Lee Sandwich Coffee, also known as Vietnamese coffee or Café Sữa Đá, is a popular coffee drink that originated in Vietnam. It’s a delicious and refreshing beverage made with strong coffee, sweetened condensed milk, and ice. In this article, we’ll take you through the process of making Lee Sandwich Coffee, from the equipment needed to the brewing technique.
Equipment Needed
To make Lee Sandwich Coffee, you’ll need the following equipment:
- A small metal filter called a phin or Vietnamese coffee filter
- A cup or glass
- A spoon
- A coffee grinder (optional)
- A scale (optional)
The phin is the most essential piece of equipment for making Lee Sandwich Coffee. It’s a small metal filter that sits on top of a cup or glass and has tiny holes in the bottom to allow the coffee to drip through. You can find phins at most Asian markets or online.
Choosing the Right Coffee
The type of coffee you use is crucial for making Lee Sandwich Coffee. Traditionally, Vietnamese coffee is made with Robusta coffee beans, which have a bolder and more bitter flavor than Arabica beans. However, you can use either type of coffee bean to make Lee Sandwich Coffee.
If you want to use a more authentic Vietnamese coffee, look for a coffee blend that contains a high percentage of Robusta beans. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can use a blend that contains more Arabica beans.
Grinding the Coffee
To make Lee Sandwich Coffee, you’ll need to grind the coffee beans to a medium-coarse grind. You can use a burr grinder or a blade grinder to grind the coffee. If you don’t have a grinder, you can also use pre-ground coffee.
It’s essential to grind the coffee just before brewing to ensure the best flavor. Grinding the coffee too far in advance can cause it to lose its flavor and aroma.
Brewing the Coffee
Now that you have the equipment and the coffee, it’s time to brew the coffee. Here’s a step-by-step guide to brewing Lee Sandwich Coffee:
- Place the phin on top of a cup or glass.
- Add 1-2 tablespoons of coffee to the phin, depending on your desired strength of coffee.
- Pour a small amount of hot water over the coffee to saturate the grounds.
- Wait for about 30 seconds to allow the coffee to bloom.
- Pour the rest of the hot water over the coffee, making sure to pour in a circular motion to evenly saturate all of the grounds.
- Wait for about 3-5 minutes for the coffee to drip through the phin.
Preparing the Sweetened Condensed Milk
While the coffee is brewing, you can prepare the sweetened condensed milk. Sweetened condensed milk is a crucial ingredient in Lee Sandwich Coffee, and it’s what gives the coffee its creamy and sweet flavor.
To prepare the sweetened condensed milk, you can simply open a can of sweetened condensed milk and scoop out the desired amount. You can also make your own sweetened condensed milk by heating sweetened condensed milk in a saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly, until it’s smooth and creamy.
Assembling the Lee Sandwich Coffee
Once the coffee has finished brewing, it’s time to assemble the Lee Sandwich Coffee. Here’s how:
- Pour the brewed coffee over ice in a glass.
- Add 1-2 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk to the coffee, depending on your desired level of sweetness.
- Stir the coffee and sweetened condensed milk together until well combined.
- Taste the coffee and add more sweetened condensed milk if desired.
Tips and Variations
Here are a few tips and variations to help you make the perfect Lee Sandwich Coffee:
- Use a high-quality coffee: The type of coffee you use can greatly affect the flavor of your Lee Sandwich Coffee. Look for a high-quality coffee that’s freshly roasted and has a good reputation.
- Adjust the ratio of coffee to sweetened condensed milk: The ratio of coffee to sweetened condensed milk is a matter of personal preference. Some people like their Lee Sandwich Coffee to be very sweet, while others prefer it to be more bitter.
- Add flavorings: You can add flavorings such as vanilla or cinnamon to your Lee Sandwich Coffee to give it a unique twist.
- Use a different type of milk: While sweetened condensed milk is traditional in Lee Sandwich Coffee, you can also use other types of milk such as whole milk or coconut milk.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are a few common mistakes to avoid when making Lee Sandwich Coffee:
- Using too much coffee: Using too much coffee can make the coffee taste bitter and overpowering.
- Not grinding the coffee finely enough: Grinding the coffee too coarsely can cause it to taste gritty and unpleasant.
- Not brewing the coffee long enough: Brewing the coffee for too short a time can cause it to taste weak and under-extracted.
Conclusion
Making Lee Sandwich Coffee is a simple process that requires just a few ingredients and some basic equipment. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can make a delicious and authentic Lee Sandwich Coffee that’s perfect for hot summer days or any time you need a caffeine boost. Remember to experiment with different ratios of coffee to sweetened condensed milk and to try different flavorings to find your perfect cup.
