Vietnamese Iced Coffee Recipe – Quick, Easy & Delicious!

There’s something magical about a good cup of coffee—it’s like a warm hug and a burst of energy all at once. For me, Vietnamese Iced Coffee holds a special place in my heart. It’s not just coffee; it’s an experience.

The first time I tried it, I was in a bustling little café, mesmerized by the slow drip of the phin filter and the way the dark, robust coffee swirled into the creamy condensed milk below. It was love at first sip.

Now, making this delicious drink at home has become a small ritual of mine—a sweet escape from the chaos of everyday life. It’s surprisingly easy, too! Whether you’re a coffee connoisseur or just love trying new things, this recipe will bring the café vibes right to your kitchen.

Let’s dive in and make some magic, one drop at a time.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

• Rich and Bold Flavor: Vietnamese iced coffee combines strong, robust coffee with creamy, sweet condensed milk for a perfect balance of flavors that’s unlike any other.
• Customizable Sweetness: Love it sweet? Prefer it bold? You can easily adjust the ratio of coffee to condensed milk to suit your taste.
• A Unique Coffee Experience: Using the traditional phin filter offers a slow-drip brewing process that’s both calming and rewarding to watch.
• Perfect Anytime Treat: Whether it’s a hot summer day or you’re craving a mid-afternoon pick-me-up, this iced coffee is refreshing and energizing.
• Affordable Luxury: Skip the pricey café runs—this recipe lets you enjoy a gourmet coffee experience at a fraction of the cost.
• Cultural Connection: It’s a simple way to explore the rich tradition of Vietnamese coffee culture from the comfort of your home.
• Great for Entertaining: Impress friends and family with a unique and delicious drink that’s sure to spark conversations.
• Travel-Friendly Recipe: With just a phin filter and some condensed milk, you can enjoy this delightful treat anywhere—perfect for vacations or road trips!

Ingredients & Equipment

The key to a great Vietnamese Iced Coffee lies in its simplicity and quality of ingredients.

Start with coffee grounds—you’ll want to choose a dark roast with bold, robust flavors. Vietnamese coffee often uses beans roasted with butter, which gives a rich and slightly nutty taste. If you can find authentic Vietnamese brands like Trung Nguyên or Café du Monde, they’re a perfect choice, but any strong dark roast will do.

For an authentic experience, you can brew the coffee with a Vietnamese Coffee Filter (Phin). You can also use another brewing method of your choice (e.g. French press).

Sweetened condensed milk is non-negotiable for this recipe. Its creamy texture and sweetness balance the coffee’s intensity beautifully. Look for a good-quality brand—Longevity Brand and Carnation are popular options—to ensure a smooth and luscious result.

For water, using fresh, filtered water will make a noticeable difference. Since the coffee is brewed directly into your cup, the purity of the water can impact the final flavor.

Finally, don’t overlook the ice cubes! Clear, fresh ice made from filtered water keeps your drink tasting clean and refreshing. The ice also slows down the dilution process, ensuring your coffee stays flavorful as you sip.

Ingredients for making Vietnamese Iced Coffee Recipe:

• 2 tablespoons of Vietnamese ground coffee (Trung Nguyên, Café du Monde or any dark roast)
• 2 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk
• 1 cup hot water (just below boiling, around 195°F/90°C)
• Ice cubes (enough to fill a tall glass)

Equipment:

• Vietnamese Phin Coffee Filter (optional)

How To Make Vietnamese Iced Coffee Recipe

Instructions for making Vietnamese Iced Coffee Recipe:

1. Prepare the phin filter: Place the phin filter on top of a small pitcher (metal or glass). Add 2 tablespoons of ground coffee to the filter and lightly press it down with the filter press.
2. Add hot water: Pour a small amount of hot water into the filter to bloom the coffee (wetting the grounds and letting them expand). Wait about 30 seconds, then fill the filter with the remaining hot water. Cover the phin with its lid and let the coffee drip slowly into your cup. This process takes about 4–5 minutes.
3. If you don’t have a phin filter, you can just use a French press or another brewing method to make one cup of coffee and pour it into a small pitcher.
4. Mix in the condensed milk: Once the coffee finishes dripping, stir in 2 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk. Adjust the amount to taste if you prefer it sweeter or less sweet.
5. Add ice: Fill a tall glass with ice cubes. Pour the coffee and condensed milk mixture over the ice.
6. Serve and enjoy: Give it a gentle stir and enjoy your homemade Vietnamese iced coffee immediately!

Recommendations & Alternatives

• Experiment with different roasts: Try medium or espresso roasts for a lighter or more intense flavor twist.
• Add a splash of vanilla or almond extract to the condensed milk for a hint of extra sweetness and aroma.
• For a tropical twist, mix in a bit of coconut milk alongside the condensed milk.
• Make it a dessert drink by topping with whipped cream and a drizzle of chocolate or caramel syrup.
• Blend the coffee, condensed milk, and ice for a Vietnamese iced coffee frappe with a smooth, frosty texture.
• Add a layer of egg yolk foam (inspired by Vietnamese egg coffee) for a creamy, custard-like twist.
• Brew the coffee with a stick of cinnamon or a few crushed cardamom pods for a lightly spiced variation.