Coffee / Tea
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.
- rich
- creamy
- spiced
- nutty
- Prep Time
- 5 min
- Glass
- Highball glass
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Yields
- 1 serving
Few coffee / tea recipes deliver rich and creamy quite like the Thai Iced Coffee. Ready in about 5 minutes. If you've searched for "brunch", this is the recipe to bookmark.
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Ingredients
- Serves
- 1 serving
- Glass
- Highball glass
- Prep
- 5 min
- blackCoffee
- Sugar
- podsCream
- Cardamom
Method
Preparation
- 01
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.
Origin
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.
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Bartender’s Insight
Pro Tips
Use a traditional Thai coffee sock or metal filter for authentic preparation
From Willow
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
At the Table
Perfect Pairings
Beyond the Classic
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
Questions
Frequently Asked
- The Thai Iced Coffee has a flavor profile that is rich, creamy, spiced, nutty. It is crafted to balance these characteristics into a harmonious, satisfying drink that appeals to a wide range of palates.
- The Thai Iced Coffee is ideal for brunch gatherings, dessert parties, casual get-togethers. Its flavor profile and presentation make it a versatile choice that works equally well as a social cocktail or a relaxed evening drink.
- Yes, there are several ways to adapt a Thai Iced Coffee. If you cannot source Coffee, look for a similar alternative that matches its flavor profile. Keep in mind that substitutions may alter the balance of the cocktail, so start with a smaller quantity and adjust to taste. The variations section above lists popular alternatives bartenders use.
- Some of the most popular Thai Iced Coffee variations include Thai Iced Coffee Cocktail, Spiced Thai Coffee, Thai Coffee Martini. Each variation puts a unique twist on the original recipe while retaining the essential character of the classic cocktail.
- The Thai Iced Coffee is traditionally served in a Highball glass. Using the right glassware is important because it affects the aroma, temperature retention, and overall drinking experience. If you do not have a Highball glass on hand, a similar shaped glass will work.
- Yes, a mocktail version of the Thai Iced Coffee is possible. Replace the base spirit with a non-alcoholic spirit alternative (there are many quality options available) and keep all other components the same. The result will capture much of the original's flavor profile while being suitable for guests who prefer alcohol-free options.
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