15-Minute Cold-Brew Iced Coffee
A smooth, less acidic iced coffee made by steeping ground coffee in hot water, then chilling with ice water to create a concentrate. The condensed milk adds creamy sweetness and body. Vietnamese-inspired, this is perfect for hot afternoons or as a make-ahead drink for busy mornings. The cold-brew method produces a mellow cup without bitterness, and the concentrate keeps for weeks.
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1
Pour ground coffee into a large heat-proof bowl or pot.
- 2
Add boiling water and stir until all grounds are wet.
- 3
Let steep for 5 minutes.
- 4
Strain through a French press in batches, or line a colander with 6 layers of cheesecloth over a clean bowl and pour the mixture through.
- 5
Discard grounds and add ice-cold water to the strained coffee.
- 6
Refrigerate the concentrate until ready to serve.
- 7
To serve, fill a glass almost to the top with ice.
- 8
Pour coffee concentrate to the top of the ice.
- 9
Add sweetened condensed milk and stir until fully incorporated.
Tips
Don't grind coffee too fine; it will pass through cheesecloth. Use a coarse grind similar to French press grounds.
Stir condensed milk thoroughly; it naturally sinks to the bottom. A spoon helps break up the sweetness for even distribution.
Pour concentrate over ice rather than chilling the glass first for the best flavor and texture contrast.
Good to Know
Cover and refrigerate concentrate for up to 3-4 weeks. Store prepared drink with ice for up to 1 day before dilution.
Make the coffee concentrate up to 4 weeks in advance. Prepare individual servings on demand for freshest flavor and ice texture.
Serve in a tall glass or mason jar over ice on warm afternoons, as a breakfast beverage, or after meals. Great for batch-making.
Common Mistakes
Don't grind coffee fine to avoid sediment and clogged cheesecloth.
Don't skip stirring the condensed milk to avoid overly sweet bottom layer.
Don't refrigerate the full drink to avoid over-dilution from melting ice; assemble per serving.
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
note: use less, stronger
FAQ
Can I use instant coffee instead of ground coffee?
Yes, dissolve 3-4 tablespoons instant coffee in the 8 cups boiling water, skip steeping, then add ice water and chill. Flavor will be less smooth but still pleasant.
How long does the concentrate keep in the fridge?
The concentrate keeps 3-4 weeks refrigerated in an airtight container. Individual drinks with ice are best consumed within 1 day.
What if I don't have cheesecloth or a French press?
Use a fine-mesh strainer lined with a clean coffee filter, or let grounds settle overnight and carefully pour off the clear liquid, leaving sediment behind.