Easy and Sweet Thai Iced Coffee Recipe

This Thai iced coffee recipe really hits the spot during the hot August nights … or mornings … or just about anytime, really. Sometimes I go to the local Thai restaurant just to have their coffee. That’s how much I love coffee, and that’s how much I love this coffee. It’s dark and dreamy, sweetened with the magical ingredient. (Hint: it’s sweetened condensed milk.) This drink is great after some Pad Thai or Drunken Noodles, but one of my favorite ways is to sip it while eating Tom Yum.

What I Love About This Thai Iced Coffee Recipe

Thai iced coffee isn’t just any drink; it’s a favorite across Thailand for good reason. Imagine a drink that’s not only perfect for beating the heat but also delivers a dark, creamy sweetness that’s hard to resist. That’s the magic of sweetened condensed milk for you, transforming each sip into something utterly delightful.

First off, this coffee packs a punch. We’re talking a dark, robust roast that hints at chocolate notes. Even as your ice melts, every sip remains packed with flavor. The Thai love their coffee robust. In fact, that’s the name of the coffee beans: Robusta. (You can also Arabica if you want, too.) But any kind of coffee will do.

Just FYI, this recipe uses instant coffee. Try out Oliang Powder Mixed (yeah, it doesn’t make any sense), which I highly recommend.

You can customize the sweetness by adding or substracting sweetened condensed milk. If you want it less sweet, you can use evaporated milk. Or a combination of the two.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Measuring spoons
• Measuring cup
• Mixing jug
• French press or cloth filter bag (optional)
• Dripper (if not using a cloth filter or French press)
• Mixing glass
• Serving glass

What Is Thai Traditional Coffee?

Traditional Thai coffee usually involves using either Robusta or Arabica beans for instant coffee. You can find instant Thai coffee readily available on Amazon or at your local grocery store. The brewing process includes placing the coffee in a large filter bag, then pouring boiling hot water over it. After that, the coffee is poured through the filter bag multiple times, creating a very strong, bitter black coffee.

What’s the Difference Between Thai and Vietnamese Coffee?

This is a common question!

Thai coffee, or “Oliang,” is often a blend of coffee and ingredients like corn, soybeans, and sesame seeds, giving it a unique flavor profile. It’s brewed with a cloth filter, comes out strong, and is usually sweetened with condensed milk and sugar. Picture this as the drink you’d reach for when you need a sweet, robust pick-me-up on a sweltering day.

Vietnamese coffee, on the other hand, is a single-origin delight, typically using robusta beans known for their higher caffeine content and bitter, chocolaty notes. The brewing method? A metal drip filter (phin) that patiently sits atop your cup, releasing that dark, intense brew. It’s served with a generous dollop of sweetened condensed milk, creating a creamy, dreamy concoction.

So, next time you’re debating between the two, remember: Thai coffee gives you that sweet, almost dessert-like experience with a complex blend, while Vietnamese coffee offers a strong, straightforward shot with a creamy texture. Both are perfect companions for your caffeine rituals, each with its own charm and character.

Pairing Suggestions

• Step-By-Step Easy Pad Thai For Beginners
• The Best Korean Bulgogi Recipe With Ground Beef (다진소불고기)
• Cry Baby Noodles Recipe
• 30 Minute Filipino Chicken Adobo Recipe

FAQs

1. How long can I store leftover Thai iced coffee?
   You can keep the leftover Thai iced coffee in the fridge for up to 2 days in a sealed container. It tastes best fresh, but it’s still pretty good on day two.
2. Can I make this coffee ahead of time?
   Yeah, brewing the coffee in advance is totally fine. Just pop it in the fridge and when you’re ready, mix in your sweetened condensed milk, sugar, and ice before serving.
3. Is there a dairy-free substitute for sweetened condensed milk?
   If dairy’s not your thing, go for coconut condensed milk or any plant-based condensed milk option. It keeps that creamy sweetness we’re after but makes it dairy-free.
4. Can I use regular coffee instead of Thai coffee powder?
   Sure thing, if you can’t find Thai coffee powder, a strong dark roast or espresso will do the trick. It’s all about that strong coffee flavor.
5. What if I don’t have a cloth filter or French press?
   Don’t sweat it if you’re missing a cloth filter or French press. Any coffee-making method you like is fine, just aim for a strong brew.
6. Can I adjust the sweetness?
   Definitely, feel free to play around with the amount of sweetened condensed milk and sugar. Start with a little and add more until it’s just right for you.
7. Is this recipe gluten-free?
   Yep, this Thai iced coffee is naturally gluten-free. Just double-check your coffee and condensed milk to make sure they don’t have any hidden gluten.
8. How can I make my Thai iced coffee stronger?
   For a bolder coffee, just bump up the amount of Thai coffee powder you use. It’s meant to be strong to counter the sweetness and ice dilution.
9. Can I add flavors to this coffee?
   While it’s not the classic way, adding a bit of vanilla extract or cinnamon can really make your Thai iced coffee pop with extra flavor.
10. What’s the best way to serve Thai iced coffee for a crowd?
    Whip up a big batch of the coffee, stir in the sweetened condensed milk and sugar, and have it ready in a pitcher. Serve over ice in glasses and you’re good to go.
11. Can I use something other than sugar to sweeten my Thai iced coffee?
    Feel free to swap out sugar for honey, agave, or your favorite sweetener. Just remember it might tweak the taste a bit.
12. What type of ice is best for Thai iced coffee?
    Crushed ice chills it quickly while cubed ice melts slower, so pick based on whether you like your coffee cooler faster or less diluted.
13. Can I make this recipe without sugar?
    If you’re not keen on super sweet, you can totally skip the extra sugar. The sweetened condensed milk adds enough sweetness on its own.

The Final: Thai Iced Coffee Recipe