Instant coffee, popularly known as Nes coffee, has conquered the world with its speed and ease of preparation. However, for true enthusiasts, the difference between an average cup and a perfect Nes lies in knowing the right technique.
Two main styles prevail: whipped Nes, known for its rich, creamy foam, and unwhipped Nes, for those who are in a hurry and appreciate simplicity.
In this guide, we reveal the secrets of both styles, while also exploring how to customize your drink to your taste and lifestyle.
Whether you are aiming for a healthier way to prepare (LINK) your drink or are in the mood for unusual recipes (LINK), it all starts with the basics—the correct preparation.
Whipped Nes coffee, often compared to the Greek Frappe, requires the right ratio of coffee, sugar, and water. The key is the foam, which is obtained by mechanical whipping, and which many people think is impossible to achieve at home.
The Ratio: In a glass, place 1–2 teaspoons of Nes coffee and 1–2 teaspoons of sugar (to taste).
Water is Key: Add only 20–30 ml of cold water. Many people make the mistake of adding warm water—cold water ensures a better and more stable foam.
Whipping: Use a small, handheld coffee frother, a shaker, or a glass and a spoon. Whip vigorously for 30 seconds to 1 minute, until a thick, light foam forms.
The Finish: Add ice cubes to the glass with the foam, and fill the rest with cold milk or water. Reverse the order—the foam always goes first!
Master Tip: For those who want to enrich the texture of the foam, adding a pinch of cinnamon or cocoa before whipping can work wonders.
If you are looking for an alternative to chocolate spreads for extra creaminess, try hazelnut butter (LINK) as a healthier choice.
Unwhipped Nes is perfect for those days when a quick fix is needed. The technique is simple, but if not executed correctly, the coffee can remain clumpy or be too watery.
Dissolving: Place 1–2 teaspoons of Nes coffee and 20 ml of hot water in a cup. Stir until the coffee is completely dissolved (this is crucial for avoiding lumps).
Filling: Add sugar to taste, and then pour in cold or warm milk/water.
Variations: This base is great for quick iced coffees—just add ice and cold milk.
When preparing it quickly, it is important to know whether the coffee contains caffeine or not. Read more about the choice of coffee with and without caffeine (LINK) and its impact on health in our detailed guide.
To achieve an incredibly creamy texture and a true double-whipped Nes coffee, first whip the coffee itself with a little cold water, then separately whip the milk until it becomes thick and cold foam, and only then combine them.
Why doesn’t my foam work? Too much water is most often added. Use only 20–30 ml of cold water for the perfect Nes coffee, sugar, and water ratio.
Milk or water? Milk gives a creamier taste, but water makes the foam more stable (especially with whipped Nes).
Should I use boiling water? Boiling water is not recommended for Nes, as it can give the drink a bitter taste. Use warm water for dissolving (unwhipped) or cold water (whipped).
This guide, recipe, or set of tips was compiled and internally validated by the EasyDailyThings Editorial Team.
Our content integrates practical, repeated culinary experience and nutritional analysis to ensure a safe, time-saving, and delicious meal solution for your family.
The perfect Nes coffee is the one that you enjoy the most.
Regardless of whether you have mastered the secret to perfect whipped and unwhipped Nes coffee, you know that the instant beverage is the base for experimentation.
If you have adopted these techniques, the next step is to try unusual Nes recipes (LINK), such as Nes with cinnamon or coconut.
For those who watch their diet, we have a complete guide on preparing healthy Nes coffee (LINK) with low-calorie additions.
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