Whip Up Authentic Thai Iced Coffee: Easy Recipe!

September 25, 2025 by TextBrain Team 49 views

Hey coffee lovers! Ever craved that sweet, creamy, and incredibly refreshing Thai Iced Coffee you get from your favorite Thai restaurant? Well, guess what? You can easily make it at home! This guide will walk you through a simple recipe to create the perfect glass of this delicious beverage. Trust me, once you nail this, you’ll be sipping on homemade Thai Iced Coffee all the time. Let’s dive in!

What is Thai Iced Coffee?

Before we jump into the recipe, let's talk about what makes Thai Iced Coffee so special. Thai Iced Coffee, or Oliang, is a sweet and creamy coffee drink that's super popular in Thailand. What sets it apart from regular iced coffee is the unique blend of spices and ingredients added to the coffee during the brewing process. These additions give it a distinctive flavor profile that's both bold and refreshing. Traditionally, the coffee is brewed strong and then mixed with sweetened condensed milk and sometimes evaporated milk, creating a rich and indulgent treat. The spices often include cardamom, coriander, and sometimes even tamarind, which add layers of complexity to the flavor. This isn't just your average iced coffee; it’s an experience in a glass! The history of Thai Iced Coffee is also fascinating. It evolved as a way to make coffee more accessible and appealing in the hot Thai climate. The addition of spices and sweeteners not only enhanced the taste but also helped to preserve the coffee and make it more palatable. Over time, it has become a staple in Thai cuisine, enjoyed by locals and tourists alike. When you make Thai Iced Coffee at home, you're not just making a drink; you're connecting with a culinary tradition that has been refined and perfected over generations. Plus, it's a fantastic way to impress your friends and family with your exotic beverage-making skills! So, are you ready to get started? Let's gather our ingredients and transform your kitchen into a Thai coffee shop!

Ingredients You'll Need

Alright, let’s gather our ingredients. Here's what you'll need to make a fantastic glass of Thai Iced Coffee:

Strong Brewed Coffee: The base of our drink! Use a dark roast for the best flavor. You'll want about 4 ounces (120ml) of strongly brewed coffee. The strength of the coffee is crucial because it needs to stand up to the sweetness of the condensed milk and the ice. A dark roast like Sumatran or French roast works wonderfully because they have bold, robust flavors that won't get lost in the mix. If you're using a lighter roast, you might want to brew it a bit stronger than usual to achieve the desired intensity. Remember, the better the coffee, the better your Thai Iced Coffee will be! So, choose your beans wisely and brew with care.
Sweetened Condensed Milk: This is where the magic happens! About 2-3 tablespoons (30-45ml) will give you that signature sweetness and creaminess. Sweetened condensed milk is the key ingredient that gives Thai Iced Coffee its distinctive texture and flavor. It's much thicker and sweeter than regular milk, and it adds a luxurious richness to the drink that's hard to replicate with other sweeteners. Adjust the amount to your liking, but remember that Thai Iced Coffee is traditionally quite sweet. If you're watching your sugar intake, you can try using a low-sugar version, but be aware that it might slightly alter the taste and consistency.
Evaporated Milk (Optional): For extra creaminess, add 1-2 tablespoons (15-30ml). While sweetened condensed milk provides the sweetness and richness, evaporated milk adds an extra layer of creaminess that makes the drink even more indulgent. It has a slightly cooked flavor that complements the coffee and spices beautifully. If you're not a fan of very rich drinks, you can skip the evaporated milk altogether. However, if you want to elevate your Thai Iced Coffee to the next level, I highly recommend giving it a try. It's the secret ingredient that many Thai street vendors use to make their iced coffee extra special.
Sugar (Optional): If you prefer it even sweeter, add sugar to taste. While sweetened condensed milk is usually enough to provide the desired sweetness, some people prefer their Thai Iced Coffee extra sweet. If you're one of them, feel free to add a spoonful or two of sugar to the mix. I recommend using simple syrup because it dissolves easily and won't leave any gritty residue in your drink. However, regular granulated sugar will also work just fine. Just make sure to stir well until the sugar is completely dissolved before adding the ice.
Cardamom (Optional): A pinch of ground cardamom can add a lovely, authentic flavor. Cardamom is a common spice used in Thai Iced Coffee, and it adds a warm, aromatic note that complements the coffee and sweetness perfectly. Just a small pinch is enough to make a difference. If you're using cardamom pods, you can lightly crush them and add them to the coffee while it's brewing. This will infuse the coffee with the cardamom flavor. However, ground cardamom is more convenient and works just as well. If you're feeling adventurous, you can also experiment with other spices like cinnamon, cloves, or star anise.
Ice: To make it iced coffee, of course! Plenty of ice is essential for making Thai Iced Coffee. It not only chills the drink but also dilutes it slightly, which helps to balance the sweetness and richness. I recommend using large ice cubes because they melt slower and won't water down your coffee as quickly. You can also use crushed ice if you prefer a slushier texture. Just make sure to use enough ice to keep your Thai Iced Coffee cold and refreshing.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get to the fun part – making the Thai Iced Coffee! Follow these simple steps, and you'll be enjoying a delicious glass in no time.

