The AeroPress is a flexible coffee maker, and you can adapt it to make a variety of coffee styles, including Vietnamese coffee. Vietnamese coffee is traditionally made with a drip filter, but you can achieve a similar result with the AeroPress. Here, you will find a step-by-step guide on how to do it.
How to make Vietnamese coffee with AeroPress guide
Ingredients:
- 2 to 3 tablespoons of medium or fine ground dark roast coffee (preferably Vietnamese Robusta beans if available).
- 1-2 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk (adjust to taste).
- Hot water (just off the boil).
- Ice (optional, if you want it iced).
Instructions:
- Preparation: Add the sweetened condensed milk to the bottom of your serving glass or mug. If you’re making an iced version, you’ll want to use a larger glass and have some ice ready.
- Set up AeroPress: Assemble the AeroPress. You can use the standard method or the inverted method, but for this recipe, we’ll use the standard method. Put a filter in the cap and rinse with hot water.
- Add coffee: Add the coffee grounds to the AeroPress.
- Brew: Pour hot water up to the top level of the AeroPress. Stir the grounds briefly to ensure they’re fully saturated.
- Press: After about a minute (you can adjust the time for your taste preference), slowly press down on the AeroPress plunger.
- Mix and serve: The coffee will combine with the sweetened condensed milk in the glass. Stir well to mix. If you’re making an iced version, stir first to cool down the coffee, then add ice.
- Enjoy! Adjust the amount of sweetened condensed milk and brewing time to fit your personal taste.
💡 Thinking outside the box? Learn about 5 non-traditional ways to make that perfect cup of Vietnamese coffee.
What coffee should you use for authentic Vietnamese coffee?
For authentic Vietnamese coffee, you should use Robusta beans. Robusta beans generally have a stronger and more bitter taste compared to Arabica. It also has more caffeine than Arabica beans, usually about twice as much.
- Vietnam is one of the world’s largest producers of Robusta coffee beans.
- The beans are often roasted quite dark, which gives Vietnamese coffee its distinctive bold flavor.
- For a traditional drip filter (phin), a medium-coarse grind is ideal.
Final thoughts
To make a good cup of Vietnamese coffee with AeroPress, make sure to use Robusta beans, which are crucial for the strong taste and powerful caffeine kick significant with this brew.
My journey through renowned bars and coffee shops over five years, as a barista, coffee aficionado, and former bartender, has honed my pursuit for the perfect cup. My passion for coffee isn’t just about the brew—it’s about sharing the knowledge and insights I’ve gleaned along the way.
