This homemade iced Thai tea is a perfect replica of the Thai black tea sold in street shops in Thailand.
A few years ago, I traveled to Thailand with my friends. I still remember ordering a cup of Thai black tea in a store in Pattaya. It tasted amazing and left a deep impression on me. The milk tea I made was about 90% similar to that I drank in Thailand. It’s a must-try copycat.
What is Thai tea?
Thai tea, also known as “cha-yen” in Thailand, is a sweet and flavorful beverage with a lovely orange color. It is a strongly brewed black tea, spiced tea often served over ice. In Thailand, black tea is usually served with creamer and sugar.
There are two approaches to making Thai Tea at home. The first is to use the Thai Tea mix, which readily includes spices. Another type is to use regular black tea with spices added.
What does Thai black tea taste like?
Thai black tea tastes slightly spiced and floral with a strong tea flavor. Adding condensed milk and milk sweetens the tea and adds a creamy texture and layers of flavor. The overall drink is very rich and mellow.
I used the Thai Tea Mix as the tea base for this iced drink, as shown in the picture. The main ingredients are black tea powder and spices.
The distinct orange color of Thai tea traditionally comes from food coloring added to the tea leaves.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp. Sweetened condensed milk
- ice cube
- 1/2 cup milk or to choose
Thai black tea base
- 1/4 cup Thai Tea Mix
- 1 cup hot water
Sweetened condensed milk is a dairy product made from milk. Usually, water has been removed, and sugar is added. I love to use it because it can add creaminess and also be served with syrup.
If you don’t have it by hand, you can use simple syrup as the sweetener.
Instructions
Steep the Thai black tea
Add hot water (around 80 degrees C) to the Thai Tea Mix. Steep for 5 minutes. Strain the tea liquid and set aside to cool.
Assemble
Add ice cubes to the serving glass, pour in the Thai black tea base and milk, and finally add the condensed milk. Stir it evenly before drinking.
You can choose other types of milk, such as full-fat coconut milk, sweetened condensed milk, and evaporated milk.
Check out another Thai tea recipe: Thai Tea Boba.
Iced Thai Tea
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp. condensed milk
- ice cube
- 1/2 cup milk or to choose
Thai black tea base
- 1/4 cup Thai Tea Mix
- 1 cup hot water
Instructions
Steep the Thai black tea
- Add hot water (around 80 degrees C) to the Thai Tea Mix. Steep for around 5 minutes. Strain the tea liquid and set aside to cool down.
Assemble
- Add ice cubes to the serving glass, pour in the Thai black tea base and milk, finally add the condensed milk. Stir it evenly before drinking.
- For the milk, you can choose other types of milk, for example, full-fat coconut milk, sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, etc.