Iced Coffee with Condensed Milk: Sweet and Refreshing 2024

Ever tried Iced Coffee with Condensed Milk, also known as Vietnamese Iced Coffee? If not, you’re missing out. It’s the kind of drink that turns a regular coffee into something special. Imagine combining the deep flavors of coffee with the creamy sweetness of condensed milk. Sounds good, doesn’t it?

This recipe is straightforward, no frills attached. You don’t need a barista’s skill set or a fancy machine. Just your favorite coffee, condensed milk, and some ice. Ready to give your coffee game a delicious twist?

Let’s get started.

The Role of Condensed Milk


Condensed milk is a popular ingredient in iced coffee recipes because it adds sweetness and creaminess to the drink. It is made by removing most of the water from regular milk and adding sugar to create a thick, syrupy texture. This makes it a perfect addition to iced coffee because it dissolves easily and adds a rich flavor to the drink.

In addition to its flavor, condensed milk also has a longer shelf life than regular milk. Once opened, it can be stored in the refrigerator for several weeks, making it a convenient ingredient to have on hand for making iced coffee at home.

Ingredients and Tools


Before we begin, let’s gather what we’ll need:

  • Coffee:
    Your choice here is broad – espresso, French press, drip, or even instant coffee can serve as the base of our drink.
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk:
    The star ingredient that gives this drink its unique sweetness and creaminess.
  • Ice Cubes:
    To chill and dilute our coffee to perfection.
  • Optional Enhancements:
    A dash of vanilla extract or homemade simple syrup can add an extra layer of flavor.

As for tools, ensure you have any kind of coffee maker or espresso machine, a cup for mixing, and a spoon for stirring. A Vietnamese coffee filter (phin) is great if you’re going authentic.

Preparing the Iced Coffee with Condensed Milk


 Iced Coffee with Condensed Milk in a large glass with a metal straw
by Pinterest

Now, for the fun part – making our iced coffee!

Step 1:
Prepare your Coffee

Brew your coffee as you like it. While it’s brewing, take a moment to anticipate the delightful drink you’re about to enjoy.

Step 2:
Add Condensed Milk

Pour sweetened condensed milk into a cup. The amount depends on how sweet you like your coffee, but let’s start with two tablespoons and adjust from there.

Step 3:
Mix it!

Combine the brewed coffee with condensed milk. Pour the hot coffee over the condensed milk and stir until they’re well combined and the milk is completely dissolved.

Step 4:
Ice Cubes

Add ice cubes to the mix. Fill your cup to the brim for a truly chilled experience.

Step 5:
Personalization

Customize your drink (optional). Add a drop of vanilla extract or a splash of simple syrup if you’re feeling fancy. Stir well to mix.

Step 6:
Serving

Enjoy your delicious creation!

Serving and Presentation


 Two Iced Coffee with Condensed Milk in large glasses with plastic straws
by Pinterest

Once you’ve made your iced coffee with condensed milk, it’s time to serve it up! Here are some serving suggestions to make your iced coffee experience even better:

  • Use a Mason jar:
    Mason jars are perfect for serving iced coffee. They’re cute, trendy, and they hold a lot of liquid. Plus, they’re reusable, so you can use them again and again.
  • Add chocolate:
    Drizzle some chocolate syrup on top of your iced coffee for a sweet treat.
  • Top with whipped cream:
    Add a dollop of whipped cream on top of your iced coffee for a decadent touch.
  • Add a straw:
    Use a fun, colorful straw to make your iced coffee look even more inviting.
  • Serve with a side of cookies:
    Pair your iced coffee with some cookies for a perfect afternoon snack.

Health and Nutrition


Iced coffee with condensed milk is a tasty and refreshing drink that can provide you with a quick energy boost. However, it is important to keep in mind that this beverage is not the healthiest option out there.

This nutritional profile is based on a typical recipe that includes 2 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk in a 6-ounce cup of coffee​​. Please note, that these values can vary depending on the exact ingredients and quantities used.

For a healthier version, you might consider adjusting the amount of condensed milk or exploring alternative ingredients.

NutrientAmount per Serving
Calories125 kcal
Total Fat3.3 g
– Saturated Fat2.1 g
Carbohydrates20.8 g
– Sugars20.8 g
Protein3.2 g
Nutritional Overview: Iced Coffee with Condensed Milk

Shelf Life

Condensed milk has a long shelf life. It can be stored in your pantry for several months. However, once you open a can of condensed milk, it should be refrigerated and used within a few days.

Alternatives to Condensed Milk


If you are looking for an alternative to condensed milk in your iced coffee, there are a few options to consider.

One alternative is to use sweetened half-and-half. This is a mixture of half milk and half cream that has been sweetened and can be found in most grocery stores. It has a similar consistency to condensed milk and can be used in the same amount as a substitute.

Another option is to use evaporated milk. This is similar to condensed milk in that most of the water has been removed, but it does not contain sugar. To use evaporated milk in your iced coffee, you will need to add sugar or an alternative sweetener to the drink.

💡Try this!

Explore our blog post on how to make Vanilla Iced Coffee.

FAQ – Iced Coffee with Condensed Milk


Is condensed milk good with coffee?

Yes, condensed milk is a delicious addition to coffee. It adds a creamy sweetness that complements the bitterness of the coffee. It’s a popular ingredient in many coffee drinks, especially in Asian countries like Vietnam and Thailand.

What country uses condensed milk in coffee?

Vietnam is the most famous country that uses condensed milk in coffee. Vietnamese iced coffee, also known as “ca phe sua da”, is made by combining strong coffee with sweetened condensed milk and ice. This drink is a popular choice in Vietnam and other Southeast Asian countries.

Is condensed milk better than sugar in coffee?

It depends on your preferences. Condensed milk adds a creamy sweetness to coffee, while sugar only adds sweetness. If you like your coffee sweet and creamy, then condensed milk is a great choice. However, if you prefer a simpler coffee with just a touch of sweetness, then sugar might be a better option.

Why does Vietnamese coffee use condensed milk?

Vietnamese coffee uses condensed milk because it was introduced during the French colonization of Vietnam. At the time, fresh milk was not widely available, so the French used condensed milk as a substitute. Vietnamese people adopted this practice and incorporated it into their coffee culture. Today, Vietnamese coffee is famous for its unique combination of strong coffee and sweetened condensed milk.


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