Satisfy Your Cravings with Authentic Vietnamese Iced Coffee
Ahoy, coffee lovers! Have you ever tried the smooth, creamy, and oh-so-satisfying Vietnamese iced coffee? If not, then you’re in for a treat! As a barista with years of experience, I can happily declare that Vietnamese iced coffee is one of the best ways to enjoy your cup of joe.
This recipe combines strong dark coffee with sweetened condensed milk and ice cubes to give you a refreshing and energizing drink that will tantalize your taste buds. The unique combination of flavor and texture make it an instant classic, perfect for sipping on a hot summer day or as an indulgent afternoon pick-me-up.
If you’re someone who loves Starbucks or other coffee shops, then let me tell you that making an authentic Vietnamese iced coffee at home is easier than you might think. Not only that, but it’s also more affordable compared to regular coffee shop prices. Nothing beats the satisfaction of brewing your own cup of Joe at home!
So why not give this recipe a shot? All you need is just five ingredients and ten minutes of your time. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of coffee or just someone who enjoys trying out new things, this recipe is sure to please everyone. So what are you waiting for? Grab your cup and let’s get brewing!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re a coffee lover, you simply can’t miss trying out Vietnamese iced coffee. This recipe is a perfect blend of strong dark coffee and smooth creamy flavor, thanks to the addition of sweetened condensed milk. Trust me; this beverage is worth every sip.
For those who are not too fond of hot coffee, Vietnamese iced coffee is the excellent solution. It comes with a rich flavor profile that can appease your taste buds in any weather. Whether it’s a sunny afternoon, you’re sitting on your balcony or a chilly evening, this recipe will always delight you.
The ingredients in the recipe are straightforward- ground dark roast coffee and sweetened condensed milk. This recipe only requires basic kitchen tools, including a drip brewer and short glass to prepare this heavenly drink in minutes.
The best part? You can even make it at home! Why bother going to Starbucks and spending so much money on their version when you can recreate an authentic Vietnamese iced coffee right in your kitchen?
Moreover, as we continue our lives amidst these trying times, money-saving recipes that bring joy within the confines of our homes have become more valuable than ever before. So give this recipe a try and enjoy rejuvenating moments with yourself, family or friends- all while sipping your cuppa.
Ingredient List
- 1/4 cup coffee grounds (dark roast)
- 2-3 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup hot water
- Ice cubes
- Sữa đá (half and half, or milk)
- Starbucks VIA instant coffee (optional)
When making Vietnamese Iced Coffee at home, you only need a few pantry staples to whip up this refreshing drink. The recipe calls for dark-roasted coffee grounds, but you can use any type of coffee. It’s essential to have sweetened condensed milk on hand to give your iced coffee the smooth, creamy texture that it’s known for. You’ll also need hot water to brew the coffee and ice cubes to chill it. To give that authentic vibe, you can use sữa đá as a substitute for half and half or milk. And if you are looking for something quick, swap out the coffee grounds and brew with Starbucks VIA instant coffee.
The Recipe How-To
Now that you have got your Vietnamese coffee ready, it’s time for the recipe how-to! This traditional drink may seem complicated, but it’s effortless to make.
Step 1: Brew the Coffee
Firstly, boil water in a kettle or pot. Place the filter of the Phin or drip coffee maker on top of a glass, add 2-3 tablespoons of coffee grounds into the filter, shake, and smooth out the bed of coffee. Add some hot water to saturate the coffee, then fill up the rest of the Phin with hot water.
Step 2: Mix Condensed Milk and Ice
While waiting for the coffee to brew, add “1-2 tbsp”**sweetened condensed milk at the bottom of a tall glass, followed by a handful of ice.
Step 3: Pour Coffee Over Milk and Ice
Once the coffee begins to drip slowly from the Phin or drip coffee maker take around “4-5 minutes”, stir the condensed milk and ice together so that they are well mixed. When finished brewing, pour hot brewed coffee over ice and condensed milk in a glass.
Give everything a good stir with a spoon before drinking, making sure all of that sweetened goodness is evenly dispersed throughout your drink!
And there you have it! Your authentic Vietnamese Iced Coffee is now ready. Enjoy it on its own or pair it with some sweet pastries for an ultimate sweet treat.
