Description
Thai Iced Tea is a rich and aromatic beverage made from steeped black tea infused with exotic spices like star anise and cardamom, sweetened with condensed milk, and chilled over ice for a refreshing treat with a creamy finish.
Ingredients
Tea and Spices
- 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)
Liquids and Sweeteners
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon sweetened condensed milk
- 2 teaspoons evaporated milk, or coconut milk, or whole milk
For Serving
- Ice cubes
Instructions
- Gather Ingredients: Collect all the ingredients including tea leaves, spices, boiling water, sugars, milk varieties, and ice cubes to prepare for the infusion and assembly of the drink.
- Steep Tea and Spices: In a heatproof container, steep 2 tablespoons of loose-leaf black tea with 1 pod star anise, 2 pods cardamom, 1/2 cinnamon stick, 1/8 vanilla bean, and an optional amount of tamarind powder in 1 cup of boiling water for 5 minutes to extract rich flavors.
- Strain Tea: Using a fine mesh sieve, strain the brewed mixture to remove the tea leaves and spices, ensuring a smooth aromatic tea base without any solids.
- Add Sweeteners: Stir in 1 tablespoon sugar and 1 tablespoon sweetened condensed milk into the hot tea until fully dissolved, creating a sweet and creamy infusion.
- Prepare Glasses: Fill two tall glasses with ice cubes to chill the tea properly and provide a refreshing cold contrast.
- Pour Tea Over Ice: Pour the sweetened tea into the glasses, leaving about an inch of space at the top to add evaporated milk.
- Top with Milk: Drizzle 1 teaspoon of evaporated milk, coconut milk, or whole milk over each glass to add creaminess and create the signature layering effect of Thai iced tea.
- Serve Immediately: Add more ice if desired and serve the refreshing Thai iced tea chilled for the best flavor experience.
Notes
- The optional cinnamon stick, vanilla bean, and tamarind powder add subtle, unique flavor layers but can be omitted for a simpler version.
- Use coconut milk instead of evaporated milk for a dairy-free variation.
- Adjust sugar quantity according to taste preference.
- Ensure the tea is steeped long enough for a strong flavor but not bitter—5 minutes is optimal.
- Serve immediately after preparation to enjoy the best iced tea texture and flavor.
