Vietnamese coffee, also known as “ca phe,” is a popular coffee drink that originated in Vietnam. It’s made with strong brewed coffee, sweetened condensed milk, and ice, creating a rich and creamy flavor profile. Traditionally, Vietnamese coffee is made using a small metal filter called a phin, but you can also use a French press to achieve a similar flavor. In this article, we’ll show you how to make Vietnamese coffee with a French press.
What You’ll Need
To make Vietnamese coffee with a French press, you’ll need the following ingredients and equipment:
- 1 cup of coarsely ground coffee beans (preferably a dark roast)
- 1 cup of water
- 1/2 cup of sweetened condensed milk
- Ice
- A French press coffee maker
- A spoon and a pouring device (optional)
Choosing the Right Coffee Beans
The type of coffee beans you use will greatly affect the flavor of your Vietnamese coffee. Traditionally, Vietnamese coffee is made with Robusta beans, which have a bolder and more bitter flavor than Arabica beans. However, you can also use Arabica beans if you prefer a milder flavor.
When choosing coffee beans, look for a dark roast, as it will give your coffee a richer and more intense flavor. You can also experiment with different roast levels to find the one that suits your taste preferences.
Grinding the Coffee Beans
Grinding the coffee beans is an important step in making Vietnamese coffee. You’ll want to grind the beans coarsely, as this will allow for the best extraction during the brewing process.
If you have a burr grinder, use it to grind the beans to a coarse grind. If you don’t have a burr grinder, you can also use a rolling pin or a mortar and pestle to grind the beans.
Brewing the Coffee
Now that you have your coffee beans ground, it’s time to brew the coffee. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Heat the Water
Heat the water to around 200°F (93°C) in a kettle or on the stovetop.
Step 2: Add Coffee Grounds to the French Press
Add the coarsely ground coffee to the French press, making sure to level it out evenly.
Step 3: Pour in the Water
Carefully pour the heated water over the coffee grounds in the French press. Make sure to pour in a circular motion to evenly saturate all of the grounds.
Step 4: Steep the Coffee
Allow the coffee to steep for around 4-5 minutes, depending on your desired strength and flavor.
Step 5: Press the Coffee
After the steeping time has passed, slowly press the plunger down to separate the coffee grounds from the liquid.
Making the Sweetened Condensed Milk
Sweetened condensed milk is a crucial component of Vietnamese coffee. Here’s how to make it:
Step 1: Combine the Milk and Sugar
In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup of milk and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Heat the mixture over low heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar has dissolved.
Step 2: Reduce the Milk
Continue to heat the milk mixture until it has reduced by half and has a thick, creamy consistency. This should take around 10-15 minutes.
Step 3: Cool the Milk
Remove the milk from the heat and allow it to cool to room temperature.
Assembling the Vietnamese Coffee
Now that you have your brewed coffee and sweetened condensed milk, it’s time to assemble the Vietnamese coffee.
Step 1: Fill a Glass with Ice
Fill a glass with ice cubes.
Step 2: Pour in the Coffee
Pour the brewed coffee over the ice cubes in the glass.
Step 3: Add the Sweetened Condensed Milk
Pour the sweetened condensed milk over the coffee, holding back the foam with a spoon.
Step 4: Stir the Coffee
Stir the coffee gently to combine the coffee and milk.
Step 5: Top with Foam (Optional)
If desired, top the coffee with the foam from the sweetened condensed milk.
Tips and Variations
Here are a few tips and variations to help you perfect your Vietnamese coffee:
- Use a dark roast coffee for a bolder flavor.
- Experiment with different ratios of coffee to milk to find your perfect balance.
- Add a drizzle of chocolate syrup or a sprinkle of cinnamon to give your coffee an extra boost of flavor.
- Use a flavored extract, such as vanilla or hazelnut, to give your coffee a unique twist.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are a few common mistakes to avoid when making Vietnamese coffee:
- Using too fine of a grind, which can result in over-extraction and a bitter flavor.
- Not heating the water to the correct temperature, which can result in a weak or under-extracted flavor.
- Not stirring the coffee gently, which can result in a separated or curdled milk.
Conclusion
Making Vietnamese coffee with a French press is a simple and delicious way to enjoy this popular coffee drink. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can create a rich and creamy coffee that’s perfect for any time of day. Experiment with different ratios of coffee to milk and add your own unique twists to make this coffee truly your own.
What is Vietnamese coffee and how does it differ from other types of coffee?
