It seems like every year, there’s a new coffee trend that captures our attention and social media feeds. There was dalgona coffee, the whipped drink that defined lockdown life in 2020. Meanwhile, cold brew and oat milk lattes took over coffee shop menus nationwide. And let’s not forget the slightly fizzy, slightly bitter espresso tonic, followed by the boozy espresso martini. Each drink has had its moment in the spotlight, adding something new and exciting to our morning (and occasionally happy hour) routines.

This year, it’s all about cloud coffee, an ethereal, frothy drink that’s as dreamy as it sounds. Equal parts refreshing and indulgent, cloud coffee is already making waves on TikTok and popping up at coffee shops across the country.

What Is Cloud Coffee?

Cloud coffee is a layered cold drink made with coconut water, espresso and heavy cream. It draws influences from existing drinks like the iced Americano, iced Einspänner and dalgona coffee — and adds a tropical twist.

Visually, cloud coffee is a stunner. The coconut water is typically served over ice with a whipped layer of espresso cold foam floating on top like a caffeinated … well, cloud. Give it a stir, and the two layers swirl together into a silky, subtly sweet drink.

How To Make Cloud Coffee

You don’t need barista-level skills to make cloud coffee, although an espresso (or Nespresso) machine is helpful for pulling a shot. Combine the espresso with a cream and sweetener of your choice, then froth them together to create a coffee-flavored cold foam. (If you don’t have an espresso machine, making a dalgona with instant coffee also works in a pinch.)

Like with most trending recipes, fans of cloud coffee have quickly conjured up new creative twists. For example, you can use flavored syrups, maple syrup or agave as a sweetener, sub in plant-based milks to make the drink vegan or swap out the espresso for matcha. Some sippers are even using ube to go caffeine-free or adding spirulina to the coconut water to transform the color. You can even simplify the process with store-bought cold foam.

Whether you’re making a glass at home or ordering it from your favorite café, cloud coffee is the sip that’s guaranteed to keep you cool and caffeinated this summer.

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