Substitutions and Variations
There are many ways to customize this Vietnamese Iced Coffee recipe to suit your taste buds. Here are some popular substitutions and variations you can try:
– Use different types of coffee: While traditional Vietnamese coffee uses dark roast, you can experiment with different blends and flavored coffee beans. Just make sure to adjust the amount of sweetened condensed milk accordingly.
– Add spices: For a twist on the classic recipe, you can mix some cinnamon or cardamom into your coffee grounds before brewing. This adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
– Use non-dairy milk: If you’re lactose intolerant, vegan or just prefer non-dairy alternatives, you can substitute sweetened condensed coconut milk or almond milk in place of regular condensed milk.
– Skip the ice: If you want a warm version of this drink, simply omit the ice cubes and use warm milk instead of cold. This will give you a smooth and creamy hot beverage that’s perfect for chilly mornings.
– Make it stronger or weaker: Adjust the strength of your coffee by adding more or less coffee grounds during the brewing process. You can also add more water or condensed milk depending on your preference for sweetness or bitterness.
These substitutions and variations are great ways to put your own spin on this classic Vietnamese iced coffee recipe. Don’t be afraid to get creative and try new things – after all, making your own customized brew is half the fun!
Serving and Pairing
Once you have your delicious Vietnamese iced coffee ready, it’s time to serve and pair it with the perfect food.
The unique combination of the smooth creamy sweetness of the condensed milk and the strong bold flavors of the coffee make Vietnamese iced coffee a perfect beverage to complement certain foods.
For breakfast or brunch, pair your Vietnamese iced coffee with a croissant or a pastry filled with custard such as pain au chocolat, pain aux raisins, or a danish pastry. The flaky, buttery pastry goes perfectly with the creamy sweetness of the coffee.
Classic Vietnamese food such as bánh mì sandwiches, bún chả noodle bowls, or phở soup goes beautifully with this sweet and strong Vietnamese iced coffee. The pairing adds complexity and depth to these dishes and elevates every bite to a new level.
Fresh fruits such as citrus or berries can balance the sweetness of the condensed milk and enhance the coffee’s flavors in every sip. Consider having some fresh raspberries or grapefruit slices to snack on while enjoying your beverage.
Vietnamese iced coffee is versatile, making it perfect for any meal or occasion. It can also be perfectly enjoyed by itself as an afternoon pick-me-up or dessert after dinner.
No matter how you enjoy your Vietnamese iced coffee, remember to savor each sip and enjoy all the wonderful flavors this unique drink has to offer when paired or simply enjoyed on its own.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Now, let’s talk about how to make ahead, store and reheat the Vietnamese Iced Coffee.
If you want to make-ahead the coffee, you can brew a strong pot of coffee using the phin filter, and add sweetened condensed milk according to your taste. Store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you are ready to serve it, fill a glass with ice cubes and pour the cold coffee over it, giving it a good stir.
Storing the Vietnamese iced coffee is easy; just keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The coffee will retain its flavor and aroma if left unopened.
If you want to reheat refrigerated coffee, simply pour some of that coffee into a mug or saucepan and microwave for about 30-60 seconds until heated through, or heat in a pan on medium heat. However, I love my coffee on ice cubes, so reheating for me isn’t necessary.
Remember, freshness is key! Always use quality ingredients like high-quality Vietnamese dark coffee grounds and authentic sweetened condensed milk to ensure that your Vietnamese iced coffee tastes smooth and creamy every time.
Tips for Perfect Results
Now that you have the recipe for making authentic Vietnamese iced coffee, here are some tips to ensure perfect results every time you make it.
1. Use quality coffee grounds
Using good quality dark coffee grounds is important for the rich and bold flavor of the Vietnamese iced coffee. You can find Vietnamese coffee also online or at specialty stores, or you could use any strong coffee beans or espresso roast as a substitute.
2. Brew the coffee using a phin filter
Brewing the coffee using a phin filter which helps in slow-dripping water through dense ground coffee for a stronger extraction will yield smooth creamy Vietnamese iced coffee.