Vietnamese coffee, also known as “ca phe,” is a type of coffee that originated in Vietnam. It is made by brewing coffee in a small metal filter called a phin or using a French press, which allows the coffee grounds to steep in hot water. This method of brewing gives Vietnamese coffee its distinctive flavor and aroma. Vietnamese coffee is typically made with robusta coffee beans, which have a bolder and more bitter flavor than the arabica beans used in other types of coffee.
The use of sweetened condensed milk is another characteristic that sets Vietnamese coffee apart from other types of coffee. The sweet and creamy texture of the milk balances out the bitterness of the coffee, creating a unique and delicious flavor profile. Vietnamese coffee is often served over ice, which helps to bring out the flavors of the coffee and milk. Overall, Vietnamese coffee is a unique and delicious type of coffee that is worth trying.
What type of coffee beans should I use to make Vietnamese coffee with a French press?
To make authentic Vietnamese coffee with a French press, you should use robusta coffee beans. Robusta beans have a bolder and more bitter flavor than arabica beans, which is characteristic of Vietnamese coffee. You can find robusta coffee beans at most Asian grocery stores or online. Look for beans that are freshly roasted and have a medium to dark roast level, as this will bring out the best flavor in your coffee.
If you can’t find robusta coffee beans, you can also use a blend of arabica and robusta beans. However, keep in mind that the flavor will not be as authentic. It’s also worth noting that you should use a coarse grind for your coffee beans, as this will allow for the best extraction of flavors when brewing with a French press.
What is the ratio of coffee to water when making Vietnamese coffee with a French press?
The ratio of coffee to water when making Vietnamese coffee with a French press is typically 1:4 to 1:6. This means that for every 1 gram of coffee, you should use 4-6 grams of water. This ratio will result in a strong and concentrated coffee that is characteristic of Vietnamese coffee. However, you can adjust the ratio to your liking, depending on how strong you prefer your coffee.
It’s also worth noting that the water temperature is important when brewing Vietnamese coffee. The ideal temperature is between 195°F and 205°F, as this will allow for the best extraction of flavors from the coffee beans. Use fresh and filtered water to ensure the best flavor.
How do I brew Vietnamese coffee with a French press?
To brew Vietnamese coffee with a French press, start by adding coarsely ground coffee beans to the French press. Then, pour hot water over the coffee beans and stir gently to make sure all of the grounds are saturated. Allow the coffee to steep for 3-5 minutes, depending on your desired strength and flavor. After the steeping time has passed, slowly press the plunger down to separate the coffee grounds from the liquid.
Once the coffee has been brewed, pour it over sweetened condensed milk in a cup. You can adjust the amount of milk to your liking, depending on how sweet and creamy you prefer your coffee. Stir the coffee and milk together gently to create a layered effect, with the coffee on top and the milk on the bottom.
What is sweetened condensed milk and how do I use it in Vietnamese coffee?
Sweetened condensed milk is a type of milk that has been sweetened with sugar and condensed to create a thick and creamy texture. It is a key ingredient in Vietnamese coffee, as it adds a sweet and creamy flavor to the coffee. To use sweetened condensed milk in Vietnamese coffee, simply pour it into a cup and add the brewed coffee on top. You can adjust the amount of milk to your liking, depending on how sweet and creamy you prefer your coffee.
When using sweetened condensed milk, it’s best to pour it into the cup first and then add the coffee. This will create a layered effect, with the coffee on top and the milk on the bottom. You can also stir the coffee and milk together gently to create a uniform flavor and texture. Sweetened condensed milk can be found at most grocery stores or online.
Can I make Vietnamese coffee with a French press without sweetened condensed milk?
While sweetened condensed milk is a key ingredient in traditional Vietnamese coffee, you can make Vietnamese coffee with a French press without it. Simply brew the coffee as you normally would and serve it black or with a small amount of sugar. You can also use regular milk or a non-dairy milk alternative if you prefer.
Keep in mind that the flavor and texture of the coffee will be different without sweetened condensed milk. Vietnamese coffee is typically sweet and creamy, so you may want to add a sweetener or creamer to taste. However, if you prefer your coffee black or with a small amount of sugar, you can still make delicious Vietnamese coffee with a French press.
How do I store leftover Vietnamese coffee made with a French press?
If you have leftover Vietnamese coffee made with a French press, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Simply pour the coffee into an airtight container and refrigerate it. You can also store the coffee in the freezer for up to 2 months. Simply pour the coffee into an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze it.
When you’re ready to drink the coffee, simply pour it into a cup and add sweetened condensed milk to taste. You can also reheat the coffee in the microwave or on the stovetop if you prefer it hot. Keep in mind that the flavor and texture of the coffee may change slightly after refrigeration or freezing, so you may need to adjust the amount of milk or sweetener to taste.