Vietnamese Iced Coffee – Ca Phe Sua Da Recipe

If you’re searching for a refreshingly bold pick-me-up, nothing compares to Vietnamese Iced Coffee – Ca Phe Sua Da. This classic drink marries intense, aromatic coffee with sweet, creamy condensed milk, all poured generously over ice for the ultimate cooling treat. Whether introduced by a friend at a local cafe or discovered on a steamy Saigon street corner, this is the beloved beverage that coffee fans obsess over. The combo of slow-brewed coffee with rich milk creates a treat that’s both comfortingly nostalgic and thrillingly unique. If you love your coffee robust but crave a touch of sweetness, you’re in for a real delight with Vietnamese Iced Coffee – Ca Phe Sua Da.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making Vietnamese Iced Coffee – Ca Phe Sua Da really lets each ingredient shine. With only a few elements, every single one plays a starring role in forming that signature bold, creamy, and sweet flavor you crave in every sip.

• Cafe Du Monde: This chicory-laced ground coffee is a staple for authentic flavor and delivers that signature depth and earthiness to your iced concoction.
• Sweetened, condensed milk: Silky, thick, and sweet, this acts as both your creamer and sugar, creating those heavenly swirling ribbons as you stir.
• Boiling water: The basis for extracting all those bold coffee flavors, freshly boiled water ensures your brew is hot enough for a full bodied coffee.
• Ice: Big cubes chill your finished coffee without watering it down too quickly, making each sip crisp and revitalizing.

How to Make Vietnamese Iced Coffee – Ca Phe Sua Da

Step 1: Boil the Water

Start by heating water in a kettle until it reaches a rolling boil. Using boiling water is crucial for extracting the coffee’s depth and aroma, which gives Vietnamese Iced Coffee – Ca Phe Sua Da its unmistakable robust character.

Step 2: Prepare Your Glass and Filter

Place a sturdy glass cup on a flat surface, then position your Vietnamese coffee filter (phin) on top. Pour a bit of boiling water through the empty filter and glass, then discard this water. This extra step warms everything up so your coffee stays piping hot as it brews and doesn’t lose temperature too quickly to the glass.

Step 3: Add the Coffee

Spoon in 4 teaspoons of Cafe Du Monde coffee grounds into the filter. The strong roast and hint of chicory are trademarks of great Vietnamese Iced Coffee – Ca Phe Sua Da, so don’t substitute if you want the real deal!

Step 4: Compact the Coffee

Gently twist down the filter’s press or insert to compact the grounds just a touch. This small bit of pressure makes sure the hot water extracts maximum flavor, giving you that memorable richness in every glass.

Step 5: Brew the Coffee

Now, fill the filter completely with boiling water. Allow the coffee to slowly, patiently drip through. This process takes a few minutes; let the anticipation build! The flavor deepens the longer it drips, so never rush this step if you want your Vietnamese Iced Coffee – Ca Phe Sua Da to taste authentic.

Step 6: Add the Sweetened Condensed Milk

Once the brewing is finished, stir in one tablespoon of sweetened, condensed milk. If you prefer your coffee extra creamy or mildly sweet, feel free to adjust the amount. Watch as those luscious ribbons swirl, combining with the coffee and turning your drink beautifully caramel in color.

Step 7: Add Plenty of Ice

Finish by tumbling in a generous handful of ice cubes. Stir one more time. As the ice cools and chills, your glass transforms instantly into the perfect cup of Vietnamese Iced Coffee – Ca Phe Sua Da, delivering that bold yet sweet finish all ice-cold.

How to Serve Vietnamese Iced Coffee – Ca Phe Sua Da

Garnishes

The classic way is just as described, but for a special touch, consider a dusting of cocoa powder on top, or maybe a cinnamon stick swirled through for a hint of spice. Fresh mint leaves also add color and a refreshing aroma to this already invigorating drink.

Side Dishes

For the full cafe experience, pair Vietnamese Iced Coffee – Ca Phe Sua Da with light, buttery pastries, like French croissants or Asian sponge cakes. The coffee’s boldness balances beautifully with these treats, making breakfast or snack time a truly memorable affair.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Vietnamese Iced Coffee – Ca Phe Sua Da in mason jars with wide straws for a playful, modern twist, or in elegant glasses layered with extra condensed milk for beautiful swirls. You can even freeze extra coffee in ice cube trays and use these cubes for an ultra-cold, never-watered-down brew!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you make extra Vietnamese Iced Coffee – Ca Phe Sua Da, store it (without ice) in a tightly-sealed jar or bottle in the fridge. The flavors deepen overnight, and a quick shake brings everything back together for a blissfully easy cup the next day.

Freezing

Pour any extra brewed coffee into ice cube trays to freeze. Pop these cubes into future glasses for an intensified coffee flavor that won’t dilute your drink as the ice melts. Sweetened, condensed milk isn’t ideal for freezing, so add that fresh when you assemble each glass.

Reheating

While Vietnamese Iced Coffee – Ca Phe Sua Da is best enjoyed cold, you can gently reheat the coffee portion (prior to mixing in ice or condensed milk) over low heat on the stove or in short bursts in the microwave. Always add fresh ice and condensed milk after reheating for the best flavor and texture.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of coffee?

You can, but Cafe Du Monde (with chicory) gives Vietnamese Iced Coffee – Ca Phe Sua Da its iconic flavor. Other robust, dark roasted coffees work, but if you want true authenticity, stick with Cafe Du Monde or another Vietnamese brand.

Is there a non-dairy alternative to sweetened, condensed milk?

Yes! There are coconut or oat-based sweetened condensed milks available in many markets. These work beautifully and add another layer of flavor, with coconut creaminess making a perfect partner for the coffee.

Does it matter what kind of ice I use?

Larger ice cubes are best since they melt more slowly and keep your Vietnamese Iced Coffee – Ca Phe Sua Da chilled without diluting it too quickly. If crushed ice is all you have, you can use it, but work swiftly to avoid a watery result.

Can I make Vietnamese Iced Coffee – Ca Phe Sua Da without a phin filter?

If you don’t have a traditional Vietnamese phin, a French press or even a pour-over cone can work. Aim for a concentrated brew and use the same coffee-to-water ratio for similar intensity.

How sweet is this compared to other iced coffees?

Vietnamese Iced Coffee – Ca Phe Sua Da stands out for its creamy richness and pronounced sweetness, but you control the intensity by adding more or less condensed milk. Start small—you can always stir in another spoonful if your sweet tooth demands it!

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never made Vietnamese Iced Coffee – Ca Phe Sua Da at home, I promise you’re in for a treat. This is the kind of drink that transports you across the globe, one exhilarating sip at a time. So grab your ingredients, embrace the ritual, and let this marvelous brew become a staple in your coffee rotation!

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