How to Make Vietnamese Iced Coffee

Vietnamese iced coffee, traditionally known as cà phê sữa đá, is a rich, refreshing drink made with strong coffee, sweetened condensed milk, and ice. Brewed slowly through a traditional Vietnamese phin filter, it delivers a bold coffee flavor balanced by creamy sweetness.

You can make this delicious drink at home with just a few ingredients. This recipe features Weaver's Espresso Coffee, a medium-dark roast with a rich body and smooth finish. Select Ground for Drip when ordering for this brewing method.

Vietnamese Iced Coffee Recipe

This easy Vietnamese iced coffee recipe combines concentrated coffee with sweetened condensed milk for a refreshing drink that's rich, creamy, and full of flavor.

Servings: 1 glass
Preparation Time: 2 minutes
Brewing Time: Approximately 4–6 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 8 minutes

Ingredients

• 20 grams (approximately 3 tablespoons) Weaver's Espresso Coffee, Ground for Drip

• 110 mL (approximately 3.7 ounces) hot water

• 1–2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk, adjusted to taste

• Ice cubes

Equipment

• Vietnamese phin filter, approximately 6-ounce capacity

• Heat-resistant glass or cup

• Spoon

• Serving glass with ice

Instructions

1. Prepare the glass. Add 1–2 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk to the bottom of a heat-resistant glass.

2. Add the coffee. Place 20 grams of Weaver's Espresso Coffee, Ground for Drip, into the phin filter. Gently level the grounds and position the filter press without compressing the coffee too firmly.

3. Bloom the coffee. Place the phin over the glass. Pour approximately 20 mL of hot water over the coffee grounds and allow them to bloom for 30 seconds.

4. Brew slowly. Add the remaining 90 mL of hot water, place the lid on the phin, and allow the coffee to drip into the glass. Brewing should take approximately 4–6 minutes, although the time varies with the filter and grind.

5. Stir the coffee. Once brewing is complete, remove the phin and stir the coffee thoroughly with the sweetened condensed milk.

6. Pour over ice. Fill a separate glass with ice, pour the coffee mixture over it, and enjoy.

The result is a beautifully balanced Vietnamese-style iced coffee with a strong coffee character, creamy sweetness, and a refreshing finish.

Brewing Tip: If your coffee flows through the phin too quickly, it may taste weak. If it drips extremely slowly, the grind may be too fine or the filter press too tight. Adjust the grind or filter pressure until you achieve a balanced extraction.

What Makes Vietnamese Iced Coffee Different?

Unlike traditional American iced coffee, which is often brewed in larger quantities and chilled, Vietnamese iced coffee starts with a small amount of concentrated coffee.

The coffee is traditionally prepared using a phin, a metal brewing device that allows hot water to slowly pass through ground coffee.

Sweetened condensed milk provides sweetness and a creamy texture, balancing the coffee's bold flavor without requiring additional milk or sugar.

Three characteristics distinguish Vietnamese iced coffee:

• Concentrated brewing: The phin produces a small, flavorful serving of coffee.

• Sweetened condensed milk: Its creamy consistency and caramel-like sweetness balance the coffee's intensity.

• Slow preparation: The gradual brewing process is part of the traditional Vietnamese coffee experience.

In Vietnam, coffee is more than a beverage. It is part of daily social life, from neighborhood cafés to conversations shared between friends.

To explore the traditions behind this beloved drink, read Vietnamese Coffee Culture.

What Is the Best Coffee for Vietnamese Iced Coffee?

Choosing the right coffee is essential because its flavor needs to stand up to sweetened condensed milk and ice.

Vietnamese coffee is traditionally associated with robusta beans, which often deliver an earthy, intense flavor and a naturally higher caffeine content than arabica beans.

However, Vietnamese iced coffee can also be prepared with specialty coffee blends that offer a different flavor experience.

A rich, well-roasted coffee with enough body to balance condensed milk is an excellent starting point.

Why Choose Weaver's Espresso Coffee?

Weaver's Espresso Coffee is a medium-dark roast developed to deliver a rich body, balanced sweetness, and a smooth finish.

Its flavor profile makes it a promising choice for Vietnamese-style iced coffee, where the brewed coffee needs to remain flavorful when combined with condensed milk and ice.

Rather than relying exclusively on bitterness for strength, a carefully roasted specialty coffee can contribute a more nuanced flavor to the finished drink.

Using Weaver's Espresso Coffee also gives you the flexibility to prepare other coffee drinks, including traditional espresso, cappuccinos, lattes, and iced coffee.

For this recipe, select Weaver's Espresso Coffee — Ground for Drip.

What Grind Is Best for Vietnamese Iced Coffee?

The grind affects how quickly water passes through the phin filter and how much flavor is extracted from the coffee.

For this recipe, Ground for Drip is our recommended starting point from Weaver's available grind options.

A drip grind allows you to begin with a practical, readily available choice without needing specialized grinding equipment.

The ideal grind can vary depending on the design of your phin filter.

• Too fine: The coffee may drip extremely slowly or clog the filter.

• Too coarse: The water may pass through too quickly, producing weak coffee.

• Properly adjusted: The coffee brews gradually and develops a concentrated, balanced flavor.

Start with Weaver's Ground for Drip and adjust your technique based on the flavor and brewing time.

How to Make Vietnamese Iced Coffee Taste Better

Even a simple coffee recipe can produce dramatically different results depending on how it is prepared.

Use Fresh Coffee

Coffee freshness affects aroma and flavor. For the best experience, store your coffee in an airtight container away from heat, moisture, and direct sunlight.

Using freshly roasted, properly stored coffee helps preserve the aromatic qualities that make a great cup memorable.

Balance Coffee and Condensed Milk

Vietnamese iced coffee is traditionally sweet, but the amount of condensed milk can be adjusted to your taste.

