Ultimate Vietnamese Iced Coffee Recipe for a Hot Day

Vietnamese iced coffee, also known as Cà Phê Sữa Đá, is a favorite drink in Vietnam. It mixes strong coffee with sweetened condensed milk. This recipe will show you how to make it at home, perfect for hot summer days.

It includes the key ingredients, how to brew it, and how to put it all together. You’ll learn to make a drink that’s rich, creamy, and full of flavor.

What is Vietnamese Iced Coffee?

Vietnamese iced coffee, or cà phê sữa đá, is a favorite drink known for its bold taste and creamy feel. It’s made with a strong coffee concentrate and sweetened condensed milk. This mix is brewed through a special Vietnamese coffee filter called a “phin.”

Strong Coffee Concentrate

The base of Vietnamese iced coffee is a thick, syrupy coffee. It’s made with dark roast coffee beans, like French Roast, and a phin filter. The slow brewing makes the coffee very concentrated and intense.

Sweetened Condensed Milk

The drink also includes sweetened condensed milk. This sweetener balances the coffee’s strong taste, making it smooth and indulgent. About 2 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk are used for each serving.

“The combination of the strong coffee concentrate and the sweetened condensed milk is what makes Vietnamese iced coffee so unique and delicious.”

The special brewing method and flavor mix make Vietnamese iced coffee unforgettable. It has won the hearts of coffee lovers worldwide.

Essential Ingredients

To make a true Vietnamese iced coffee, you need two main things. First, you’ll need top-quality dark roast coffee beans. Second, you’ll need a traditional Vietnamese coffee filter, or “phin.”

Dark Roast Coffee Beans

The heart of a great Vietnamese iced coffee is the dark roast coffee beans. Look for Vietnamese beans like Trung Nguyen or Café du Monde. They offer a deep, bold taste that pairs well with sweetened condensed milk. If you can’t find Vietnamese beans, French roast is a good substitute.

Vietnamese Coffee Filter (Phin)

The Vietnamese coffee filter, or “phin,” is key. It’s a small metal filter that lets coffee drip slowly, making a thick, sweet coffee. This method is what makes Vietnamese iced coffee special. Phins come in sizes from 4 to 24 ounces, so pick one that suits your needs.

“The phin is a small, single-serve metal filter that allows the coffee to slowly drip through, creating the concentrated, syrupy coffee base.”

With dark roast coffee beans and a traditional Vietnamese coffee filter, you’re ready to make a tasty Vietnamese iced coffee at home.

Brewing Vietnamese Coffee

Vietnamese Iced Coffee (Cà Phê Sữa Đá)

A rich and creamy Vietnamese coffee drink made with dark-roasted coffee dripped through a traditional metal filter (phin) over sweetened condensed milk, then served over ice. This indulgent beverage offers a perfect balance of strong coffee flavor and sweetness.

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Total Time 12 minutes mins

Course Drinks

Cuisine Vietnamese

Servings 1 Cup

Calories 157 kcal

Equipment

• Vietnamese coffee filter (phin)
• Tall glass
• Long spoon
• Ice tray
• Coffee cup or heat-safe glass (for brewing)
• Coffee measuring spoon

Ingredients

  

• 2-3 tablespoons Vietnamese coffee dark roast, coarsely ground
• 2-3 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk
• 1 cup ice cubes
• Hot water just off boiling, about 195-205°F

Instructions

 

Prepare the Glass

• Add 2-3 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk to a tall glass
• Set aside

Set Up the Filter

• Place the phin filter over your cup or heat-safe glass
• Add 2-3 tablespoons of ground coffee to the filter
• Gently tap to level the coffee
• Insert the press insert

First Pour

• Add a small amount of hot water (about 0.5 oz)
• Wait 20-30 seconds for the coffee to bloom

Main Pour

• Fill the filter chamber with hot water
• Place the lid on top
• Let the coffee slowly drip (5-7 minutes)

Finishing

• Once dripping is complete, remove the filter
• Stir the coffee and condensed milk thoroughly
• Fill a tall glass with ice cubes
• Pour the coffee mixture over the ice

Serve

• Stir before drinking
• Serve immediately with a long spoon

Notes

Per serving: 

• Total Fat: 4g
• Saturated Fat: 2.5g
• Cholesterol: 15mg
• Sodium: 63mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 24g
• Sugar: 24g
• Protein: 4g
• Caffeine: 75-125mg

Keyword Asian Beverage, Cà Phê Sữa Đá, Iced Coffee, Vietnamese Coffee

By following these steps, you can make a Vietnamese iced coffee that’s full of flavor. It’s creamy, sweet, and loved by many around the world.

