Vietnamese Iced Coffee Recipe

Coarse ground dark roast coffee: Provides the strong, bold flavor that is characteristic of Vietnamese iced coffee.

Sweetened condensed milk: Adds a rich, creamy sweetness to the coffee, balancing its strong flavor.

Ice: Chills the coffee, making it a refreshing drink perfect for hot weather.

To achieve the perfect Vietnamese iced coffee, ensure that your coffee grounds are coarse and dark roast. This will provide a rich, bold flavor that complements the sweetened condensed milk. When using a Vietnamese phin, allow the coffee to drip slowly; this process can take about 4-5 minutes, but the result is a more concentrated and aromatic brew. Stirring the coffee and condensed milk thoroughly before adding ice ensures a well-balanced sweetness throughout the drink.

• coarse ground dark roast coffee - Substitute with espresso: Espresso has a strong, rich flavor similar to dark roast coffee and can provide a similar intensity for the iced coffee.

• coarse ground dark roast coffee - Substitute with French roast coffee: French roast coffee is also dark and robust, making it a good alternative for the deep flavors needed in Vietnamese iced coffee.

• sweetened condensed milk - Substitute with evaporated milk and sugar: Mixing evaporated milk with sugar can mimic the sweetness and creaminess of sweetened condensed milk.

• sweetened condensed milk - Substitute with coconut milk and sugar: Coconut milk adds a unique flavor and, when sweetened, can replicate the creamy sweetness of sweetened condensed milk.

• ice - Substitute with coffee ice cubes: Using frozen coffee cubes instead of regular ice will prevent the coffee from becoming diluted as the ice melts, maintaining a strong coffee flavor.

• ice - Substitute with crushed ice: Crushed ice can chill the coffee more quickly and evenly, providing a refreshing texture.

• Allow the coffee to cool to room temperature before storing. This prevents condensation, which can dilute the flavor.
• Transfer the cooled coffee into an airtight container. Mason jars or any container with a tight seal work perfectly.
• Store the container in the refrigerator. The coffee can be kept fresh for up to 3 days.
• If you want to freeze the coffee, pour it into ice cube trays. Once frozen, transfer the coffee cubes to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• When ready to enjoy, simply add the coffee cubes to a glass and pour fresh sweetened condensed milk over them. This method ensures your drink remains cold without getting watered down.
• For a quick fix, you can also freeze the sweetened condensed milk in small portions. Use an ice cube tray for this as well. When needed, just pop a cube into your glass and pour the coffee over it.
• Always stir well before serving to ensure the sweetened condensed milk is evenly distributed.
• Avoid reheating the coffee as it can alter the taste. Enjoy it cold for the best experience.

• Pour the leftover Vietnamese iced coffee into a small saucepan and gently heat it over low heat. Stir occasionally to ensure the sweetened condensed milk doesn't scorch. Once warmed, pour it back over fresh ice.

• Use a microwave-safe mug to reheat the coffee. Microwave on medium power in 15-second intervals, stirring in between to maintain the creamy consistency. Once adequately warmed, pour it over fresh ice.

• If you have a milk frother with a heating function, pour the Vietnamese iced coffee into the frother and heat it. This method will keep the coffee smooth and well-mixed. Pour over fresh ice once heated.

• For a quick fix, use a double boiler method. Place the Vietnamese iced coffee in a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water. Stir continuously until warmed through, then pour over fresh ice.

• Glass: A sturdy container to hold the coffee and ice mixture.

• Vietnamese phin: A traditional coffee filter used to brew the coffee directly into the glass.

• Spoon: Used to stir the coffee and sweetened condensed milk together.

• Measuring spoons: Essential for accurately measuring the coffee grounds and sweetened condensed milk.

• Kettle: Used to boil water for brewing the coffee.

• Ice cube tray: For making ice cubes to chill the coffee.

Prepare ingredients in advance: Measure out the coffee and sweetened condensed milk ahead of time to streamline the process.

Use pre-made coffee: Brew a larger batch of coffee and store it in the fridge for quick assembly.

Chill the glass: Pre-chill your glass in the freezer to keep your Vietnamese iced coffee colder for longer.

Invest in a phin filter: A Vietnamese phin filter can brew coffee directly into your glass, saving you time on cleanup.

Use ice cubes made from coffee: Freeze leftover coffee in ice cube trays to prevent dilution.