Thai Iced Coffee is a delightful blend of strong brewed coffee, sweetened condensed milk, and aromatic cardamom. The result is a bold, sweet, and creamy beverage that’s perfect for cooling off on a warm day or for simply enjoying as a delicious pick-me-up. The cardamom adds a subtle spice that complements the richness of the coffee, making it a unique twist on a classic iced coffee.
This traditional drink is a beloved staple in Thai culture, often enjoyed as a refreshing treat or paired with spicy Thai dishes. The easy preparation makes it an accessible recipe for anyone wanting to bring the flavors of Thailand into their home. Whether served in a tall glass over ice or in a more traditional Thai-style cup, Thai Iced Coffee is sure to become a favorite for coffee enthusiasts and those who love a hint of spice in their beverages.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup coffee grounds
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk
- Ice cubes
Directions:
- In a small bowl, combine coffee grounds and cardamom.
- Brew the coffee using your preferred method (drip, French press, or espresso), using the water and coffee mixture.
- Pour freshly brewed coffee into a heatproof glass. Add sweetened condensed milk and stir until fully combined.
- Fill a glass with ice cubes and pour the coffee mixture over the ice. Stir well and serve immediately.
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 5 minutes | Total Time: 10 minutes
Kcal: 192 kcal | Servings: 1 serving
A Taste of Thailand in a Glass
Thai Iced Coffee, known as “Oliang” in Thailand, is a traditional and beloved beverage that beautifully combines bold coffee flavors with the sweetness of condensed milk and the warmth of aromatic spices. While coffee has always been a popular drink worldwide, the Thai version offers a distinct and delightful twist that sets it apart from other coffee beverages.
This beverage is a staple of Thai street food culture, often enjoyed in the early morning hours from bustling market stalls or sipped leisurely as a refreshing afternoon drink. What makes Thai Iced Coffee so special is its balance of strong, rich coffee flavor with creamy, sweet undertones, and a subtle hint of spice that adds depth to every sip. It’s more than just coffee; it’s an experience of Thai flavors and hospitality.
The Key Ingredients and How They Shine
One of the key elements that distinguish Thai Iced Coffee from other iced coffees is the use of cardamom. This spice is not only popular in Thai cooking but also in cuisines across Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and India. Cardamom brings a warming, aromatic flavor to the coffee, balancing out the bitterness of the brew while enhancing its complexity. This delightful pairing of spice and coffee creates a truly unique beverage experience that tantalizes the taste buds.
The addition of sweetened condensed milk is another standout feature. Unlike regular milk or cream, condensed milk provides a rich, velvety texture and sweetness that makes the drink taste indulgent. It’s a great way to add both creaminess and flavor, making the coffee smooth and easy to drink. The combination of the strong coffee, the sweetness of the condensed milk, and the cardamom creates a harmonious flavor that is well-balanced and deeply satisfying.
How Thai Iced Coffee Stands Out
One reason Thai Iced Coffee is so popular is that it offers a refreshing way to enjoy coffee in a hot climate. The iced element makes it a cooling treat on warm days, perfect for sipping while relaxing on a patio or by the beach. It’s also a versatile drink—ideal as a morning caffeine boost, a refreshing afternoon pick-me-up, or even as a dessert drink after a spicy Thai meal. Its intense flavor and slightly sweet taste can complement a variety of dishes, from spicy noodles to sweet mango sticky rice.
Unlike many commercial iced coffees, which can sometimes taste watered down, Thai Iced Coffee is brewed strong so that it maintains its robust coffee flavor even when served over ice. This ensures that each sip is packed with flavor, making it much more satisfying than other iced coffee varieties.
Easy to Make and Perfect for All Occasions
One of the greatest benefits of Thai Iced Coffee is its simplicity. With only a handful of ingredients and a few minutes of preparation, this drink can be easily made at home. You don’t need any special equipment, and it’s highly customizable. If you like your coffee stronger, you can adjust the brew strength, or if you prefer a sweeter version, simply add more condensed milk.
Additionally, this recipe can be made ahead of time. Brew a larger batch of coffee and store it in the refrigerator to save time during your busy mornings. When you’re ready for a delicious glass of Thai Iced Coffee, just pour over ice, stir in the condensed milk, and enjoy!
Health Benefits and Nutritional Highlights
Thai Iced Coffee not only tastes delicious but also offers a few health benefits when consumed in moderation. Coffee itself is known for its rich antioxidant content, which can help fight free radicals in the body, reduce inflammation, and potentially lower the risk of certain diseases. The caffeine content can improve mental alertness, enhance physical performance, and provide that much-needed energy boost for a busy day.
Cardamom, the key spice in Thai Iced Coffee, is also packed with antioxidants and offers several health benefits. It is known to aid digestion, reduce inflammation, and support heart health. Adding a hint of cardamom to the coffee not only improves the flavor but also makes it easier on the stomach and adds a layer of health benefits that you wouldn’t get from regular iced coffee.
A Great Alternative to Sugary Drinks
While Thai Iced Coffee is sweetened with condensed milk, it’s still a better alternative to many commercially available sugary beverages. The sweetness is balanced and not overly sugary, and you have full control over how much condensed milk you add. This means you can make it as sweet or as mild as you like, tailoring it to your taste and dietary needs. For those looking to reduce sugar intake, you can opt for a sugar-free or reduced-sugar version of condensed milk, or use a natural sweetener like stevia or monk fruit extract.
A Versatile Coffee Beverage for Creative Tastes
One of the best things about Thai Iced Coffee is how versatile it is. While the traditional version calls for cardamom and sweetened condensed milk, you can experiment with different flavor combinations. Add a splash of coconut milk for a tropical twist, or sprinkle some cinnamon on top for a touch of warmth. You can even turn it into a coffee float by adding a scoop of vanilla or coconut ice cream for an indulgent dessert beverage.
For those who want a stronger caffeine kick, consider making a double brew, where you brew coffee once, then brew it again using the initial batch instead of water. This double-brewed coffee creates a bold and intense flavor that stands up well to the ice and sweetness of the condensed milk. Alternatively, you can use cold brew coffee, which provides a smoother, less acidic taste.
A Delight for Coffee Enthusiasts
For coffee enthusiasts, Thai Iced Coffee is a delightful change of pace from the typical espresso-based drinks like lattes or cappuccinos. The addition of cardamom and condensed milk offers a whole new flavor profile that is both rich and aromatic. It is the perfect drink to share with friends or to serve as a special treat at a brunch or dinner party. Plus, with its striking layers of dark coffee, creamy milk, and ice, Thai Iced Coffee is as beautiful to look at as it is to drink, making it an Instagram-worthy beverage.
A Cultural Experience in Every Sip
Every sip of Thai Iced Coffee brings with it a taste of Thailand’s culture and culinary tradition. It’s a drink that embodies the Thai love for strong flavors and balanced tastes. The use of local spices, sweetness, and strong coffee all point to the country’s diverse palate and rich culinary heritage. Sipping on a glass of Thai Iced Coffee is like taking a quick culinary trip to Thailand – you can almost hear the bustling sounds of a street market and smell the aromatic spices filling the air.
Conclusion
Thai Iced Coffee is a refreshing, sweet, and aromatic beverage that is easy to make and enjoy. With its unique combination of coffee, cardamom, and sweetened condensed milk, it offers a delightful change from the regular iced coffee and provides a flavorful experience that’s both exotic and comforting. Perfect for warm weather, a relaxing coffee break, or as a tasty finish to a meal, this coffee drink is sure to become a favorite.