Choosing the Right Sweetened Condensed Milk

The sweetened condensed milk is key in Vietnamese iced coffee. It adds creaminess and sweetness. Longevity brand is a top pick, offering a richer taste than American brands like Carnation.

Longevity Brand

Longevity sweetened condensed milk is a favorite among Vietnamese iced coffee fans. It’s known for its high quality and authentic taste. This makes it the best choice for a real Vietnamese coffee experience.

The Longevity milk is thicker and creamier. It pairs perfectly with the coffee’s bold flavor.

Vegan Options

For vegans, there are plant-based sweetened condensed milks. Nature’s Charm offers vegan milks made from coconut or almond. These alternatives have a creamy, sweet taste without dairy.

Choosing the right sweetened condensed milk is key for a great Vietnamese iced coffee. Whether you choose Longevity or a vegan option, find one that blends well with the coffee. This creates a harmonious and delightful drink.

Assembling the vietnamese iced coffee recipe

To make the perfect Vietnamese iced coffee, how you put it together is key. Start by adding a lot of sweetened condensed milk to your glass. This sweet, creamy base balances the coffee’s strong taste.

Then, pour the hot Vietnamese coffee over the milk. As it mixes, the milk and coffee blend beautifully. Stir until the milk is fully mixed in for even flavors.

Now, add ice to chill the coffee. This step makes the coffee cool and refreshing. The mix of hot and cold is what makes it so refreshing on a hot day.

Putting the coffee in a clear glass is a nice touch. It shows off the coffee and milk layers. This makes the coffee look as good as it tastes, offering a true Vietnamese coffee experience.

By following these steps, you can make a great Vietnamese iced coffee. The mix of strong coffee and sweet milk is both rich and refreshing. It’s the perfect drink for a hot summer day.

Blooming the Coffee Grounds

Before you brew your Vietnamese iced coffee, you must “bloom” the coffee grounds. Pour a small amount of hot water over the grounds and let it sit for about 30 seconds. This step lets the coffee release its carbon dioxide, making the flavor smoother when you add more hot water.

Blooming is key to the traditional Vietnamese coffee brewing method. It helps you get the perfect mix of bold flavor and smooth texture in your coffee. By blooming the grounds right, you’ll bring out the best in your Vietnamese coffee and make your drink time even better.

1. Start by placing your Vietnamese coffee grounds in the Phin filter.
2. Gently pour a small amount of hot water, just enough to saturate the grounds, over the surface.
3. Allow the grounds to sit for 30 seconds, enabling the carbon dioxide to be released.
4. After the blooming process is complete, pour the remaining hot water into the Phin filter to brew your Vietnamese iced coffee.

Learning to bloom your blooming coffee grounds is key to making a great Vietnamese iced coffee. This simple trick ensures your coffee is rich, bold, and silky-smooth.

“Blooming the coffee grounds is an essential step in brewing Vietnamese iced coffee, as it unlocks the full potential of the beans and results in a remarkably smooth and flavorful cup.”

Variations and Serving Styles

While the classic Vietnamese iced coffee is the most popular version, there are a few other serving styles to consider.

Cà Phê Sữa Nóng

(Hot Vietnamese Coffee) is the warm version. It combines coffee and sweetened condensed milk. The glass is placed in a cup of hot water to keep it warm.

Cà Phê Đen

(Black Vietnamese Coffee) is the unsweetened version. It features only the concentrated coffee without sweetened condensed milk.

