In the world of coffee, there always seems to be a delicious new trend just waiting to be tried, whether it was the introduction of the espresso and iced latte to our coffee shops or the cold drip coffee beverage. The latest big thing to make waves is the Vietnamese iced coffee, traditionally called Cà phê đá, offering a completely unique spin on things.

If you’re someone who prefers to drink your coffee cold or just likes the option to make things more refreshing on a summer day, this is a recipe you’ll definitely want to try. Thankfully, learning how to make Vietnamese ice coffee is incredibly easy provided you have the right tools and ingredients, and we’re here to show you how to perfect it.

What Is Vietnamese Iced Coffee?

When coffee was first introduced into Vietnam in the 1850s, nobody had any idea it would explode into the global phenomena and coffee hub that it is today. A French Catholic priest introduced a singular coffee tree into the country which grew into more and more until it became one of the world’s leading exporters of coffee that it is today.

During these early years when coffee was still developing in Vietnam, the shortage of milk became a problem for how they could best enjoy it. Both the French and Vietnamese discovered that sweetened condensed milk was a great alternative, as it took care of the creamy milk factor and make the bitter coffee sweeter.

Condensed milk had the benefits of being cheaper to buy, easier to hold onto for long periods, and simple to carry around, so people could enjoy coffee virtually anywhere they went. Due to the hot and humid weather in Vietnam, many people found that they preferred their coffee over ice, and so the Cà phê đá was born.

Another popular way to enjoy their coffee cold is a Vietnamese coffee ice cream recipe, offering a dessert-like approach to getting your caffeine hit.

Although there are a few variations such as the Vietnamese coffee ice cream, the most common style is quite simple to make for yourself at home. There are some styles including the cà phê trứng which is similar to America’s eggnog as it features an egg yolk within, but this is generally not as popular as the standard variety.

What Ingredients Do You Need To Make Vietnamese Iced Coffee?

Making this unique style of coffee is incredibly easy and there’s very little you need to do so. The most important thing is to have the right coffee beans, so choosing something that was grown in the Vietnamese region will be essential.

Look for a medium or dark roast in order to get the best flavors for this drink, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different blends. A popular choice is those that feature a bit of Arabica, Robusta, Excelsor, and Catimor, giving you a rich and intense aroma that works perfectly for this recipe.

Addition to the right coffee, you’ll need a small metal coffee filter that will help you keep the grinds out, a glass or coffee cup, some sweetened condensed milk, and a whole lot of ice. From here, you can slightly vary how to drink it, with some people even choosing to add a little bit of milk or spices like cinnamon or turmeric.

How To Make Vietnamese Iced Coffee

Now that you have all of your ingredients together and have chosen a quality Vietnamese coffee bean to enjoy, you’re ready to go. Follow these simple steps to create a Cà phê đá for yourself and enjoy the refreshing kick it offers.

Bring one cup of water to the boil and remove the top screen from your coffee filter

Add two tablespoons of pre-ground dark roast Vietnamese coffee to the filter. Put the filter screen back over the top and then place the filter on top of your coffee cup or heat-resistant glass tumbler

Once in position, pour a splash of the boiling water into the filter which will help the coffee to bloom

As the coffee starts to drip through into your glass, put just enough water in there so that it reaches the top of the filter and then put the lid back on. This should take around 5 minutes to allow the coffee to drip slowly through

Once filtered, stir in two tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk (adjust to taste) and then add either crushed or cubed ice. Sip with a straw and continue to stir as you drink, and enjoy

A Delicious And Refreshing Spin On Your Favorite Drink

One of the best things about coffee is the many different styles and forms it can take, and learning about how other cultures and countries enjoy theirs is all part of our passion for it. Vietnamese iced coffee couldn’t be easier to make, especially when you have access to quality local coffee, so it’s one recipe that you should definitely add to the list.

Vietnamese coffee is regarded as some of the best in the world, and the country has many great traditions for how to best enjoy it. This style of drink has been around for centuries and it is seemingly gaining popularity in the western world too, as many prefer the cool, sweet, and creamy features it offers.

Vietnamese iced coffee makes the perfect refreshing beverage for a hot day or just a way to enjoy your caffeine hit a little differently, and thanks to the sweetened condensed milk it provides a sugary hit that makes it even better.

Source: https://mypressmart.com/the-guide-to-vietnamese-ice-coffee/