Thai Iced Coffee
Why this recipe works
- Bold coffee base: Using very strong brewed coffee keeps the drink full-flavoured after it is chilled and poured over ice.
- Creamy finish: Sweetened condensed milk adds body, sweetness and the distinctive marbled texture when stirred through the cold coffee.
- Simple method: The coffee is briefly warmed to dissolve the sugar and cardamom, then chilled before serving over fresh ice.
Get the most out of this recipe
Timing notes
- Chill before serving: Let the sweetened coffee cool briefly, then chill until cold so the ice does not melt too quickly.
- Serve freshly poured: Assemble the drink just before serving for clear creamy swirls and a cleaner coffee flavour.
Make-ahead tips
- Make the coffee ahead: The sweetened coffee can be kept chilled in a sealed container for up to 2 days.
- Keep the finish separate: Store without ice or condensed milk, then add both just before drinking.
Ingredient notes
- Use strong coffee: A robust brew gives the drink its structure and prevents it tasting thin once served over ice.
- Cardamom adds warmth: Ground cardamom brings a subtle aromatic note; cinnamon can be used for a softer, warmer spice profile.
- Condensed milk matters: Sweetened condensed milk provides both sweetness and creaminess, so add it at the end for the best texture.
Common mistakes
- Do not boil the coffee: Warm it only until steaming; boiling can make the coffee taste harsh and flatten the spice.
- Avoid adding ice too soon: Pouring warm coffee over ice will dilute the drink quickly, so chill the coffee first.
Equipment you'll need
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pour the coffee into a small saucepan and warm it over medium heat until steaming hot but not boiling. Stir in the caster sugar and ground cardamom until fully dissolved and fragrant.
- Pour the sweetened coffee into a bowl and leave to cool for 5 minutes. Chill in the fridge until cold.
- Fill a glass with the ice cubes, then pour over the chilled coffee. Drizzle the sweetened condensed milk over the top and stir just before drinking so you get creamy swirls.
Recipe notes
Tips
- For the best flavour, brew the coffee extra strong so it stays bold once poured over ice.
- If serving to pregnant people, young children, older adults, or anyone immunocompromised, use pasteurised sweetened condensed milk and keep the drink well chilled.
Substitutions
- Replace caster sugar with the same amount of sweetened condensed milk for a sweeter, creamier drink.
- Replace ground cardamom with a pinch of ground cinnamon for a warmer spice note.
Storage
- Refrigerate up to 2 days
- Store the sweetened coffee (without ice and without sweetened condensed milk) in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Serve over fresh ice and add the sweetened condensed milk just before drinking.
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Recipe overview
- Servings: 1 glasses
- Total time: 20min (8min active)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cuisine: Thai
-
Allergens:
Milk
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