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How to Make Thai Iced Coffee (3-Ingredients)

This 3-Ingredient Thai Iced Coffee is so simply delicious, right at home. It’s about to become your new favorite coffee drink. No need to drive to a Thai restaurant in order to enjoy a cold, refreshing Thai iced coffee.

thai iced coffee recipe in glass mugs
It’s surprisingly easy to make strong, sweet, creamy Thai Iced Coffee

Video: Watch Us Make This Recipe

That video above just spoke louder than any words ever could. Every single sip of this Thai iced coffee will absolutely affirm skipping that long Starbucks drive-through line.

What is Thai Iced Coffee?

Thai iced coffee, also known as oliang or kafae boran, is a popular beverage originating from Thailand. It is a sweet and refreshing iced coffee that combines the flavors of strong coffee, sweetened condensed milk, and optional spices – which we highly recommend adding!

It’s also eye-opening, jaw-dropping delicious. We couldn’t believe how easy it is to create such magic in a cup, with just 3 little ingredients. We’ve been long-time fanatics of Thai iced coffee. I go weak in the knees at all the Thai restaurants, falling for Thai iced coffee anytime it was on the menu. Known for its bold, sweet, creamy flavors, this coffee beverage is popular for good reason.

thai iced coffee recipe being made
This super easy Thai iced coffee gets you all the flavors, with just 3 ingredients.

The 3 Ingredients

After about 17 cups of trial and tweaking, we zeroed in on just the right ingredient amounts for the most wondrous cup of Thai iced coffee on the planet.

  • Good, strong, smooth coffee. Traditionally, Thai iced coffee, the coffee is brewed using a coffee sock or a drip brewer, resulting in a strong concentrate. You can just as easily either brew extra-strong, bold coffee and let it cool before using. Or, you use a strong cold brew. You want strong coffee that doesn’t taste burnt.
  • 1 can of sweetened condensed milk, which is basically just the incredible combination of the creamiest milk and sugar.
  • Almond extract — though it’s just a teaspoon, this is an essential piece, so please don’t skip it! You’ll easily use up a bottle of almond extract with these Award Winning Almond Dessert Bars and this Easy Almond Jello.
  • A pinch of ground cardamom is optional, but provides a welcoming, aromatic essence – we highly recommend using it.

Pure, creamy, smooth, rich, amazing bliss awaits your mornings or afternoons.

thai iced coffee recipe in a mug with whipped cream
Serve Thai iced coffee with extra whipped cream on top, for the ultimate coffee drink.

Commonly Asked Questions

How is Thai iced coffee different from regular iced coffee?

Thai iced coffee differs from regular iced coffee in its flavor and preparation. Thai iced coffee uses strong coffee mixed with sweetened condensed milk and spices like cardamom or star anise. Regular iced coffee is simply coffee that is cooled and served over ice.

Are there any variations of Thai iced coffee?

Some recipes use different spices or flavorings like vanilla or almond extract. Additionally, some people prefer using Thai coconut milk instead of condensed milk to make it dairy-free. We highly recommend using almond extract and sweetened condensed milk for the best flavor profile.

Can I adjust the sweetness of Thai iced coffee?

Absolutely! One of the great things about Thai iced coffee is that you can adjust the sweetness to your preference. You can add more or less sweetened condensed milk based on how sweet you like your beverage. If you use less condensed milk, replace it with heavy cream or evaporated milk to help retain creaminess.

Where can I find Thai iced coffee?

If you want to order Thai iced coffee instead of making it, you’ll generally find it at Thai restaurants or cafes. It has also gained popularity globally, so you may find it in specialty coffee shops if you’re lucky to find one that sells it. Given that it’s so easy to make at home, you don’t have to drive out to search for it – you just need strong coffee, almond extract, and sweetened condensed milk. See our recipe.

More to Quench your thirst


thai iced coffee

Easy Thai Iced Coffee

5 from 36 ratings
This Thai Iced Coffee is so simply delicious, right at home. This strong, creamy drink about to become your new favorite coffee beverage. 
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Author: Amy Dong

Ingredients  

Instructions

  • In a pitcher, add coffee, sweetened condensed milk, and almond extract. Stir well. If desired, add ground cardamom and stir.
  • Pour into 4 glasses filled with ice. Stir and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Feel free to adjust amount of sweetened condensed milk to taste. If you’d like it less sweet, try replacing some of the sweetened condensed milk with heavy cream or evaporated milk to retain creaminess. 
  • If preferred, you can use a traditional coffee sock to make strong coffee with. 
  • Serving ideas: top off with fresh whipped cream for a refreshing coffee treat. For an after-dinner coffee dessert, try adding a splash of Irish cream or Kahlua. 
  • If you enjoyed this recipe, please come back and give it a rating ♡

Nutrition

Serving: 3g | Calories: 281kcal | Carbohydrates: 46.9g | Protein: 7.1g | Fat: 7.5g | Saturated Fat: 4.7g | Cholesterol: 29.2mg | Sodium: 114mg | Sugar: 46.9g
Course: beverage, drink
Cuisine: Thai
Diet: Gluten Free, Low Salt, Vegetarian
Method: mix

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Recipe Rating




58 comments

    • FOODHEAL

    WOW! this coffee looks so delicious and I love the recipe, just a few ingredients and I’ll have an amazing drink! I can’t wait to try it out. Thank you for sharing.

