Thai Tea Recipe – Thai Special
Thai Iced Tea, or Cha Yen (ชาเย็น), is a beloved beverage in Thai cuisine, known for its bold flavor and striking orange color. This sweet and creamy drink is made by brewing strong black tea infused with spices like star anise and cloves, then sweetened with sugar and sweetened condensed milk. Topped with evaporated or whole milk, it creates a layered effect that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate. Served over ice, Thai Iced Tea offers a refreshing contrast to spicy Thai dishes and is a perfect way to cool down on a warm day.
- Prep Time5 min
- Cook Time10 min
- Total Time15 min
Thai Tea Ingredients:
- 2 cups water
- 2 tablespoons Thai tea mix (or strong black tea + 1 star anise + 1 clove)
- 2 tablespoons sugar (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk
- 2 tablespoons evaporated milk or whole milk
- Ice cubes
Brew the Tea:
In a saucepan, bring the water to a boil.
Add the Thai tea mix (or black tea with spices).
Reduce heat and simmer for 3–5 minutes.
Remove from heat and strain the tea through a fine sieve or cheesecloth into a heatproof container.
Sweeten & Cool:
While the tea is hot, stir in sugar and sweetened condensed milk until fully dissolved.
Let the tea cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until chilled.
Serve:
Fill a glass with ice.
Pour the chilled tea over the ice, leaving some space at the top.
Slowly pour evaporated milk or whole milk over the tea to create a beautiful layered effect.
Recipe Notes :
Tea Base: Use authentic Thai tea mix (like ChaTraMue) for the iconic flavor and color.
Spice Variations: For extra depth, consider adding crushed cardamom or a splash of vanilla extract.
Dairy Alternatives: For a vegan version, substitute sweetened condensed milk with plant-based alternatives and use coconut or oat milk instead of evaporated milk.
Presentation Tip: To achieve the signature layered look, pour the milk gently over the back of a spoon onto the tea.
Make-Ahead: Brew and chill the tea in advance; just assemble with ice and milk when ready to serve.
