Thai Iced Tea is a delicious and refreshing drink that comes from Thailand. This unique beverage combines bold flavors and creamy textures to create a perfect balance. It has gained worldwide popularity due to its sweet and aromatic properties. Thai Iced Tea is not only a great drink for hot days but also a delightful treat for any occasion. Making this drink at home is easy and fun, allowing you to customize it to your taste. Whether you prefer it sweet, strong, or creamy, Thai Iced Tea can be tailored to your preferences.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
You will love this Thai Iced Tea recipe because it is simple and quick. It uses easily found ingredients that give you a fantastic flavor. The addition of spices like star anise and cardamom adds a unique touch to the tea, making it special and aromatic. The creamy layer of milk balances the strong tea, bringing all flavors together. Plus, it is a refreshing drink perfect for any time of the day! This recipe is something you can make for yourself or impress your friends and family during gatherings. It’s a drink that brings a taste of Thailand straight to your kitchen!
HOW TO MAKE Thai Iced Tea
Making Thai Iced Tea is straightforward. You do not need any special skills to prepare it; just follow the easy steps. Start by boiling water, then steep the tea and spices before sweetening it. Once it cools down, add milk and serve it over ice. That’s it!
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
To make Thai Iced Tea, you will need a few common kitchen tools:
- A pot for boiling water
- A stirring spoon
- A fine strainer for straining the tea
- Glasses for serving
- A measuring cup
- A measuring spoon
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 cups Water
- 4 tablespoons Thai tea mix or strong black tea
- 4 tablespoons Sugar (adjust according to your preference)
- 4 star anises
- 1 Crushed cardamom pod (optional)
- 1/2 cup Evaporated milk, coconut milk, or half-and-half
- Ice cubes
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
- Boil the Water
Bring the water to a boil in a pot. - Add Tea and Spices
Turn off the heat and add the Thai tea mix, star anise, and cardamom pod. - Steep the Tea
Let the mixture steep for 3 to 5 minutes, depending on how strong you like your tea. - Add Sugar
Stir in the sugar until it is completely dissolved. - Strain the Tea
Strain out the tea leaves and spices, discarding the solids. - Cool the Tea
Let the tea cool to room temperature. After that, chill it in the refrigerator until it’s cold. - Prepare Ice
Fill glasses with ice cubes. - Pour the Tea
Pour the chilled tea over the ice, leaving enough room at the top for the milk. - Add Milk
Slowly pour the evaporated milk, coconut milk, or half-and-half over the tea, allowing it to form a distinct layer. - Serve
Serve the Thai Iced Tea with a straw and give it a stir before drinking!
HOW TO SERVE Thai Iced Tea
Thai Iced Tea is best served cold. You can present it in tall glasses for a nice look. Garnishing with a slice of lime or mint leaves will enhance its appeal, but it is not necessary. Serve it as a refreshing drink during meals or with desserts. It is ideal for summer days or hot afternoons.
STORAGE & FREEZING : Thai Iced Tea
Thai Iced Tea is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store it if you have leftovers. Keep the tea in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you plan to freeze it, pour it into ice cube trays. This way, you can add Thai Iced Tea cubes to your future drinks. However, avoid freezing the milk separately, as it may change the texture when thawed.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
Thai Iced Tea pairs wonderfully with various dishes. Here are some great options to consider:
- Spicy Thai dishes like Pad Thai or Green Curry
- Light snacks such as spring rolls
- Desserts like coconut sticky rice or mango with sticky rice
- Grilled meat dishes for a balance of flavors
VARIATIONS
You can customize your Thai Iced Tea in many ways:
- Less Sweet: Reduce the amount of sugar to fit your taste.
- Different Milk Options: Try almond milk, oat milk, or regular milk for variety.
- Add Flavors: Experiment with vanilla extract or other spices for unique flavor profiles.
- Herbal Options: Use herbal tea instead of the traditional Thai tea mix for a caffeine-free version.
FAQs
1. Can I use regular black tea instead of Thai tea?
Yes, you can, but the flavor will differ. Thai tea has distinct spices and flavors that unique black tea may not replicate.
2. How do I know when to remove the tea and spices?
Taste the tea after steeping for 3 minutes. For a stronger flavor, let it steep for up to 5 minutes, but avoid steeping too long, or it may become bitter.
3. Can I make a big batch of Thai Iced Tea?
Absolutely! Just multiply the ingredients by the number of servings you want, and follow the same steps.
4. Is it necessary to use sugar in Thai Iced Tea?
Sugar balances the strong flavors of the tea. However, you can opt for other sweeteners or leave it out entirely if you prefer less sweetness.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Thai Iced Tea
You can prepare Thai Iced Tea ahead of time:
- Make the Tea Base: Brew and store the tea in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3 days.
- Prep the Ice: Freeze some tea in ice cube trays for a cooler drink later.
- Mix Before Serving: When ready to serve, pour the chilled tea over ice, add milk, and stir.
With these simple steps, you can enjoy a refreshing glass of Thai Iced Tea at any time. Easy and delicious, this drink will surely become a favorite in your home!
This creamy, sweet iced tea is perfect alongside our homemade peach iced tea for those who want to offer variety at summer gatherings. For more energizing cold beverages, pair it with our homemade loaded teas to create an exciting iced tea menu. The rich, spiced flavor also contrasts beautifully with the floral notes of our royal milk tea for international tea comparisons. Follow our Pinterest board for more international beverage recipes and stunning drink photography.
Thai Iced Tea
Ingredients
Method
- Bring the water to a boil in a pot.
- Turn off the heat and add the Thai tea mix, star anise, and cardamom pod.
- Let the mixture steep for 3 to 5 minutes, depending on how strong you like your tea.
- Stir in the sugar until it is completely dissolved.
- Strain out the tea leaves and spices, discarding the solids.
- Let the tea cool to room temperature. After that, chill it in the refrigerator until it’s cold.
- Fill glasses with ice cubes.
- Pour the chilled tea over the ice, leaving enough room at the top for the milk.
- Slowly pour the evaporated milk, coconut milk, or half-and-half over the tea, allowing it to form a distinct layer.
- Serve the Thai Iced Tea with a straw and give it a stir before drinking!