3. Use sweetened condensed milk
Sweetened condensed milk is essential for making authentic Vietnamese iced coffee. Do not substitute with regular milk or cream as it would alter the taste of the beverage.
4. Don’t skip on the ice cubes
To make the perfect iced drink, be sure to add plenty of ice cubes to your glass before pouring the mixture on top. Most Vietnamese people prefer their drinks extremely cold, so try to add as many ice cubes as possible without diluting the drink too much.
5. Experiment with ratios
Everyone has different preferences when it comes to sweetness levels and creaminess of their coffee drink and experimenting helps balance your drink to your liking.
6. Serve with half-and-half (optional)
Some people like their Vietnamese iced coffee with just sweetened condensed milk and some with both sweetened condensed milk and half-and-half. Experiment and see which combination you prefer.
7. Make-ahead for a party
If you are hosting a party, you can brew a large pot in advance and chill in the fridge until it’s time to serve allowing all flavors to blend perfectly together.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to make perfect Vietnamese iced coffee exactly the way you like it every time!
FAQ
Now that we’ve covered the ingredients, how-to, tips and tricks to make the perfect cup of Vietnamese Iced Coffee, it’s time to answer a few frequently asked questions. From alternative ingredients to storage options, let’s explore some common concerns beginner and experienced coffee makers might have in making this delectable coffee drink.
How to make Vietnamese iced coffee?
Alright, first things first – let’s heat up some water to a temperature of around 195-200°F. While that’s happening, let’s prep our phin filter by adding in 2 tablespoons (14g) of finely ground Vietnamese coffee. Give the chamber a little shake to make sure the grounds are spread out evenly, and then place the gravity press on top of the coffee.
Next up, grab your glass and add about 0.5 oz of condensed milk to the bottom. This will add a touch of sweetness and creaminess to your brew. Then, place the phin filter plate and chamber directly on top of the glass.
Once your water has reached the right temperature, carefully pour it into the phin filter and be prepared to wait patiently as your coffee slowly drips down into the glass below. The end result should be a smooth and rich cup of Vietnamese coffee that’s perfect for sipping slowly and savoring.
What is different about Vietnamese iced coffee?
When making a Vietnamese iced coffee, it is crucial to use robusta beans and a phin filter, topped off with a sweet touch of condensed milk.
Why does Vietnamese coffee use condensed milk?
In Vietnam, people are known for their love of coffee that has a strong and bitter taste. However, to balance out this bitterness, they use sweetened condensed milk to give it a unique bittersweet blend. This drink can be enjoyed either hot or cold.
How to make Vietnamese iced coffee with phin?
If you’re looking to make some delicious brew, here are some simple steps to follow. Begin by filling up your phin with hot water, about three-quarters full should do, and then cover it with the lid. You’ll notice that your coffee will slowly begin to drip into your cup. It’s important to remember that the phin and the lid may be hot, so be cautious when handling them. Once your coffee is brewed, stir it thoroughly with a spoon and serve it over ice. Finally, sit back, relax, and enjoy the delicious taste of your homemade brew.
Bottom Line
If you are a coffee lover, then you must try this Vietnamese iced coffee recipe. The recipe is easy and straightforward to follow, even for beginners. By following the step-by-step instruction mentioned in this article, you can create an authentic, smooth, creamy Vietnamese coffee drink that will transport you straight to Vietnam.
The ingredients used in the recipe make it naturally sweet and creamy without any additional flavorings or syrups. All you need is some good quality coffee ground, a phin filter, hot water, condensed milk, and ice cubes.
This recipe is versatile and customizable according to your taste preference. You can adjust the coffee-to-milk ratio, add more sugar or reduce it – whatever suits your taste buds.
With this recipe, you no longer need to visit Starbucks to indulge in an authentic Vietnamese iced coffee. You can make it from the comfort of your home and enjoy it whenever you like.
In conclusion, this Vietnamese iced coffee recipe is worth trying out. It’s easy to make, customizable and deliciously refreshing- a perfect summer drink for all the coffee lovers. So go ahead and make yourself a glass of creamy Vietnamese iced coffee today!
Vietnamese Iced Coffee Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup cooled coffee, strong
- ice
Instructions
- Pour the sweetened condensed milk over the ice.
- Stir in the coffee.