You&ve Probably Never Had Real Thai Tea!
Recipe Overview
Overview
Thai iced tea is a beloved beverage that captures the essence of Thailand in a glass. This recipe showcases how to create the authentic version, which is rich and creamy, thanks to the combination of black tea, sweetened condensed milk, and evaporated milk. The addition of food coloring gives it that signature vibrant hue, making it visually appealing as well as delicious.
The process begins with steeping Thai tea leaves in hot water, allowing the flavors to develop fully. Once brewed, the tea is strained and sweetened with sugar, with a pinch of salt to enhance the sweetness. The real magic happens when you pour the tea over ice and add the creamy milk components. The contrast of the rich, sweet tea against the cold ice creates a refreshing drink that is perfect for any occasion.
For those who prefer a lighter version, the American style uses half and half, which offers a different texture and flavor profile. Both versions have their merits, and experimenting with the proportions can lead to a personalized drink that suits your taste. Whether you’re enjoying it on a hot day or serving it at a gathering, Thai iced tea is sure to impress your guests and satisfy your cravings.
Recipe Details
Steps & Tips
Add 3/4 of a cup of Thai tea leaves to a container.
Pour in four cups of hot off the boil water.
Stir and steep for 5 minutes.
Tip: Use a fine mesh strainer to avoid tea dust in your final drink.
Pour the tea through a fine mesh strainer.
Add white sugar and a little bit of salt to the strained tea.
Keep the Thai tea base in the fridge for later use.
Tip: Let the tea base cool to room temperature before serving to prevent melting the ice too quickly.
Add sweetened condensed milk to the Thai tea base.
Tip: Microwave the tea base slightly if it's cold to help the condensed milk dissolve more easily.
Pour the mixture over a glass packed full of ice.
Drizzle evaporated milk on top.
Tip: Use a can opener to punch holes in the evaporated milk can for easier pouring.
Add more sugar to the Thai tea base for the American style.
Pour the sweetened tea over ice, leaving some room.
Pour half and half on top of the tea.
Add sugar, a pinch of salt, and artificial vanilla extract.
Tip: Add orange food coloring if the color of the tea is important to you.
Pour the hacked tea over ice and top with your choice of dairy.
Steep three tea bags in hot water for 5 minutes.
Ingredients
Ingredient: Dairy
→ Substitution: Almond Milk
Nutrition
Skill Level
Frequently asked questions
Below you will find answers to the most common questions about this recipe.
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Interesting Tidbits
- •Thai iced tea is traditionally made with black tea and flavored with artificial vanilla.
- •The vibrant orange color of Thai iced tea comes from food coloring.
- •Evaporated milk and sweetened condensed milk are commonly used in Thai iced tea for creaminess.
- •The American version of Thai iced tea often uses half and half instead of evaporated milk.
