Vietnamese Ice Coffee Recipe

Measure condensed milk

Place a tall glass or cup on the counter. Add 4 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk to the bottom of the glass and spread it evenly so the coffee will drip onto it.

If you prefer a lighter version, add 2 tablespoons of whole milk or evaporated milk to the glass and gently stir into the condensed milk to thin it slightly. Set the glass aside under the phin (filter) or nearby if using a different brewing method.

Assemble the phin: place the filter base on top of the glass (resting on the condensed milk layer). Add the filter basket, and add 1/2 cup (about 50 g) of coarsely ground dark roast coffee into the basket. Level the grounds gently; do not tamp hard.

Place the perforated press (the small metal disk) inside the filter, resting on top of the grounds. Screw on or place the lid loosely to keep heat in.

Pour about 2 tablespoons of hot water (just off boil, 95–99°C) into the phin to saturate the grounds evenly. Let the coffee bloom for 20–30 seconds. This releases trapped gases and improves extraction.

After blooming, slowly pour the remaining hot water (about 280 ml) into the phin until it reaches the top. Cover with the lid and allow coffee to drip through. The ideal drip time is 4–6 minutes; if extraction is too fast, use a finer grind or press the disk slightly; if too slow, use a coarser grind.

If you do not have a phin, brew 300 ml of very strong coffee by using a French press, moka pot, or double-strength pour-over. Aim for a strong, concentrated brew equivalent to Vietnamese coffee.

While the coffee is dripping, fill a serving glass with 1½–2 cups of crushed or cubed ice.

When the coffee finishes dripping (about 4–6 minutes), remove the phin. If the resulting coffee is not strong enough, stir in up to 60 ml brewed espresso or concentrated coffee to reach desired strength.

Pour the freshly brewed coffee over the ice and condensed milk. Stir vigorously until the condensed milk is fully dissolved and the drink is uniformly colored and sweetened (about 10–15 seconds).

Taste and adjust: add additional condensed milk (½–1 tablespoon) if you prefer sweeter, or add the optional whole/evaporated milk to lighten.

Garnish with a sprig of mint or a couple of coffee beans if desired. Serve immediately with a straw so the drink can be stirred again before sipping.