Vietnamese iced coffee, often known as cà phê sữa đá, is a popular drink made with strong brewed coffee, sweetened condensed milk and ice.What makes this coffee different is its intense flavour. Traditionally, Vietnamese coffee is brewed slowly using a small metal filter called a phin. The concentrated coffee then drips over sweetened condensed milk before being poured over ice.The result is a drink that balances strong, slightly bitter coffee with creamy sweetness and a refreshing chilled texture.Ingredients For Vietnamese Iced CoffeeTo make an easy Vietnamese iced coffee at home, you will need:2 tablespoons Vietnamese ground coffee or another strong dark-roast coffee2 to 3 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk100 to 150ml hot waterA glass filled with ice cubesYou can adjust the amount of condensed milk depending on how sweet you prefer your coffee.Also Read: Why Some People Feel Sleepy After Drinking Tea or Coffee: The Science ExplainedHow To Make Vietnamese Iced Coffee At HomeStep 1: Prepare The Coffee FilterPlace the Vietnamese coffee grounds inside a phin filter. Gently shake the filter so the grounds are evenly distributed, then place the small press on top.If you do not have a traditional phin filter, you can use a French press or another method that produces strong, concentrated coffee.Step 2: Add Hot WaterPour a small amount of hot water over the coffee grounds and allow them to bloom for around 30 seconds. This helps the coffee grounds release their flavour.Next, slowly add the remaining hot water. Let the coffee drip gradually into the glass. The slower brewing process helps create the strong coffee base needed for an authentic Vietnamese iced coffee recipe.Step 3: Add Sweetened Condensed MilkPlace the sweetened condensed milk in a glass or cup before the coffee finishes dripping. Once brewed, pour the hot coffee over the condensed milk.Stir thoroughly until the coffee and milk are evenly combined. You should get a smooth, creamy coffee mixture with a deep brown colour.Step 4: Pour Over IceFill another serving glass with plenty of ice cubes. Pour the prepared coffee mixture over the ice and give it another gentle stir.Your homemade Vietnamese iced coffee is now ready to serve.Tips For The Best Vietnamese Iced CoffeeFor a stronger and more traditional flavour, use a dark roast coffee. Since the drink contains ice and condensed milk, a bold coffee works particularly well.Do not add too much water, as a weaker brew can make the final drink taste diluted once the ice melts. You can also adjust the condensed milk according to your taste.For an extra indulgent version, chill the brewed coffee before adding it to the ice. This can help reduce the amount of ice that melts immediately.Why Try This Coffee At Home?The biggest advantage of making Vietnamese iced coffee at home is that it requires very few ingredients while delivering a rich café-style experience. It is particularly enjoyable on warm afternoons when you want something cold but more flavourful than a regular iced coffee.Once you get the coffee-to-condensed-milk ratio right, you can easily make the drink part of your regular homemade coffee routine.
