Forget the same old iced coffee routine — this drink is pure vacation energy in a glass. Mix smooth cold brew with sweet cream, a pinch of cardamom or cinnamon, and a touch of sugar for a drink that’s both bold and soothing. Read the article to see the easy steps and ingredient tips.
DIY Thai-Style Cold Brew
This drink’s all about striking a balance—strong coffee meets sweet, creamy extras for a refreshing, smooth cup. You don’t need much to get started, and you can use what you have on hand.
Equipment
Honestly, you probably already own most of what you need:
- Large jar or pitcher: Something to soak your coffee grounds in water.
- Coffee grinder: Freshly ground beans do make a difference.
- Fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth: For straining out the grounds.
- Spoon or stirrer: To mix things up.
- Measuring cup: For getting your ratios right.
- Scale (optional): If you’re into precision.
If you’ve got a French press, that works for both steeping and filtering—no need to overthink it.
Ingredients
Fresh is best, but don’t stress if you’re missing something. Here’s what you’ll want for two:
- 60 grams (about 6 tablespoons) coarsely ground coffee
- 700 ml cold filtered water
- 2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk
- 2 tablespoons evaporated milk or half-and-half
- 1 tablespoon simple syrup (optional, adjust to taste)
- Ice cubes
- Crushed cardamom pod or pinch of ground cardamom (optional, for flavor twist)
Use decent beans if you can. Tweak the milk or sugar to suit your mood—nobody’s judging.
Instructions
Here’s how to pull it off:
- Dump your ground coffee into a jar or French press.
- Pour in the water and give it a good stir.
- Cover and let it sit in the fridge for 12 to 18 hours.
- Strain out the grounds using a sieve or cheesecloth.
- Fill a glass with ice.
- Pour in the cold brew, leaving a bit of room at the top.
- Add a tablespoon of sweetened condensed milk to each glass.
- Top with evaporated milk or half-and-half.
- Stir until it’s creamy and has that signature orange-brown color.
- If you want it sweeter, go ahead and add some simple syrup. Cardamom’s a nice touch, too, if you’re feeling adventurous.
Best enjoyed right away. But if you make extra, it’ll keep in the fridge for up to three days—just don’t let it sit too long or it loses its punch.
Tasting Notes
This cold brew hits with bold coffee flavor, but it’s smooth—none of that harsh bitterness. The sweetened condensed milk brings a sort of caramel richness, while the evaporated milk or half-and-half keeps things light and creamy.
Cardamom is optional, but if you add it, there’s this subtle, almost floral spice in the background. Letting the ice melt a bit actually helps the flavors meld, making it even more drinkable. It’s strong, but not in-your-face, and the sweetness isn’t over the top. Just a really satisfying, cool drink for when you want something different.
Quick Pro Tips
- Go for coarsely ground coffee if you want to dodge that gritty mouthfeel.
- Medium or dark roast beans? They can really hold their own with sweetened milk—worth a shot.
- Honestly, pre-chilling your glass makes everything taste colder and just a bit fancier.
- Play around with condensed and evaporated milk until it hits that sweet spot for you. Everyone’s got a different preference.
- Vegan? Condensed coconut milk and a plant-based creamer actually work pretty well.
- Give your gear a quick clean before brewing, or you might end up with some weird flavors sneaking in.
- Don’t be afraid to try new beans or mess with the ratios. You might stumble on something awesome.
