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International Coffee Specialties

# Cà Phê Sữa Đá: How to Make Vietnamese Iced Coffee

 

Written by [Jay](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/authors/coffeejay/)

Category: [International Coffee Specialties](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/guides/international-coffee-specialties/)Tags: [Coffee Culture](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/tags/coffee-culture/) [Coffee Origins & Countries](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/tags/countries/) [Iced Coffee](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/tags/iced-coffee/)

## Quick answer

Vietnamese iced coffee brings slowly filtered coffee together with **condensed milk** and ice. Waiting for **the phin** is part of **the preparation**. Mix coffee and milk thoroughly before adding ice to distribute the sweetness.

## Key takeaways

- Vietnamese iced coffee brings slowly filtered coffee together with condensed milk and ice.

- Add condensed milk to a heat-safe glass, set the phin over it, and add coffee grounds according to the filter’s instructions.

- Once the coffee has finished dripping, stir it with the condensed milk until evenly combined.

 

![Dark-coloured coffee beans in close-up.](https://www.coffeejay.com/assets/editorial/dark-roasted-coffee-beans.avif)

Dark-coloured coffee beans in close-up.

## Layer the cup before brewing

 

Add condensed milk to **a heat-safe glass**, set the phin over it, and add **coffee grounds** according to the filter’s instructions. Pour in hot water and allow it to drip through. Do not force the plunger or overfill the filter; follow the equipment directions for a steady brew.

 

## Stir, chill, and serve

 

Once the coffee has finished dripping, **stir** it with **the condensed milk** until evenly combined. Add ice and stir again. Because ice melts, brew the coffee with enough concentration to suit the drink, then adjust the amount of condensed milk or ice on the next serving.

 

## Choose coffee and sweetness

 

Many versions use a bold coffee that stands up to milk, but the exact bean and roast are a matter of preference. Start with the coffee you have and adjust **the grind** for the phin. To keep the drink from becoming watery, try [coffee **ice cubes**](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/guides/cold-other-methods/coffee-ice-cubes/); for a hot milk-and-coffee drink, compare [café bombón](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/guides/international-coffee-specialties/cafe-bombon/).

 

## Plan the phin drip and ice together

 

Set the phin over **a heat-safe glass** and allow the coffee to drip at its own pace. Follow **the filter**’s instructions for filling and water, and avoid forcing the press down. Condensed milk can be placed in the glass first, then stirred into the coffee before adding ice.

 

Ice will dilute the drink, so use a concentrated brew or coffee **ice cubes** if you want more flavor as it melts. **Taste before adding** extra condensed milk; the drink may already be sweet enough. For several servings, make each cup separately so the milk and coffee proportions remain easy to adjust.

 

### Use a small test serving

 

If you are new to phin coffee, brew one glass before scaling **the recipe**. Note the grind, drip time, **condensed milk**, and ice so you can repeat **the balance** you liked.

 

## Build the drink in a useful order

 

Measure **the condensed milk** into the glass, position the phin securely, and add hot water according to its **instructions**. Let the drip finish before stirring the coffee and milk together. Add ice last so you can judge how much dilution it creates rather than cooling the brew before it is balanced.

 

If the result is too **sweet**, reduce condensed milk next time. If it tastes weak after **ice** melts, make the coffee base more concentrated or use coffee ice. Keep each change separate so the next glass tells you what improved. Serve promptly after adding ice. Use a heat-safe glass for the hot drip.

## Further reading

For background on [coffee](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coffee) and [**condensed milk**](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Condensed_milk), see Wikipedia.

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Written by [Jay](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/authors/coffeejay/). [Read our editorial approach](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/editorial-policy/).

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