Vietnamese Iced Coffee, known as “Ca Phe Sua Da,” originated as a delicious and unique coffee drink in Vietnam. It is made with strong black coffee brewed with a French press and sweetened condensed milk. This signature coffee beverage has become popular worldwide, and you can now make it at home! In this guide, we will walk you through how to make Vietnamese Iced Coffee at home.
Essential Ingredients and Equipment
Coffee Beans
The first key ingredient in Vietnamese Iced Coffee is medium to dark roast coffee beans. The richness of the roast is vital for achieving this beverage’s distinctive, robust flavor profile. Choose high-quality beans and grind them before brewing, ensuring the freshest possible flavor.
Sweetened Condensed Milk
Sweetened condensed milk is another crucial ingredient. It lends the coffee a creamy texture and a sweet, a hallmark of Vietnamese Iced Coffee. It is important to use sweetened condensed milk, not evaporated milk or creamer.
Vietnamese Drip Filter
A Vietnamese drip filter, or a “phin,” is a small metal device on top of your cup or glass. It brews the coffee into the cup, producing a strong, flavorful brew ideal for this drink.
Cup or Glass with Ice
You’ll need a cup or glass filled with ice. The ice chills the coffee, creating a refreshing iced beverage perfect for warm weather or whenever you want a refreshing drink. A tall glass is ideal. The coffee and condensed milk will fill it part way, and adding ice will bring it to the perfect level.
Step-by-Step Guide
Here is the step by step guide on how to make Vietnamese Iced Coffee at home.
Step 1: Prepare Your Coffee
Start by grinding your coffee beans to a medium-fine consistency. If you’re using a Vietnamese drip filter, place it on your glass or cup. Add about two tablespoons of the ground coffee to the filter, then apply the press on top of the coffee.
Step 2: Brew Your Coffee
Next, pour some hot water (off the boil) into the filter to saturate the coffee grounds. Wait for about 30 seconds, then fill the filter with hot water. The coffee will start to drip into your glass.
Step 3: Add Sweetened Condensed Milk
While the coffee is brewing, pour a layer of sweetened condensed milk into a separate glass. The milk you use depends on how sweet you want your coffee. But generally, two to three tablespoons should be enough.
Step 4: Combine and Stir
Remove the filter once the coffee has dropped, and pour the hot coffee over the sweetened condensed milk. Stir well to combine until you get a smooth, creamy consistency.
Step 5: Add Ice and Serve
Fill the glass with ice, stirring again to cool down the coffee, and mix it further with the milk. Your Vietnamese Iced Coffee is now ready to serve!
Tips for Customization and Variation
Experiment with Coffee Varieties
Don’t feel restricted to using medium or dark roasted beans. Feel free to experiment with different types of coffee to add a personalized touch to your Vietnamese Iced Coffee. Lighter roasts can add a unique, bright flavor profile to your drink.
Adjust Sweetness to Taste
The sweetness level of your Vietnamese Iced Coffee is entirely up to your preference. If you want a less sweet drink, decrease the amount of condensed milk. For a super sweet treat, add a bit more!
Try Different Types of Milk
While sweetened condensed milk is the traditional choice, you can also use other milk or milk substitutes. Coconut milk, for example, can add a tropical twist to your Vietnamese Iced Coffee. Almond or oat milk can provide a dairy-free alternative.
Add Flavorings or Toppings
Add flavorings or toppings to your Vietnamese Iced Coffee for a special touch. A dash of cinnamon or cocoa powder can add a delightful complexity to the flavor. A dollop of whipped cream can make it even more indulgent.
Enjoying Your Vietnamese Iced Coffee
Now that you know how to make Vietnamese Iced Coffee at home, it’s time to enjoy your delicious beverage! This invigorating coffee drink will meet your cravings, whether sipping a plain glass or experimenting with different flavorings and toppings.
So grab your cup of Vietnamese Iced Coffee and savor every sip. It’s the perfect way to take a break and indulge in an authentic coffee experience.
FAQs
A: The entire process takes about 5 minutes, depending on how strong you like your coffee.
A: Sweetened condensed milk is the traditional choice and provides that classic, creamy sweetness. But you can also experiment with different types of milk, such as coconut or almond milk, to add a unique twist to your drink.
A: While using a phin will give you the most authentic experience, you can also make Vietnamese Iced Coffee. Either way, the key is to use freshly-ground coffee beans and brew the coffee into your cup or glass.
A: Yes! Omit the ice from the recipe and enjoy a hot version of this beverage instead. The sweetness of the condensed milk will still come through, creating a creamy and flavorful cup of coffee.
A: Yes! Cold-brewed coffee can be a great substitute for regular brewed coffee in Vietnamese Iced Coffee. Use your favorite cold brew and follow the instructions above – no need to heat the water or wait for it to drip through the filter.
Conclusion
Vietnamese Iced Coffee is an easy and delicious way to enjoy a refreshing beverage. You can make this traditional coffee drink at home with a few simple steps. These simple steps guide you on how to make Vietnamese Iced Coffee at home. It’s the perfect pick-me-up for hot days or any time you need a caffeine boost! Experiment with different coffee beans and flavorings to customize your Vietnamese Iced Coffee to your taste. Once you’ve perfected the recipe, you’ll be ready to enjoy a cup of delicious Vietnamese Iced Coffee anytime!