If there’s a drink that feels like a mini-vacation in a glass, it’s Thai Iced Tea. With its bold, fragrant tea, creamy-tangy swirls of sweetened condensed milk, and that instantly recognizable marigold-orange hue, this beloved Thai classic is a treat for the senses. Whether you’re dreaming of tropical breezes or want to recreate your favorite restaurant experience at home, this recipe lets you whip up authentic, irresistibly refreshing Thai Iced Tea with simple, easy-to-find ingredients. You’ll love how just a few steps lead to something so delightfully decadent!
Ingredients You’ll Need
It’s genuinely amazing how a handful of straightforward ingredients combine to make magic in this recipe. Each component brings something special to the experience—deep tea flavor, just-right sweetness, cooling ice, and that creamy finish every Thai Iced Tea fan craves.
- Water: The essential base—plenty of water helps brew the tea strong and bold without diluting flavor once poured over ice.
- Sugar: A quarter cup sweetens the brew just enough, balancing out the tannic notes of the black tea.
- Thai tea blend: The heart of this drink; look for an authentic Thai tea mix to get those gorgeous colors and signature flavors (aromatic, with hints of vanilla and spice).
- Ice: Lots of ice is critical—it’s what chills the tea instantly while adding that classic touch of a frosty, thirst-quenching treat.
- Sweetened condensed milk: The thick, creamy swirl that makes every sip so dreamy and gives Thai Iced Tea its iconic layered look and flavor.
How to Make Thai Iced Tea
Step 1: Boil the Water and Dissolve the Sugar
Start by combining your water and sugar in a large pot over high heat. Stir occasionally and bring it to a rolling boil, ensuring that the sugar dissolves completely. This simple step sets the foundation for your tea’s balanced sweetness.
Step 2: Steep the Thai Tea Blend
Once the sugar has dissolved, turn off the heat. Stir in the Thai tea blend, making sure all the leaves are saturated. Allow the tea to steep for at least 10 minutes—don’t rush this part! A good, long steep gives your Thai Iced Tea that deep, characteristic flavor and dazzling orange color.
Step 3: Strain and Cool the Tea
After steeping, use a kitchen cloth or fine mesh strainer to pour your tea into a large heat-safe container, leaving the leaves behind. Let the liquid cool to room temperature, then transfer it to the refrigerator. The chilling process might take a couple of hours, but it’s necessary for the perfect iced experience.
Step 4: Fill Glasses with Ice and Pour Tea
When you’re ready to serve, grab your tallest glasses and fill them with plenty of ice. Pour about a cup of your chilled tea over each glass, making sure the tea is nice and cold all the way through.
Step 5: Top with Sweetened Condensed Milk and Enjoy
Now comes the fun (and show-stopper) part: gently drizzle a generous spoonful—or more—of sweetened condensed milk over the top of each glass. Give it a quick stir to create gorgeous marbling, then dive in. Your homemade Thai Iced Tea is ready to astonish!
How to Serve Thai Iced Tea
Garnishes
A simple flourish elevates your Thai Iced Tea from great to truly stunning. Dress things up with a generous swirl of sweetened condensed milk, a sprig of fresh mint, or even a sprinkle of ground cardamom on top for an exotic aroma. Serve with wide straws so everyone can enjoy the creamy ribbons throughout.
Side Dishes
Thai Iced Tea is a natural companion to spicy, bold dishes. Enjoy it alongside crispy spring rolls, spicy pad Thai, or a fresh, zippy green papaya salad. Its sweetness and chill help temper the heat of your favorite Thai meals.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, pour Thai Iced Tea into mason jars with colorful striped straws, or create mini ice pop versions for a playful twist. Want a dessert angle? Serve with coconut milk ice cubes, or float a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for an over-the-top “Thai tea float.”
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have extra Thai Iced Tea, simply store it (without the condensed milk) in an airtight pitcher in the fridge for up to five days. Add fresh ice and milk when serving to preserve the iconic layered effect and keep everything tasting vibrant.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover tea in ice cube trays! These tea cubes are fantastic for chilling your next glass without any dilution and are perfect for blending into Thai Iced Tea slushies later.
Reheating
While traditional Thai Iced Tea is best chilled, you can gently reheat the base tea on the stove if you’re making a warm variation. Warm over low heat, then add condensed milk to taste—think of it like a cozy Thai milk tea latte.
FAQs
Is it necessary to use sweetened condensed milk, or can I substitute something else?
For the iconic richness, sweetened condensed milk is ideal, but you can swap in evaporated milk for a lighter result, or use coconut condensed milk for a dairy-free twist. Adjust sweetness to taste if you experiment!
What makes Thai Iced Tea so orange?
The vibrant orange color is a trademark of authentic Thai tea blends, which often include food coloring and sometimes natural spices like star anise or tamarind. The final color also deepens when you add sweetened condensed milk.
Can I make Thai Iced Tea with loose black tea?
You can! While Thai tea blends have extra flavors and color, you can use strong black tea and add a splash of vanilla extract and a pinch of spices (like cardamom or star anise) for a homemade approximation.
How sweet is traditional Thai Iced Tea?
Restaurant versions are usually quite sweet and creamy, but you can scale the sugar and condensed milk up or down to fit your own tastes without losing that iconic Thai Iced Tea experience.
Does Thai Iced Tea have caffeine?
Yes, Thai Iced Tea is made with black tea, so it does contain caffeine—about as much as a typical cup of black tea. If you’re sensitive, feel free to use a decaffeinated tea blend.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so satisfying about making Thai Iced Tea at home—it’s a little ritual of color, aroma, and cool, creamy bliss. Whether you whip up a batch for friends or just for yourself on a warm afternoon, I hope you fall in love with this vibrant treat as much as I have. Don’t be surprised if it quickly becomes your go-to drink whenever you crave something a little special!
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Thai Iced Tea Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make a refreshing and creamy Thai Iced Tea at home with this simple recipe. Perfect for hot days or as a sweet treat.
Ingredients
Tea:
- 6 cups water
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 cup Thai tea blend
Serving:
- 3–4 cups ice
- One container sweetened condensed milk
Instructions
- Boil Water and Sugar: In a large pot, bring water and sugar to a boil until sugar dissolves.
- Steep Tea: Remove from heat, add Thai tea, and steep for 10 minutes. Strain into a container.
- Chill Tea: Cool tea, then chill in the fridge.
- Serve: Fill a glass with ice, pour tea, add condensed milk, and stir.
Notes
- Thai tea brews strong, so let it steep for at least 10 minutes.
- Sugar-free sweeteners can be used but may alter the taste slightly.
- Allow tea to cool before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Beverage, Dessert, Drinks
- Method: Boiling, Steeping, Chilling, Mixing
- Cuisine: American, Asian, Thai
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 244 kcal
- Sugar: 44g
- Sodium: 102mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 22mg
