Vietnamese iced coffee, known as cà phê sữa đá, is a beloved drink that combines bold coffee, creamy sweetened condensed milk, and refreshing ice for an unforgettable experience. This Vietnamese iced coffee recipe is perfect for coffee lovers looking to recreate the authentic flavors of iced coffee Vietnam at home. With its rich history and simple preparation, Viet iced coffee is both a cultural delight and a refreshing treat. In this guide, we’ll explore what is Vietnamese iced coffee, share a step-by-step Vietnamese iced coffee recipe, and provide tips to ensure your brew is café-quality. Let’s dive into how to make Vietnamese iced coffee!
What is Vietnamese Iced Coffee?
Vietnamese iced coffee is a traditional beverage from Vietnam, born during the French colonial period when fresh milk was scarce, leading to the use of sweetened condensed milk. Unlike regular iced coffee, which often uses cold brew or drip coffee with regular milk, Viet iced coffee is brewed with robusta beans and a phin filter—a small metal drip brewer that produces a strong, concentrated coffee. The result is a bold, slightly nutty brew balanced by the caramel-like sweetness of condensed milk and chilled with ice. This Vietnamese iced coffee recipe captures the essence of Vietnam’s vibrant coffee culture, enjoyed at street-side cafés in Hanoi and Saigon.
Why Choose Vietnamese Iced Coffee?
What makes iced coffee Vietnam stand out? Here are a few reasons:
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Bold Flavor: Robusta beans, which dominate Vietnamese coffee production, have twice the caffeine and a nuttier, bolder taste than arabica beans.
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Creamy Sweetness: Sweetened condensed milk adds a rich, velvety texture and caramel-like sweetness that tempers the coffee’s bitterness.
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Refreshing and Versatile: Served over ice, it’s perfect for hot days, and you can customize it with vegan or dessert-inspired twists.
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Cultural Experience: Sipping Vietnamese iced coffee connects you to Vietnam’s coffee heritage, blending French influence with local ingenuity.
Whether you’re craving a morning pick-me-up or an afternoon refresher, this Vietnamese iced coffee recipe delivers a unique, energizing experience.
Ingredients and Equipment
To make an authentic Vietnamese iced coffee recipe, you’ll need the following:
Ingredients
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2 tablespoons coarsely ground Vietnamese coffee (preferably robusta)
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2-3 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk
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6-8 ounces hot water (just below boiling, ~195°F/90°C)
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Ice cubes (or coffee ice cubes to prevent dilution)
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Optional: Splash of regular milk or coconut condensed milk for variations
Equipment
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Vietnamese phin filter (6-8 oz size)
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Glass or mug (8-10 oz)
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Spoon for stirring
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Optional: French press or gevi espresso machine for alternative brewing
If you don’t have a phin filter, a French press or espresso machine can work, but aim for a strong, concentrated brew to mimic the traditional method.
Vietnamese Iced Coffee Recipe
Follow these steps to create a café-quality Vietnamese iced coffee at home. This recipe serves one but can be scaled up for multiple servings.
Instructions
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Prepare the Phin Filter: Place the phin filter over an 8-10 oz glass. Add 2 tablespoons of coarsely ground Vietnamese coffee to the filter’s brewing chamber. Shake gently to distribute evenly, then place the metal screen on top without pressing too hard.
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Bloom the Coffee: Pour 2 tablespoons of hot water (~195°F) over the coffee grounds. Let it bloom for 30 seconds to release aromatic oils for a richer flavor.
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Brew the Coffee: Fill the phin filter with 6-8 ounces of hot water, depending on desired strength. Cover with the lid and let the coffee drip slowly (3-5 minutes). The slow drip ensures a smooth, intense brew.
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Add Sweetened Condensed Milk: While the coffee brews, add 2-3 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk to the glass (adjust for sweetness preference).
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Combine and Chill: Once the coffee has finished dripping, remove the phin filter. Stir the coffee and condensed milk until fully combined, creating a syrupy, caramel-colored blend.
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Serve Over Ice: Fill a separate glass with ice cubes (or coffee ice cubes for extra strength). Pour the coffee mixture over the ice and stir gently to chill.
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Enjoy: Sip your Vietnamese iced coffee and savor the bold, sweet, and refreshing flavors!
Prep Time: 5-7 minutes Servings: 1
Tips for the Perfect Brew
To elevate your Vietnamese iced coffee recipe, consider these tips:
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Use Robusta Beans: Robusta beans, like those from Trung Nguyen, provide the authentic bold, nutty flavor. Avoid fine grinds, as they clog the phin filter.
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Adjust Sweetness: Start with 2 tablespoons of condensed milk and add more for a sweeter drink. For a lighter version, mix in a splash of regular milk.
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Prevent Dilution: Use coffee ice cubes (made by freezing brewed coffee) to keep the drink strong as the ice melts.
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Phin Filter Alternatives: If you don’t have a phin filter, use a French press or pull a double espresso shot for a similar concentrated brew.
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Water Quality: Use filtered water for a cleaner taste, as minerals in tap water can affect flavor.
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Drip Speed: If the phin filter drips too fast, tighten the screen slightly to slow the flow for a stronger brew.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
Your Vietnamese iced coffee is versatile and can be customized:
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Classic Cà Phê Sữa Đá: Serve over ice with condensed milk for the traditional experience.
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Vegan Twist: Swap sweetened condensed milk for coconut condensed milk for a dairy-free, tropical flavor.
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Dessert-Inspired: Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a decadent treat.
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Spiced Delight: Sprinkle cinnamon or cocoa powder for extra warmth and complexity.
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Egg Coffee Variation: For a Hanoi-inspired twist, top with an egg yolk whipped with condensed milk (cà phê trứng).
Pair your Viet iced coffee with Vietnamese snacks like pandan waffles or bánh mì for an authentic experience.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
To enjoy Vietnamese iced coffee later:
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Store the Brew: Brewed coffee (without milk or ice) can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Add condensed milk and ice when ready to serve.
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Coffee Ice Cubes: Freeze leftover brewed coffee in an ice cube tray to use in future drinks, preventing dilution.
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Condensed Milk: Store opened cans of condensed milk in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze in small portions for easy use.
Conclusion
Mastering how to make Vietnamese iced coffee is a rewarding way to bring the flavors of Vietnam into your kitchen. This Vietnamese iced coffee recipe combines the bold, nutty taste of robusta beans with the creamy sweetness of condensed milk, creating a refreshing drink that’s perfect for any time of day. Whether you use a traditional phin filter or a modern alternative, this iced coffee Vietnam recipe is simple, authentic, and endlessly customizable. Try it today and experience the magic of Vietnamese iced coffee—a sip of culture in every glass!
