Name: Thai Iced Tea Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons loose-leaf black tea; 1 pod star anise; 2 pods cardamom; 1/2 cinnamon stick (optional); 1/8 vanilla bean (optional); Tamarind powder, to taste (optional); 1 cup boiling water; 1 tablespoon sugar; 1 tablespoon sweetened condensed milk; 2 teaspoons evaporated milk, or coconut milk, or whole milk; Ice cubes

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 12 reviews

If you have a craving for something refreshingly sweet with a twist of exotic spice, this Thai Iced Tea Recipe is an absolute winner. Imagine the rich, robust notes of black tea beautifully balanced with fragrant spices like star anise and cardamom, all mellowed by creamy layers of sweetened condensed milk and a splash of evaporated milk. This iconic Thai drink not only cools you down but also transports you straight to a bustling Bangkok street market with every sip. Whether it’s a hot summer day or you simply want to impress your friends with a vibrant homemade beverage, this Thai Iced Tea Recipe is sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows eight small bowls and cups arranged on a white marbled surface. In the top row, from left to right, there is a clear glass bowl of milk, a small white bowl with light brown powder, and a clear glass bowl with a heap of black tea leaves. Below them, there is a white bowl containing white sugar, a small round beige bowl with a cinnamon stick, star anise, green cardamom, and a vanilla pod, and a small clear empty bowl. Below these sits a small glass bowl with cream, and on the right side, a clear glass measuring jug filled with water. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Creating this Thai Iced Tea Recipe is surprisingly simple, yet every ingredient plays a vital role in capturing its unique flavor and vivid color. Let’s take a look at the essential components that bring this drink to life.

Loose-leaf black tea (2 tablespoons): The foundation of the tea, providing a deep, robust flavor.
Star anise (1 pod): Adds a sweet licorice aroma that is unmistakably Thai.
Cardamom pods (2 pods): Contributes a warm, citrusy spice to enhance complexity.
Cinnamon stick (1/2 stick, optional): Offers gentle sweetness and warmth.
Vanilla bean (1/8, optional): Imparts a subtle floral note to round out the spices.
Tamarind powder (to taste, optional): Brings a tangy edge that brightens the tea’s flavor.
Boiling water (1 cup): To extract the flavors from tea and spices.
Sugar (1 tablespoon): Sweetens the tea just right without overpowering.
Sweetened condensed milk (1 tablespoon): Creates that signature creamy sweetness and beautiful orange hue.
Evaporated milk or coconut milk or whole milk (2 teaspoons): A finishing touch for creaminess and richness.

How to Make Thai Iced Tea Recipe

Step 1: Gather and Prep Your Ingredients

Start by collecting all your loose-leaf tea, spices, and milks. Having everything ready upfront makes the brewing process smooth and enjoyable.

Step 2: Steep the Tea and Spices

Place the 2 tablespoons of loose-leaf black tea, star anise, cardamom pods, half a cinnamon stick, a small piece of vanilla bean, and tamarind powder into a pot with one cup of boiling water. Let this steep for 5 minutes to extract those rich, aromatic flavors that define Thai iced tea.

Step 3: Strain the Brew

Once the tea has steeped, strain it carefully through a fine mesh sieve to remove all tea leaves and spices. This step ensures your tea is smooth and perfectly clear, ready for sweetening.

Step 4: Sweeten and Cream the Tea

While the tea is still hot, stir in the tablespoon of sugar until completely dissolved. Then add the sweetened condensed milk, mixing well to infuse that luxurious sweetness and give the tea its beloved creamy orange tint.

Step 5: Chill and Assemble Your Drink

Fill two tall glasses with plenty of ice cubes. Pour the sweetened tea over the ice, leaving about an inch of space at the top. Top each glass with a teaspoon of evaporated milk, coconut milk, or whole milk—whatever you prefer—to add a silky finish. Add more ice if needed to keep your drink refreshingly cold.

How to Serve Thai Iced Tea Recipe

The image shows a clear glass filled with iced Thai tea. The drink has three visible layers: at the bottom, a dark orange tea layer; in the middle, the tea blends with cream creating a lighter orange swirl; and on the top, a creamy white layer mixing with ice cubes that are partly visible. Two straws stick out of the glass, one with white and orange stripes and the other plain white. The glass is set on a white marbled surface with a white marbled background, and condensation forms on the glass, showing its cold temperature. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While the classic Thai Iced Tea Recipe doesn’t require much beyond the milk drizzle, you can brighten things up visually by garnishing with a sprig of fresh mint or a thin slice of star anise resting on top. These add subtle aromatic notes while making your drink look inviting and festive.

Side Dishes

Pair this creamy, spiced tea with light Thai-inspired snacks such as coconut sticky rice with mango, crispy spring rolls, or a tangy papaya salad. These refreshing sides complement the tea’s richness perfectly, creating a balanced and delightful experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For a bit of flair, serve Thai Iced Tea in clear mason jars or vintage glasses to highlight its vibrant orange color. Add colorful reusable straws or a pretty paper umbrella to evoke that tropical, street market vibe. You can even layer the milk on top slowly for a swirling effect before stirring it together.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store any leftover brewed tea (without milk) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours. Keep it chilled and add fresh milk and ice right before serving to maintain the best flavor and texture.

Freezing

Freezing the brewed tea isn’t recommended as it may alter the flavors and texture once thawed. However, you can freeze ice cubes made from the tea to keep your drink cool without diluting its distinctive taste.

Reheating

If you prefer to drink your Thai Iced Tea warm at times, gently reheat the brewed tea (prior to adding milk) on the stove or microwave. Always add the condensed and evaporated milk after warming to preserve the creamy consistency and rich flavor.

FAQs

Can I make Thai Iced Tea Recipe with tea bags instead of loose-leaf tea?

Absolutely! While loose-leaf tea offers a more robust flavor, using quality black tea bags can work well in a pinch. Just use about 3 tea bags to match the strength of loose tea and adjust steeping time accordingly.

What can I use if I don’t have sweetened condensed milk?

If you’re out of sweetened condensed milk, try combining evaporated milk with sugar to create a similar sweetness and creamy texture. Coconut condensed milk is another great substitute for a dairy-free option.

Is Thai Iced Tea Recipe traditionally made with coconut milk?

Traditional recipes usually use evaporated and sweetened condensed milk, but coconut milk is a popular variation, especially for those seeking a dairy-free alternative. It adds a lovely tropical flavor that works beautifully.

How sweet is Thai Iced Tea traditionally?

Thai Iced Tea is known for its sweet, creamy profile, but you can always adjust the sugar and condensed milk amounts to suit your personal taste. Start with the recipe’s suggested measurements and tweak from there.

Can I batch prepare Thai Iced Tea Recipe for a party?

Definitely! Brew a larger batch of the tea base without milk, refrigerate, and then add sweeteners and milk to each glass as guests arrive. This keeps the creaminess fresh and your party hassle-free.

Final Thoughts

Making this Thai Iced Tea Recipe at home is a delightful journey into bold flavors and sweet, creamy refreshment that feels both exotic and comforting. Once you taste the perfect harmony of spices, tea, and milks, you’ll understand why this drink captures the hearts of so many around the world. So go ahead, treat yourself and your loved ones to a glass of vibrant Thai iced tea—you might just find your new favorite beverage!