How to Make Perfect Cà Phê Sữa Đá (Vietnamese Iced Coffee)

Rich, sweet, and intensely caffeinated, Cà Phê Sữa Đá is more than a drink—it’s a cultural institution. Here in Vietnam, it’s the go-to brew for beating the heat and powering the day (and night). This simple, step-by-step guide will show you how to make the perfect, café-quality version at home.

What You'll Need (Ingredients & Gear)

• 18–22g of [Sundried Surge] or [EverBrew] coffee (medium-fine grind)
• 20–25g (about 1.5 tbsp) of sweetened condensed milk
• A [Phin Brewer] and a heat-proof glass
• A tall glass filled to the brim with fresh ice

Instructions: The Classic Method

• The Base: Pour your desired amount of sweetened condensed milk into a heat-proof brewing glass.
• The Brew: Place your phin directly on top of the glass. Follow the steps in our [Full Phin Guide] to brew a concentrated, 4–5-minute shot of hot coffee directly over the milk.
• The Stir: Once the brew is complete, stir the hot coffee and condensed milk together thoroughly until it becomes a single, creamy, caramel-colored liquid.
• The Pour: Pour the sweetened coffee mixture over your tall glass full of fresh ice.
• The Finish: Give it one final stir and enjoy immediately.

Pro Tips from Saigon

• For a less sweet version, try reducing the condensed milk to 10-15g or adding a splash of fresh milk after stirring.
• For a stronger coffee flavor, let the mixture cool for a moment before pouring it over the ice to minimize dilution.

Ready to make your own? Get everything you need in one click with our [Phin Ritual Starter Kit].

Keep Learning: [The Definitive Guide to Vietnamese Coffee →]

“Let your ‘Yea’ be ‘Yea’; and your ‘Nay,’ ‘Nay.’” — Matthew 5:37

• Radical Transparency: We publish caffeine per gram and per serving with standardized recipes so your expectations are always clear. See our full [Know Your Dose™] guide.
• Our Ingredients: 100% Arabica & Robusta coffee. Nothing else.
• Our Sourcing: We are proudly Vietnam-forward, balancing the power of Robusta with the silkiness of select Arabicas.
• Our Philosophy: We don't chase expensive certifications. We invest our resources in what matters: roast precision, peak freshness, and consistent flavor in your cup.
• A Note on Wellness: Sensitivity to caffeine varies. For reference, the FDA suggests a limit of up to 400 mg per day for most healthy adults. Our content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice.