The Vietnamese Coffee Smoothie is a frosty, creamy drink that mixes strong coffee, sweet condensed milk, and even fruit sometimes to create a strong, energizing beverage perfect for hot mornings or as a satisfying afternoon pick-me-up.
This blend of texture and taste has earned it a spot on trendy café menus and in the most sought-after DIY recipes of coffee shops. Let’s dive into what makes this drink so special and how you can make it at home.
What is a Vietnamese coffee smoothie?
In essence, a Vietnamese coffee smoothie is a creamy, icy beverage composed of strong-brewed Vietnamese coffee, condensed milk, and ice, mixed with optional additions like banana, yogurt, or even oats.

It’s the best of traditional Vietnamese iced coffee transformed into a smoothie that is at once dessert-suitable and a pick-me-up. Unlike Western smoothies based so heavily on fruits and greens, this smoothie is about rich flavor, smooth texture, and intense sweetness something Vietnam’s coffee culture is great at.
The Origin: Vietnam’s Passion for Coffee
Vietnam is the world’s second-largest coffee exporter and is well known for its robusta beans. Robusta beans have nearly twice as much caffeine as arabica and have a richer, chocolate-like flavor perfect for those who like strong coffee.
Traditional Vietnamese coffee is slow-brewed using a phin filter and mixed with thick, sweetened condensed milk. This combo became a household favorite, and modern takes like smoothies have evolved as global interest in Vietnamese coffee exploded.
Why You’ll Love the Vietnamese Coffee Smoothie
- Bold Flavor—Thanks to strong robusta coffee or espresso shots.
- Creamy Texture—Blended ice with condensed milk and banana or yogurt gives it a luscious mouthfeel.
- Energy Boost—The high caffeine content makes it perfect as a morning pick-me-up or pre-workout beverage.
- Easy to Personalize—Include fruits, oats, or non-dairy milk as you prefer.
- Ideal Summer Refreshment—Cold and cool on hot summer days.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Below is a simple list of ingredients to prepare one tall glass of Vietnamese Coffee Smoothie:
- 2–3 tbsp Vietnamese coffee grounds (or 1–2 shots of espresso)
- 3–4 tbsp sweetened condensed milk
- 1 frozen banana (for sweetness and thickness)
- 1/2 cup ice cubes
- 1/2 cup milk or non-dairy milk (optional, for blending)
Optional: 1 tbsp yogurt or oats, sprinkle of cinnamon or cacao powder
How to Make It—Step-by-Step
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Step 1: Brew the Coffee
Use a filter for authenticity. Pour hot water over the coffee and let it drip for around 5 minutes. If you don’t have, a strong French press or espresso shot will do too.
Step 2: Cool the Coffee
You want your smoothie cold, so either chill your coffee in the fridge or add it straight over ice in the blender.
Step 3: Blend Ingredients
In a blender, combine the brewed coffee, condensed milk, frozen banana, ice, and any desired add-ins (such as milk or yogurt). Blend until smooth.
Step 4: Taste and Adjust
Like it sweeter? Add a little more condensed milk. Want it thicker? Add an additional frozen banana or a spoon of Greek yogurt.
Step 5: Serve Immediately
Pour into a tall glass and optionally top with coffee beans, cocoa powder, or banana slices.
Variations to Try
- Mocha Version—Add a teaspoon of cocoa powder for a chocolate flavor.
- Protein Power—Blend in a scoop of vanilla or chocolate protein powder.
- Vegan Option—Use coconut condensed milk and oat or almond milk.
- Fruit Boost—Replace banana with mango, avocado, or strawberries.
- Nutty Delight—Add a spoonful of peanut or almond butter for depth.
When to Enjoy This Smoothie
- Morning Kickstart—The carb and caffeine content make it an adequate breakfast substitute.
- Afternoon Refresher—Skip the second cup of straightforward coffee and switch to this ice-cold one instead.
- Pre-Workout Beverage—The inherent sugars and caffeine can provide your competitive edge.
- Dessert Smoothie – It’s indulgent, rich, and sugary enough to be your late-night dessert.
Nutritional Insight

Depending upon the ingredients applied, one serving holds about
- Calories: 200–350
- Caffeine: 80–120 mg
- Sugar: 15–30g
- Protein: 5–10g (with banana or protein powder)
- Fat: 3–8g
If you wish to make it healthier, cut down on the amount of condensed milk or replace it with honey or dates.
A Drink Gaining Global Popularity
Thanks to the world of the internet and global café culture, the Vietnamese Coffee Smoothie has caught on worldwide. In the U.S., Canada, and Europe, cafés began serving it as a specialty summer beverage.
Social media is teeming with do-it-yourself versions, some even adding boba, whipped cream, or matcha. This beverage wonderfully fills the middle ground between ancient Vietnamese culture and contemporary fusion drinks.
Final Thoughts
The Vietnamese Coffee Smoothie is much more than just a drink it’s a delicious experience of flavor and texture. Whether you’re a coffee connoisseur, a smoothie enthusiast, or someone who just enjoys trying something new, this bold and creamy iced beverage is worth adding to your rotation.
It’s simple to make, infinitely adaptable, and invigoratingly delicious. If you’re in the mood for a chilly caffeinated fix, bypass the Starbucks line and make this at home you’ll be hooked with every drink.
FAQs:-
What is a Vietnamese Coffee Smoothie?
A Vietnamese Coffee Smoothie blends strong Vietnamese coffee with condensed milk, ice, and banana or yogurt for a creamy, energizing drink.
What makes it different from regular coffee smoothies?
It uses robusta coffee and sweetened condensed milk, giving it a bold, rich, and sweet flavor unique to Vietnamese coffee culture.
Can I store the smoothie for later?
You can refrigerate it for up to 24 hours, but the texture may change slightly as the ice melts.