Both cà phê sua nong and cà phê đen offer unique flavors and experiences. The warm, creamy cà phê sua nong is comforting and indulgent. The bold, intense cà phê đen lets the coffee’s rich, aromatic taste shine.

“The variations of Vietnamese coffee allow you to explore the depth and complexity of this beloved beverage. Whether you prefer it iced, hot, or black, there’s a version to suit every mood and taste.”

Trying these different serving styles can be a fun way to discover new aspects of Vietnamese coffee. So, why not try both the creamy cà phê sua nong and the bold cà phê đen to find your personal favorite?

Vietnamese Iced Coffee with Espresso

Looking for a quicker way to enjoy vietnamese iced coffee? Using espresso shots is a great choice. It’s faster, especially for making big batches. The bold espresso and sweetened condensed milk make a delicious, creamy drink.

To make vietnamese iced coffee with espresso, pull two espresso shots. Mix them with sweetened condensed milk. Pour it over ice for a quick, tasty drink.

This method is perfect for parties or when you need a caffeine boost fast. It keeps the rich, creamy taste of vietnamese iced coffee without the long wait.

“Vietnamese Iced Coffee, known as ca phe sua da, is served in a short, clear glass with an oversized ice cube, demonstrating the typical presentation style.”

The espresso method is also very flexible. You can try different espresso roasts and origins. Adjust the espresso to sweetened condensed milk ratio to your liking.

Whether you love vietnamese iced coffee or are new to it, the espresso way is easy and convenient. It’s a great way to enjoy this classic drink.

The Perfect vietnamese iced coffee recipe for Summer

As summer heats up, nothing cools you down like a refreshing Vietnamese iced coffee. It’s a mix of strong coffee and sweet condensed milk. It’s perfect for hot days, whether you use a phin filter or an espresso machine.

Quality ingredients make a great Vietnamese iced coffee. Use dark roast Robusta coffee, common in Vietnam. Brew it with a phin filter for a strong coffee. Then, add sweetened condensed milk and pour it over ice for a cool treat.

This recipe is a bit less sweet than the traditional version. It’s also less strong than what you’d find in Vietnam. You can adjust the coffee and milk ratio to find your perfect flavor.

Whether you brew it with a phin filter, an espresso machine, or instant coffee, it’s a refreshing summer drink. Enjoy this perfect vietnamese iced coffee on a hot day. It’s a true taste of Vietnam.

“Vietnamese iced coffee is the perfect refreshing beverage to enjoy on a hot summer day.”

Recommended Products

To make the perfect Vietnamese iced coffee at home, you need top-notch ingredients. Dark roast coffee beans and a traditional Vietnamese coffee filter, or “phin,” are key. They can make your homemade coffee taste amazing.

Coffee Beans

Choose dark roast coffee beans for your Vietnamese iced coffee. They handle the bold flavors well. Here are some great options:

• Trung Nguyen – A well-known Vietnamese coffee brand with rich, full-bodied beans.
• Cafe Du Monde – Offers a classic New Orleans-style coffee with deep flavors.
• Nguyen Coffee Supply – Provides ethically sourced, high-quality beans.

Phin Filters

The traditional Vietnamese coffee filter, or “phin,” is crucial for perfecting your coffee. It’s a metal filter that extracts coffee slowly. This results in a strong yet smooth flavor. A good phin filter can greatly improve your homemade Vietnamese iced coffee.

Using these recommended coffee beans and phin filters will help you make a truly authentic Vietnamese iced coffee. Enjoy a delightful experience with every sip.

Conclusion

Vietnamese iced coffee is a refreshing drink that combines bold coffee flavors with creamy sweetness. You can make it at home using the right ingredients and equipment. It’s perfect for hot summer days, whether you use the traditional phin brewing method or the quicker espresso method.

The culture and history of Vietnamese coffee make it unique and flavorful. The slow brewing through a phin filter and the use of premium Robusta beans add to its signature taste. By adding these elements to your coffee routine, you can enjoy a taste of Vietnam’s vibrant coffee culture.

Next time you need a refreshing drink on a hot day, try Vietnamese iced coffee. Its perfect mix of bold coffee and creamy sweetness will make it your new favorite summer drink.