How Vietnamese Iced Coffee is Made
Vietnamese Iced Coffee, or Cà Phê Sữa Đá, is a strong and sweet coffee drink that captures the robust flavors of dark roast coffee blended with creamy condensed milk. This refreshing coffee is traditionally brewed using a Vietnamese phin filter, a small, drip-style brewer that produces concentrated, intensely flavored coffee. Here’s how it’s typically made:
Coffee Grounds: Use dark-roasted, coarsely ground coffee, ideally Vietnamese-grown robusta beans for an authentic taste.
Phin Filter: Place the coffee grounds in the phin filter, pressing them down lightly with the filter press. Add a small amount of hot water, allowing the coffee to "bloom" before filling the filter.
Brew and Sweeten: Brew the coffee directly over a glass containing 1-2 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk. Once brewed, stir well to combine.
Serve Over Ice: Pour the brewed coffee mixture over ice, creating a bold, smooth drink with a caramel-like sweetness.
Variations of Vietnamese Iced Coffee
Vietnamese Iced Coffee can be customized with different flavors and variations, including:
Classic Iced: The traditional version with dark coffee and condensed milk over ice.
Egg Coffee (Cà Phê Trứng): Whisk egg yolk, sugar, and condensed milk into a frothy foam and top the hot coffee for a creamy, dessert-like drink.
Coconut Coffee: Blend coconut milk with sweetened condensed milk and pour it over Vietnamese iced coffee for a tropical twist.
Iced Black Coffee (Cà Phê Đá): Enjoy straight-up black coffee served over ice for a strong, refreshing alternative without the sweetness.
How to Enjoy Vietnamese Iced Coffee More
Vietnamese Iced Coffee’s unique profile makes it a rich and delightful experience. Here’s how you can enhance it:
Try Different Milk Ratios: Adjust the amount of condensed milk for more or less sweetness to suit your taste.
Serve with a Dessert: Pair with sweet treats like macarons, pastries, or traditional Vietnamese banh for a balanced coffee experience.
Add a Pinch of Salt: A small dash of salt can bring out the coffee’s richness and cut through the sweetness.
Experiment with Coconut Milk: If you want a lighter version, replace condensed milk with coconut milk for a slightly less sweet and tropical flavor.
Barista-Inspired Vietnamese Iced Coffee Recipes
Try these unique takes on Vietnamese Iced Coffee from expert baristas:
Classic Vietnamese Iced Coffee by Nguyen Coffee Supply (founded by Sahra Nguyen, Vietnamese coffee pioneer)
Ingredients:
2 tbsp Vietnamese ground robusta coffee
1-2 tbsp sweetened condensed milk
Ice cubes
Instructions: Brew coffee using a phin filter over condensed milk, stir to mix and pour over ice. Enjoy the intense, balanced sweetness.
Vietnamese Coconut Iced Coffee by Trung Nguyen (renowned Vietnamese coffee company)
Ingredients:
1 cup brewed Vietnamese coffee
2 tbsp coconut milk
1-2 tbsp condensed milk (optional)
Ice cubes
Instructions: Add coconut milk to brewed coffee, sweeten with condensed milk to taste, and serve over ice. This recipe combines the coffee’s boldness with a smooth, tropical finish.
Vietnamese Iced Coffee is an indulgent treat that delivers an intense, robust flavor balanced by creamy sweetness. Whether you're a coffee connoisseur or exploring new flavors, this drink offers an exotic coffee experience full of character. Come and savor this rich blend at Life Around Coffee, where every sip is a delightful journey into the heart of Vietnamese coffee culture.
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