Thai Iced Coffee
Thai Iced Coffee is a delightful fusion of rich, bold coffee and sweetened condensed milk, spiced with hints of cardamom and often a touch of vanilla. Served over ice, this refreshing beverage offers a perfect balance of sweetness and robust flavor, making it an irresistible treat for coffee lovers. Enjoy it as a revitalizing pick-me-up or a unique dessert drink.
Ingredients
- blackCoffee
- Sugar
- podsCream
- Cardamom
Pairs Well With
- Mango sticky rice
- Thai dessert pastries
- Coconut macaroons
- Sesame seed cookies
- Thai custard tarts
- Fresh tropical fruit with condensed milk
Preparation
Prepare a pot of coffee at a good European strength. In the ground coffee, add 2 or 3 freshly ground cardamom pods. Sweeten while hot, then cool quickly. Serve in highball glass over ice, with cream. To get the layered effect, place a spoon atop the coffee and pour the milk carefully into the spoon so that it floats on the top of the coffee.
Best Enjoyed
Pro Tips
Use a traditional Thai coffee sock or metal filter for authentic preparation
serve over crushed ice for maximum chill
whisk condensed milk thoroughly to create a creamy texture
add a pinch of sea salt to enhance coffee depth
History & Origins
Thai Iced Coffee, known locally as 'Gaeng Som' or 'Oliang,' is an iconic beverage that reflects Thailand's colonial-era adoption of coffee alongside its indigenous tea traditions, typically prepared with dark-roasted coffee blended with condensed milk and spices. Dating back to the early 20th century, this drink emerged as a staple of Thai street culture and remains deeply embedded in Thai culinary identity. While not traditionally considered a cocktail, it has become a popular non-alcoholic base for creative bartenders crafting coffee cocktails in contemporary mixology.
Variations
Thai Iced Coffee Cocktail
Incorporates a splash of Kahlúa or coffee liqueur for an alcoholic version
Spiced Thai Coffee
Adds star anise, cardamom, and cinnamon for traditional Thai spice blending
Thai Coffee Martini
Combines Thai coffee with vodka and crème de cacao for a creamy martini
Thai Affogato Shot
Layers espresso shots over vanilla ice cream topped with Thai coffee
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