      • chewoutloud

      Glad you like it!

    • Moop Brown
    • 5 stars

    This coffee looks great- love how it allows for easy making at home also. Thanks for sharing!

      • chewoutloud

      You’re welcome!

    • Jacqueline Debono
    • 5 stars

    I have always wanted to try Thai iced coffee but for some reason thought it was more complicated! It’s so simple and so delicious. Will be a staple drink for us through the summer! Thanks for sharing!

      • chewoutloud

      It’s surprisingly simple!

    • Jenny
    • 5 stars

    Usually, I make the greek frappe coffee when the water gets warmer. Your recipe is a great alternative; the flavor is fantastic, still strong and lovely, creamy. I especially loved the cardamon. That was a surprise and a revelation! Thank you, I will add this Thai iced coffee to my coffee afternoon menu from now on.

      • chewoutloud

      Yay, so happy you liked this 🙂

    • Marisa F. Stewart
    • 5 stars

    This recipe came at the perfect time. I wanted a pick-me-up after I’d been working all day in the house and the Thai iced coffee was perfect. I was so hot working in the garden and once I finished I decided that a cold coffee would cool me off. I had all of the ingredients and it was so simple to throw together. I’ll be making this recipe often.

      • chewoutloud

      Yay, Marisa!

    • Anna
    • 5 stars

    I can’t believe how easy this was to make, and how utterly delicious and refreshing it tastes! I think I’m never going back to my regular cuppa again 🙂

      • chewoutloud

      Yay, so happy you liked it, Anna!

    • Colleen
    • 5 stars

    I can’t believe I visited Thailand and never had a Thai iced coffee! That will be remedied this weekend. It will be perfect for the hot weather we’re expecting!

      • chewoutloud

      Absolutely, Colleen! 🙂

    • Ginny
    • 5 stars

    Well, now I’m happy! This was the best iced coffee I’ve ever had. How could I never have thought of this simple recipe. Thank you so much!

      • chewoutloud

      SO happy you enjoyed the coffee, Ginny!

    • Janet Wells

    I used your recipe as a guide for a Paleo-friendly variety and it turned out great!!
    Instead of Sweetened Condensed milk I used the Almond Coconut Unsweetened Creamer and Monkfruit Sweetener…tastes great!

    • Lolobao

    Only one person tried this recipe? Dozens of “this looks great” comments? Why don’t people try it before commenting? I want to know if it tastes good, not if it is an “instagram worthy” photo. One review of the taste, which isn’t a stellar recommendation. Not good.

    • Gen

    My god, it took 10 minutes just to scroll past the garbage and get to the recipe!

      • chewoutloud

      So sorry, Gen. My “Jump to Recipe” button should be working soon. Thank you!

    • Jeff

    Where is the video??

      • chewoutloud

      Hi, Jeff! Video should be right in middle of the article; do you maybe have pop-ups disabled?

    • Kelly Burchfield

    My Thai food truck people left today to go to Thailand for a month and a half, so I will be trying this to keep from withdrawal.

    • Dominique

    I tried this recipe tonight and I was unable to obtaim the layering effect that traditional Thai iced coffee has. It was good flavor, the cardamom was a bit much for my taata, so I will add a tad bit less next time. I think I will try subbing either coconut milk or sweetened creamer next time. Thanks for the recipe!

      • chewoutloud

      Sounds like a great idea. Glad you enjoyed the flavors!

    • Leigh Anne Borders

    I want to make this for my husband. He would enjoy it. I am not a coffee drinker, but he is.

    • twinspirational

    This looks so delicious! We don’t like coffee, so will need to make it for a coffee lover friend.

    • Riley

    Wow, that video looks AMAZING! Love the cold brew idea, too! I know what I’m making this weekend, thanks for the awesome recipe.

    • adventuregirleliana

    Wow! I love Thai food but never ever ordered a Thai iced coffee before! This definitely sounds delish!! Will have to try making it!

    • Marielle Altenor

    I absolutely love iced coffee! I wonder if I can find this exact brand in my local grocery store.

    • Amanda

    That looks delicious. It’s always great when you perfect something at home rather than go out. You can make it any time!

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