Vietnamese Iced Coffee (Cà Phê Sữa Đá) Recipe

If you’re looking for a refreshing and strong drink to beat the summer heat, Vietnamese iced coffee is an excellent choice. This popular beverage combines sweetened condensed milk with robust coffee to create a perfect balance of flavors. Plus, it’s easy to make at home with just a few ingredients.

To make Vietnamese iced coffee, you’ll need the following:

  • Coarsely ground dark roast coffee
  • Boiling water
  • Sweetened condensed milk
  • Ice cubes

You can use a traditional Vietnamese press or a simple pour-over cone to brew the coffee. Once brewed, mix it with sweetened condensed milk, pour over ice, and enjoy the rich, creamy taste. Explore the different methods and tips for the perfect brew in the rest of the article.

Equipment

To make Vietnamese Iced Coffee at home, you need specific equipment.

  • Vietnamese Phin: A small, single-serving coffee filter. It fits over a cup and allows for slow dripping.
  • Glass: Tall, clear glass is best. It allows you to see the layers of coffee, milk, and ice.
  • Long-handled spoon: Useful for stirring the condensed milk and coffee thoroughly.
  • Kettle or pot: You need something to boil water. Aim for water heated to 195-205°F.

These tools help you create an authentic and delicious cup of Vietnamese Iced Coffee. 

Ingredients

For making Vietnamese Iced Coffee, you will need just a few ingredients. These components ensure the drink is rich and flavorful.

  • Strong Coffee: Use coarsely ground dark roast coffee. This should be about 2 tablespoons for one serving.
  • Boiling Water: To brew the coffee. Use approximately 4 ounces per serving.
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk: This gives the coffee its signature sweetness and creaminess. Use about 2 tablespoons per serving.
  • Ice: Fill your glass with ice cubes to chill the coffee.

These ingredients are simple, but they create a rich, sweet, and refreshing beverage.

Instructions

Making Vietnamese Iced Coffee requires a few simple steps. You’ll need specific ingredients and a bit of patience for the coffee to drip properly.

Variations

You can modify Vietnamese Iced Coffee in several ways. Each adds a unique twist to the traditional drink.

Classic Recipe: Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk
  • 2 tablespoons ground coffee
  • Hot water
  • Ice

Steps:

  • Add condensed milk to a glass.
  • Put the ground coffee in the filter.
  • Pour hot water into the filter.
  • Let coffee drip, then mix and serve over ice.

Using a Drip Coffee Maker: Ingredients:

  • Sweetened condensed milk
  • Ground coffee
  • Hot water
  • Ice

Steps:

  • Fill your glass with ice.
  • Add condensed milk and place the glass under the drip coffee maker.
  • Pour coffee and stir to combine.

Stronger Brew: Ingredients:

  • Sweetened condensed milk
  • More ground coffee
  • Less hot water
  • Ice

Steps:

  • Increase ground coffee and reduce water amount.
  • Follow the classic recipe, adjusting for stronger flavor.

Quick Pro Tips

  1. Use Strong Coffee: Vietnamese coffee is known for its strong flavor. Use a dark roast for best results.
  2. Brew Slowly: Slow brewing ensures a rich and intense flavor. Let the coffee drip slowly.
  3. Choose Condensed Milk Over Sugar: Sweetened condensed milk offers a unique taste. Stir well to combine.
  4. Chill Your Glass: Pre-chilling your glass keeps your iced coffee colder longer.
  5. Use the Right Coffee-to-Water Ratio: Generally, use 2 tablespoons of coffee for 6-8 ounces of water.
  6. Customize Sweetness: Adjust the amount of condensed milk to fit your taste preference.
  7. Ice Matters: Use large ice cubes to prevent quick melting, which dilutes the coffee.
  8. Stir Properly: Always stir the condensed milk thoroughly to achieve the best mix.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *