Thai Tea Recipe is a sweet, spiced iced beverage made from brewed strong black tea, sugar, star anise, and cardamom, layered with sweetened condensed and evaporated milk, served over ice.
I made this Thai Tea Recipe because I wanted to recreate a favourite drink I enjoyed at a local cafe long ago. I have past experience making Thai Tea, so I knew the right balance of sweetness and creaminess.
Watching skilled tea makers prepare it inspired me to try my own version. Now I will show step by step how to make this Thai Tea Recipe.
About This Recipe
This Thai Tea Recipe is a classic representation of Thailand’s beloved iced beverage, known for its vibrant orange colour, creamy texture, and unique aromatic flavor.
The blend of strongly brewed Thai tea leaves, star anise, and crushed cardamom gives it a distinct floral and slightly spicy aroma. Sweetened condensed milk and evaporated milk create a rich, velvety creaminess that balances the bold tea flavor.
Served over ice, it is refreshingly sweet and smooth, making it perfect for hot weather. The main speciality of this Thai Tea recipe lies in its perfect harmony of bold tea, aromatic spices, and creamy sweetness, a signature taste that is unmistakably Thai.
How To Prepare Thai Tea Recipe?
Recipe Overview
Preparation Time: 3 minutes
Cooking Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 11 minutes
Course: Drink
Difficulty: Easy
Cuisine: Thai
Yield: 2 servings
Main Kitchen Utensils
- Saucepan
- Strainer or fine sieve
- Spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Glasses for serving
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Thai tea leaves
- 2 cups water
- 2 tablespoons sugar (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk
- 2 tablespoons evaporated milk (or whole milk)
- 1 star anise
- 1 crushed cardamom pod
- 1 cup ice cubes
Instructions
Step 1: Brew The Tea
In a small saucepan, pour 2 cups of water and add 2 tablespoons of Thai tea leaves. Toss in 1 star anise and 1 crushed cardamom pod for extra flavor. Bring everything to a gentle boil over medium heat, then turn the heat down and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
Step 2: Sweeten And Strain
Take the pan off the heat and strain the tea into a jug or any heatproof container. While it’s still warm, stir in 2 tablespoons of sugar until dissolved.
Step 3: Chill The Tea
Fill your glasses with ice cubes (roughly half a cup per glass). Pour the sweetened tea over the ice to cool it down quickly.
Step 4: Make It Creamy And Serve
Add 1 tablespoon of sweetened condensed milk and 1 tablespoon of evaporated milk (or whole milk) to each glass. Give it a gentle stir so everything blends nicely. Serve right away and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts Of Thai Tea Recipe
| Nutrition | Amounts |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 20 g |
| Protein | 2 g |
| Fat | 6 g |
| Sugars | 18 g |
Incredible Essential Health Benefits
➤ Boosts energy naturally due to its caffeine content, helping stay alert and focused.
➤ Contains antioxidants from the tea leaves that support heart health and reduce inflammation.
➤ Helps improve digestion, aided by star anise and cardamom’s natural digestive properties.
➤ Supports hydration while offering a flavorful alternative to plain drinks, keeping the body refreshed.
➤ Provides small amounts of calcium and protein from condensed and evaporated milk, supporting bone strength.
Tips And Tricks For Perfect Thai Tea Recipe
➢ Use high quality Thai tea leaves to get a rich, vibrant colour and authentic flavor.
➢ Simmer the tea gently to allow the spices, like star anise and cardamom, to release their aroma without bitterness.
➢ Adjust sugar gradually, tasting as you go, to balance sweetness and avoid overpowering the tea’s natural flavor.
➢ Chill the brewed tea before pouring over ice to prevent it from diluting too quickly.
➢ Layer sweetened condensed milk and evaporated milk slowly for a creamy texture and visually appealing drink.
What Are Some Popular Main Courses To Serve With Thai Tea Recipe?
Popular main courses to serve alongside Thai Tea Recipe include Pad Thai, a stir-fried noodle dish with shrimp, chicken, or tofu, seasoned with tamarind and peanuts.
Green curry featuring tender chicken, eggplant, and coconut milk provides a rich, spicy contrast. Massaman curry offers a milder, nutty flavor with beef or lamb.
Grilled satay skewers served with peanut sauce add a smoky, savoury element. Thai basil stir fry with vegetables or meat delivers aromatic heat, while mango sticky rice provides a sweet finish to balance the meal.