Brew Strong Coffee: Brew your coffee using your preferred method – drip, French press, or espresso. Make sure it’s strong! The key to a great Thai Iced Coffee starts with a strong brew. Whether you prefer using a drip coffee maker, a French press, or an espresso machine, make sure your coffee is robust and flavorful. If you're using a drip coffee maker, use a higher coffee-to-water ratio than usual. For a French press, let the coffee steep for a few extra minutes to extract maximum flavor. And if you're using an espresso machine, pull a double shot for each serving of Thai Iced Coffee. The stronger the coffee, the better it will stand up to the sweetness of the condensed milk and the ice. So, don't be afraid to experiment and find the brewing method that works best for you.
Add Cardamom (Optional): If using cardamom, add a pinch to the brewed coffee and stir well. Cardamom adds a unique, aromatic flavor that enhances the overall taste of Thai Iced Coffee. If you're using ground cardamom, simply add a small pinch to the brewed coffee and stir well to combine. If you're using cardamom pods, lightly crush them and add them to the coffee while it's still hot. This will allow the cardamom to infuse its flavor into the coffee. You can also experiment with other spices like cinnamon, cloves, or star anise to create your own unique blend of flavors. Just remember to use a light hand, as too much spice can overpower the other flavors in the drink.
Sweeten with Condensed Milk: Pour the sweetened condensed milk into the coffee and stir until well combined. Sweetened condensed milk is the key ingredient that gives Thai Iced Coffee its distinctive sweetness and creamy texture. Pour the desired amount of sweetened condensed milk into the coffee and stir well until it's completely dissolved. Start with 2 tablespoons and add more to taste, depending on your preference. Keep in mind that Thai Iced Coffee is traditionally quite sweet, so don't be afraid to go a little overboard. If you're watching your sugar intake, you can try using a low-sugar version of sweetened condensed milk, but be aware that it might slightly alter the taste and consistency of the drink.
Add Evaporated Milk (Optional): If using, add the evaporated milk and stir. Evaporated milk adds an extra layer of creaminess to Thai Iced Coffee, making it even more indulgent. If you're using evaporated milk, add it to the coffee after you've added the sweetened condensed milk and stir well to combine. Start with 1 tablespoon and add more to taste, depending on your preference. If you're not a fan of very rich drinks, you can skip the evaporated milk altogether. However, if you want to elevate your Thai Iced Coffee to the next level, I highly recommend giving it a try. It's the secret ingredient that many Thai street vendors use to make their iced coffee extra special.
Fill Glass with Ice: Fill a tall glass with ice cubes. Make sure you have plenty of ice on hand to keep your Thai Iced Coffee cold and refreshing. Fill a tall glass with ice cubes, leaving enough room at the top for the coffee mixture. I recommend using large ice cubes because they melt slower and won't water down your coffee as quickly. You can also use crushed ice if you prefer a slushier texture. Just make sure to fill the glass almost to the top with ice to ensure that your Thai Iced Coffee stays cold for as long as possible.
Pour Coffee Over Ice: Pour the coffee mixture over the ice. Carefully pour the coffee mixture over the ice-filled glass, making sure to leave a little bit of room at the top. As the hot coffee hits the ice, it will start to melt slightly, creating a beautiful swirl of colors and flavors. The ice will also help to chill the coffee quickly, making it ready to drink in just a few minutes. If you're using a glass straw, you can insert it into the glass at this point. Otherwise, you can wait until you've added the final touch – a drizzle of evaporated milk or sweetened condensed milk on top.
Stir Well: Give it a good stir to mix everything together. Stirring the Thai Iced Coffee is essential to ensure that all the ingredients are well combined and that the flavors are evenly distributed. Use a long spoon or a straw to stir the coffee mixture thoroughly, making sure to reach all the way to the bottom of the glass. This will also help to dissolve any remaining sugar or condensed milk that might have settled at the bottom. Keep stirring until the coffee is uniformly colored and the ice is evenly distributed throughout the glass. The more you stir, the better your Thai Iced Coffee will taste!
(Optional) Drizzle More Sweetened Condensed Milk: For an extra touch of sweetness and presentation, drizzle a little more sweetened condensed milk on top. A drizzle of sweetened condensed milk not only adds an extra touch of sweetness but also enhances the presentation of the drink. Carefully drizzle a small amount of sweetened condensed milk over the top of the coffee, creating a beautiful swirl of white against the dark brown coffee. You can also use a toothpick or a skewer to create intricate patterns in the milk. This is a great way to impress your friends and family with your homemade Thai Iced Coffee. Alternatively, you can drizzle a small amount of evaporated milk over the top for a slightly different flavor and texture.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious homemade Thai Iced Coffee! Now that you've made your own Thai Iced Coffee, it's time to sit back, relax, and enjoy the fruits of your labor. Serve the coffee immediately while it's still cold and refreshing. You can garnish it with a sprig of mint or a slice of lime for an extra touch of elegance. Thai Iced Coffee is the perfect drink to enjoy on a hot summer day, or any time you're craving a sweet and refreshing treat. So, go ahead and take a sip – you deserve it!

