“How to make Vietnamese iced coffee?” You are probably searching for this on Google after falling in love with this tasty drink on your trip to Vietnam. Fortunately, it is entirely possible to recreate it in your own kitchen. In this guide, we will walk you through the specific Vietnamese iced coffee ingredients, steps, and tips. Read on!
1. Key ingredients of Vietnamese iced coffee
Vietnamese iced coffee, or “cà phê sữa đá,” is an irresistible drink that stands out in the world of coffee. A classic cup includes strong, dark-roasted Vietnamese coffee beans, sweetened condensed milk, and ice. However, depending on personal preferences, alternatives like coconut, almond, soy, or oat milk can be used. Flavored syrups and additions, such as vanilla extract, can also be included.
It is important to choose high-quality ingredients when making Vietnamese iced coffee. In particular, always choose pure coffee beans purchased from reputable sources. If you are buying coffee to enjoy at home, opt for ground coffee beans, so you will not have to grind the coffee when brewing. Robusta and Arabica coffee beans are the most common, but definitely consider experimenting with different blends to find the one that resonates best with your palate.
2. How to make the classic Vietnamese iced coffee?
2.1. How to make Vietnamese iced coffee with ground coffee?
Let's learn how to make Vietnamese iced coffee.
Ingredients and Tools:
- Pure coffee grounds: 25g (2-3 tablespoons)
- Sweetened condensed milk: 2-3 teaspoons (1 part condensed milk to 1 part coffee)
- Boiling water: 100 ml
- Ice cubes
- Coffee filter
- Coffee cup
- Spoon
Instructions:
- Rinse the filter, cup, and glass. This ensures even heat distribution for a more flavorful coffee.
- Pour sweetened condensed milk into the coffee cup. Use about 2-3 teaspoons for each coffee filter. Adjust based on your taste preference. (Alternatively, you can add the milk after brewing.)
- Let the water cool to 93-95°C, then pour water slightly higher than the coffee surface to steepen. You can place the filter on the filter lid, pouring a bit of boiling water onto the lid to let the coffee absorb hot water from below. This helps the layers of coffee absorb water evenly, enhancing the flavor.
- After about 1-2 minutes, pour water close to the top of the filter and cover the lid.
- Wait for about 3-5 minutes until the coffee is brewed. Stir the coffee and sweetened condensed milk thoroughly. You can also add milk at this step before stirring. Pour the Vietnamese iced coffee into a pre-prepared glass with ice.
2.2. How to make Vietnamese iced coffee with instant coffee?
For those seeking a quicker and more convenient option, instant coffee is the go-to to create a no less authentic cup of Vietnamese iced coffee.
Ingredients and Tools:
- Instant coffee
- Unsweetened fresh milk: 150 ml
- Condensed milk: 10 ml
- Boiling water: 160 ml
- Granulated sugar (optional)
- Cocoa or cinnamon powder (optional)
- Ice cubes
- Coffee filter
- Coffee cup
- Spoon
Instructions:
- Pour the instant coffee into a glass.
- Avoid using excessively hot or cold water, as it can compromise the coffee's flavor and quality. The ideal temperature for the water is around 90°C.
- Slowly pour the water into the glass. Use a spoon to stir the coffee powder until it dissolves evenly, creating a slight froth.
- Add unsweetened fresh milk or condensed milk as desired. If you prefer a cold and robust coffee, add ice and a bit of sugar. You can also sprinkle a bit of cocoa or cinnamon powder on top.
If you are wondering which type of instant coffee will help produce the best result, the most famous Vietnamese instant coffee brands to consider include Trung Nguyen G7, Nescafe, Vincafé, Highlands Coffee, King Coffee, MacCoffee, and Café Saigon.
3. Possible variations of Vietnamese iced coffee recipe
3.1. Recipe for Vietnamese iced coconut coffee
Vietnamese iced coconut coffee is a variation popular among both locals and foreigners. Its distinctive allure comes from the aromatic and rich addition of coconut milk, producing an irresistible drink.
Ingredients and Tools:
- Vietnamese coffee: Choose a robust blend like Cafe du Monde, preferably a Robusta blend. Alternatively, you can use a strong dark roast, espresso, or pre-made cold brew coffee, allowing it to cool beforehand.
- Coconut milk: Opt for canned coconut milk for a pure, rich flavor. Alternatively, you can use coconut cream for an even richer taste, diluted with a bit more hot water. For a vegan alternative, consider using coconut condensed milk.
- Sweetened condensed milk: Adds sweetness to the coconut milk. If you are following a vegan diet, you can substitute it with coconut condensed milk.
- Hot boiling water
- Ice
- Vietnamese coffee filter
- High-powered blender
- Coffee cup
Instructions:
- Brew the Vietnamese coffee, then let it cool.
- Mix condensed milk, coconut milk, and hot water. Stir the ingredients well. If the mixture is lumpy, warm it up in the microwave for about 10-20 seconds.
- Pour the coconut milk mixture into a blender and add ice.
- Blend the mixture until it achieves a snow-like and fluffy consistency.
- Pour the coconut slushy into chilled glasses and top with the cooled coffee.
- Enjoy immediately upon serving.
3.2. Recipe for Vietnamese iced coffee with salt
Ingredients and Tools:
- Coffee grounds: 3 tablespoons
- Condensed milk: 25 ml
- Table salt: 1/2 tablespoon
- Ice cubes
Instructions:
- Put 3 tablespoons of coffee grounds into a cup and add 1/2 tablespoon of table salt. Thoroughly mix the two.
- Transfer the coffee-salt blend into the coffee filter, shake it gently, and press down the filter lid.
- Slowly pour 20 milliliters of hot water into the coffee filter.
- In a separate cup, pour 25 milliliters of condensed milk, position the coffee filter on the cup's rim, and add another 50 milliliters of hot water.
- Seal the coffee filter lid and wait for the coffee to drip until the amount matches that of the condensed milk.
- Finally, stir the coffee and condensed milk blend thoroughly. You can enhance the experience by adding a few ice cubes, accentuating the unique combination of bitter coffee, savory salt, and the richness of condensed milk.
Besides Vietnamese iced coffee, there are other famous Vietnamese coffee variations worth trying:
- Egg coffee (Cà phê trứng): This unique Vietnamese delicacy involves a creamy mixture of sweetened condensed milk, robust coffee, and a frothy egg yolk. It results in a rich, indulgent, and almost dessert-like coffee experience.
- Yogurt coffee (Sữa chua cà phê): A refreshing option, Vietnamese yogurt coffee combines the tanginess of yogurt with the boldness of Vietnamese coffee. The result is a smooth and slightly tart beverage that's perfect for those who enjoy a lighter coffee experience.
- Weasel coffee (Cà phê chồn): This unique coffee is made from coffee beans that have been eaten and excreted by weasels. The beans are collected, cleaned, and roasted to create a unique and highly sought-after coffee with a smooth, less acidic flavor profile.
To make your Vietnam travel experiences even more memorable, you can try all these coffees when traveling to the country’s top destinations, like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, Hoi An, and Ha Long.
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Learning how to make Vietnamese iced coffee brings a sensory journey into the heart of Vietnamese coffee culture. The fusion of strong coffee, sweetened condensed milk, and ice creates a symphony of flavors that transcends mere refreshment. It embodies a tradition deeply ingrained in the daily lives of the Vietnamese people and has become a global sensation. Whether enjoyed as a quick take-away or savored slowly in the company of friends, Vietnamese iced coffee offers a unique and cherished experience. As you embark on this flavorful adventure, may each sip transport you to the bustling streets of Vietnam!
