Refreshing Easy Thai Iced Tea

This hearty Thai Iced Tea has been my afternoon salvation during scorching summer days, offering the perfect balance of bold tea flavor and creamy sweetness that transports me straight to a Bangkok street café without leaving home.

I discovered this recipe during a trip to Thailand years ago and have spent countless kitchen sessions perfecting it. Now it's my go-to impressive drink when hosting friends who always ask for the recipe before leaving.

Ingredients

• Water: Forms the base of our infusion allowing the aromatic tea to fully bloom
• Thai tea mix: Creates that signature orange color and unique flavor profile but strong black tea works wonderfully too
• Sugar: Balances the robustness of the tea adjust according to how sweet you prefer your drinks
• Star anise: Adds that distinct licorice note essential for authentic Thai tea flavor use whole stars for easy removal
• Crushed cardamom pod (optional): Adds a wonderful aromatic depth that elevates the entire drink
• Evaporated milk, coconut milk or half and half: Provides that luxurious creamy layer choose based on your preference or dietary needs
• Ice cubes: Essential for the refreshing quality of this drink use large cubes for slower melting

Step-by-Step Instructions

Brew the Base:

Bring water to a rolling boil in a medium pot. Remove from heat immediately to prevent bitterness and add Thai tea mix, star anise, and cardamom pod. Allow to steep for 3 to 5 minutes. For a stronger flavor, steep closer to 5 minutes, but be careful not to oversteep as it can become astringent.

Sweeten While Hot:

Add sugar to the hot tea mixture and stir thoroughly until completely dissolved. The heat helps the sugar integrate perfectly into the tea. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed, keeping in mind the milk will dilute the flavor slightly.

Strain and Cool:

Pour the tea through a fine mesh strainer to remove all tea leaves, star anise, and cardamom. Discard the solids. Allow the tea to cool at room temperature for about 15 minutes before transferring to the refrigerator to chill completely, about 1 hour.

Assemble and Layer:

Fill tall glasses with ice cubes about three quarters full. Pour the chilled tea slowly over the ice, leaving approximately one inch of space at the top for the milk. The ice should make a crackling sound as the cold tea hits it.

Create the Cream Layer:

Gently pour your choice of milk over the back of a spoon to create that distinctive layered effect that makes Thai iced tea visually stunning. This technique slows the milk's descent, allowing it to float on top of the tea.

Serve with Style:

Present with a tall straw and instruct guests to stir before drinking to combine the creamy top with the tea below. The beautiful swirl of colors as they blend is part of the experience.

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Star anise is truly the secret weapon in this recipe. I once tried making it without and my Thai friend immediately noticed something was missing. The distinct licorice note it provides cannot be replicated, and watching the star shaped pods float in the brewing tea always brings me joy knowing the flavor magic they're creating.

Make It Your Own

This traditional Thai iced tea recipe welcomes personalization. For a dairy-free version, coconut milk creates an exceptional tropical flavor profile that complements the spiced tea beautifully. Oat milk offers another excellent alternative with its natural sweetness and creamy texture. If you enjoy additional flavor notes, a drop of vanilla extract or a light sprinkle of cinnamon can introduce wonderful complexity without overwhelming the classic character.

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Storage Tips

The brewed tea base keeps remarkably well in the refrigerator for up to one week when stored in an airtight container. This makes it perfect for preparing in advance for gatherings or enjoying throughout the week. Always add the milk component just before serving to maintain that beautiful layered effect and prevent any separation. For maximum freshness, store away from strong-smelling foods as tea can absorb odors easily.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your Thai tea lacks that vibrant orange color, it may be due to using regular black tea instead of Thai tea mix. The traditional mix contains food coloring that creates that signature hue. For a natural alternative, a pinch of turmeric can add color without significantly altering the flavor. If your tea tastes bitter, you likely steeped it too long or at too high a temperature. Remember to remove the tea from heat before adding the leaves and spices, and never exceed 5 minutes of steeping time.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of tea is best for Thai iced tea?

Traditionally, Thai tea mix is used, but strong black tea like Assam can work as a substitute.

→ Can I make this drink vegan?

Yes, substitute evaporated milk with coconut milk or any plant-based milk for a vegan version.

→ How can I adjust the sweetness level?

Simply modify the amount of sugar added to suit your personal preference.

→ Can I make Thai iced tea ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the tea base in advance and refrigerate it, then add milk just before serving.

→ What’s the best way to serve Thai iced tea?

Pour the chilled tea over ice, then top with milk to create a layered look. Serve with a straw.