You ever get tired of the same old espresso martinis? I do. Let’s shake things up.
Enter arak kopi susu. It’s a cocktail that might sound unfamiliar, but trust me, it’s worth your attention. Arak means “alcohol,” kopi is “coffee,” and susu is “milk.” Simple, right?
This drink comes from Southeast Asia, and it’s a blend of those three key ingredients. In this article, I’ll break down what makes arak kopi susu so special. You’ll learn what it tastes like and how to make it at home.
By the end, you’ll have a new favorite drink to impress your friends with. And who doesn’t love that?
What Exactly Goes Into an Arak Kopi Susu?
Let’s start with the key ingredient: Arak. It’s a traditional spirit from Southeast Asia, often distilled from rice or palm sap. This is different from the anise-flavored Arak found in the Middle East.
Balinese Arak has a unique flavor profile. It’s slightly sweet, sometimes with funky or vegetal notes. These characteristics make it stand out and add a distinct layer to the drink.
Next up, the ‘Kopi’ (Coffee) component. For the best arak kopi susu, use strong, high-quality cold brew concentrate or a chilled shot of espresso. The coffee needs to be robust enough to balance the spirit.
The ‘Susu’ (Milk) element is crucial too. Sweetened condensed milk is the go-to for authentic sweetness and creamy texture. But if you prefer, other milks can be substituted.
Just keep in mind, the condensed milk adds that classic, rich flavor.
- Arak: A traditional Southeast Asian spirit with a unique, slightly sweet, and sometimes funky flavor.
- Kopi (Coffee): Strong, high-quality cold brew or chilled espresso for a robust coffee taste.
- Susu (Milk): Sweetened condensed milk for a creamy, sweet texture, or any milk of your choice.
When you combine these, you get a balanced mix of strong coffee bitterness, creamy sweetness, and the unique character of the arak. The result? A surprisingly smooth cocktail that’s both refreshing and satisfying.
How to Make an Authentic Arak Kopi Susu in 5 Minutes
I remember the first time I tried arak kopi susu. It was at a cozy little café in Jakarta, and I was blown away by how such simple ingredients could create something so rich and satisfying. Here’s how you can make it at home.
- 2 oz Arak
- 3 oz strong cold brew coffee
- 1 oz sweetened condensed milk
- Ice
You don’t need fancy equipment. Just grab:
* A cocktail shaker (or a mason jar with a lid)
* A jigger or measuring tool
* A serving glass (like a rocks glass)
Now, let’s get to the good part.
- Fill your shaker with ice.
- Pour in the arak, cold brew, and sweetened condensed milk.
- Secure the lid and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds until well-chilled.
Strain the mixture into a glass filled with fresh ice. This step is key because it keeps your drink from getting watered down. arak kopi susu
For a classic look, garnish with three whole coffee beans on top. It’s a small touch that makes a big difference.
If you like your drinks on the sweeter side, start with less condensed milk and add more to taste. Trust me, it’s better to adjust as you go than to overdo it and end up with a too-sweet drink.
Creative Twists and Common Variations to Try
I love playing around with classic recipes. It’s how you discover new favorites.
For a dairy-free twist, swap the sweetened condensed milk for a mix of coconut cream and maple syrup. This gives arak kopi susu a tropical feel that’s perfect for summer.
If you’re into spiced drinks, add a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of vanilla extract to the shaker. It adds a warm, comforting flavor that’s especially nice in the fall.
For colder weather, try a ‘hot’ version. Gently warm the milk and strong brewed coffee on the stovetop. Stir in the arak at the end, but don’t let it boil.
It’s a cozy treat on chilly evenings.
Sometimes, arak can be hard to find. If that’s the case, a good quality white rum or cachaça works as a close alternative. They have a similar profile and won’t throw off the balance of the drink.
Lastly, if you like your drinks extra creamy, add a splash of heavy cream or use a milk frother on the milk component before mixing. It makes the drink feel more indulgent.
Why This Cocktail is Your New Go-To Coffee Drink
Arak kopi susu stands out with its simplicity, unique flavor, and the perfect balance of strong, sweet, and creamy.
You now have everything you need to move beyond your usual coffee routine and try something new and exciting.
Feel free to experiment by changing the type of milk or adding a pinch of spices for a twist.
Don’t just read about it—grab your ingredients and experience this incredible Southeast Asian coffee cocktail for yourself tonight.
Brian Schreibertery has opinions about destination guides and highlights. Informed ones, backed by real experience — but opinions nonetheless, and they doesn't try to disguise them as neutral observation. They thinks a lot of what gets written about Destination Guides and Highlights, Travel Tips and Hacks, Packing and Preparation Tips is either too cautious to be useful or too confident to be credible, and they's work tends to sit deliberately in the space between those two failure modes.
Reading Brian's pieces, you get the sense of someone who has thought about this stuff seriously and arrived at actual conclusions — not just collected a range of perspectives and declined to pick one. That can be uncomfortable when they lands on something you disagree with. It's also why the writing is worth engaging with. Brian isn't interested in telling people what they want to hear. They is interested in telling them what they actually thinks, with enough reasoning behind it that you can push back if you want to. That kind of intellectual honesty is rarer than it should be.
What Brian is best at is the moment when a familiar topic reveals something unexpected — when the conventional wisdom turns out to be slightly off, or when a small shift in framing changes everything. They finds those moments consistently, which is why they's work tends to generate real discussion rather than just passive agreement.
