Thai Iced Coffee

Thai Iced Coffee is a deliciously potent and refreshing beverage beloved for its balance of strong coffee and sweet, creamy dairy. Traditionally brewed using a cloth filter, the coffee is made extra strong to stand up to the dilution from ice and the richness of the milk. Sweetened condensed milk provides its signature sweetness and velvety texture, while a float of evaporated milk or cream adds a final luscious touch. It's a popular treat to combat the heat and humidity of Southeast Asia.
Thai Iced Coffee

Preparation

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

Thai Iced Coffee is categorized as an iced coffee drink. It is a non-alcoholic beverage known for its sweet and creamy profile, distinguishing it from other iced coffees around the world. It is a staple in Thai cuisine and beverage culture.

Serving

This is a non-alcoholic, cold drink served over plenty of ice in a tall Highball or Collins glass to showcase its creamy layers.
Serving size
350 ml / 12 oz
Alcohol content
0% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Highball glass
Glass treatment
None

Backstory

Originating from the bustling street food scene of Thailand, Thai Iced Coffee, or 'kafae yen', became a popular and affordable way for locals to get a caffeine boost while cooling down. Its unique preparation reflects the Thai palate for balancing strong, sweet, and rich flavors. The drink has since gained international fame, becoming a fixture in Thai restaurants worldwide.
Origin
Thailand, with its roots deeply embedded in 20th-century street vendor culture.

Thai Iced Coffee

This drink is known in its country of origin as "kafae yen," which literally translates to "iced coffee." The name accurately describes this popular Thai beverage. While simple, the name is iconic in Thailand's vibrant street food culture.
Original name
กาแฟเย็น (kafae yen)
Alternative name
Kafe Yen

Characteristics overview

Thai Iced Coffee boasts a bold coffee aroma balanced by sweet, caramel notes, with a velvety smooth texture and a visually appealing layered look. Its flavor is intensely sweet and creamy, making it a refreshing treat, especially during warm weather.
Flavor
Sweet, Creamy, Rich, Strong Coffee, Subtly Spiced
Aroma
Roasted Coffee, Sweet, Cardamom, Caramel
Taste balance
Sweet, Bitter
Aftertaste
Long, Sweet, Creamy
Fizziness
Still
Color appearance
Layered, Opaque, Dark Brown, Creamy Beige
Texture
Smooth, Rich, Velvety
Seasonality
Refreshing, Summery

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor profile is dominated by intense sweetness and creaminess, which beautifully balances the bitterness of the strong coffee. It is a rich, non-alcoholic, and completely still beverage.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

The core components for this drink are strongly brewed coffee, sweetened condensed milk for sweetness and texture, and evaporated milk for a creamy finish. Plenty of ice is essential to serve it refreshingly cold.
  • Strongly brewed coffee240 ml / 8 oz
    Use dark roast coffee, brewed double-strength. Thai coffee brands often include chicory.
  • Sweetened condensed milk30-60 ml / 2-4 tablespoons
    Adjust quantity to your desired sweetness level.
  • Evaporated milk30 ml / 2 tablespoons
    Used as a topper. Can be substituted with heavy cream or half-and-half.
  • IceCubed, to fill the glass
    Use plenty of ice to keep the drink very cold.
  • Cardamom pods2-3, crushed(optional)
    Add to the coffee grounds before brewing for an authentic, spiced flavor.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

You'll need a method to brew very strong coffee and a long spoon or whisk to thoroughly mix in the thick condensed milk.
  • Coffee maker: To brew the coffee (e.g., drip machine, French press, or traditional Thai 'tung dtom kafae' sock filter)
  • Long spoon: For stirring the condensed milk into the hot coffee

Instructions

The process involves brewing strong, hot coffee, dissolving sweetened condensed milk into it, and then pouring the mixture over a glass full of ice. A final float of evaporated milk creates the signature layered look.
1. Brew coffee at double strength. If using cardamom, add the crushed pods to the coffee grounds before brewing.
2. While the coffee is still hot, pour it into a heatproof pitcher or glass and stir in the sweetened condensed milk until it is completely dissolved. Adjust the amount of condensed milk to your preferred sweetness.
3. Allow the sweetened coffee mixture to cool down slightly. You can place it in the refrigerator for a few minutes to speed this up.
4. Fill a tall glass completely with ice cubes.
5. Pour the cooled coffee mixture over the ice, leaving a little space at the top. Gently float the evaporated milk or cream on top to create a layered effect, and serve immediately with a straw.

Garnishing

Thai Iced Coffee is typically served without any garnish. Its visual appeal comes from the distinct separation and eventual swirling of the dark coffee and light cream.
  • None: Traditionally, this drink is not garnished, allowing the creamy layers to be the main visual appeal.

Dietary Information

This drink contains caffeine and dairy, making it unsuitable for those with dairy allergies or who are vegan. However, it is naturally free from eggs, soy, nuts, and gluten.
✕ Contains alcohol
✕ Caffeine-free
✕ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✕ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This is a high-calorie beverage due to its significant sugar and fat content from the condensed and evaporated milk. It is very high in both carbohydrates and sugar.
Calories
250-350 kcal / 1046-1464 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
40-55 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
35-50 g
Sugar level

Occasions

Perfect as a refreshing drink on a hot summer day, Thai Iced Coffee also serves as a wonderful afternoon pick-me-up. It's a fantastic accompaniment to a spicy meal or a sweet treat during brunch.
  • Afternoon pick-me-up
  • Brunch
  • Hot weather refreshment

Pairing suggestions

The sweetness and creaminess of Thai Iced Coffee make it an excellent counterpoint to spicy Thai dishes, as it helps to cool the palate. It also pairs wonderfully with desserts like mango sticky rice or can be enjoyed on its own as a sweet indulgence.
  • Spicy Thai food like Pad Thai or Green Curry
  • Mango sticky rice
  • Flaky pastries or croissants

Thai Iced Coffee: A Sweet and Creamy Escape

Thai Iced Coffee is a globally recognized beverage that perfectly captures the essence of Thai flavors—bold, sweet, and satisfyingly rich. Its preparation is simple, yet the result is a complex and indulgent treat that offers both a caffeine kick and sweet relief. The strong coffee base is crucial, as it cuts through the intense sweetness of the condensed milk. It's an ideal drink for coffee lovers with a sweet tooth and a perfect introduction to the world of specialty coffee drinks.

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