Can you make Vietnamese iced coffee with cold brew and still keep the classic sweet, bold flavor the drink is known for? Many people love the richness of Vietnamese iced coffee, but can it work out with the smooth and low-acidity profile of cold brew? The good news is that combining the two works surprisingly well.
Key Takeaways
- How to make Vietnamese iced coffee with cold brew and how it differs from the traditional phin method.
- Why cold brew creates a smoother and less bitter version of the classic drink.
- How cold brew strength and concentration affect sweetness, flavor, and caffeine levels.
- How does the cold brew version compare to the traditional recipe in taste, caffeine, and overall intensity.
Can You Make Vietnamese Iced Coffee With Cold Brew?
Yes, you can make Vietnamese iced coffee with cold brew. Instead of brewing coffee with a phin filter, you simply mix cold brew concentrate with sweetened condensed milk and pour it over ice.
The flavor changes slightly:
- It is less sharp and less bitter than the traditional phin brew.
- The sweetness of condensed milk becomes more noticeable because cold brew has a gentler profile.
- The drink feels creamier and smoother, especially if your cold brew uses a medium-dark or dark roast.
Using cold brew makes the recipe quicker and more convenient, especially if you prepare a batch ahead of time. Just keep in mind that the strength will depend on how concentrated your cold brew is. A stronger concentrate gives you a flavor closer to the traditional Vietnamese iced coffee.
How Much Cold Brew to Use for Vietnamese Iced Coffee
When making Vietnamese iced coffee with cold brew, use this simple ratio:
- 2 ounces cold brew concentrate
- 2 ounces water
- Then add 2-3 tablespoons of condensed milk
This creates a bold, balanced base that won’t get lost under the sweetness.
Why Cold Brew Works Well for Vietnamese Iced Coffee
Here’s why it works so well:
- Low acidity: Cold brew has naturally low acidity because it’s brewed slowly in cold water. This creates a smooth texture that blends beautifully with condensed milk.
- Balanced sweetness: Since cold brew has a mellow flavor, the sweetness from condensed milk becomes more balanced and less intense. You still get the caramel-like richness, but without the bitterness.
- Softens bitterness: If you use a blend that includes Robusta (or a dark roast), cold brew brewing reduces bitterness while keeping the coffee strong. This creates a smooth, balanced sweetness without losing the bold foundation Vietnamese coffee is known for.
Taste Comparison: Cold Brew Version vs Traditional Vietnamese Iced Coffee
Here’s how the cold brew version compares to the classic Vietnamese iced coffee.
Strength
- Cold Brew: Mellow strength unless using concentrate.
- Traditional: Always bold and intense due to Robusta beans and concentrated drip.
Sweetness Impact
- Cold Brew: Sweetness feels smoother and more noticeable.
- Traditional: Sweetness balances bitterness, creating a sharper contrast.
Smoothness
- Cold Brew: Very smooth, low acidity, creamy finish.
- Traditional: Stronger bite with a thicker, more syrupy base.
Aroma
- Cold Brew: Chocolatey, rounded aroma.
- Traditional: Deep roasted, slightly smoky, more intense aroma.
Caffeine Feel
- Cold Brew: Moderate kick unless using strong concentrate.
- Traditional: Feels stronger because of Robusta beans and concentrated extraction.
Want to try a similar brewing alternative? Check out how to make Vietnamese iced coffee with a French press.
FAQ
Is cold brew strong enough for Vietnamese iced coffee?
Yes, cold brew can be strong enough, especially if you use cold brew concentrate or a dark-roast blend. Ready-to-drink cold brew works too, but it produces a milder version. If the drink tastes too light, simply increase the coffee ratio or use a splash of concentrate to boost intensity.
Can you use store-bought cold brew?
Absolutely. Store-bought cold brew works well as long as it’s unsweetened and preferably dark roast. This keeps the flavor closer to the bold profile of traditional Vietnamese iced coffee. Cold brew concentrates are ideal if you want a stronger, more authentic result.
Does cold brew make the drink less bitter?
Yes. Cold brew is naturally low in acidity and bitterness because it’s brewed slowly with cold water. This creates a smoother base that blends easily with condensed milk. The final drink tastes creamier, more balanced, and less sharp than a traditional phin-brewed version.