Vietnamese Drinks: Simple Recipes to Try at Home

Vietnamese cuisine is renowned for its vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients, and its beverages are no exception. From refreshing iced coffees to flavorful fruit drinks, there's a delightful range of Vietnamese beverages you can easily recreate at home. Here are some simple recipes that will take you on a journey through Vietnam’s rich drink culture.

1. Vietnamese Iced Coffee (Cà Phê Sữa Đá)

This classic drink combines robust coffee with sweetened condensed milk, served over ice for a refreshing pick-me-up.

  • Ingredients:
    • 2 tablespoons of ground Vietnamese coffee (or dark roast coffee)
    • 2 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk
    • Ice cubes
    • Hot water

Instructions:

  1. Place the ground coffee in a Vietnamese drip filter (phin).
  2. Add hot water and let it drip through slowly into a glass with condensed milk at the bottom.
  3. Once brewed, stir well to combine the milk and coffee.
  4. Fill a glass with ice and pour the coffee mixture over the ice. Enjoy!

2. Fruit Smoothie (Sinh Tố)

Vietnamese fruit smoothies are luscious and can be made with a variety of tropical fruits.

  • Ingredients:
    • 1 cup of your favorite fruit (mango, banana, or jackfruit)
    • 1/2 cup of coconut milk
    • 1 tablespoon of sugar (optional)
    • Ice cubes

Instructions:

  1. Add the fruit, coconut milk, sugar, and ice cubes into a blender.
  2. Blend until smooth and creamy.
  3. Pour into a glass and serve immediately.

3. Lotus Seed Drink (Nước Sen)

This refreshing drink is not only tasty but also packed with nutritional benefits.

  • Ingredients:
    • 1/2 cup of dried lotus seeds
    • 4 cups of water
    • 2 tablespoons of rock sugar (adjust to taste)
    • Mint leaves (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

  1. Soak the lotus seeds in water for about 2 hours.
  2. In a pot, combine the soaked lotus seeds and 4 cups of water. Boil until the seeds are soft.
  3. Add rock sugar to the pot and stir until dissolved. Let it cool.
  4. Serve chilled, garnished with mint leaves if desired.

4. Thai Basil Lemonade (Nước Chanh Húng Quế)

This unique twist on classic lemonade incorporates aromatic Thai basil, enhancing the flavor profile.

  • Ingredients:
    • 1/2 cup of fresh lemon juice
    • 1 cup of sugar
    • 3 cups of water
    • 1 cup of fresh Thai basil leaves
    • Ice cubes

Instructions:

  1. In a saucepan, combine sugar and 1 cup of water. Heat until the sugar dissolves to create a simple syrup.
  2. In a pitcher, combine the lemon juice and remaining 2 cups of water.
  3. Add the simple syrup and Thai basil leaves. Stir to combine.
  4. Serve over ice and enjoy the refreshing flavors!

5. Soursop Juice (Nước Mãng Cầu)

This tropical fruit juice has a creamy texture and a unique flavor that’s beloved in Vietnam.

  • Ingredients:
    • 1 ripe soursop, peeled and pitted
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