Vietnamese Coconut Milk Coffee Recipe: A Creamy Tropical Twist
If you love coffee that’s bold, creamy, and slightly sweet, you’re going to fall in love with Vietnamese coconut milk coffee. It’s rich, tropical, and has that unique balance of strong coffee and silky coconut flavor that makes it totally irresistible.
Vietnam is known for its strong, slow-dripped coffee and creative ways of mixing it — from egg coffee to iced coconut coffee (Cà phê cốt dừa). The version with coconut milk is one of the most popular because it feels like dessert in a cup — yet it’s refreshing enough to enjoy any time of day.
Today, I’ll walk you through the step-by-step Vietnamese coconut milk coffee recipe, plus some tips to customize it just the way you like it.
What Is Vietnamese Coconut Milk Coffee?
Vietnamese coconut milk coffee, or Cà phê sữa dừa, is a delicious blend of strong brewed Vietnamese coffee, creamy coconut milk, and sweetened condensed milk.
Unlike regular lattes that use dairy, this coffee has a tropical twist thanks to the coconut flavor. It’s smooth, lightly sweet, and carries a comforting aroma of roasted coffee and coconut.
You can serve it hot or iced, depending on your mood — and both versions taste incredible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need to make one glass of creamy, café-style coconut coffee at home:
For the Coffee:
- 2 tablespoons Vietnamese ground coffee (such as Trung Nguyên or any dark roast)
- 4 oz (½ cup) hot water
For the Coconut Cream Mixture:
- ¼ cup coconut milk (full-fat for a creamy texture)
- 2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tablespoon sugar (adjust to taste)
- A handful of ice cubes (if serving cold)
Optional:
- Shredded coconut for garnish
- A drizzle of coconut cream on top
- A pinch of sea salt for a salted-caramel twist
Step-by-Step: How to Make Vietnamese Coconut Milk Coffee
Step 1: Brew Your Vietnamese Coffee
Traditionally, this coffee is brewed using a phin filter — a small Vietnamese metal drip filter.
If you have one:
- Add 2 tablespoons of Vietnamese coffee grounds to your phin.
- Gently press the filter insert down.
- Pour a little hot water (about 2 tablespoons) to bloom the coffee for 30 seconds.
- Then fill the rest of the phin with hot water and let it drip slowly — about 4–5 minutes.
If you don’t have a phin filter, don’t worry — you can use a French press or espresso machine for a similar strong brew.
Step 2: Make the Coconut Milk Mixture
In a separate cup, whisk together:
- Coconut milk
- Sweetened condensed milk
- Sugar
Mix until smooth and creamy. If you like it thicker and frothy, you can blend it for a few seconds or shake it in a jar.
Step 3: Combine and Serve
For Iced Coconut Coffee:
- Fill your glass with ice.
- Pour in the coconut milk mixture.
- Slowly pour the brewed coffee over the top.
- Stir gently and enjoy the marbled layers of coffee and coconut.
For Hot Coconut Coffee:
- Warm the coconut mixture in a saucepan.
- Pour the hot coffee over it and stir well.
- Top with a light drizzle of coconut cream or froth if desired.
Tips for the Perfect Coconut Milk Coffee
- Use full-fat coconut milk – It creates that rich, creamy body that makes this drink special.
- Don’t skip the condensed milk – It adds sweetness and balances the bitterness of Vietnamese coffee.
- Add ice right before serving – That way, your drink stays chilled without getting watered down.
- For extra indulgence – Add a scoop of coconut ice cream on top (seriously, try it once!).
Variations to Try
- Vegan version: Skip the condensed milk and use coconut condensed milk or a mix of coconut cream + maple syrup.
- Coconut Espresso Latte: Replace the Vietnamese coffee with 2 shots of espresso.
- Frozen Coconut Coffee: Blend the mixture with ice for a creamy coffee slushie.
- Coconut Mocha: Add 1 teaspoon of cocoa powder for a chocolate twist.
Why You’ll Love This Drink
- Dairy-free (if you choose vegan condensed milk)
- Refreshing yet energizing
- Perfect for summer mornings or afternoon treats
- Easy to make with just a few ingredients
It’s a beautiful mix of bold Vietnamese flavor and island sweetness — a match made in coffee heaven.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a coffee lover or just want to try something new, this Vietnamese coconut milk coffee recipe will instantly transport you to the tropical streets of Hanoi or Saigon.
It’s creamy, aromatic, and perfectly balanced — a refreshing drink you’ll want to make again and again.
So, grab your coconut milk and phin filter, and give this recipe a try! You might just find your new favorite way to enjoy coffee.
