The latest viral coffee trend, Cloud Coffee, combines coconut water with a frothed espresso and cream topping, creating a drink that has been described as 'coffee ice cream in drink form.' The beverage is gaining significant attention on TikTok, following in the footsteps of earlier viral coffee creations like the Espresso Bomb and the Mont Blanc.
What is Cloud Coffee?
Cloud Coffee consists of coconut water poured over ice, topped with a thick layer of double cream and coffee that has been whipped together with a frother. The coffee and cream mixture 'floats' atop the drink, resembling a cloud. The drink is sweet, creamy, and refreshing, making it a popular choice during warm weather.
According to drinks columnist Robertson Buckhaven, writing for Metro, the origins of Cloud Coffee are not entirely clear, but it appears to be a combination of two previous viral coffee drinks: the Dalgona coffee, a whipped South Korean coffee popular during lockdown, and the coconut water iced Americano that trended earlier this year.
TikTok Reactions and Variations
Social media users have expressed enthusiasm for the new drink. @karen described it as 'coffee ice cream in drink form,' while @charlottelouisetaylor called the drinks 'dreamy.' Another user, @ieaieaaaaa, commented, 'I think I'm falling in love.'
Alternative twists on the Cloud Coffee have already emerged, including tiramisu, iced strawberry matcha, peanut butter, Baileys, Biscoff, and even Dubai chocolate versions. The Dubai chocolate variation has become particularly widespread, with Buckhaven noting that 'there's a Dubai chocolate version of everything nowadays.'
How to Make Cloud Coffee at Home
Buckhaven provides a simple recipe for making Cloud Coffee at home. The ingredients include 150ml unsweetened coconut water, a double shot of cooled espresso, 50ml double cream, a handful of medium-sized ice cubes, and a pinch of salt. The preparation involves frothing the cream, espresso, and salt together for 15 to 30 seconds to create the 'cloud foam,' then pouring the coconut water over ice and spooning the foam on top.
Buckhaven recommends drawing a double espresso and keeping it in the fridge overnight for best results. The coconut water should fill about two-thirds of the glass, leaving room for the coffee cream cloud to sit on top.
Verdict and Health Considerations
Buckhaven rated the Cloud Coffee ten out of ten, stating, 'You have the roasty notes of the coffee coming through, made indecently decadent by the fluffy cream. But when it's mixed in with the coconut water, it takes on a refreshing nature with a touch of sweetness and is unlike any drink I've had.' He suggests leaving out agave or vanilla syrup unless you have a sweet tooth, as they could make the drink cloying.
While coconut water is a known source of electrolytes and potassium, Buckhaven cautions against adding syrups if you're looking to keep calories in check. He also suggests experimenting with dusting cinnamon on top as a potential variation.
