Vietnamese iced coffee, also known as “ca phe sua da,” is a popular coffee drink that originated in Vietnam. It’s made with strong brewed coffee, sweetened condensed milk, and ice. However, in recent years, a new variation of this drink has gained popularity – Vietnamese iced coffee with coconut milk. This refreshing twist replaces traditional sweetened condensed milk with coconut milk, adding a creamy and dairy-free alternative to the classic recipe.
What is Vietnamese Iced Coffee?
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s take a brief look at the history and cultural significance of Vietnamese iced coffee. Vietnamese iced coffee is a staple in Vietnamese culture, and its origins date back to the French colonial period. During this time, the French introduced coffee to Vietnam, and the locals adapted it to their taste by adding sweetened condensed milk and ice.
The drink quickly became popular throughout the country, and it’s now a common sight to see street vendors and cafes serving Vietnamese iced coffee. The drink is typically served in a tall glass filled with ice, topped with a layer of sweetened condensed milk, and finished with a shot of strong brewed coffee.
The Benefits of Using Coconut Milk
So, why use coconut milk instead of traditional sweetened condensed milk? There are several benefits to using coconut milk in Vietnamese iced coffee:
- Dairy-free alternative: Coconut milk is a great option for those who are lactose intolerant or prefer a dairy-free diet.
- Lower calorie count: Coconut milk has a lower calorie count compared to sweetened condensed milk, making it a popular choice for health-conscious individuals.
- Unique flavor: Coconut milk adds a rich and creamy texture to the coffee, with a subtle coconut flavor that complements the coffee perfectly.
Ingredients and Equipment Needed
To make Vietnamese iced coffee with coconut milk, you’ll need the following ingredients and equipment:
- Coffee beans: You can use any type of coffee bean you prefer, but a medium to dark roast is recommended for a richer flavor.
- Coffee filter: You’ll need a coffee filter to brew your coffee. You can use a traditional Vietnamese coffee filter or a pour-over filter.
- Coconut milk: You can use full-fat or low-fat coconut milk, depending on your preference.
- Ice: You’ll need ice to chill your coffee and coconut milk.
- Sugar or sweetener: You can add sugar or a sweetener of your choice to taste.
- Glass: You’ll need a tall glass to serve your Vietnamese iced coffee.
Choosing the Right Coffee Beans
Choosing the right coffee beans is crucial for a delicious Vietnamese iced coffee. Look for a medium to dark roast coffee bean that has a rich and smooth flavor. You can choose a single-origin coffee or a blend, depending on your preference.
Some popular coffee beans for Vietnamese iced coffee include:
- Arabica: Arabica beans have a mild and nuanced flavor that pairs well with coconut milk.
- Robusta: Robusta beans have a bolder and more bitter flavor that complements the richness of coconut milk.
Preparing the Coffee
To prepare the coffee, you’ll need to brew it using a coffee filter. You can use a traditional Vietnamese coffee filter or a pour-over filter. Here’s a step-by-step guide to brewing your coffee:
- Grind the coffee beans: Grind the coffee beans to a medium-coarse grind.
- Place the coffee filter: Place the coffee filter over a cup or a carafe.
- Add coffee grounds: Add the ground coffee to the filter.
- Pour hot water: Pour hot water over the coffee grounds.
- Wait for the coffee to drip: Wait for the coffee to drip through the filter.
Preparing the Coconut Milk
To prepare the coconut milk, you’ll need to chill it in the refrigerator overnight. You can also add a sweetener or flavorings to the coconut milk, depending on your preference.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to preparing the coconut milk:
- Chill the coconut milk: Chill the coconut milk in the refrigerator overnight.
- Add sweetener or flavorings: Add a sweetener or flavorings to the coconut milk, if desired.
- Shake well: Shake the coconut milk well before using it.
Assembling the Vietnamese Iced Coffee
To assemble the Vietnamese iced coffee, you’ll need to combine the brewed coffee, coconut milk, and ice in a glass. Here’s a step-by-step guide to assembling the drink:
- Fill a glass with ice: Fill a tall glass with ice.
- Pour the coffee: Pour the brewed coffee over the ice.
- Add coconut milk: Add the chilled coconut milk to the coffee.
- Stir well: Stir the coffee and coconut milk well.
- Add sugar or sweetener: Add sugar or a sweetener, if desired.
Tips and Variations
Here are some tips and variations to enhance your Vietnamese iced coffee with coconut milk:
- Use a flavored coffee: Use a flavored coffee, such as hazelnut or caramel, to add a unique twist to the drink.
- Add spices: Add spices, such as cinnamon or nutmeg, to the coffee for added flavor.
- Use a different type of milk: Use a different type of milk, such as almond or soy milk, for a non-dairy alternative.
- Add a shot of espresso: Add a shot of espresso to the coffee for an extra boost of caffeine.
Conclusion
Vietnamese iced coffee with coconut milk is a delicious and refreshing twist on the classic recipe. By using coconut milk instead of traditional sweetened condensed milk, you can create a dairy-free and lower-calorie version of the drink. With its rich and creamy texture, Vietnamese iced coffee with coconut milk is perfect for hot summer days or as a pick-me-up any time of the year.
