Thai Iced Tea Recipe
This authentic Thai Iced Tea recipe features a rich and aromatic brew made from Thai tea mix, star anise, and optional cardamom, sweetened with sugar and served chilled with creamy evaporated milk or coconut milk. Perfect for a refreshing and flavorful drink to cool down on warm days.
- Author: Cara
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Thai
Tea Base
- 4 cups Water
- 4 tbsp Thai tea mix or strong black tea
- 4 star anises
- 1 crushed cardamom pod (optional)
Sweetener
- 4 tbsp Sugar (adjust according to your preference)
Milk & Serving
- 1/2 cup Evaporated milk, coconut milk, or half-and-half
- Ice cubes
- Boil and Steep: Bring the water to a boil in a pot. Once boiling, turn off the heat and add the Thai tea mix, star anise, and the crushed cardamom pod. Let it steep for 3 to 5 minutes depending on how strong you desire your tea.
- Sweeten the Tea: Stir in the sugar thoroughly until it is completely dissolved, infusing the tea with sweetness.
- Strain: Strain the tea mixture to remove the tea leaves and spices, discarding the solids to ensure a smooth tea.
- Chill: Allow the tea to cool to room temperature, then place it in the refrigerator until it is thoroughly chilled.
- Prepare Glasses: Fill serving glasses with ice cubes, then pour the chilled tea over the ice, leaving enough space at the top for milk.
- Add Milk: Slowly pour your choice of evaporated milk, coconut milk, or half-and-half over the tea so that it forms a distinct layered look before mixing.
- Serve: Serve immediately with a straw, and stir the drink before sipping to blend all the flavors.
Notes
- Adjust the sugar quantity according to your preferred sweetness level.
- Using coconut milk offers a vegan-friendly alternative and adds a unique flavor twist.
- Steeping time affects the tea’s strength—longer steeping yields a stronger, more robust tea.
- Make sure to chill the tea well for the best refreshing experience.
- You can replace Thai tea mix with strong brewed black tea if unavailable, but it will alter the authentic flavor.
Keywords: Thai iced tea, Thai tea recipe, Thai drink, iced tea with milk, Asian iced tea, refreshing Thai beverage