Pin
When the heat gets wild, this bold Thai Iced Tea is my cold treat. It's rich, sweet, and whisks me away to a busy Bangkok café every time. Summer afternoons just got a whole lot better.
I found this method while hanging out in Thailand. After lots of tweaks and experiments at home, it turned into my ace-in-the-hole drink for get-togethers. Friends keep asking how to make it every time.
Dreamy Ingredients
- Ice cubes: Big ones are best so your drink stays cold and doesn't get watery so fast
- Evaporated milk, coconut milk or half and half: This is what gives you that creamy layer—pick whichever fits your vibe or diet
- Crushed cardamom pod (optional): Pop one in if you want more fragrance and depth
- Star anise: Toss in a whole star to nail that classic licorice taste—makes it feel totally Thai
- Sugar: Sweetens things up—make it as sugary or mellow as you want
- Thai tea mix: Turns your drink bright orange and gives it that special flavor, but strong black tea works in a pinch
- Water: Gotta have this as your starting point—lets the flavors shine!
Simple Steps
- Serve it up:
- Grab some tall glasses, fill 'em almost to the top with ice, and pour your cooled tea in, leaving some space for the milk. The ice will crackle and pop—it's the best sound!
- Layer on the milk:
- Drizzle your choice of milk carefully over a spoon so it floats nicely on the tea. That's how you get that signature cloudy top.
- Chill it out:
- Let the tea cool down for around 15 minutes at room temp, then stash it in the fridge for at least an hour so it gets super cold.
- Mix and enjoy:
- Hand over a long straw so everyone can give it a good stir. You'll see those cool patterns as the milky layer blends in at the table.
- Sugar time:
- Add your sugar while the tea’s still hot and stir until it’s gone. Taste it—if you want it sweeter, toss in a bit more. Don’t forget, once the milk’s in, it’ll mellow even more.
- Make the base:
- Get your water boiling, move it off the heat right away, and add in the tea mix, star anise, and cardamom. Let it chill there for 3 to 5 minutes (go for the longer side for more oomph but don’t overdo it or it’ll get bitter). Strain out all the bits so it’s smooth.
Pin
You seriously can't leave out star anise. I tried and my Thai buddy spotted it right off. Nothing else brings that deep licorice flavor, and the little stars floating in the pot always make me smile—they really bring out the Thai magic.
Switch Things Up
This tasty Thai iced tea is super flexible. Want it dairy-free? Use coconut milk for a relaxing, tropical twist—the flavors work perfectly together. Oat milk gives a natural, smooth sweetness too. Want a little extra pizzazz? Throw in a drop of vanilla or dash of cinnamon for a fun, subtle kick that won’t steal the show.
Pin
Keeping It Fresh
Your tea base will last all week in a sealed container if you keep it cold. Super handy for parties or grabbing a quick glass any afternoon. Only add milk right before you serve—otherwise, you lose that awesome layering effect. Try to avoid storing it near stuff with strong smells, since tea soaks up odors like a sponge.
Fixing the Usual Problems
If the color isn’t as bright orange, you probably used regular black tea—the orange comes from the Thai tea mix, since it’s got food coloring. You can try a bit of turmeric for a natural boost if you want. Bitter taste? That means you brewed it too long or the water was too hot. Always move the pot off the heat before dropping in your tea and spices, and don’t let it sit more than 5 minutes.
FAQs About the Recipe
- → Can I swap out Thai tea mix for another kind?
Yeah, if you can't find Thai tea mix, try brewing strong Assam or similar black tea instead.
- → How do I make mine dairy-free?
Just use coconut milk or your favorite plant-based milk in place of evaporated milk and you're set.
- → Not sweet enough for you?
Add a bit more sugar, or cut back if you want it less sweet—it's totally up to you.
- → Is it possible to prep this ahead?
Sure thing, brew and chill the tea base early, then pour in the milk when you're about to drink it.
- → Got tips for serving it?
Fill your glass with ice, pour in the cold tea, then add milk on top so it looks cool and layered. Throw in a straw if you want.