Vietnamese Iced Coffee Recipe (Cà Phê Sữa Đá) – Made with Instant Coffee
If you're craving a bold and sweet coffee drink with a smooth, refreshing twist, this Vietnamese iced coffee recipe (locally known as Cà Phê Sữa Đá) is your perfect pick. This café-style beverage from Vietnam is loved worldwide for its strong coffee with condensed milk served over ice — and the best part? You can easily make it at home using instant coffee.
Whether you're new to Vietnamese coffee or just looking for quick instant coffee recipes, this one is a must-try.
Ingredients (1 glass)
To recreate the authentic taste of Vietnamese coffee at home, here’s what you need:
- 1½ tsp Daily Grind instant coffee (or your favorite strong blend)
- ¼ cup hot water
- 2 tbsp Milkmaid (sweetened condensed milk)
- Ice cubes
(Optional) A splash of regular milk for a lighter flavor
🥤 How to Make Cà Phê Sữa Đá (Vietnamese Iced Coffee)
Step 1: Brew it strong
In a small bowl or cup, mix instant coffee and hot water to make a concentrated coffee shot.
Step 2: Add the sweetness
Pour 2 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk (Milkmaid works great) into a glass.
Step 3: Layer and mix
Add the hot coffee over the condensed milk. Mix thoroughly until you get a smooth, syrupy blend — just like they do in Vietnamese street cafés.
Step 4: Serve with ice
Fill the glass with ice cubes. Stir again to chill and blend the flavors.
Step 5: Optional twist
Add a splash of regular milk if you want to mellow the strength — ideal for first-timers exploring Vietnamese coffee with condensed milk.
🔥 Why This Vietnamese Coffee Recipe Works
- 3 simple ingredients
- No filter needed — just instant coffee
- Sweet, bold, creamy and refreshing
Inspired by authentic Vietnamese street coffee culture
💡 FAQs: Vietnamese Iced Coffee
Q: Can I use instant coffee for Cà Phê Sữa Đá?
Yes! While traditional recipes use a phin filter and robusta beans, using instant coffee gives you a quicker version with similar depth and boldness.
Q: Is Vietnamese iced coffee strong?
Absolutely. It’s known for being very strong and sweet, which is why it's served over ice — and sometimes mellowed with a splash of milk.
Q: How do I make Vietnamese coffee at home without a phin filter?
Use this Vietnamese iced coffee recipe with instant coffee — no special equipment required!
📌 Final Sip
There you have it — a super easy, flavorful Vietnamese coffee at home experience. The balance of strong coffee and sweet condensed milk over ice makes this drink one of the most underrated 3-ingredient coffees in the world.
Next time you’re in the mood for something bold, cool, and creamy, skip the café and whip up this Vietnamese iced coffee in your kitchen.
