Recipe: Vietnamese Style Iced Cold Brew Coffee

Ok, so the weather here in Wisconsin has been even weirder than usual. It’s blazing hot outside one day and the next is below average. But why not have a great cold brew coffee recipe in your back pocket (or fridge) for those “feels like summer” days? Introducing… my Vietnamese Style Iced Cold Brew Coffee recipe!

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This popular coffee drink requires only three ingredients: coffee, water, and condensed milk. Traditionally, a Vietnamese coffee maker is used to make the coffee, one serving at a time, and the version I’m sharing is very similar. In this version, we’ll use the cold brew technique to give you that same bold flavor and give you an easy “on-demand” single serving so you can make this anytime throughout the week or share it with friends.

Why Cold Brew?

Homemade cold brew coffee is:

• Smooth and refreshing
• Easy to make
• More affordable than buying it at a coffee shop (but I totally get the want of a coffee shop coffee every now and then)
• Pretty much ready-made for busy mornings
• Easily heated up if you’re in the mood for hot coffee

You can make cold brew pretty much anytime it’s convenient for you, then pour your coffee from the fridge whenever you’re in the mood for a cup/glass. No boiling water. No fussing with a coffee maker.

For someone like me who has an incline for coffee fairly random throughout the day, cold brew coffee is a total game-changer.

Some Tips for Success…

• You can add more or less sweetened condensed milk depending on how you like your coffee.
• If you don’t have a cold brew pot, you can substitute brewed espresso for the coffee, but I honestly prefer the cold brew method for this and highly recommend it.
• Be sure to use a boldly flavored dark roast coffee, since the condensed milk and ice will dilute the drink.
• Cold Brew -Recommended Steeping Time is fairly flexible. I’ve read suggestions for that somewhere from 12- 24 hours is best, I say, do what works with your schedule. I would recommend no less than 12 hours. But…
  • If you accidentally steep yours longer (even 24+ hours), it’s ok. It’ll just be a strong, and possibly, a little bitter, but still a good brew. If you don’t like it strong, add some milk/water or more sweetened condensed milk.

Things to know about Cold Brew Coffee

Cold brew can be strong.

Of course, this depends on a lot of factors, including:

• the beans used
• steeping time
• dilution *The dilution is the factor that is the easiest to control.

Cold brew is less acidic.

If regular drip coffee or espresso upsets your stomach, cold brew might not (you’ll have to try it and see to know for sure). You’ll also have more control over the end result if you make it yourself.

But of course, always check with your doctor if you’re not sure.

You can heat up your cold brew and drink it hot.

Seriously! The flavor stays about the same either way. So if you’re someone that doesn’t like the bitterness associated with drip coffee, I highly recommend you try cold brew!

Cold brew takes longer to make than drip coffee.

Since the water is cold, it needs to steep for about 12 to 18 hours to soak up the coffee’s color, flavor, and caffeine. The cold extraction process brings out fewer of the coffee’s bitter notes, which produces a sweeter and smoother coffee than if you brewed and iced it.

Coarsely ground coffee makes the best cold brew.

I have a coffee burr at home. My husband and I have sort of become small coffee snobs over the years. This was one of our pandemic purchases. When we couldn’t just run to a coffee shop, we decided to bring the coffee shop home. Honestly, I won’t go back to the coffee grinder now. I get a much more consistent result with the burr. But if a grinder is what you have, use it! No coffee grinder at home? No problem. Just grind your coffee at the grocery store using their big coffee grinder machine. Set the dial to coarse/French press (NOT ESPRESSO) and push the button.

OK, Let’s Make Coffee!

1. Make your coffee in your cold brew
   1. Place the cold coffee brewer on a flat surface and remove the plunger.

   2. Add coarse ground coffee – we recommend using twice your usual amount.

   3. Add fresh cold water and stir with a plastic spoon.

   4. Put the lid on, place the jug in the refrigerator, and let your coffee brew for 12 to 24 hours.

   5. After brewing, remove from the refrigerator, swap the lid for the plunger, and gently but firmly plunge your coffee.

   6. Ensure the lid is in the locked position, then pour your delicious cold brew coffee.

2. Put the sweetened condensed milk in your glass/travel mug
3. Fill your glass with ice cubes. Pour the coffee over the ice and sweetened milk, stir until mixed, and enjoy.

Check out the entire process on my Instagram Reels

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A post shared by Jenn Giam Smith ⏐ Creator of Recipes, Crafts, & Family Fun! (@jenngiamsmith)

Need More Fun Drink Inspo?

Here are a few of my other favs!

• Golden Milk Latte (With Coffee)
• Parisian Hot Chocolate (Le Chocolate Chaud)
• Recipe: Vanilla Iced Latte Protein Drink

Please let me know how the recipe turns out in the comments.

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