Ingredients
4 c. water
1/2 c. Thai tea mix
1/2 c. granulated sugar
Ice
Sweetened condensed milk
Preparation
Step 1Bring water to a boil. In a large pitcher, combine boiling water, Thai tea mix, and sugar. Let steep 15 minutes. Step 2Strain tea using a fine mesh strainer, pressing on the tea leaves to extract all of the liquid. Chill until cold, at least 2 hours. Step 3When ready to serve, pour tea over ice and add 2 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk to each glass.
However it became popular, there’s no denying that Thai iced tea, or Cha Yen, is one of the most refreshing beverages to enjoy on a hot day. Its cool sweetness is also the perfect contrast to the spice in a spicy curry. Read on for more info on this refreshing summer drink. Looking for more caffeination? Try our cold brew next! What is Thai iced tea? Thai iced tea is made of Thai tea mix that has been steeped in boiling water with sugar, strained, and then poured over ice and topped with sweetened condensed milk. The tea mix always contains black tea mixed with spices such as star anise, cardamom, and vanilla, although the specific additions can vary between mixes. Why is Thai tea orange? While the tea in the tea mix is always black, it is usually mixed with red and yellow food dye, which turns the brewed tea a deep reddish orange. The added milk lightens that shade, producing that iconic orange color. Can I make this dairy free? Absolutely. Sweetened condensed milk or evaporated milk are the most common milks to add to the tea, but if you’re looking for a dairy free option, coconut milk would great as well. Have you made this yet? Let us know how it went in the comments below! Editor’s Note: The introduction to this recipe was updated on July 28, 2022 to include more information about the dish.