Why You’ll Love Thai Tea Recipe?
You’ll love Thai Tea Recipe for its vibrant colour and bold, aromatic flavor that awakens the senses. The combination of strong brewed tea, star anise, and cardamom creates a fragrant, slightly spicy profile that is beautifully balanced by creamy condensed and evaporated milk.
Each sip delivers a smooth, indulgent sweetness that refreshes and delights. Its chilled, ice cold presentation makes it incredibly satisfying, offering a unique taste experience that stands out from ordinary teas and leaves a memorable impression.
Is Thai Tea Recipe Safe For Heart Patients?
Thai Tea Recipe contains sugar and sweetened condensed milk, which can increase blood sugar and calorie intake. Heart patients should consume it in moderation due to its sugar and fat content.
Using low fat milk or reducing sugar can make it a safer option. Herbal spices like star anise and cardamom may provide mild health benefits, but they do not offset the effects of high sugar.
Consulting a healthcare professional ensures it fits safely into a heart friendly diet.
How Long Does Homemade Thai Tea Recipe Last In The Fridge?
Homemade Thai Tea Recipe stays fresh in the fridge for up to three days. Keeping it in an airtight container preserves the flavor and prevents it from absorbing other odors.
Sweetened condensed milk and brewed tea maintain their taste and texture during this time. Ice should be added only before serving to keep the drink cold without diluting it.
Stirring the tea before pouring helps maintain its creamy consistency. Enjoying it within this period ensures a rich, smooth, and flavorful experience in every glass.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Ingredients Are Essential For Thai Tea?
Thai tea leaves, sugar, sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk or whole milk, and optional spices like star anise or cardamom.
Can I Use Regular Black Tea Instead Of Thai Tea Leaves?
Yes, but the flavor and colour will be less authentic compared to traditional Thai tea.
How Do I Make Thai Tea Less Sweet?
Reduce the sugar or sweetened condensed milk according to taste.
Can Thai Tea Be Served Hot?
Yes, it can be enjoyed hot or over ice for a refreshing cold drink.
Can I Use Plant Based Milk In Thai Tea?
Yes, almond, oat, or coconut milk can replace evaporated milk for a dairy free version.
Conclusion
This Thai Tea Recipe was so easy and turned out absolutely delicious! I truly enjoyed the process, and the sweet, creamy, and aromatic flavor was a delightful success.
I hope this recipe inspires you to try it at home it’s simple, quick, and incredibly satisfying. I am excited for you to taste it soon and share how wonderfully delicious it is.
This easy Thai Tea Recipe will surely bring joy and refreshment to your day!
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Thai Tea Recipe
Equipment
- Saucepan
- Strainer or fine sieve
- Spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Glasses for serving
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Thai tea leaves
- 2 cups water
- 2 tablespoons sugar adjust to taste
- 2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk
- 2 tablespoons evaporated milk or whole milk
- 1 star anise
- 1 crushed cardamom pod
- 1 cup ice cubes
Instructions
Step 1: Brew The Tea
- In a small saucepan, pour 2 cups of water and add 2 tablespoons of Thai tea leaves. Toss in 1 star anise and 1 crushed cardamom pod for extra flavor. Bring everything to a gentle boil over medium heat, then turn the heat down and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
Step 2: Sweeten And Strain
- Take the pan off the heat and strain the tea into a jug or any heatproof container. While it’s still warm, stir in 2 tablespoons of sugar until dissolved.
Step 3: Chill The Tea
- Fill your glasses with ice cubes (roughly half a cup per glass). Pour the sweetened tea over the ice to cool it down quickly.
Step 4: Make It Creamy And Serve
- Add 1 tablespoon of sweetened condensed milk and 1 tablespoon of evaporated milk (or whole milk) to each glass. Give it a gentle stir so everything blends nicely. Serve right away and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 150 kcal | Carbohydrates: 20 g | Protein: 2 g | Fat: 6 g | Sugars: 18 gI’m Eliana Emerson, a former fashion designer turned full-time foodie with over five years of experience in the kitchen. My passion for creativity didn’t stop at fashion it simply found a new home in cooking. I love discovering new recipes, experimenting with flavors, and adding an artistic touch to my favorite dishes. The recipes I share are inspired by family traditions and Southern classics, many reimagined as healthier options without sacrificing flavor.