffee, which when whipped with sugar and water, creates a stiff, meringue-like foam. [15, 17] The result was often intensely sweet and required vigorous stirring to combine with the milk base. Cloud Coffee 2.0, or the modern Einspänner, is a study in contrasts and textures. The base is typically a high-quality brewed coffee or a rich espresso, offering a more robust and nuanced coffee flavour. [4] The 'cloud' is made from real heavy cream, whipped to soft peaks with just a touch of sugar and perhaps some vanilla. [1, 7] The technique is to drink the coffee through the cream, not mix it all together. [4] This creates a dynamic sip that starts cool and creamy and finishes with the warm, rich bitterness of the coffee. It’s a more grown-up, decadent experience that prioritises taste and texture over pure novelty.
Why Now? The Appeal of Analogue Comfort
So why is this 19th-century Austrian drink suddenly having a 21st-century moment? The trend seems to have gained significant traction in South Korea, a global hub for cafe culture and aesthetic trends, before spreading worldwide via social media. [3, 5] Part of the appeal is a move towards what could be called 'analogue comfort'. After years of increasingly complex flavour trends like miso caramel and ube lattes, there's a return to simple, high-quality classics. [9, 12] The Einspänner fits this perfectly. Its name, which translates to 'one-horse carriage', harks back to Viennese coachmen who would sip these drinks, the cream acting as insulation to keep the coffee warm. [2, 8] Today, that insulating layer of cream feels like a comforting hug in a mug. It’s also incredibly accessible. While Dalgona sent everyone scrambling for instant coffee, most home coffee makers can produce a strong brew suitable for an Einspänner, making it an easy upgrade to a daily ritual. [4]
How To Make Cloud Coffee 2.0
Ready to join the group chat? Making this at home is surprisingly simple. You are aiming for a generous ratio, often 1:1 cream to coffee. [1]
For The Cloud:
In a chilled bowl, combine about 1/2 cup of cold heavy whipping cream, 1 tablespoon of powdered sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract. [1, 6] Using a hand mixer or a whisk, whip the cream until it forms soft, pillowy peaks. You want it to be thick enough to hold its shape on a spoon but still be a bit flowy—think the consistency of a pourable, thick yogurt. [5]
For The Base:
Brew a strong coffee. A double shot of espresso is traditional, but a Moka pot, AeroPress, or even a strong French press brew will work beautifully. [3, 4] For an iced version, which is particularly popular on social media, use your favourite cold brew. [1, 2]
Assembly:
Pour your hot coffee or cold brew into a clear glass to show off the layers. [3] Gently spoon or pipe the whipped cream cloud on top. Don't be shy with the amount! Garnish with a dusting of cocoa powder or chocolate shavings if you're feeling fancy. [7] Serve immediately and enjoy the contrast of temperatures and textures.
