How to Make Vietnamese Iced Coffee with Folgers Ground Coffee: A Step-by-Step Recipe Guide

Vietnamese iced coffee, known as cà phê sữa đá, is a beloved beverage that combines bold, dark-roast coffee with sweetened condensed milk over ice. It's a refreshing and energizing drink that has gained worldwide popularity for its rich flavor and creamy texture. While traditional recipes often use a specific type of Vietnamese coffee, you can achieve a delicious and authentic result using Folgers ground coffee, which is widely available and affordable.

In this guide, we'll walk you through the process of making Vietnamese iced coffee at home with Folgers Coffee, Classic(Medium) Roast, 51 Ounce. You'll learn about the essential tools, the right coffee-to-water ratio, and the technique for achieving that perfect balance of bitterness and sweetness. Whether you're a coffee enthusiast or a curious beginner, this recipe will help you create a cafe-quality drink in your own kitchen.

What You'll Need: Tools and Ingredients

To make authentic Vietnamese iced coffee, you'll need a few key items. The most important tool is a Vietnamese phin filter, a small metal drip filter that sits on top of your cup. You can find these at Asian grocery stores or online. If you don't have one, you can use a French press or a pour-over cone as a substitute, but the phin filter gives the most authentic results.

For the coffee, we recommend using Folgers Classic Roast Ground Coffee, 9.6 Ounce (Pack of 6) for its medium-dark roast profile that mimics the boldness of traditional Vietnamese coffee. You'll also need sweetened condensed milk (about 2-3 tablespoons per serving), ice cubes, and hot water. Optional additions include a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor.

• Vietnamese phin filter (or alternative brewing device)
• Folgers ground coffee (medium-dark roast recommended)
• Sweetened condensed milk
• Ice cubes
• Hot water (just off the boil)

Step-by-Step Brewing Instructions

Start by adding 2-3 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk to the bottom of a glass or cup. The amount depends on how sweet you like your coffee. Next, place the phin filter on top of the cup. Remove the inner press plate and add 2 tablespoons of Folgers ground coffee into the filter chamber. Gently tap the filter to level the coffee grounds, then place the press plate back on top and screw it down until you feel slight resistance.

Pour about 1-2 tablespoons of hot water (just off the boil) into the filter to let the coffee bloom for 30 seconds. This step releases carbon dioxide and allows for even extraction. After blooming, fill the filter with hot water up to the rim, cover with the lid, and let it drip slowly. The process takes about 4-5 minutes. Once all the water has dripped through, remove the filter, stir the coffee and condensed milk together, and pour over a glass filled with ice. Enjoy immediately.

• Bloom the coffee grounds with a small amount of hot water first.
• Let the coffee drip slowly for the best flavor extraction.
• Stir the condensed milk and coffee thoroughly before adding ice.

Tips for the Perfect Vietnamese Iced Coffee

For a stronger brew, use a finer grind of coffee or increase the coffee-to-water ratio. Folgers ground coffee is typically a medium grind, which works well for the phin filter, but you can experiment with a slightly finer grind for a more intense flavor. If you prefer a less sweet drink, reduce the amount of condensed milk or use a combination of condensed milk and regular milk.

Another tip is to use a dark roast coffee for a more authentic taste. Folgers Black Silk Ground Coffee, Dark Roast, 22.6 Oz. Canister (Pack of 6) is an excellent choice if you want a bolder, more robust flavor that stands up to the sweetness of the condensed milk. You can also add a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom to the coffee grounds before brewing for a unique twist.

• Adjust the grind size and coffee amount to control strength.
• Use dark roast Folgers for a more traditional Vietnamese flavor.
• Experiment with spices like cinnamon or cardamom for variety.

Why Folgers Coffee Works Well for This Recipe

Folgers coffee is an excellent choice for Vietnamese iced coffee because of its consistent quality and balanced flavor profile. The medium-dark roast of Folgers Classic Roast provides a smooth, rich taste that isn't too acidic, making it ideal for pairing with sweetened condensed milk. Additionally, Folgers is widely available and affordable, so you can make this drink regularly without breaking the bank.

Many traditional Vietnamese coffee recipes call for robusta beans, which have a higher caffeine content and a more bitter flavor. While Folgers is typically a blend of arabica and robusta beans, it still delivers a satisfying depth of flavor that mimics the original. For an even closer match, try using Folgers Gourmet Supreme Medium-Dark Roast Ground Coffee, 22.6 Ounce Canister, which has a slightly bolder taste.

Variations to Try

Once you've mastered the basic Vietnamese iced coffee, you can experiment with different variations. For a creamy version, add a splash of coconut milk or heavy cream along with the condensed milk. For a boozy twist, stir in a shot of dark rum or coffee liqueur. You can also make a hot version by skipping the ice and serving the coffee and condensed milk mixture in a warm mug.

Another popular variation is egg coffee (cà phê trứng), where you whisk an egg yolk with condensed milk until frothy and pour it over the brewed coffee. While this is more labor-intensive, it creates a decadent dessert-like drink. For a refreshing summer treat, blend the finished coffee with ice and a scoop of vanilla ice cream to make a Vietnamese coffee frappé.

• Add coconut milk for a tropical twist.
• Make egg coffee for a rich, custard-like drink.
• Blend with ice cream for a frozen dessert version.

Making Vietnamese iced coffee at home is easier than you think, especially when you use Folgers ground coffee as your base. The combination of bold coffee and sweetened condensed milk over ice creates a refreshing and satisfying drink that you can enjoy any time of day. Whether you stick with the classic recipe or try one of the variations, you'll love the rich flavor and creamy texture. Ready to brew your own? Explore our selection of Folgers ground coffee to find the perfect roast for your Vietnamese iced coffee adventure.