Vietnamese Iced Coffee Recipe – Easy Homemade

Vietnamese iced coffee, also known as cà phê đá or cafe da, is a delicious and refreshing drink that stands out from other coffee beverages. With its smooth, bittersweet flavor profile and cold, icy texture, Vietnamese iced coffee offers a one-of-a-kind coffee experience.

What Makes Vietnamese Iced Coffee Unique?

There are several factors that make Vietnamese iced coffee special:

• Robusta coffee beans – Most Vietnamese iced coffee uses Robusta beans, which have a bold, earthy flavor and twice the caffeine of Arabica beans. This gives the coffee a stronger taste.
• Super-concentrated brew – The coffee is brewed using a small Vietnamese phin filter, which produces a super-concentrated shot of coffee. This concentrated coffee is then poured over ice and diluted.
• Sweetened condensed milk – Traditional Vietnamese iced coffee is sweetened with condensed milk rather than sugar. The creamy, velvety condensed milk balances out the coffee’s bitterness.
• Served over ice – The hot coffee is poured directly over ice, which cools it rapidly while preserving its concentration. As the ice melts, the coffee is diluted and chilled.
• Cultural importance – Drinking iced coffee is a beloved daily ritual in Vietnam during the hot summers. It’s both refreshing and energizing.

So it’s the combination of strong Robusta coffee, sweetened condensed milk, and the cooling effect of ice that makes Vietnamese iced coffee so distinctive. It offers complexity, sweetness, and refreshment in one cup.

Ingredients for Authentic Vietnamese Iced Coffee

To make proper Vietnamese iced coffee at home, you’ll need just a few key ingredients:

• Robusta coffee beans – Robusta is the variety traditionally used in Vietnam. Its bold, earthy flavor pairs perfectly with sweetened condensed milk. Use coarse ground Robusta beans.
• Phin filter – This small Vietnamese coffee filter produces a strong, concentrated shot of coffee, which is essential for iced coffee. Ready-made filters are inexpensive and reusable.
• Condensed milk – Sweetened condensed milk is much thicker than regular milk and adds sweetness and richness. Avoid “light” or lower fat condensed milk.
• Ice cubes – Fill a glass with ice made from filtered water. As it melts, it will dilute the coffee to the perfect consistency.
• ** Optional: whipped egg coffee foam** – Some versions are topped with a light, sweet egg coffee foam. It adds texture but is optional.

Authentic Vietnamese coffee phin filters and condensed milk can be found at Asian grocery stores or online. This ensures you make iced coffee just like they enjoy in Vietnam.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Brewing Vietnamese Iced Coffee

Follow these simple steps to brew refreshing Vietnamese-style iced coffee:

1. Boil water – Bring filtered water to a rapid boil in a kettle or pot. This ensures hot water for extraction.
2. Place filter over cup – Position your phin filter over a cup or glass. Put 2 tablespoons of ground Robusta coffee into the filter.
3. Pour a little hot water – Gently pour a small amount of hot water over the coffee grounds. Stir grounds gently.
4. Pour remaining water – Slowly pour the rest of the hot water into the phin. This will steep the concentrated coffee.
5. Press filter down – After about 2 minutes, gently press the filter down to extract all the coffee.
6. Remove filter – When dripping stops, remove and discard the filter.
7. Add condensed milk – Add 2-3 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk to the hot coffee and stir to dissolve.
8. Pour over ice – Fill a separate glass with ice and slowly pour the hot coffee over the ice.
9. Enjoy immediately – Drink right away before ice melts too much. Feel free to add more ice as you drink.

The whole brewing process takes about 5 minutes. Adjust condensed milk amount to taste preference. Enjoy this Vietnamese coffee treat!

Tips for Customizing Your Vietnamese Iced Coffee

While traditional Vietnamese iced coffee has an iconic flavor, you can tweak it to your taste:

• For less sweetness, use less condensed milk. Or you can use unsweetened condensed milk.
• Substitute simple syrup or sugar to sweeten instead of condensed milk.
• For a dairy-free option, use coconut milk or almond milk instead.
• For bolder coffee, use dark roast Robusta beans. For a smoother flavor, try Arabica beans.
• Add a splash of whiskey or Kahlua for an alcoholic twist.
• Top with whipped coffee foam made from egg yolks and sugar for extra richness.
• For iced coffee on the go, prepare coffee in advance and pour into a reusable to-go cup.

The beauty of Vietnamese iced coffee is you can tinker with it endlessly to create your perfect customized brew. It’s meant to be enjoyed during hot summer days, so make it however you prefer.

FAQs About Vietnamese Iced Coffee

If you’re new to Vietnamese-style iced coffee, you probably have some questions. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:

Is sugar needed since condensed milk is already sweet?

Condensed milk provides ample sweetness on its own. Plain Vietnamese iced coffee typically does not have any additional sugar added.

What are some other popular coffee drinks in Vietnam?

Egg coffee (ca phe trung)featuring beaten egg yolks is a beloved Vietnamese coffee drink. There is also yogurt coffee (sua chua ca phe), which contains yogurt.

How does Vietnamese iced coffee differ from regular iced coffee?

It uses Robusta beans, a phin filter for concentrated coffee, condensed milk instead of creamer, and is poured hot directly over ice. This makes it taste quite different from Western-style iced coffee.

Can I make it without a phin filter?

You can try using a French press or other small coffee maker, but the phin filter brews the signature concentrated shot of coffee. Phin filters are inexpensive and worth buying.

What is the best ice to use?
Use filtered water to make large ice cubes that melt slowly. This keeps your iced coffee cold longer than small cubes or crushed ice.

The Allure of Vietnamese Iced Coffee

Vietnamese iced coffee has become popular worldwide for good reason. Here’s an overview of what makes it so special:

• It has a bold, delicious taste thanks to the Robusta beans yet is sweet and refreshing. The flavors are complex.
• The cold, slushy texture is so satisfying on a hot day. It cools you down instantly.
• Making it is quick and easy. Anyone can brew a phin of strong coffee to enjoy over ice.
• It boosts your energy with about double the caffeine content of other iced coffees. A little goes a long way.
• Drinking Vietnamese iced coffee is a fun way to experience Vietnamese culture. It’s a staple beverage in Vietnam for good reason!

If you’re a coffee lover, I highly recommend giving Vietnamese-style iced coffee a chance. Follow an authentic brewing method for the real experience. Sip it slowly through the day to energize both your body and your sense of adventure. This unique beverage is sure to become your new favorite coffee indulgence.