Served hot or cold, coconut coffee is not only popular in Vietnam but is also enjoyed all over the world. Get a taste of it with our coconut coffee recipe.
Vietnamese coconut coffee is one of those coffee drinks that is rich, satisfying, and delicious. Because Vietnam is a tropical country that grows plenty of coconuts, they use these fruits in many kinds of recipes. With our recipe for coconut coffee, you can enjoy this popular ethnic treat in less than five minutes total time.
Origins of Coconut Coffee
In the mid-1850s, coffee plants were introduced to the nation of Vietnam. In this tropical nation, coffee plantations quickly grew, until today Vietnam is the world’s second-largest exporter of coffee.
Most of the coffee grown in Vietnam is the Robusta variety, which has a higher caffeine level than the more aromatic Arabica kind of coffee. Robusta coffee has a strong flavor and a high acid level, making sipping coffee in Vietnam a unique experience.
The coffee culture is strong in Vietnam, with many people gathering in coffee shops to enjoy their favorite drink, often sweetened with sweetened condensed milk. Since coconuts are plentiful in the tropics, it was only a matter of time before someone added coconut milk to this drink.
Coconut Coffee Ingredients
- 2 ounces sweetened condensed milk
- 4 ounces coconut cream
- 12 ounces strong coffee
Step 1. Mix
In a small mixing bowl, stir together the sweetened condensed milk and the coconut cream until they are fully combined. You can use a wire whisk to do this quickly.
Step 2. Stir together
Pour the condensed milk and coconut cream mixture into the coffee, stirring to combine.
Step 3. Serve
Serve the coffee hot in mugs. You can top it with whipped cream, add a drizzle of coffee creamer, or dust it with cocoa powder to jazz up your morning beverage. However, this drink is also delicious plain.
Coconut Iced Coffee Adaptation
If you want a coconut iced coffee version of this recipe, allow the mixture to cool to room temperature, and then you can pour it over ice cubes in a tall glass. If you want to garnish this recipe to make for a better selfie with your Vietnamese coconut coffee, you can top the drink with whipped cream, grated toasted coconut, or even a dusting of cocoa powder.
Coconut Coffee Frappé Adaptation
If you have coffee ice cubes in the freezer, you can use them to make a coconut coffee frappé drink in only a few minutes of prep time. Add 4 to 6 coffee ice cubes to 6 ounces of cold coffee and whirl these together in the blender with the sweetened condensed milk and coconut cream, pulsing the mixture until it is smooth and creamy.
Enjoy this version of Vietnamese iced coffee on a hot summer day in a tall glass with a straw.
Making the Coffee For This Recipe
This coffee recipe can be created using any kind of coffee that you have on hand. If you have leftover coffee made from your favorite coffee beans in a traditional coffee maker, you can use that. Alternately, you can brew up a cup of French press coffee, cold brew coffee, espresso, or even instant coffee mixed with hot water will work.
Vegan Coconut Coffee
It is possible to make this recipe in a dairy-free version. If you or the person that you want to serve is vegan, you will have to make your own vegan sweetened condensed milk.
You will need a 14 ounce can of coconut milk and 2/3 cup of sugar. Mix these two ingredients in a heavy-bottomed saucepan until the sugar is dissolved. Then, slowly simmer it, unstirred, for 30 to 45 minutes until it is thick and gooey.
Allow the vegan sweetened condensed milk to cool completely before you pour it into a jar with a tightly fitting lid for storage. You can then use this mixture in the recipe for coconut coffee as instructed above. You should store the leftover vegan sweetened condensed milk in the refrigerator for up to a month.
Final Word on Coconut Coffee Recipe
Coconut coffee is a regional drink that tastes good no matter where you are from. With so many variations, there is sure to be at least one version that will appeal to you on any specific day.
FAQs About Coconut Coffee Recipe
Are there any ways to tweak this recipe?
Yes, you can change this recipe for coconut coffee to suit your own tastes. Adding vanilla extract adds a delicious flavor twist, and you can add additional sweeteners, like maple syrup, granulated sugar, or agave if you prefer. You can also include a splash of whatever flavor of coffee creamer that you like to add flavor to the mixture.
What kind of coffee do I need to use for this recipe?
Any kind of coffee that you have on hand will work for this recipe. Whether you drink cold brew coffee, French press coffee, or even instant coffee, any of these will be good in this recipe.
Is coconut coffee healthy?
Coconut is very healthy plant food to add to your diet. Adding coconut to your coffee can increase your metabolism and increase your energy level. If you already drink coffee every morning, adding a bit of coconut cream may give you some health benefits.