What is Lee Sandwich Coffee and how does it differ from other types of coffee?
Lee Sandwich Coffee is a unique and delicious type of coffee that originated in Vietnam. It is made by brewing coffee in a small metal filter called a phin, which sits on top of a cup. The coffee drips slowly into the cup, creating a rich and full-bodied flavor. What sets Lee Sandwich Coffee apart from other types of coffee is the addition of sweetened condensed milk, which is poured into the coffee in a layered effect, creating a beautiful and Instagram-worthy drink.
The combination of the strong, rich coffee and the sweet, creamy condensed milk is a match made in heaven. The flavors complement each other perfectly, creating a delicious and refreshing drink that is perfect for hot summer days. Whether you’re a coffee aficionado or just looking to try something new, Lee Sandwich Coffee is definitely worth a try.
What equipment do I need to make Lee Sandwich Coffee?
To make Lee Sandwich Coffee, you will need a few pieces of equipment. First, you will need a phin, which is a small metal filter that sits on top of a cup. You can find phins at most Asian markets or online. You will also need a cup, a spoon, and a can of sweetened condensed milk. Additionally, you will need a coffee grinder or a bag of pre-ground coffee, as well as a kettle to boil water.
It’s also a good idea to have a thermometer on hand to ensure that the water is at the right temperature. If you don’t have a thermometer, you can simply let the water boil and then let it cool for a minute or two before pouring it over the coffee grounds. With these simple pieces of equipment, you can start making delicious Lee Sandwich Coffee at home.
What type of coffee beans should I use to make Lee Sandwich Coffee?
The type of coffee beans you use to make Lee Sandwich Coffee is important, as it will affect the flavor of the final product. Look for a medium to dark roast coffee that has a rich, full-bodied flavor. You can use either Arabica or Robusta beans, but Arabica is generally preferred for its smoother, more nuanced flavor.
If you’re looking for a more authentic flavor, you can try using Vietnamese coffee beans, which are specifically grown and roasted to bring out the unique flavors of Lee Sandwich Coffee. Whatever type of coffee beans you choose, be sure to grind them freshly before brewing to ensure the best flavor.
How do I grind the coffee beans for Lee Sandwich Coffee?
Grinding the coffee beans is an important step in making Lee Sandwich Coffee. You will want to grind the beans to a medium-coarse grind, which will allow for the right amount of extraction during the brewing process. You can use a burr grinder or a blade grinder to grind the beans, but a burr grinder is generally preferred for its more consistent grind.
If you don’t have a grinder, you can also use pre-ground coffee, but be aware that the flavor may not be as rich and full-bodied as freshly ground coffee. To grind the beans, simply place them in the grinder and grind them until they reach the desired consistency. You can also adjust the grind to your liking, depending on how strong or weak you like your coffee.
How do I brew the coffee for Lee Sandwich Coffee?
Brewing the coffee is the most important step in making Lee Sandwich Coffee. To brew the coffee, place the phin on top of a cup and add a tablespoon or two of coffee grounds to the filter. Pour a small amount of hot water over the grounds to saturate them, and then wait for the coffee to drip through the filter. This should take about 3-5 minutes, depending on the coarseness of the grind and the temperature of the water.
As the coffee drips, you will start to see the liquid collect in the cup. This is when the magic happens, and the flavors of the coffee start to come together. Be patient and let the coffee drip slowly, as this will ensure the best flavor. Once the coffee has finished dripping, remove the phin and discard the grounds.
How do I assemble the Lee Sandwich Coffee?
Assembling the Lee Sandwich Coffee is the final step in making this delicious drink. To assemble the coffee, pour a layer of sweetened condensed milk into the bottom of a glass. You can use as much or as little milk as you like, depending on how sweet you like your coffee. Next, pour the brewed coffee over the milk, holding back the foam with a spoon.
Finally, top the coffee with a layer of foam, which you can create by whipping the condensed milk with a spoon or a whisk. This will give the coffee a beautiful, layered effect that is sure to impress. You can also add ice to the coffee if you prefer it cold, or enjoy it hot and straight up.
Can I customize Lee Sandwich Coffee to my taste?
One of the best things about Lee Sandwich Coffee is that it can be customized to your taste. If you prefer your coffee stronger or weaker, you can adjust the amount of coffee grounds or the brewing time to suit your taste. You can also adjust the amount of sweetened condensed milk to your liking, or try using different types of milk such as almond or soy milk.
Additionally, you can try adding different flavorings to the coffee, such as vanilla or cinnamon, to give it a unique twist. The possibilities are endless, and you can experiment with different combinations to find your perfect cup. Whether you like your coffee sweet and creamy or strong and black, Lee Sandwich Coffee can be tailored to your taste preferences.