Es Kopi Susu

Indonesia — 2010s specialty coffee boom

Es kopi susu (iced milk coffee) drove Indonesia's specialty coffee boom in the 2010s. It uses gula aren (palm sugar) instead of white sugar, lighter roasts instead of traditional dark, and fresh milk instead of condensed. Every Indonesian specialty cafe has their own version bottled in the fridge. It bridges kopitiam culture and third-wave coffee: sweet enough for the mainstream, made with beans a barista would approve of.

How to make it

1. 1

   Prepare gula aren (palm sugar) syrup: dissolve palm sugar in a small amount of hot water.

2. 2

   Pull a double shot of espresso (or brew strong concentrate).

3. 3

   Add 1–2 tablespoons of palm sugar syrup to a glass.

4. 4

   Pour in cold fresh milk and stir to combine with the syrup.

5. 5

   Add ice, then pour the espresso over top. Stir or leave layered.