Vietnamese Coconut Iced Coffee Recipe

If you’re looking to switch up your usual iced coffee routine and add a touch of tropical flavor, Vietnamese coconut iced coffee is the way to go. It’s a delightful combination of flavors and textures that will transport you to a beachside paradise with every sip. Learn how to make it and what caffeine kick you can expect from this frozen and refreshing coffee. 

💡 Upgrade your coffee experience with 7 exceptional Vietnamese coffee twists.

What is Vietnamese coconut iced coffee?

Vietnamese coconut iced coffee takes the traditional Vietnamese iced coffee and adds a tropical twist with the addition of creamy coconut.

By blending coconut milk, conceded milk, and ice cubes you will get a creamy texture that resembles a slushy or a frappe (frozen cappuccino) rather than a regular iced coffee.

Not only is it a refreshing drink for those hot summer days, but it also packs a powerful caffeine kick since it is prepared with Robusta coffee beans which are famous for their strength.

Vietnamese iced coconut coffee recipe

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make this tasty beverage. 

Ingredients and tools

List of ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons of Robusta coffee
• 4 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk
• 2-3 tablespoons of coconut milk
• 3-4 oz of hot water (about 200°F or 93°C)
• Ice cubes
• Optional: 1 teaspoon of coconut flakes for garnish

List of tools:

• Vietnamese drip coffee maker (a phin filter)
• A blender
• A tall glass
• A spoon

Pro tip: If you don’t have a traditional drip coffee maker, here are 5 alternative ways to brew Vietnamese coffee. 

Instructions

Prepare the coffee:

• Add 2 tablespoons of condensed milk to the cup or glass where you are going to brew the coffee. 
• Add 2 tablespoons of ground coffee to a phin filter and place it on the glass/cup where your condensed milk is. 
• Place the filter press on top of the coffee grounds.
• Pour a small amount of hot water (20 ml or 0.5 oz) into a phin filter to let the coffee grounds bloom (expand) for about 30 seconds.
• Fill a phin filter with the rest of the hot water and cover with the lid.
• Allow the coffee to drip into a glass or mug. This process may take about 4-5 minutes.
• Mix condensed milk and coffee and let it cool down for 10 minutes. 

Prepare the ice slushy:

• In a blender add ice cubes, 3 tablespoons of coconut milk, and 2 tablespoons of condensed milk. 
• Blend everything until you get a slushy consistency. You can start with less ice, and slowly add more until you get the desired texture.

Assemble:

• In a tall glass pour your cool down Vietnamese coffee.
• Add the mix of ice, coconut milk, and condensed milk on top. 
• Mix it all together until both coffee and slushy are combined. 
• You can add slushy first to make a different layer order if you want to make different pictures of your drink, but in my opinion, it doesn’t matter since you will mix it all at the end. 

Keep in mind that Vietnamese coconut iced coffee has more calories (approximately 350 calories per serving), so consume it in moderate amounts. 

Pro tip: If you want to make a vegetarian version, you can follow these instructions on how to make Vietnamese coffee vegan-friendly. 

Serving tips

Here are my top 3 tips to elevate this coffee:

1. Use the most beautiful tall glass you can find: As you prepare this coffee for the first time, you will see how it naturally becomes the perfect drink for social media.
2. Experiment with toppings: Consider sprinkling some toasted coconut flakes or chocolate shavings on top to add an extra layer of flavor and texture. You can even drizzle some caramel or chocolate syrup for a decadent touch.
3. Enjoy with a straw or spoon: You can either drink this coffee through the straw or eat it like an ice cream. Go with the option that you like the most.  

Alternative ingredients

If you are looking to put your own twist on the classic Vietnamese coconut iced coffee recipe or adjust your diet, here are some alternative ingredients you can experiment with:

• Sweeteners: If you’re not a fan of sweetened condensed milk, swap it out for regular milk or a non-dairy milk of your choice, such as almond or oat milk. You can sweeten the coffee with honey, maple syrup, or even a flavored syrup like vanilla or caramel.
• Coconut milk: While coconut milk is the star of the show in Vietnamese coconut iced coffee, you can experiment with different variations. Try using coconut cream instead of coconut milk for an even richer and creamier texture. You can also use flavored coconut milk, such as vanilla or chocolate, to add an extra layer of complexity to your beverage.

💡 Make sure to check out how to mix tapioca pearls and Vietnamese coffee to get a super-tasty brew. 

Is Vietnamese coconut iced coffee strong? 

Yes, Vietnamese coffee is one of the strongest when it comes to caffeine content per ounce of drink because of Robusta coffee beans. However, because of condensed milk, ice, and coconut milk, the coffee flavor won’t be that intense. 

So this iced coffee is the best option for people who want to boost their energy with caffeine but don’t like the bitterness of coffee.  

Can you use espresso instead of Vietnamese coffee?

While the traditional recipe calls for Robusta coffee beans, you can try using different coffee varieties to suit your taste preferences. For a milder flavor, you can opt for espresso shot which is most usually the mix of Arabica and Robusta beans and has a smoother and less bitter taste.

Final thoughts

Because of the texture, caffeine, and tropical flavors, Vietnamese coconut iced coffee is definitely a must-try. Luckily, you don’t need fancy equipment to make it at home. You actually don’t need a phin filter, that is how flexible this brew is.