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International Coffee Drinks

 

# Vietnamese Iced Coffee

 

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

 

Category: [International Coffee Drinks](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/recipes/international-coffee-drinks/)Tags: Vietnamese Coffee Phin Iced Coffee Condensed Milk

 

Active time: approximately 8 minutesYield: 1 serving

 

## 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.

 

![Iced coffee with ice cubes in a clear cup on a wooden table.](https://www.coffeejay.com/assets/editorial/iced-coffee-in-clear-cup.avif)

Iced coffee with ice cubes in a clear cup on a wooden table.

## 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](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/guides/international-coffee-specialties/vietnamese-iced-coffee-ca-phe-sua-da/). For a different cold-brew method, compare [**cold brew** and iced coffee](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/guides/cold-other-methods/cold-brew-vs-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](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/guides/international-coffee-specialties/vietnamese-iced-coffee-ca-phe-sua-da/).

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

[Back to International Coffee Drinks](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/recipes/international-coffee-drinks/) 

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

This recipe is an editorial starting formulation, not a documented CoffeeJay kitchen test. Adjust flavour and quantities to your ingredients and equipment.

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