Thai Iced Tea Recipe

There’s something magical about brewing my own Thai iced tea at home – the vibrant flavors take me straight back to my backpacking days in Thailand. Plus, crafting the perfect balance of creamy sweetness with that golden, sunset-like layer makes me feel like a mixologist in my own kitchen!

I adore treating myself to a crisp, cool glass of Thai Iced Tea, a harmonious mixture of the aromatic Thai tea mix with sweetened condensed milk and sugar. My recipe adds rich and creamy evaporated milk, which takes the texture of the drink to another level, and then lots of ice cubes for maximum refreshment.

Optional spices like star anise really infuse the drink with extra warmth, and a fresh garnish of mint is just perfection.

Ingredients

Thai Tea Mix:
The color of tea does not indicate its quality, contrary to the belief held by some.

In fact, high-quality teas can be found that are both light and dark.

Assam is a kind of black tea.

Black teas, alone or in blends, have the following characteristics:

– They are generally stronger in flavor and aroma than other kinds of tea.

– They are better at holding their flavor in the presence of other strong flavors.

– They can take milk and sugar and still taste like tea.

Granulated Sugar:
Offers a hint of sweetness that offsets the bold tea tastes.

Sweetened Condensed Milk:
Bestows a creamy richness that makes the tea lusciously sweet and smooth.

Evaporated Milk:
Imparts a smooth texture, amplifying the creaminess without going overboard on the sweetness.

Ice Cubes:
Crucial for providing that invigorating, iced feeling on a sunny afternoon.

Star Anise/Cardamom Pods (Optional):
Pours a delicate warmth and spice into the tea, enriching its scent.

Ingredient Quantities

• 2 cups water
• 3 tablespoons Thai tea mix
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
• 1/4 cup evaporated milk
• Ice cubes
• Optional: Star anise or cardamom pods for additional flavor
• Optional: Mint leaves for garnish

Instructions

1. In a medium-sized saucepan, combine 2 cups of water and bring to a boil.

2. Combine 3 tablespoons of the Thai tea mix with the boiling water, and turn the heat down to low. Let it steep for approximately 5 minutes.

3. For stronger tea, take the saucepan from the heat and allow it to steep for another 20 minutes.

4. Pour the tea through a fine mesh strainer or a cheesecloth into a pitcher to separate the tea leaves from the liquid.

5. Add 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar and stir until completely dissolved.

6. Combine the tea with 1/2 cup of sweetened condensed milk and mix well.

7. Bring the tea to room temperature, and then put it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to chill.

8. Fill glasses with ice cubes, then pour the chilled tea over the ice until the glass is about 3/4 full.

9. Carefully add 1/4 cup of evaporated milk to each glass of tea, pouring slowly to maintain the appearance of separate layers.

10. Optionally, garnish with star anise, cardamom pods, or mint leaves for added flavor and presentation. Serve immediately.

Equipment Needed

1. Medium-sized saucepan
2. Stove or cooktop
3. Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth
4. Pitcher
5. Measuring cups
6. Measuring spoons
7. Spoon or whisk for stirring
8. Refrigerator
9. Glasses for serving
10. Ice cube tray (if making ice cubes at home)

FAQ

• What is Thai tea mix?A blend of black tea, food coloring, spices, and sometimes vanilla flavoring, Thai tea mix is what is normally used to prepare the delicious drink known as Thai iced tea.
• Can I use a different sweetener in place of granulated sugar?Indeed, you can utilize substitutes such as honey, agave syrup, or coconut sugar, but they will slightly change the flavor.
• Is there a non-dairy substitute for sweetened condensed milk?Coconut condensed milk or another plant-based condensed milk can be used for a non-dairy version.
• Can I use fresh milk instead of evaporated milk?Indeed, you can use fresh milk as a substitute; however, the consistency and flavor you get from evaporated milk are superior.
• How long can I store Thai iced tea in the refrigerator?The brewed tea can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Add milk and ice just before serving.
• Does Thai iced tea contain caffeine?Indeed, due to its composition of black tea, it does contain caffeine; however, the precise quantity can fluctuate according to the specific tea blend in question.
• What can I add for extra flavors?For improved flavor, consider adding star anise, cardamom pods, or a splash of vanilla extract during brewing.

Substitutions and Variations

To make Thai tea mix: Use a robust black tea such as Assam or Ceylon, and a few drops of vanilla, food color to make the mixture look the way the traditional one does.
– For granulated sugar: Substitute brown sugar or coconut sugar to achieve a different flavor profile.
– To make sweetened condensed milk: Blend together evaporated milk with an equivalent quantity of sugar; heat the mixture until the sugar thoroughly dissolves. Use this as a substitute in the recipe for sweetened condensed milk.
For evaporated milk: Substitute regular whole milk or half-and-half to achieve similar creaminess.
– When it comes to ice cubes: Use cracked ice or crushed ice to create a varied texture in the drink.

Pro Tips

1. For a richer flavor, consider lightly toasting the Thai tea mix in a dry pan before adding it to the boiling water. This can enhance the aroma and taste of the tea.

2. Use crushed ice instead of regular ice cubes for a faster chilling effect and a smoother consistency in your drink.

3. If possible, chill your glasses in the freezer for a few minutes before pouring the tea. This helps keep the drink colder for longer and enhances the layered appearance.

4. Adjust the sweetness to your preference by gradually adding the sweetened condensed milk and tasting as you go. You can also substitute some or all of it with unsweetened condensed milk for a less sweet version.

5. To intensify the Thai tea flavor, you can add a few more tablespoons of the Thai tea mix when steeping. Just ensure to strain well to avoid any bitterness from over-steeping.