Sweetened Condensed Milk Iced Coffee

Why you’ll love this iced coffee

• You can skip the line at the coffee shop and make your own.
• Making this popular coffee drink at home is a great way to save money. 
• Two simple ingredients are all you need. 
• Use your favorite type of coffee – instant coffee, espresso, or regular brewed coffee.

Can you put condensed milk in coffee?

Absolutely! Adding condensed milk to coffee adds a sweet and creamy element that takes regular coffee to the next level. It can be enjoyed hot or iced. 

Can I use condensed milk instead of sugar in coffee?

Yes, not only does it add sweetness to the coffee it also lightens it up a bit so you don’t have to use milk. You can add whatever milk you like if you want it lighter but you don’t have to.

Is it better to use sugar or sweetened condensed milk?

Using sweetened condensed milk adds a bit of protein and bone healthy minerals such as calcium and phosphorus. Healthline has a great article explaining the nutritional facts and daily values of sweetened condensed milk. 

Why do people put condensed milk in coffee?

Coffee with sweetened condensed milk is also known as Vietnamese Coffee so lots of people like to make a homemade version. We can get traditional Vietnamese iced coffee at several places here in town but like to make it at home as well. One of the best things about making it at home is that I can control the strength of the coffee and the level of sweetness. 

Ingredients

See recipe card for exact amounts. 

Ingredient Notes

coffee – you can use your favorite type and brand. Plus, you can make it your favorite way. We prefer dark roast coffee to make this recipe. For authentic Vietnamese iced coffee you will need to use Vietnamese coffee. 

sweetened condensed milk – Carnation and Eagle Brand are the name brand options. There is usually a grocery store brand that is less expensive. You can use full fat or fat free. If you have milk and sugar you can make a homemade version of it, here is a recipe. 

ice – I use ice from the ice maker in my refrigerator. You can buy bagged ice or use an ice cube tray to make ice. While clear ice may look better in pictures I don’t care that my ice isn’t clear. 

How to make it iced

1. Make the coffee however you like and let it cool to room temperature. You can speed up this process by putting it in the refrigerator for a bit, maybe 30 minutes.  
2. Add sweetened condensed milk to the bottom of a tall glass and pour coffee over it. Stir to combine.
3. Fill the glass up the rest of the way with ice.

How to make it hot

1. Mix condensed milk with hot brewed coffee or if using instant coffee make the coffee with hot water and then mix the condensed milk into it. 

Tips

• Make sure the coffee and milk are mixed thoroughly before adding ice. It is difficult to mix once the ice is added. 
• You can use cold brew coffee but it requires a lot more time, usually about 12 hours to steep. 
• Use instant coffee if you like, there are no rules when you are making something for yourself. 
• Make coffee as strong or as weak as you like. 

Variations

Add more or less condensed milk depending on how sweet you want your iced coffee to be.

Use milk to make the coffee lighter. 

For a dairy free version use sweetened condensed coconut milk.

Many different flavoring can be added to the coffee milk mixture before you add the ice, below are a few suggestions.

• vanilla extract – about 1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon
• almond extract – about 1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon
• cocoa powder – about 1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon
• peppermint extract – a couple of drops
• cinnamon – about 1/8 – 1/4 teaspoon
• pumpkin pie spice – about 1/8 – 1/4 teaspoon

What is Traditional Vietnamese Iced Coffee?

Traditional Vietnamese iced coffee is made with Vietnamese coffee, makes sense right? According to Hungry Huy popular brands that you can get in the US include Trung Nguyen instant, Cafe Du Monde pre-ground and Chestbrew – Moon Bear whole coffee beans.

The coffee is made very strong using a phin, or Vietnamese coffee filter, and it is made very sweet. 

While this recipe is inspired by Vietnamese coffee we don’t use the same type of coffee or the same method that is used to make traditional Vietnamese coffee. 

More delicious coffee recipes

• Copycat Peppermint Mocha
• Brown Sugar Oat Milk Coffee
• Maple Syrup Coffee
• Iced Caramel Coffee
• Caramel Coffee