Thai iced coffee, known as kafae yen in Thailand, is a creamy, sweet, and bold beverage that’s perfect for cooling off on a hot day. This Southeast Asian classic combines strong coffee with sweetened condensed milk and warm spices like cardamom, offering a unique flavor that’s both refreshing and indulgent. Whether you’re a coffee enthusiast or new to this delightful drink, learning how to make Thai iced coffee at home is easy and rewarding. In this guide, we’ll share authentic recipes, tips, and variations to help you craft the perfect Thai iced coffee in your kitchen.
What Makes Thai Iced Coffee Special?
Thai iced coffee stands out for its rich, robust coffee base, balanced by the creamy sweetness of condensed milk and subtle spices. Traditionally brewed with a cloth filter called a tungdtom, this drink is a staple at Thai street stalls and restaurants. Its bold flavor and dessert-like quality make it a favorite worldwide, from Bangkok’s bustling markets to global coffee shops.
Benefits of Making Thai Iced Coffee at Home
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Cost-Effective: Save money compared to buying at cafés.
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Customizable: Adjust sweetness, strength, and spices to your taste.
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Authentic Flavors: Recreate the Thai street food experience.
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Quick and Easy: Most recipes take under 15 minutes.
Essential Ingredients and Tools for Thai Iced Coffee
To make Thai iced coffee, you’ll need a few key ingredients and tools:
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Coffee: Use a strong blend, preferably Robusta or a Thai coffee mix like Oliang, which includes additives like cardamom, corn, or sesame seeds.
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Sweetened Condensed Milk: The signature creamy sweetener.
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Evaporated Milk or Cream: Adds a smooth, rich texture.
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Spices: Ground cardamom, cinnamon, or nutmeg for authentic flavor.
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Ice: Crushed or cubed, ideally made from coffee to prevent dilution.
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Tools: French press, pour-over filter, or traditional Thai tungdtom (cloth filter with a metal ring). A saucepan or blender is optional for variations.
5 Authentic Thai Iced Coffee Recipes
Here are five Thai iced coffee recipes, including classic, vegan, and spiked versions, to suit various tastes and dietary preferences.
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Classic Thai Iced Coffee
This traditional recipe captures the essence of Thai iced coffee with its bold coffee and creamy sweetness.
Ingredients (Serves 2):
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2 cups strong brewed coffee (Robusta or Oliang blend)
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2 tsp ground cardamom
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4 tbsp sweetened condensed milk
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2 tbsp evaporated milk
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2 cups ice cubes
Instructions:
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Brew 2 cups of strong coffee with 2 tsp ground cardamom added to the grounds. Use a French press or pour-over filter.
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Let the coffee cool to room temperature, about 10–15 minutes.
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Fill two 12-oz glasses halfway with ice cubes.
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Pour 1 cup of coffee into each glass.
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Add 2 tbsp sweetened condensed milk and 1 tbsp evaporated milk per glass. Stir until well combined.
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Serve with a straw and enjoy the creamy, sweet Thai iced coffee.
Tip: Use coffee ice cubes to maintain the drink’s strength as the ice melts.
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Vegan Thai Iced Coffee
A dairy-free version that’s just as creamy and flavorful, using coconut milk.
Ingredients (Serves 2):
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2 cups strong brewed coffee, cooled
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½ cup canned coconut milk
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2 tbsp maple syrup
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1 tsp ground cardamom
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½ tsp almond extract
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2 cups ice cubes
Instructions:
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Brew 2 cups of strong coffee and let it cool.
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In a saucepan, heat coconut milk over medium heat until warm. Whisk in maple syrup, cardamom, and almond extract. Simmer for 5 minutes, then cool.
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Fill two glasses with ice cubes.
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Pour 1 cup of coffee into each glass, then add ¼ cup of the spiced coconut milk mixture.
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Stir well and enjoy a vegan Thai iced coffee.
Tip: Blend the coconut milk mixture for a smoother texture.
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Spiked Thai Iced Coffee
Add a kick to your Thai iced coffee with a splash of liqueur for an after-dinner treat.
Ingredients (Serves 2):
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2 cups strong brewed coffee
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2 tsp ground cardamom
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3 oz Amaretto or Kahlúa
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4 tbsp sweetened condensed milk
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2 cups ice cubes
Instructions:
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Brew coffee with cardamom and let it cool.
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Fill two glasses with ice cubes.
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Pour 1 cup of coffee and 1.5 oz of liqueur into each glass.
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Add 2 tbsp sweetened condensed milk per glass and stir.
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Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon for a festive touch.
Tip: Adjust the liqueur amount to your preference for a stronger or milder kick.
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Instant Thai Iced Coffee
A quick version using instant coffee for busy days.
Ingredients (Serves 2):
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2 tbsp instant coffee (preferably 100% Arabica)
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2 cups hot water
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4 tbsp sweetened condensed milk
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2 tbsp heavy cream
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2 cups ice cubes
Instructions:
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Dissolve 2 tbsp instant coffee in 2 cups hot water.
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Stir in sweetened condensed milk and let the mixture cool.
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Fill two glasses with ice cubes.
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Pour the coffee mixture over the ice, then top each with 1 tbsp heavy cream.
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Stir and serve your quick Thai iced coffee.
Tip: Use high-quality instant coffee for a better flavor profile.
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Thai Mocha Iced Coffee
A chocolatey twist on Thai iced coffee for a decadent treat.
Ingredients (Serves 2):
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2 cups strong brewed coffee
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2 tsp ground cardamom
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2 tbsp chocolate syrup
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4 tbsp sweetened condensed milk
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½ cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
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2 cups ice cubes
Instructions:
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Brew coffee with cardamom and let it cool.
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Fill two glasses with ice cubes.
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Pour 1 cup of coffee into each glass.
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Add 1 tbsp chocolate syrup, 2 tbsp sweetened condensed milk, and ¼ cup milk per glass. Stir well.
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Drizzle extra chocolate syrup on top for presentation.
Tip: Use dark chocolate syrup for a richer flavor.
Tips for Perfect Thai Iced Coffee
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Brew Strong: Use a higher coffee-to-water ratio to ensure the flavor holds up against ice and milk.
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Cool Completely: Let coffee cool to avoid melting ice and diluting the drink.
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Coffee Ice Cubes: Freeze brewed coffee in an ice tray to maintain strength.
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Adjust Sweetness: Start with less condensed milk and add more to taste.
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Experiment with Spices: Try cinnamon or nutmeg alongside cardamom for variety.
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Traditional Filter: Use a Thai tungdtom for an authentic brewing experience.
Thai Iced Coffee vs. Other Iced Coffees
Thai iced coffee differs from other iced coffee drinks like Vietnamese iced coffee. While both use sweetened condensed milk, Thai iced coffee often includes spices like cardamom and may incorporate grains or seeds in the coffee blend (e.g., Oliang). Vietnamese iced coffee, made with Robusta beans and a phin filter, is typically sweeter and bolder without added spices. Thai iced coffee has a smoother, spiced profile, making it unique.
Conclusion
Making Thai iced coffee at home is a delightful way to enjoy a taste of Thailand. From the classic recipe to vegan and spiked variations, these Thai iced coffee recipes offer something for everyone. With simple ingredients and a few minutes, you can create a refreshing, creamy drink that rivals any café. Experiment with spices, adjust sweetness, and share your creations with friends for a true Thai coffee experience.