Tips for the Perfect Thai Iced Coffee

Use Quality Coffee: The better the coffee, the better your Thai Iced Coffee will be. Always start with high-quality coffee beans to ensure that your Thai Iced Coffee is as delicious as possible. Look for a dark roast coffee that has a bold, robust flavor. This will help the coffee stand up to the sweetness of the condensed milk and the ice. You can also experiment with different types of coffee beans to find the one that you like best. Some popular choices include Sumatran, French roast, and Italian roast. No matter what type of coffee you choose, make sure it's fresh and well-ground.
Adjust Sweetness to Taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of sweetened condensed milk to your liking. Everyone has different preferences when it comes to sweetness, so don't be afraid to adjust the amount of sweetened condensed milk to suit your taste. Start with 2 tablespoons and add more to taste, depending on your preference. If you're watching your sugar intake, you can try using a low-sugar version of sweetened condensed milk. Alternatively, you can add a small amount of sugar or simple syrup to the coffee to sweeten it to your liking.
Experiment with Spices: Try different spices like cinnamon, star anise, or cloves for a unique twist. While cardamom is the most common spice used in Thai Iced Coffee, you can also experiment with other spices to create your own unique blend of flavors. Cinnamon adds a warm, comforting note, while star anise adds a slightly licorice-like flavor. Cloves add a pungent, aromatic flavor that complements the coffee and sweetness perfectly. Just remember to use a light hand, as too much spice can overpower the other flavors in the drink.
Make it Vegan: Use coconut condensed milk and your favorite plant-based milk for a vegan version. If you're vegan or lactose intolerant, you can still enjoy Thai Iced Coffee by making a few simple substitutions. Use coconut condensed milk instead of regular sweetened condensed milk to provide the sweetness and creaminess. You can also use your favorite plant-based milk, such as almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk, instead of evaporated milk. These substitutions will allow you to enjoy all the delicious flavors of Thai Iced Coffee without any of the animal products.
Chill the Coffee: For the best results, chill the brewed coffee before adding it to the ice. Chilling the brewed coffee before adding it to the ice will help to prevent the ice from melting too quickly and watering down your drink. You can chill the coffee in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight. Alternatively, you can add a few ice cubes to the coffee while it's still hot to chill it down quickly. Just make sure to remove the ice cubes before adding the coffee to the glass, or your Thai Iced Coffee will be too watery.

Variations

Thai Iced Tea: Use strong brewed Thai tea instead of coffee for a similar, equally delicious drink. If you're not a coffee drinker, you can still enjoy the flavors of Thai Iced Coffee by making Thai Iced Tea instead. Simply substitute strong brewed Thai tea for the coffee and follow the same instructions as above. Thai tea has a unique, slightly floral flavor that complements the sweetness of the condensed milk and the ice perfectly. It's a refreshing and delicious alternative to Thai Iced Coffee that's sure to please.
Spiced Thai Coffee: Add a blend of spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to the coffee while brewing for a warm, comforting flavor. For a more complex and flavorful Thai Iced Coffee, try adding a blend of spices to the coffee while it's brewing. Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves all add warm, comforting notes that complement the coffee and sweetness perfectly. You can also add a pinch of cardamom for an extra touch of authenticity. Experiment with different spice combinations to find the one that you like best. Just remember to use a light hand, as too much spice can overpower the other flavors in the drink.

Conclusion

There you have it! Making Thai Iced Coffee at home is super easy and rewarding. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can whip up a refreshing and delicious drink that rivals your favorite Thai restaurant. So grab your coffee, condensed milk, and ice, and get brewing! Enjoy, guys!