Easy Homemade Vietnamese Iced Coffee Recipes (Strong and Sweet)
If you’re a coffee lover like me, you’ve probably tried all kinds of iced coffee.
But let me tell you, there’s nothing quite like Vietnamese Iced Coffee.
It’s bold, creamy, and sweet in the most indulgent way. Plus, it’s so easy to make at home.
Whether you’re using a traditional phin filter or just instant coffee, I’ve got you covered with two delicious recipes to get your caffeine fix.
But before we dive into the recipes, let’s talk about what makes this coffee so special.
Why Is Vietnamese Iced Coffee So Special?
Vietnamese Coffee is known for its bold flavor.
Unlike the mild, smooth taste of arabica beans that many of us are used to, Vietnamese coffee is usually made with robusta beans.
These beans are stronger, more bitter, and have a nutty, chocolatey flavor that’s absolutely perfect for iced coffee.
And then there’s the sweet condensed milk.
Instead of regular milk or cream, Vietnamese Iced Coffee Recipes call for sweetened condensed milk, which gives the coffee its signature creamy sweetness.
Finally, the traditional way to make Ca Phe Sua Da (Vietnamese Iced Coffee) involves using a phin filter, which slowly drips hot water through the coffee grounds.
It’s a little ritual that makes the experience even more special.
But don’t worry—if you don’t have a phin filter, I’ll show you how to make it with instant coffee, too.
Why You’ll Love Making It at Home
I’ll be honest: once I started making Homemade Vietnamese Iced Coffee, I stopped ordering it at cafes.
Not because the cafes don’t do it right (they do!), but because it’s insanely easy to make at home.
Plus, you can tweak the sweetness, coffee strength, and even the type of milk to fit your taste.
Recipe 1: Classic Vietnamese Iced Coffee with Condensed Milk
This is the traditional way to make Viet Iced Coffee, and it’s incredibly simple. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons of Vietnamese ground coffee (Trung Nguyên is a great brand)
- 2-3 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk
- Ice
- Hot water
- A phin filter (or a French press if you don’t have one)
Instructions:
- Set Up Your Phin Filter: Place the phin filter over a heatproof glass or mug. Add 2 tablespoons of Vietnamese coffee to the filter and press it down gently with the tamper.
- Bloom the Coffee: Pour a small amount of hot water over the coffee grounds to let them bloom for 30 seconds. This releases the flavors and aromas.
- Brew the Coffee: Add the rest of the hot water to the filter and let it drip slowly. This should take about 4-5 minutes. Don’t rush it—good things take time!
- Add Condensed Milk: Once the coffee is brewed, stir in 2-3 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk. Taste it and adjust the sweetness if needed.
- Serve Over Ice: Fill a glass with ice and pour the coffee mixture over it. Stir well and enjoy your creamy, bold condensed milk coffee.
Recipe 2: Vietnamese Iced Coffee with Instant Coffee
No phin filter? No problem! You can still make a delicious version of Vietnamese Iced Coffee using instant coffee. Here’s how:
Ingredients:
- 2 teaspoons of instant coffee (a strong brand like Cafe Bustelo works well)
- 2-3 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk
- Ice
- Hot water
Instructions:
- Mix the Coffee: In a heatproof mug, mix 2 teaspoons of instant coffee with 1/4 cup of hot water. Stir until the coffee dissolves completely.
- Add Condensed Milk: Stir in 2-3 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk. Again, adjust the sweetness to your taste.
- Cool It Down: Let the coffee mixture cool slightly before pouring it over a glass full of ice.
- Serve and Enjoy: Give it a good stir and enjoy your quick and easy Vietnamese Iced Coffee.
Fun Twists to Try
Once you’ve mastered the basics, why not experiment with some fun variations? Here are a few ideas to mix things up:
- Vietnamese Egg Coffee Recipe: Add a whipped egg yolk and sugar mixture on top for a creamy, custard-like twist.
- Vietnamese Coconut Coffee: Blend your coffee with coconut milk and ice for a tropical vibe.
- Vietnamese Cold Brew Coffee: Swap out the hot brew for cold brew for a smoother, less acidic taste.
- Spiced Viet Iced Coffee: Add a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom to the coffee grounds for a warm, spicy kick.
Tips for Making the Perfect Vietnamese Iced Coffee
- Choose Quality Coffee: The coffee is the star here, so go for a good Vietnamese coffee brand or a strong dark roast.
- Don’t Skimp on the Milk: Sweetened condensed milk is non-negotiable. It’s what makes the coffee so creamy and indulgent.
- Chill Everything: For the best results, make sure your coffee and glass are chilled before serving.
FAQs About Vietnamese Iced Coffee
Q: Can I use regular coffee instead of Vietnamese coffee?
A: Absolutely! While Vietnamese coffee made with robusta beans has a unique flavor, you can use any strong dark roast you like.
Q: What if I don’t have sweetened condensed milk?
A: Sweetened condensed milk is key for the classic taste, but in a pinch, you can mix regular milk with sugar. It won’t be the same, but it’ll work.
Q: How can I make this vegan?
A: Swap the sweetened condensed milk for a dairy-free condensed milk alternative, like coconut condensed milk. It’s just as creamy and delicious.
Q: Is Vietnamese iced coffee stronger than regular iced coffee?
A: Yes, it usually is! The robusta beans used in Vietnamese coffee have a higher caffeine content and a stronger flavor than arabica beans.
Q: Can I prepare the coffee in advance?
A: Definitely. You can brew the coffee and mix it with condensed milk ahead of time. Just store it in the fridge and add ice when you’re ready to serve.
Q: What’s the difference between Vietnamese iced coffee and Thai iced coffee?
A: Vietnamese iced coffee uses robusta beans and sweetened condensed milk, while Thai iced coffee often includes spices like cardamom and sometimes evaporated milk.
Q: Can I use instant coffee for all variations?
A: Yes! Instant coffee works well for most variations, especially if you’re in a hurry.
Final Thought – Why You Should Try Making It at Home
I’ll admit, I used to think making iced coffee at home wasn’t worth the effort.
But once I learned how to make Vietnamese coffee, I was hooked.
It’s so easy, and the results are better than anything you’ll get from a cafe.
Plus, it’s a great way to impress your friends or switch up your morning coffee routine.
And if you’re looking for more coffee drink recipes, don’t stop here!
Try exploring other Vietnamese drink recipes, like Vietnamese Egg Coffee or even a refreshing Sinh To Bo (Avocado Smoothie).
Trust me, you’ll love the variety.
So grab your ingredients, pick a recipe, and get brewing.
Whether you go with the classic method or the instant coffee version, one thing’s for sure: your coffee game is about to get a whole lot better.
