International Coffee Drinks
Vietnamese Iced Coffee
Quick answer
The short initial wetting allows the grounds to absorb water before the rest is added. Once the main pour is in, let the coffee drip without repeatedly pressing the filter insert. If the flow is very fast or nearly stopped, check that the grind and filter assembly follow the brewer’s instructions.
Key takeaways
- The short initial wetting allows the grounds to absorb water before the rest is added.
- Condensed milk settles at the bottom of the glass, so stir it thoroughly into the finished coffee before adding ice.
- Place the filter over the serving glass and add the coffee evenly.
Ingredients
- 15 g medium-fine Vietnamese-style coffee
- 100 ml hot water
- 25 g sweetened condensed milk
- 120 g ice.
Method
- Place condensed milk in a glass and fit a phin filter above it.
- Add coffee, wet with 20 ml water and wait 30 seconds.
- Add the remaining water and let it drip for 4–6 minutes.
- Stir, then add ice.
Stir before adding ice
Condensed milk settles at the bottom of the glass, so stir it thoroughly into the finished coffee before adding ice. Taste the drink first; sweetened condensed milk and coffee strengths vary. Add ice after stirring to keep it from melting while the coffee is still hot.
For more context on the drink’s regional preparation, see the Vietnamese iced coffee guide. For a different cold-brew method, compare cold brew and iced coffee.
Set up the phin filter
Place the filter over the serving glass and add the coffee evenly. The insert should rest level on the grounds; pressing it too tightly can slow the drip, while a loose bed may let water pass too quickly. Follow the brewer’s instructions for the filter assembly and use the grind recommended for a phin.
Stir the condensed milk through
The coffee drips onto the condensed milk, so the first liquid may look layered and very dark. Stir until the milk is fully combined, then add ice. Taste before serving; the condensed milk provides sweetness and the ice will dilute the drink as it melts.
For a version with less sweetness, adjust the condensed milk in a future serving rather than changing the coffee and water at the same time. For more background, read the Vietnamese iced coffee guide.
Serve after the ice is added
Once the coffee and condensed milk are stirred together, add ice and serve promptly. If it sits, the melting ice will make the cup milder. Use a glass large enough to stir without spilling, and keep the phin and serving glass stable while the coffee drips.
A tip for serving
Mix the coffee and condensed milk before adding ice. Warm coffee helps disperse the thick milk so the sweetness does not stay at the bottom.
Further reading
For background on coffee and condensed milk, see Wikipedia.
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