What Is Cloud Coffee? (Recipe + Ingredients)

Not every coffee moment needs to be loud. Some, like cloud coffee, arrive gently, airy, silky, and serene. It’s not just a drink; it’s a sensory pause, one that invites you to slow down and savor a different kind of brew.

Often confused with the viral dalgona coffee, cloud coffee stands apart for its subtlety. Where dalgona is all about drama, stiff peaks, intense bitterness, and high sugar, cloud coffee is calm, creamy, and beautifully balanced. Think less performance, more poetry.

In this article, you’ll discover how to make cloud coffee at home with the right ingredients, the best techniques, and comforting culinary tips that elevate your mug from ordinary to ritual. Whether you're a home cook, café owner, or someone who simply enjoys their moments warm, this guide is for you.

What Exactly Is Cloud Coffee?

Cloud coffee is a modern, whipped-topping coffee that layers a hot or cold milk base with a delicate, whipped cream “cloud” on top. The experience is equal parts texture and taste: soft, mellow cream meeting the boldness of coffee in every sip.

It’s versatile, easy to prepare, and customizable. Unlike dalgona coffee, which uses instant coffee whipped into sugary peaks, cloud coffee brings the richness of espresso or brewed coffee and the smoothness of lightly sweetened cream.

Ingredients (for 1 serving)

• 1 shot espresso or ¼ cup strong brewed coffee
  
  

• ½ cup milk (dairy or plant-based like oat, almond, or soy)
  
  

• ¼ cup cold heavy cream or coconut cream (for a vegan version)
  
  

• 1 tsp maple syrup, vanilla extract, or honey
  
  

• A pinch of cinnamon (optional)
  
  

• Ice cubes (optional, if making iced)
  
  

Step-by-Step Cloud Coffee Recipe

1. Start with the Coffee

Brew a fresh shot of espresso or a robust cup of coffee. You want a strong base that will balance the gentle flavor of the cream topping. Pour it into your favorite CURVD ceramic mug, designed to keep your coffee hot and your hands relaxed.

2. Add the Milk

Pour cold or warm milk over the coffee. If you’re going for an iced version, add the ice cubes first, then the milk.

3. Whip the Cloud

In a cold bowl, whisk the cream and maple syrup (or sweetener of choice) until soft peaks form. It should be airy, not stiff—think cappuccino foam rather than whipped topping. For a vegan version, coconut cream works beautifully and brings a rich, tropical note to your cloud. It's also perfect with our best vegan mug cake, a warm, single-serve treat you can make in minutes.

4. Layer the Cloud

Gently spoon the whipped cream on top of the coffee and milk mixture. You don’t stir it in; the cloud sits on top, creating a textural contrast that slowly blends with each sip.

5. Optional Garnish

Top with a dusting of cinnamon, a drizzle of maple syrup, or a tiny pinch of sea salt. Small additions go a long way in enhancing flavor without overpowering the drink’s softness.

Why Cloud Coffee Feels So Comforting

There’s something emotionally grounding about the layers in a cloud coffee. The boldness of espresso, the softness of cream, and the gentle warmth or chill, depending on how you serve it, bring a sense of balance that’s rare in quick-made drinks.

It’s also flexible. You can serve it warm on a rainy morning or iced on a bright afternoon. Add flavors like lavender, caramel, or hazelnut for a twist, or keep it minimal for a calming classic.

Cloud Coffee vs Dalgona Coffee

So while dalgona might dominate TikTok reels, cloud coffee has found its place in quiet kitchens, cozy cafés, and—of course—beautiful CURVD mugs.

Expert Tips to Elevate Your Cloud Coffee Game

• Chill Your Bowl: Always whip cream in a chilled bowl for faster and fluffier results.
  
  

• Use Full-Fat Cream: Whether dairy or coconut, low-fat versions won’t hold the soft peak texture.
  
  

• Don’t Over-Whip: Stop as soon as you see soft peaks; stiff cream will sit like a block instead of a cloud.
  
  

• Flavor Carefully: A drop of rose water, orange blossom, or cardamom can add elegance, just don’t overdo it.
  
  

• Use Ceramic Mugs: Especially ones like CURVD’s, chemical-free, heat-retaining, and perfectly ergonomic.
  
  

And if you’re enjoying this journey of cozy, mug-based creations, you might also love our guide to the best vegan mug cake, a simple, nourishing treat to pair with your drink. For the more adventurous, the best viral TikTok mug cake recipes will surprise you with flavor and fun. Or if you prefer cold drinks, learn how to make the perfect iced latte at home in just a few steps.

Cloud Coffee Variations Table

Looking for something fun and fast to enjoy with your spiced or iced cloud coffee? Try one of our best viral TikTok mug cake recipes. They're surprisingly good—and addictively easy.

Final Sip

Cloud coffee isn’t about trends, it’s about feeling. About holding something soft, warm (or chilled), and thoughtfully made. Whether you’re creating a quiet morning or a mindful moment after work, cloud coffee is a small act of care you can taste.

Made even better when sipped from a mug that reflects that same intention.

Explore our full collection of mugs crafted for such moments, where form meets function, and every curve supports comfort. Because a beautiful drink deserves a beautiful vessel.

Explore here

Frequently Asked Questions

Is cloud coffee healthier than dalgona coffee?

Yes—cloud coffee can be lighter in sugar and fat, especially when using plant-based or unsweetened creams. Dalgona requires sugar to whip properly.

Can I make it without a frother or mixer?

You can! A regular whisk works well if your cream is chilled. It just takes a bit more effort—consider it part of the ritual.

Is it okay to use instant coffee?

Technically, yes, but brewed or espresso coffee brings depth and balance. It’s what makes the drink feel fuller, softer, and more satisfying.

What mug is best for cloud coffee?

Choose a ceramic mug with a wide top and a gentle curve. Our CURVD mugs are designed for this exact kind of comfort, they’re ergonomic, dishwasher-safe, and made without lead or cadmium.

Can I store the whipped topping in the fridge?

For a few hours, yes. But we recommend whipping fresh; it only takes a minute, and the taste and texture are far better.

Can I make it cold?

Absolutely. Just add ice cubes to the milk and pour your espresso over it before topping with the cream. It’s light, refreshing, and pairs perfectly with our tutorial on how to make the perfect iced latte at home.