Iced Thai Tea is a delicious and refreshing beverage that’s perfect for cooling down on a hot day. This sweet and creamy tea is made with a blend of strong black tea, aromatic spices, and sweetened condensed milk, creating a rich and indulgent flavor. It’s a popular drink in Thai cuisine and is enjoyed by many for its unique taste and vibrant orange color.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love Iced Thai Tea for its bold, complex flavors and creamy texture. The combination of black tea, spices, and sweetened condensed milk creates a perfectly balanced drink that’s both refreshing and satisfying. This homemade version is easy to make and allows you to adjust the sweetness and creaminess to your liking.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Strong brew: Use strong black tea or Thai tea mix for the best flavor.
- Cool the tea: Allow the tea to cool to room temperature before adding ice to prevent it from becoming diluted.
- Adjust sweetness: Add more or less sweetened condensed milk to adjust the sweetness to your preference.
- Spices: For a more authentic flavor, include star anise and cloves when brewing the tea.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Milk alternatives: Use coconut milk, almond milk, or evaporated milk instead of sweetened condensed milk for a different flavor or to make it dairy-free.
- Sweeteners: Use sugar, honey, or a sugar substitute if you prefer not to use sweetened condensed milk.
- Iced tea latte: Add a shot of espresso for a caffeinated twist.
- Herbal tea: Use a caffeine-free herbal tea blend for a non-caffeinated version.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve Iced Thai Tea in a tall glass with plenty of ice. It pairs well with spicy Thai dishes, fresh fruit, or light desserts. This drink is also perfect for summer gatherings or as a refreshing afternoon treat.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Refrigeration: Store brewed tea in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Add sweetened condensed milk and ice just before serving.
- No reheating needed: This drink is best enjoyed cold.
Recipe FAQs
Can I make it less sweet? Adjust the amount of sweetened condensed milk or use a different sweetener to control the sweetness level.
Can I use regular black tea? Yes, regular black tea can be used, but Thai tea mix will give the most authentic flavor.
Why is my Thai tea not orange? The vibrant orange color comes from the Thai tea mix. If using regular black tea, it may not have the same color.
Can I make it ahead of time? Yes, brew the tea ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Add sweetened condensed milk and ice when ready to serve.
Iced Thai Tea
A refreshing and indulgent beverage made with strong black tea, aromatic spices, and sweetened condensed milk. Perfect for cooling down on a hot day, this easy-to-make drink is a favorite in Thai cuisine and a delightful treat! Enjoy it with ice for a satisfying and creamy experience.
Ingredients
- 4 cups water
- 4 tablespoons Thai tea mix or strong black tea leaves
- 1-2 star anise pods (optional)
- 2-3 whole cloves (optional)
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1/4 cup evaporated milk or whole milk
- Ice cubes
Instructions
- Brew the tea: In a medium saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Add the Thai tea mix (or black tea leaves), star anise, and cloves. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Strain the tea: Remove from heat and strain the tea through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a heatproof pitcher. Discard the tea leaves and spices.
- Cool the tea: Allow the tea to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until chilled.
- Assemble the tea: Fill a tall glass with ice cubes. Pour the chilled tea over the ice, filling the glass about 3/4 full. Add 2-3 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk and a splash of evaporated milk or whole milk.
- Mix and serve: Stir gently to combine and serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 190Total Fat: 7gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 104mgCarbohydrates: 27gFiber: 0gSugar: 26gProtein: 6g
