Thai Iced Tea Recipe

There’s something satisfyingly irresistible about the distinctively creamy, sweet, and vibrant treat that is the Thai Iced Tea Recipe. This beloved drink, crowned with swirls of condensed milk and packed with that signature amber color, is an absolute favorite whether enjoyed at a bustling Thai restaurant or in the comfort of your kitchen. Imagine the pleasant chill, the spice-kissed aroma, and the silky texture of this tea cooling you off on a hot day or perking up your afternoon. Once you make your own Thai Iced Tea Recipe at home, you’ll quickly discover it’s not only fun and easy, but a true showstopper to share with friends and family!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients for this Thai Iced Tea Recipe takes hardly any time, but each one is non-negotiable for that unmistakable taste and show-stopping look. Great Thai iced tea is all about balance: sweet, creamy, and just the right backbone of strong, aromatic tea flavor.

• Water: The pure base that allows all the other flavors to shine; use filtered for the cleanest taste.
• Thai Tea Mix: The heart and soul of the drink; seek out a traditional Thai blend for authentic color and flavor.
• Granulated Sugar: Essential for that classic, sweet edge; dissolve fully with the hot tea for perfect sip-after-sip smoothness.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Gives luscious creaminess and a velvety texture; adjust to your ideal level of richness!
• Ice: The magic that chills this drink instantly and helps those milky ribbons swirl beautifully as you pour.

How to Make Thai Iced Tea Recipe

Step 1: Boil the Water

Start by bringing 6 cups of water to a rapid boil using a saucepan or a good old-fashioned kettle. Hot, boiling water is what extracts all the extra flavor from the tea, so don’t skip this step or try to cut corners!

Step 2: Steep the Tea Mix with Sugar

Remove the saucepan or kettle from heat. Add your Thai tea mix and granulated sugar to the hot water. Stir everything thoroughly—the heat helps the sugar dissolve while the tea starts releasing its vibrant color and unique aroma.

Step 3: Let It Steep

Cover the pot and let the tea steep for a generous 15 minutes. This is crucial for a deep, robust flavor and that iconic orange hue. Letting the leaves and spices infuse properly makes all the difference in your Thai Iced Tea Recipe.

Step 4: Strain and Cool

Once the waiting is over, strain the tea to remove the loose leaves or bag. Let the strained tea cool completely—room temperature is fine if you have patience, or speed things up by sliding it into the fridge for up to a week. Cold tea is key for the best pour-over experience later!

Step 5: Assemble and Add Condensed Milk

To serve, fill a tall glass generously with ice. Pour in your cooled tea, then drizzle in the sweetened condensed milk. Give it a quick stir or let guests swirl it in themselves for the dramatic marbling. Add more condensed milk to taste for extra indulgence.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

This is the perfect moment to appreciate your handiwork. Give your Thai Iced Tea Recipe a gentle stir and savor that first creamy sip!

How to Serve Thai Iced Tea Recipe

Garnishes

The finishing touches are half the fun! Top your Thai Iced Tea Recipe with a flourish of extra condensed milk or a splash of evaporated milk for extra drama. For festive flair, float a star anise, a cinnamon stick, or a wedge of orange along the rim.

Side Dishes

Pair your Thai Iced Tea with spicy Thai street food classics like Pad Thai, spring rolls, or curry puffs. The drink’s sweetness and coolness are the ultimate palate-soother for bold, spicy flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Wow a crowd by serving this tea in glass mason jars, or get playful with layers of colored jelly at the bottom for a fun, bubble-tea-inspired twist. Want to add a tropical vibe? Serve with colorful metal or bamboo straws and plenty of crushed ice for a street market feel.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover brewed Thai tea (without ice or condensed milk) in a lidded pitcher in the fridge. It keeps perfectly for up to a week, so you can enjoy a glass anytime a craving strikes!

Freezing

If you want to prep ahead, freeze portions of brewed tea in ice cube trays. Use these cubes to chill your next Thai Iced Tea Recipe without watering down the flavor, or blend for a frosty, slushy variation.

Reheating

While Thai Iced Tea is meant to be enjoyed cold, you can gently reheat the plain brewed tea for a cozy, steamy treat (just add your condensed milk after reheating). Never microwave once you’ve added milk—heat tea first, then whisk in condensed milk for silky smoothness.

FAQs

Can I use any black tea instead of Thai tea mix?

For the most authentic Thai Iced Tea Recipe experience, seek out a true Thai tea mix, which includes black tea, food coloring, and aromatic spices. If you substitute, the flavor and color will be a bit different, but strong black tea with a pinch of star anise or cardamom can do in a pinch.

Is there a dairy-free option?

Absolutely! Swap sweetened condensed milk for coconut condensed milk or a combination of coconut cream and your favorite sweetener. You’ll get that creamy texture without any dairy.

How sweet is this Thai Iced Tea Recipe?

It’s meant to be quite sweet and creamy, but the great thing about making it at home is you can tailor it to your preference! Start with the recipe as written, then adjust the amount of sugar and condensed milk to suit your mood.

Can I double or halve the recipe?

This Thai Iced Tea Recipe is very easy to scale up for parties or down for a solo treat. Just keep the ingredient ratios consistent and brew more or less tea as needed.

Why is my tea not as orange as in restaurants?

The vivid orange color comes from the Thai tea mix, which usually contains food coloring. Some brands are more intensely hued than others, so if you’re missing that glow, try a different brand or add a tiny pinch of food-safe orange coloring.

Final Thoughts

Making your own Thai Iced Tea Recipe is not only surprisingly simple, but the fun is in every step: from steeping the fragrant tea to watching that dreamy swirl of condensed milk dance through your glass. Treat yourself or delight your loved ones with this show-stopping drink—you’ll wonder why you ever ordered takeout! Give it a try and revel in every refreshing, creamy sip.

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