There’s something unforgettable about a glass of Vietnamese iced coffee. It’s bold, rich, creamy, and perfectly sweet with a smooth caramel-like finish from sweetened condensed milk. Traditionally known as cà phê sữa đá, this refreshing drink is made using strong Vietnamese coffee brewed through a small metal filter called a phin and poured over ice.

Whether you need a morning energy boost or a cooling afternoon treat, this Vietnamese coffee iced recipe is simple to make at home and tastes just like your favorite café version.

What Is Vietnamese Iced Coffee?

Vietnamese iced coffee is a classic coffee drink made with dark-roast coffee, sweetened condensed milk, and ice. The coffee is usually brewed slowly through a traditional phin filter, creating an intensely flavorful and concentrated brew that balances beautifully with the creamy sweetness of condensed milk.

The result is a drink that’s both strong and smooth, with a delicious contrast between bitter coffee and sweet milk.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and bold coffee flavor
• Creamy sweetness from condensed milk
• Refreshing and chilled
• Easy to customize sweetness
• Café-style drink at home
• Ready in about 10 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons Vietnamese dark roast ground coffee
• 2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk
• 3/4 cup hot water (just below boiling)
• 1 cup ice cubes

Optional Add-Ins

• Splash of whole milk for a creamier texture
• Vanilla extract for subtle sweetness
• Cinnamon or cocoa powder for garnish

Equipment Needed

• Vietnamese phin coffee filter
• Heatproof glass or mug
• Spoon
• Tall serving glass

If you don’t have a phin filter, you can use a French press, moka pot, or espresso machine instead.

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Step by Step Instructions

Step 1: Add Condensed Milk

Spoon the sweetened condensed milk into the bottom of a heatproof glass or mug.

Step 2: Prepare the Phin Filter

Place the phin filter over the glass. Add the ground coffee to the filter chamber and gently level it out. Place the press on top without pressing too tightly.

Step 3: Bloom the Coffee

Pour a small amount of hot water over the coffee grounds and let them bloom for about 30 seconds. This helps release the coffee’s aroma and flavor.

Step 4: Brew the Coffee

Fill the phin filter with the remaining hot water and cover with the lid. Allow the coffee to drip slowly into the glass for about 4–5 minutes.

Step 5: Stir the Coffee

Once brewing is complete, remove the filter and stir the coffee with the condensed milk until fully combined.

Step 6: Serve Over Ice

Fill a tall glass with ice cubes and pour the coffee mixture over the ice. Stir again and enjoy immediately.

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Tips for the Best Vietnamese Iced Coffee

Use Vietnamese Coffee Beans

Traditional Vietnamese coffee uses robusta beans, which have a stronger and more intense flavor than regular arabica beans.

Don’t Rush the Brew

The slow drip from the phin filter creates the signature concentrated flavor. A slower brew usually means a richer coffee.

Adjust Sweetness

Add more or less condensed milk depending on your preference. Vietnamese coffee is traditionally very sweet, but it’s easy to customize.

Chill the Glass

Using a chilled serving glass keeps the drink colder longer and prevents the ice from melting too quickly.

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Variations

Coconut Vietnamese Coffee

Blend the iced coffee with coconut milk and ice for a tropical frozen drink.

Salted Vietnamese Coffee

Add a tiny pinch of sea salt to balance the sweetness and enhance the coffee flavor.

Hot Vietnamese Coffee

Skip the ice and enjoy it warm for a comforting drink during cooler weather.

What to Serve With Vietnamese Iced Coffee

This coffee pairs wonderfully with:

• Butter cookies
• Croissants
• Banana bread
• Vietnamese bánh mì
• Chocolate desserts

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Nutritional Information

Approximate nutrition per serving:

Nutritional values may vary depending on coffee strength and amount of condensed milk used.