Thai iced coffee is my favorite kind of afternoon rescue: strong, creamy, sweet, and completely unapologetic. I brew bold coffee, stir in sweetened condensed milk, and pour everything over plenty of ice. My husband calls it dessert in a glass, while my picky child requests a sip. Naturally, chaos wins.
Thai Iced Coffee Recipe
This Thai Iced Coffee Recipe combines strong coffee, sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and plenty of ice. The result tastes rich, creamy, sweet, and refreshing, making it an easy homemade treat whenever an ordinary afternoon needs a serious caffeine upgrade.
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups
- Measuring Spoons
- coffee maker
- Fine-mesh strainer
- Long Spoon
- 2 Tall Glasses
- Ice Tray
- refrigerator
Ingredients
Coffee Base
- Strong brewed coffee — 2 cups (480 ml), hot
- Granulated sugar — 1 tablespoon (12 g), optional
Flavoring
- Ground cardamom — 1/4 teaspoon (0.5 g)
- Vanilla extract — 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml)
Sweetened Condensed Milk Layer
- Sweetened condensed milk — 1/3 cup (100 g)
- Evaporated milk — 1/3 cup (80 ml)
Assembly
- Ice cubes — 2 cups (280 g)
- Evaporated milk — 2 tablespoons (30 ml), optional for topping
Instructions
- Brew 2 cups of strong coffee. For the boldest flavor, use dark-roast coffee and brew it slightly stronger than your usual morning cup.
- While the coffee remains hot, stir in cardamom, vanilla, and optional sugar. Mix until the sugar dissolves and the coffee smells fragrant.
- Let the coffee cool for several minutes. For a colder, smoother drink, refrigerate it for 20 to 30 minutes before assembling.
- In a separate bowl, stir the sweetened condensed milk and evaporated milk together until smooth and evenly combined.
- Fill two tall glasses generously with ice. Leave enough room for the coffee and creamy milk mixture without overflowing.
- Pour the chilled coffee evenly over the ice. The drink should look dark, cold, and refreshing.
- Slowly pour the condensed milk mixture over each glass. Add the optional evaporated milk on top for a creamy layered appearance.
- Stir each glass just before drinking to combine the bold coffee with the sweet, creamy layer. Serve immediately while the ice remains firm.
- For a softer, creamier drink, use slightly less ice. For a colder and stronger-tasting drink, add extra ice without increasing the milk.
Notes
Use strongly brewed coffee because ice and dairy naturally dilute the flavor. Adjust condensed milk for sweetness, using less for a more coffee-forward drink. Cardamom gives the classic aromatic character, while cinnamon, almond extract, or coconut milk can create fun variations. Chill the coffee before assembly to prevent rapid melting and watery flavor. For the best texture, assemble immediately before serving. If you need to prepare ahead, refrigerate the coffee and milk mixture separately for up to 2 days. Add fresh ice only when serving. Do not freeze the finished drink because the dairy can separate and become grainy.
