Thai Green Tea Recipe

I absolutely love this Thai iced green tea recipe because it perfectly balances creamy sweetness with the lush, fragrant notes of green tea—ideal for a refreshing pick-me-up. Plus, it’s super easy to make and feels like a little taste of Thailand right in my kitchen!

Thai Green Tea is my favorite after-dinner drink. I love the rich, earthy flavor of it, the creamy texture and the sweetness from the sweetened, condensed milk.

I make it by the cup, sometimes by the glass, never by the pot; it is far too delicious to allow any to sit and steep. I use 2 tablespoons of the loose green tea for my strong, potently flavored base and sweeten it with 2 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk.

On occasion, I will up the milk ante and throw in evaporated milk as well. The drink would still be too good not to serve over ice.

If you don’t have any, you’re going to want some after reading this.

Ingredients

Thai green tea leaves:
Abundant in antioxidants; grants a delightful taste.

Sweetened condensed milk:
Contributes smooth, sweet flavors.

Contains a high amount of sugars and carbohydrates.

Evaporated milk:
Source of calcium and vitamins; creamy texture.

Sugar:
Increases sweetness; not necessary for flavor balance.

Ice cubes:
Chills and refreshes the beverage; contributes no calories.

Ingredient Quantities

• 2 tablespoons Thai green tea leaves
• 2 cups water
• 2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk
• 2 tablespoons evaporated milk
• 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, adjust to taste)
• Ice cubes (for serving)

Instructions

1. In a saucepan or kettle, heat 2 cups of water until boiling.

2. Once the water has reached a boil, add 2 tablespoons of Thai green tea leaves.

3. Steeping the tea for 3-5 minutes is advised, but consider shortening or lengthening the steep based on what strength you prefer.

4. Using a fine mesh sieve, pour the tea through the leaves into a container that’s safe for holding hot liquids.

5. Incorporate 2 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk, making sure it is completely dissolved before moving on.

6. Incorporate 2 tablespoons of evaporated milk, ensuring it is mixed in thoroughly.

7. Taste and incorporate 1 tablespoon of sugar if desired, adjusting to your sweetness preference.

8. Let the tea reach room temperature, or if you wish, cool it in the refrigerator.

9. A glass or cup should be filled with ice cubes.

10. Allow the tea to cool, then pour it over the ice. Stir and serve. Enjoy your Thai iced green tea!

Equipment Needed

1. Saucepan or kettle
2. Fine mesh sieve
3. Container for hot liquids
4. Spoon (for stirring)
5. Measuring spoons
6. Glass or cup
7. Refrigerator (optional, for cooling)

FAQ

• What makes Thai green tea different from other green teas?The vivid hue and distinct flavor of Thai green tea set it apart from other varieties. While its base may be a typical green tea, the addition of a hint of jasmine seems to be a universal practice. After that, sweetened condensed milk is half the recipe. At its core, Thai green tea is a milky, creamy, floral, refreshing and slightly sweet beverage.
• Can I use regular green tea leaves instead of Thai green tea leaves?Although you can use conventional green tea leaves, the flavor might vary. Thai green tea possesses unique characteristics that contribute to its distinctively flavored taste.
• Is it necessary to add the sugar?It is optional to add sugar, and you should adjust it to your taste. The sweetened condensed milk already brings a significant amount of sweetness to the mixture, so you can sweeten it more if you want, but it is not necessary.
• Can I substitute the condensed or evaporated milk with non-dairy alternatives?Certainly, coconut milk or almond milk can be used as substitutes, but keep in mind that the flavor and creaminess may be slightly different.
• How should I serve Thai green tea?Served over ice, Thai green tea is a traditional drink that can be enjoyed in any warm climate. Sweetened with sugar, and sometimes with sweetened condensed milk, this drink counts among the many variations of Thai tea.
• Can I prepare Thai green tea in advance?Indeed, the tea can be brewed and mixed with the milks beforehand. Keep it in the fridge, and add ice just before serving.

Substitutions and Variations

2 tablespoons Thai green tea leaves: For a different texture and flavor, use matcha powder, but note that it may be a stronger substitute.
Use 2 cups of water. If you want a creamier texture, substitute with milk.
2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk: Use honey or maple syrup for a distinct sweetness profile.
2 tablespoons of evaporated milk: Substitute with coconut milk for a tropical flavor that’s even richer and creamier.
1 tablespoon sugar (optional): Substitute agave syrup or stevia for a healthier alternative.

Pro Tips

1. Tea Strength and Flavor Experiment with the steeping time for the tea leaves. A shorter steep will give a lighter, more delicate flavor, while a longer steep will yield a stronger, more robust taste. If you like a slightly different flavor, try adding a pinch of jasmine tea leaves along with the Thai green tea for an aromatic twist.

2. Milk Adjustments You can adjust the amount of sweetened condensed milk and evaporated milk to suit your taste preference. For a creamier texture, increase the evaporated milk slightly. If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce the sweetened condensed milk or omit the additional sugar.

3. Serving Suggestions For a refreshing twist, consider garnishing your Thai iced green tea with a sprig of fresh mint or a slice of lime. This can add an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal to your drink.

4. Cold Brew Option If you prefer a less bitter and smoother tea, try a cold-brew method. Combine the tea leaves with water in a jar and refrigerate for 6-8 hours, then strain and continue with the recipe from step 5.

5. Ice Considerations To prevent your iced tea from becoming diluted, consider using frozen tea cubes. Prepare an extra batch of the tea, let it cool, and then freeze it in an ice cube tray. This ensures that as the ice melts, it maintains the tea’s full flavor.