How Is Classic Thai Iced Coffee (Oliang) Made?
Espresso
Thai Iced Coffee (known as Oliang or Café Yen Yen Yen in Thailand) is a richly flavored, sweet, and refreshing beverage characterized by its strong, dark-roasted coffee base combined with sweetened condensed milk and a distinctive aromatic profile derived from traditional Thai coffee blends. Frequently searched under terms such as “Thai iced coffee,” “Thai iced coffee recipe,” “Thai iced coffee flavor,” “how to make Thai iced coffee,” and “Thai coffee recipe,” this drink delivers a harmonious balance of robust coffee bitterness, creamy sweetness, and subtle spice notes, making it one of the most iconic iced coffee preparations in Southeast Asia.
10 mins
Easy
Iced
4.9 stars
Ingredients
- ☕ 2–3 tablespoons (approximately 20–30 g) Thai coffee grounds (medium-fine grind; traditional dark-roasted blend often containing Robusta with added corn, soy, or cardamom – brands such as Pantai or Café Du Monde are widely used)
- 💧 120–150 ml near-boiling water (90–96 °C)
- 🥛 3–4 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk (adjust to preferred sweetness)
- 🥛 80–120 ml evaporated milk or whole milk (for extra creaminess)
- 🍯 1–2 teaspoons granulated sugar (optional, depending on condensed milk sweetness)
- ❄️ Ice cubes (generous amount, filling the glass)
Directions
- Place the sweetened condensed milk at the bottom of a tall glass (approximately 400–500 ml capacity).
- Position a traditional Thai drip filter (or a metal phin-style filter) directly over the glass.
- Add the Thai coffee grounds to the filter chamber, level gently, and place the press on top without compacting excessively.
- Pour a small amount (approximately 30 ml) of near-boiling water over the grounds to allow blooming; wait 20–30 seconds.
- Slowly pour the remaining hot water into the filter chamber. Cover with the lid and allow the coffee to drip slowly (typically 4–8 minutes for full extraction).
- Once dripping ceases, remove the filter.
- Fill the glass generously with ice cubes.
- Pour the hot coffee concentrate directly over the ice to rapidly chill it.
- Add evaporated milk (or whole milk) to taste, then stir thoroughly to combine the condensed milk, coffee, and milk into a uniform, creamy mixture.
- Taste and adjust sweetness with additional sugar if necessary. Serve immediately with a long spoon or straw.
Tip
The signature flavor of authentic Thai iced coffee arises from the use of traditional Thai coffee blends, which often incorporate roasted corn or soy for added body and a slightly nutty character. For the most accurate reproduction at home, source genuine Thai coffee grounds rather than standard drip blends. The slow drip method through a metal filter extracts maximum richness without excessive bitterness. For a lighter variation, reduce the condensed milk and increase evaporated milk; for a stronger version, increase the coffee-to-water ratio. This preparation consistently yields the classic creamy texture, deep amber color, and layered sweetness that define Thai iced coffee worldwide.