Start with one tablespoon for a more coffee-forward drink. Increase to two tablespoons if you prefer a richer, sweeter cup.

Pay Attention to Brewing Time

The phin's slow-drip method creates a concentrated brew.

If the coffee drips too quickly, check your grind and the positioning of the filter press.

If it takes much longer than expected, avoid pressing the grounds too tightly. A coarser grind may also help.

Use Enough Coffee to Balance the Ice

Ice gradually dilutes coffee as it melts, so the initial brew should be concentrated.

Using approximately 20 grams of coffee with 110 mL of water provides a useful starting ratio for this recipe.

Stir Before Adding Ice

For the smoothest result, mix the freshly brewed coffee and condensed milk while the coffee is still hot.

This helps the condensed milk dissolve evenly before the mixture is poured over ice.

How to Make Vietnamese Iced Coffee Without a Phin Filter

You can still enjoy Vietnamese-style iced coffee even if you don't own a traditional phin filter.

The key is to prepare a small amount of strong coffee rather than a large cup of diluted coffee.

Using an Espresso Machine

Brew a double shot of espresso using Weaver's Espresso Coffee.

Combine the espresso with 1–2 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk, stir until smooth, and pour over ice.

This produces a delicious Vietnamese-style iced coffee, although it differs from the traditional phin-brewed version.

Using a French Press

Prepare a concentrated batch of French press coffee using a higher coffee-to-water ratio than you would for a regular cup.

Allow the coffee to brew, plunge carefully, and combine approximately 110 mL of the finished coffee with sweetened condensed milk.

Stir thoroughly and serve over ice.

The flavor will differ from traditional phin coffee, but this method is convenient if you already own a French press.

Vietnamese Iced Coffee Variations

Once you've mastered the traditional recipe, experiment with different ingredients to create a drink that suits your taste.

Coconut Vietnamese Iced Coffee

Add a splash of coconut cream for a rich, tropical variation. Coconut pairs especially well with strong coffee and ice.

Less-Sweet Vietnamese Iced Coffee

Reduce the condensed milk to one tablespoon or less, depending on your preference.

The coffee flavor will become more pronounced as the sweetness decreases.

Dairy-Free Vietnamese-Style Iced Coffee

Use sweetened condensed coconut milk in place of dairy-based condensed milk.

This creates a creamy alternative with a subtle coconut flavor.

Decaf Vietnamese-Style Iced Coffee

If you prefer to limit caffeine, use a full-flavored decaffeinated coffee prepared with the same brewing approach. Adjust the ratio and grind as needed.

Frequently Asked Questions About Vietnamese Iced Coffee

Is Vietnamese Iced Coffee Stronger Than Regular Iced Coffee?

Vietnamese iced coffee is typically brewed as a concentrated coffee drink, giving it a bold, intense flavor.

However, the total caffeine depends on the beans, amount of coffee, brewing method, and serving size.

Traditional robusta-based versions may contain more caffeine than drinks made with arabica coffee, but Vietnamese iced coffee is not automatically higher in caffeine than every other iced coffee.

Can I Make Vietnamese Iced Coffee with Espresso?

Yes. Espresso is an excellent alternative when you don't have a phin filter.

Prepare a double shot of Weaver's Espresso Coffee, combine it with sweetened condensed milk, and pour over ice.

The preparation is different from traditional phin brewing, but the finished drink can be similarly rich and refreshing.

What Is the Best Grind for a Vietnamese Phin?

A medium to medium-coarse grind is often a useful starting point, although the ideal grind depends on the phin design.

For Weaver's coffee, begin with Ground for Drip and adjust if the brew flows too quickly or slowly.

Can You Make Vietnamese Iced Coffee Ahead of Time?

Yes. Brew the coffee, combine it with condensed milk, and refrigerate it promptly in a covered container.

For best flavor, prepare it fresh when possible. If making it ahead, refrigerate and use within 24 hours.

Add ice immediately before serving to avoid unnecessary dilution.

Can You Make Vietnamese Iced Coffee Without Condensed Milk?

Yes, although the flavor and texture will differ from the traditional recipe.

You can use regular milk, plant-based milk, or another preferred alternative, adding sweetness to taste.

Condensed milk is one of the defining ingredients of traditional cà phê sữa đá, so changing it creates a different interpretation of the drink.

The Tradition Behind Vietnamese Iced Coffee

Vietnamese coffee culture developed after coffee was introduced during the French colonial period in the nineteenth century.

Over generations, Vietnamese coffee drinkers created their own distinctive traditions, embracing robust coffee, the phin brewing method, and sweetened condensed milk.

Today, cà phê sữa đá remains one of Vietnam's best-known coffee drinks, enjoyed in cafés, homes, and street-side coffee stalls.

Beyond its distinctive flavor, Vietnamese coffee represents hospitality, conversation, and taking time to enjoy a simple daily ritual.

Learn more in Vietnamese Coffee: Tradition, Flavor, and Culture, and explore the traditions behind the beverage in Vietnamese Coffee Culture.

Make Vietnamese Iced Coffee at Home with Weaver's

A wonderful Vietnamese iced coffee begins with good coffee, the right brewing technique, and a little patience.

Whether you're using a traditional phin filter or adapting the recipe with espresso, choosing a flavorful coffee is the foundation of a delicious drink.

At Weaver's Coffee & Tea, we believe that excellent coffee starts with quality beans and thoughtful roasting.

Try this recipe with Weaver's Espresso Coffee, selecting Ground for Drip when preparing it with a Vietnamese phin filter.

Take a few minutes, enjoy the slow brewing ritual, and discover how satisfying homemade Vietnamese iced coffee can be.

Shop Weaver's Espresso Coffee and make your next Vietnamese-style iced coffee at home.