Thai Iced Tea
A uniquely sweet, creamy, and exotic non-alcoholic beverage from Thailand, Thai Iced Tea is characterized by its distinctive orange color and rich, spiced black tea base generously sweetened and topped with condensed or evaporated milk for a luxurious finish.
Brew and sweeten tea
Place 1 tea bag (or loose tea in an infuser) in a heatproof mug. Pour 0.75 cup (180 ml) hot water over it. Steep for 5-7 minutes to make a strong brew. Remove tea bag/infuser. Stir in 1-2 teaspoons granulated sugar and 1 pinch star anise powder or ground cardamom (if using) until dissolved. Allow tea to cool completely, then chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
💡 Tips:
- •The stronger the tea, the better it stands up to the milk and ice. Adjust sugar to your preference, as the condensed milk also adds sweetness.
Prepare serving glass
Fill a tall serving glass generously with 1 serving of ice.
💡 Tips:
- •Using plenty of ice is key to keeping Thai Iced Tea cold and refreshing.
Combine and layer (optional)
Pour the chilled sweetened tea into the glass over the ice. In a separate small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon sweetened condensed milk and 1 tablespoon evaporated milk or half-and-half. Stir well. Slowly pour this milk mixture over the tea, aiming to create a beautiful layered effect where the white milk sits atop the orange tea before slowly blending.
💡 Tips:
- •The layering effect is traditional and visually appealing. Pouring gently over the back of a spoon helps achieve this.
Serve
Serve immediately with a straw. Stir well before drinking to fully combine the creamy milk with the tea.
💡 Tips:
- •Enjoy immediately for the best balance of temperature and flavor.
- 💡**Authentic Tea:** For the most authentic flavor, seek out 'Thai Tea Mix' (Cha Yen) from Asian grocery stores. These often contain unique spices and food coloring.
- 💡**Vegan Option:** Use plant-based condensed milk and evaporated milk alternatives (e.g., coconut condensed milk) for a vegan version.
- 💡**Adjust Sweetness:** Thai Iced Tea is typically very sweet. Adjust the sugar in the tea base and the amount of condensed milk to suit your taste.
- 💡**Hot Version:** This tea can also be enjoyed hot; simply omit the ice and serve the hot tea with the milk mixture immediately after brewing.
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