Vietnamese Iced Coffee, known as Cà Phê Sữa Đá, is a delightful beverage made with strong coffee and sweetened condensed coconut milk, served over ice. Here’s a simple recipe to make this refreshing drink at home. Get ready to indulge in the rich, bold flavors of Vietnamese Iced Coffee, or Cà Phê Sữa Đá a classic drink that’s as refreshing as it is delicious! Known for its deep, robust coffee base balanced with creamy, sweetened condensed milk, this Vietnamese favorite has a delightful contrast of bitter and sweet flavors that wake up your taste buds with each sip. Our vegetarian twist on this traditional recipe allows you to choose between dairy or plant-based condensed milk, making it perfect for any dietary preference.

Whether you’re a coffee lover looking for a new favorite or just need a refreshing pick-me-up, Vietnamese Iced Coffee offers a smooth, bold taste with a creamy finish that’s hard to resist. Sip and savor the vibrant flavors of Vietnam, now customizable for everyone!

Ingredients

• 30 grams (2 tablespoons) coarse ground dark roast coffee
• 60 ml (4 tablespoons) sweetened condensed coconut milk
• 16 oz glass filled with ice
• Hot water (just below boiling)

Equipment

• Vietnamese coffee filter (phin)
• Kettle for boiling water
• Glass for serving

Instructions

1. Prepare the Glass: Add the sweetened condensed coconut milk to a glass (not the one filled with ice).
2. Set Up the Filter: Place the phin filter on top of the glass with the coconut milk. Remove the inner filter from the phin.
3. Add Coffee: Add the coarse ground coffee to the phin. Press down gently with the inner filter.
4. Blooming: Slowly pour about 50 ml of hot water over the coffee grounds and let it sit for 30 seconds. This allows the coffee to bloom, enhancing flavor extraction.
5. Brew: After blooming, pour additional hot water into the phin until it fills to the top. Cover with the lid and let it drip through completely, which should take about 4-5 minutes.
6. Mix: Once the coffee has finished dripping, remove the phin filter. Stir the brewed coffee with the sweetened condensed coconut milk until well combined.
7. Serve: Pour the mixture over a glass filled with ice and enjoy your refreshing Vietnamese Iced Coffee!

Notes

• Adjust the amount of sweetened condensed coconut milk based on your sweetness preference.
• For a stronger flavor, you can increase the amount of coffee used.
• If you prefer a hot version, simply skip adding ice at the end.

Vegan Alternatives to Sweetened Condensed Milk

1. Coconut Cream: Thick and rich, coconut cream can be sweetened to mimic the texture and flavor of sweetened condensed milk.
2. Almond Milk with Sugar: Combine almond milk with sugar or maple syrup to create a sweetened version that can be used in coffee.
3. Soy Milk with Sugar: Similar to almond milk, soy milk can be sweetened to achieve a similar consistency.
4. Cashew Cream: Blending soaked cashews with water and a sweetener creates a creamy, dairy-free alternative.
5. Oat Milk with Sweetener: Oat milk can also be thickened and sweetened for use in recipes requiring condensed milk.

Using Different Types of Milk in Vietnamese Iced Coffee

Yes, you can use different types of milk for Vietnamese Iced Coffee. While traditional recipes call for sweetened condensed milk, vegan alternatives like coconut cream, almond milk, or oat milk can be used to achieve a similar sweetness and creaminess.

Making Vietnamese Iced Coffee Without an Espresso Machine

You can make Vietnamese Iced Coffee using a phin filter, which is a simple drip coffee maker that doesn’t require an espresso machine. Just follow these steps:

1. Place ground coffee in the phin filter.
2. Pour hot water over the grounds and allow it to drip slowly into your glass with sweetened condensed milk or its vegan alternative.
3. Once brewed, stir and serve over ice.

Best Coffee Beans for Making Vietnamese Iced Coffee

The best coffee beans for making Vietnamese Iced Coffee are Robusta beans, which are commonly used in Vietnam due to their strong flavor and higher caffeine content compared to Arabica beans. Brands like Trung Nguyen and Café Du Monde are popular choices for authentic Vietnamese coffee[1][2].

Health Benefits of Drinking Vietnamese Iced Coffee

Vietnamese Iced Coffee offers several health benefits:

• High Caffeine Content: Robusta beans contain nearly twice as much caffeine as Arabica, providing an energy boost.
• Antioxidants: Coffee is rich in antioxidants, which can help reduce inflammation and protect against certain diseases.
• Mood Enhancement: The caffeine in coffee may improve mood and cognitive function.

However, moderation is key due to the high caffeine levels and added sugars from condensed milk alternatives.

This recipe captures the essence of traditional Vietnamese Iced Coffee while keeping it vegan-friendly by using sweetened condensed coconut milk instead of dairy. Enjoy!