Thai Coffee Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it’s like a mini adventure in a cup, blending robust dark roast flavors with the sweet creaminess of condensed milk, taking my taste buds on a cozy trip to Thailand. Plus, the option to add cardamom gives it that irresistible exotic twist, and if I’m in the mood for something refreshing, the iced version never disappoints!

My passion for creating an ideal cup of Thai coffee knows no bounds. Using 2 tablespoons of dark roast with a medium-coarse grind and 1 1/2 cups of water draws a rich, delicious base from the coffee.

Sweetened condensed milk, by far the best thing to use if one wants to put something in the coffee and still call it coffee, makes it taste even better. I use it.

I suspect you might, too. Cardamom, ground as finely as possible, is a delightful and highly recommended addition.

To push it further toward the Thai finish line, you can use evaporated milk instead of the more common half-and-half.

Ingredients

Coffee, when consumed in moderation, may be good for you.

A growing body of research suggests that the world’s most popular beverage (and second most traded commodity, after oil) could have a number of health benefits.

Studies have found that coffee drinkers have a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, liver cancer, and several other health conditions.

Condensed milk: Shares the same properties as above.

Optional creamy texture; slightly richer in flavor with no added sugar.

Cardamom: Provides genuine, fragrant taste; is rich in antioxidants and could help with digestion.

Ice cubes: If you want to make an iced version, they are optional; they cool down the drink and make it a refreshing treat.

Ingredient Quantities

• 2 tablespoons medium-coarse ground coffee (preferably dark roast)
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 1 tablespoon sweetened condensed milk
• 1 teaspoon evaporated milk (optional)
• Ice cubes (optional for iced version)
• Pinch of cardamom (optional for authentic flavor)

Instructions

1. Start by taking 1 1/2 cups of water and boiling it in a kettle or on the stove until you have a good, rolling boil.

2. Combine 2 tablespoons of medium-coarse ground coffee with a coffee maker or a French press.

3. Make sure to completely soak the coffee grounds with the boiling water.

4. If you are using a French press, let the coffee steep for about 4 minutes. If you are using a coffee maker, let it do its thing.

5. When it is brewed, the coffee should be poured into a cup or glass that can withstand heat.

6. Include 1 tablespoon of sweetened condensed milk in the coffee, ensuring that it is mixed in thoroughly and uniformly before proceeding to the next step.

7. To achieve an optional, richer flavor, add 1 teaspoon of evaporated milk and stir.

8. For an authentic flavor, add a pinch of cardamom and stir well until everything is combined.

9. Should you favor the iced version, then fill a glass with ice cubes and pour the coffee mixture over the ice.

10. Enjoy your delicious Thai Coffee; serve it without delay.

Equipment Needed

1. Kettle or saucepan (for boiling water)
2. French press or coffee maker
3. Measuring cup
4. Tablespoon and teaspoon
5. Heatproof cup or glass
6. Stirring spoon
7. Tall glass (optional, for iced version)
8. Ice cube tray (optional, for iced version)

FAQ

• What type of coffee should I use?Preferably a dark roast, a medium-coarse grind coffee, used to make, Thai coffee, results in the rich-flavored beverage for which Thailand has become known.
• Can I make this coffee without the cardamom?It adds an authentic touch to the flavor profile, but you can skip the cardamom if you’d like.
• Is sweetened condensed milk necessary?The secret to the traditional sweet creaminess of Thai coffee is sweetened condensed milk. You can adjust the quantity to suit your taste.
• What purpose does evaporated milk serve?Extra creaminess and thickness come from evaporated milk, though it’s not necessary. It can reduce the coffee’s strength and make it taste a little mellow without adding any more sugar.
• How can I make this an iced coffee?For an iced version, let the coffee cool slightly, pour it over ice cubes, and enjoy a refreshing iced Thai coffee.
• Is there a specific brewing method required?You may utilize your favored brewing method, yet a simple drip or pour-over technique functions excellently to seize the complete taste.

Substitutions and Variations

For the coffee ground medium-coarse: Use coffee ground fine for a stronger brew or a different dark roast variety for a shift in flavor profile.
For the sweetened condensed milk: Replace it with unsweetened condensed milk and add sugar to your liking, or use coconut condensed milk for a dairy-free replacement.
To create a creamier version of evaporated milk, serve with half-and-half or whole milk. For a lighter option, you can omit any sort of milk altogether.
To prevent dilution in the iced version, use coffee ice cubes.
To replace cardamom: Use a tiny amount of nutmeg or cinnamon as a different spice note.

Pro Tips

1. Choose the Right Coffee Use a high-quality, dark roast coffee for a more authentic and bold flavor. Freshly ground coffee beans will also enhance the taste significantly.

2. Preheat Your Equipment Before brewing, preheat your French press or coffee maker with hot water. This helps maintain the optimal brewing temperature and results in better extraction.

3. Control the Brew Time When using a French press, be precise with your 4-minute steep time. Over-steeping can result in a bitter taste, while under-steeping can lead to a weak brew.

4. Layering Technique for Iced Coffee If making the iced version, pour the coffee slowly over the ice cubes to prevent dilution and preserve the coffee’s flavor integrity.

5. Adjust Sweetness and Richness Taste the coffee after adding the sweetened condensed milk and adjust to your preference. If you prefer a sweeter drink, add more condensed milk, and for a creamier texture, increase the amount of evaporated milk.