🏠 Home > 🗺️ Recipes > 🍷 Drinks > 🇻🇳 Vietnam Drinks > 🍷 Cà Phê Sữa Đá (Vietnamese Iced Coffee) , Nước Mía (Fresh Sugarcane Juice) , Sữa Đậu Nành (Soy Milk Drink)
🍷 Sip, Slurp, and Savor: Unlocking the Secrets to Vietnam’s Best Non-Alcoholic Drinks
Introduction
If there’s one thing Vietnam is known for—besides its stunning landscapes and irresistible street food—it’s the drinks! From the hustle of Hanoi’s sidewalks to Saigon’s night buzz, locals are always sipping on something cold, creamy, or perfectly balanced between bitter and sweet. Vietnamese beverages are more than just refreshments; they’re tiny cultural experiences in a cup.
In this article, we’ll dive into three iconic Vietnamese drinks that locals swear by and travelers instantly fall in love with:
1.Cà Phê Sữa Đá (Vietnamese Iced Coffee) – bold, rich, and perfectly sweetened.
2.Nước Mía (Sugarcane Juice) – refreshing and naturally energizing.
3.Sữa Đậu Nành (Soy Milk Drink) – smooth, gentle, and full of plant-based goodness.
Whether you’re chasing that morning caffeine hit, looking for a cooling street-side drink, or craving a comforting night sip, these recipes have you covered.
🔹 Recipe 1: Cà Phê Sữa Đá (Vietnamese Iced Coffee)
About This Recipe
If Vietnam had a national drink, this would be it. Cà Phê Sữa Đá combines dark roast Vietnamese coffee (usually robusta beans) with sweetened condensed milk, poured over ice. It’s not just coffee—it’s a ritual. The slow drip from the phin filter, the aroma filling the air, and that first sip of bittersweet perfection.
Ingredients & Measurements
- 2 tbsp Vietnamese ground coffee (robusta blend preferred)
- 2 tbsp sweetened condensed milk
- ¾ cup hot water (around 90°C / 194°F)
- 1 cup ice cubes
Step-by-Step Instructions
1.Place 2 tbsp of coffee into your phin filter.
2.Gently press the coffee with the metal tamp (not too tight).
3.Add 2 tbsp of hot water and let the coffee bloom for 30 seconds.
4.Pour the remaining water into the filter and cover with the lid.
5.Let it drip slowly for about 4–5 minutes.
6.Once done, remove the filter, stir in the condensed milk, and pour the mixture over ice.
Tips & Mistakes to Avoid
- Don’t rush the drip. Slow dripping extracts deeper flavors.
- Use robusta beans—they’re stronger and give that authentic Vietnamese bitterness.
- Avoid adding sugar; condensed milk is already sweet enough.
FAQ
Q: Can I use instant coffee instead?
A: You can, but it won’t have the same strong flavor. For authenticity, use ground Vietnamese coffee.
Q: Can I use plant-based condensed milk?
A: Yes! Coconut or oat-based condensed milk works great if you’re vegan.
Summary
Cà Phê Sữa Đá is more than a drink—it’s a daily tradition across Vietnam. The creamy sweetness meets the coffee’s bitter depth, giving you a perfect kick-start to any day.
🔹 Recipe 2: Nước Mía (Sugarcane Juice)
About This Recipe
Nước Mía is the ultimate Vietnamese street-side refresher. Vendors crush fresh sugarcane stalks through a press machine, mixing it with calamansi or lime juice. The result? A golden-green elixir that’s energizing, sweet, and slightly tangy.
Ingredients & Measurements
- 2 fresh sugarcane stalks (trimmed and peeled)
- 1–2 small limes (or calamansi)
- Ice cubes
Step-by-Step Instructions
1.Cut sugarcane stalks into sections that fit your juicer or press.
2.Run the stalks through a sugarcane juicer.
3.Add a squeeze of lime or calamansi juice for brightness.
4.Pour into a tall glass filled with ice.
Tips & Mistakes to Avoid
- Always use fresh sugarcane; stored ones lose sweetness fast.
- Don’t overdo the lime—it can overpower the natural sugarcane flavor.
- Chill your glass before pouring for extra freshness.
FAQ
Q: Can I make this without a juicer?
A: You can crush sugarcane chunks with a rolling pin, then strain the juice through cheesecloth.
Q: How long can I store sugarcane juice?
A: It’s best fresh. But if needed, refrigerate for up to 24 hours in a sealed jar.
Summary
Nước Mía is Vietnam’s natural energy drink—sweet, tangy, and hydrating. Perfect for a hot afternoon or a tropical getaway mood.
🔹 Recipe 3: Sữa Đậu Nành (Soy Milk Drink)
About This Recipe
Sữa Đậu Nành is the cozy, comforting side of Vietnamese beverages. You’ll find it served warm on cool mornings or chilled in plastic bags tied with rubber bands from street stalls. It’s made from blended soybeans, sugar, and a hint of pandan or vanilla for aroma.
Ingredients & Measurements
- 1 cup dried soybeans
- 4 cups water (plus extra for soaking)
- ¼ cup sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 pandan leaf (optional) or ½ tsp vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
1.Rinse soybeans thoroughly and soak them overnight (at least 8 hours).
2.Drain and peel off the soybean skins (optional, but makes smoother milk).
3.Blend soybeans with 4 cups of water until smooth.
4.Strain through a nut milk bag or cheesecloth into a pot.
5.Add pandan leaf and simmer on low heat for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6.Add sugar to taste and remove the pandan leaf before serving.
Tips & Mistakes to Avoid
- Boil thoroughly. Raw soy milk can cause stomach discomfort.
- Use muslin cloth or nut milk bag for fine filtering—no grainy texture.
- Don’t over-sweeten; the goal is a gentle, natural flavor.
FAQ
Q: Can I flavor it differently?
A: Absolutely! Add a little ginger for warmth or a dash of salt for balance.
Q: How long can I keep soy milk?
A: Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Shake before drinking—it naturally separates.
Summary
Sữa Đậu Nành is Vietnam’s go-to drink for comfort and health. Smooth, nutritious, and lightly sweet, it’s perfect for breakfast or as a relaxing nightcap.
Final Thoughts
Vietnamese drinks perfectly capture the country’s soul—vibrant, diverse, and deeply connected to daily life. From the bold buzz of Cà Phê Sữa Đá to the refreshing sweetness of Nước Mía, and the calm warmth of Sữa Đậu Nành, every sip tells a story.
You don’t need fancy equipment or exotic ingredients—just patience and curiosity. Try making one drink each week, experiment with sweetness and temperature, and soon you’ll find your favorite Vietnamese flavor.
And hey, if you ever visit Vietnam, don’t forget to grab these drinks straight from the streets—they taste even better when paired with the local atmosphere, laughter, and a bit of tropical sunshine.
Now it’s your turn—brew, pour, and sip the Vietnamese way!
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