What is Vietnamese Iced Coffee and how does it differ from traditional coffee?
Vietnamese Iced Coffee, also known as “Café Sữa Đá,” is a popular coffee drink that originated in Vietnam. It is made with strong brewed coffee, sweetened condensed milk, and ice. The unique combination of flavors and textures sets it apart from traditional coffee. The sweetened condensed milk adds a rich, creamy element, while the ice helps to balance out the bold flavors of the coffee.
In the context of the recipe discussed, the addition of coconut milk takes Vietnamese Iced Coffee to a whole new level. The coconut milk adds a subtle coconut flavor and a creamy texture that complements the sweetened condensed milk perfectly. This twist on the traditional recipe creates a refreshing and delicious drink that is perfect for warm weather.
What type of coffee is best suited for Vietnamese Iced Coffee with Coconut Milk?
For Vietnamese Iced Coffee with Coconut Milk, it’s best to use a strong and rich coffee. A medium to dark roast coffee is ideal, as it provides a deep and bold flavor that can hold its own against the sweetness of the condensed milk and the creaminess of the coconut milk. You can use a French drip filter or a pour-over to brew the coffee, but a traditional Vietnamese coffee filter, also known as a phin, is the most authentic way to brew the coffee.
If you can’t find a Vietnamese coffee filter, you can also use a strong brewed coffee as a substitute. Look for a coffee that has notes of chocolate and caramel, as these flavors will complement the sweetness of the condensed milk and the coconut milk. Avoid using a light roast coffee, as it may not provide enough depth of flavor for this recipe.
How do I make sweetened condensed milk from scratch?
Making sweetened condensed milk from scratch is a simple process that requires just two ingredients: milk and sugar. To make sweetened condensed milk, combine 2 cups of milk and 1 cup of sugar in a saucepan and heat it over medium heat, stirring constantly. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 20-25 minutes, or until the milk has thickened and reduced slightly.
As the mixture cooks, the sugar will dissolve and the milk will thicken, creating a rich and creamy sweetened condensed milk. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool to room temperature. Once cooled, you can use the sweetened condensed milk in your Vietnamese Iced Coffee with Coconut Milk recipe. You can also store it in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Can I use low-fat or non-dairy milk instead of full-fat coconut milk?
While you can use low-fat or non-dairy milk as a substitute for full-fat coconut milk, it’s not recommended. Full-fat coconut milk provides a rich and creamy texture that is essential to the flavor and texture of Vietnamese Iced Coffee with Coconut Milk. Low-fat or non-dairy milk may not provide the same level of creaminess, which can result in a watery or bland drink.
If you’re looking for a dairy-free or low-calorie alternative, you can try using a non-dairy milk such as almond milk or soy milk. However, keep in mind that these milks may not provide the same level of creaminess as full-fat coconut milk. You can also try adding a splash of coconut cream to your drink to give it a richer and creamier texture.
How do I brew coffee using a Vietnamese coffee filter?
Brewing coffee using a Vietnamese coffee filter, also known as a phin, is a simple process that requires some patience. To brew coffee using a phin, place the filter over a cup and add a tablespoon of coffee grounds to the filter. Pour a small amount of hot water over the coffee grounds to saturate them, and then wait for about 20-30 seconds to allow the coffee to bloom.
After the coffee has bloomed, slowly pour the rest of the hot water over the coffee grounds and wait for the coffee to drip through the filter. This should take about 3-5 minutes, depending on the coarseness of the coffee grounds and the desired strength of the coffee. Once the coffee has finished dripping, remove the filter and discard the grounds. Your coffee is now ready to use in your Vietnamese Iced Coffee with Coconut Milk recipe.
Can I make Vietnamese Iced Coffee with Coconut Milk ahead of time?
While you can make some components of Vietnamese Iced Coffee with Coconut Milk ahead of time, it’s best to assemble the drink just before serving. The coffee and sweetened condensed milk can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. However, the coconut milk is best added just before serving, as it can separate and lose its creamy texture if refrigerated for too long.
If you want to make the drink ahead of time, you can brew the coffee and mix it with the sweetened condensed milk in a large pitcher. Refrigerate the mixture until chilled, then stir in the coconut milk just before serving. You can also prepare the coffee and sweetened condensed milk mixture in individual glasses and refrigerate them until ready to serve. Simply stir in the coconut milk and add ice just before serving.
How can I customize Vietnamese Iced Coffee with Coconut Milk to my taste?
Vietnamese Iced Coffee with Coconut Milk is a versatile drink that can be customized to your taste preferences. If you prefer your coffee stronger or weaker, you can adjust the amount of coffee grounds used in the brewing process. You can also adjust the amount of sweetened condensed milk to your taste, or use a different type of milk such as almond milk or soy milk.
If you want to add a bit of spice to your drink, you can try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the coffee grounds before brewing. You can also try using different flavors of extract, such as vanilla or hazelnut, to give your drink a unique twist. Experiment with different combinations of ingredients to find the perfect flavor for your Vietnamese Iced Coffee with Coconut Milk.