Easy Thai Iced Tea Recipe – Spice & Ice!

Step into the enchanting realm of Thai Iced Tea, a drink that’s as captivating in flavor as it is in appearance.

Originating from the bustling streets of Thailand, this sweet, aromatic symphony of tea, spices, and creamy sweetness has danced its way into the hearts of tea lovers worldwide. Ideal for cooling down on hot days or as a special treat anytime, it’s one of my favorite summer drinks.

Follow this Easy Thai Iced Tea Recipe and enjoy its refreshing and exotic taste!

Why You Should Try This Recipe

• Exotic Flavor Experience: Thai Iced Tea combines the rich, bold flavors of black tea with aromatic spices like star anise and cardamom, offering a truly unique and indulgent taste that’s both exotic and familiar.
• Refreshing and Cooling: The creamy sweetness and ice-cold nature make this drink a perfect refreshment for hot days, providing a delicious way to cool down and rejuvenate.
• Versatile Beverage: Thai Iced Tea is customizable to individual tastes — you can adjust the sweetness, choose between dairy or plant-based milk, and even experiment with different spices to tailor the flavor to your liking.
• Boost of Energy: The robust black tea base provides a gentle caffeine kick, making this an excellent pick-me-up for midday slumps or a flavorful alternative to morning coffee.
• Cultural Experience: Making Thai Iced Tea at home offers a glimpse into Thai culture and cuisine, allowing you to explore and appreciate culinary traditions from around the world right from your kitchen.

Ingredients

Thai Iced Tea is a luscious blend of carefully chosen ingredients that each bring their unique charm to this delightful beverage.

At its core is strong black tea, which provides a robust and earthy base. The enchantment begins with the addition of aromatic spices like star anise and cardamom, which infuse the brew with their warm, exotic flavors.

Sweetness is typically achieved with sugar, balancing the spice and enhancing the tea’s richness.

Finally, a splash of evaporated milk, or a vegan alternative like coconut milk, introduces a creamy texture that beautifully contrasts with the vivid tea, creating a visually stunning and utterly indulgent drink.

Ingredients for making 4 cups (32) oz of Thai Iced Tea:

• 4 cups water
• 4 tablespoons Thai tea mix (or strong black tea if unavailable)
• 4 tablespoons sugar (or to taste)
• 4 star anises
• 1 crushed cardamom pod (optional)
• 1/2 cup evaporated milk, coconut milk, or half-and-half
• Ice cubes

How to Make Thai Iced Tea

Step-by-step instructions for making 4 cups (32 oz) of Thai Iced Tea:

1. Boil Water:
   • In a pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil.
2. Infuse Spices and Tea:
   • Once the water is boiling, turn off the heat and add the Thai tea mix, star anise, and cardamom pod. Let the mixture steep for about 3 to 5 minutes, depending on how strong and aromatic you like it.
3. Sweeten the Tea:
   • While the tea is still hot, stir in the sugar until it’s completely dissolved. Adjust the sweetness according to your preference.
4. Strain the Tea:
   • Use a fine mesh strainer to strain out the tea leaves and spices. Discard the solids.
5. Cool the Tea:
   • Allow the tea to cool to room temperature, then chill it in the refrigerator until it’s cold.
6. Assemble the Drink:
   • Fill glasses with ice cubes to the top.
   • Pour the chilled tea over the ice, leaving enough room at the top for the milk.
7. Top with Milk:
   • Slowly pour the evaporated milk, coconut milk, or half-and-half over the tea so it forms a distinct layer before mixing.
8. Serve:
   • Serve the Thai Iced Tea with a straw and stir before drinking to mix the creamy milk through the vibrant tea.

Enjoy your homemade Thai Iced Tea, a creamy and refreshing beverage that’s perfect for sipping on a warm day or serving at your next gathering!

Tips & Variations

• Experiment with Different Teas: If you don’t have a traditional Thai tea mix, try using a strong Ceylon or Assam tea as a base for a similar robust flavor.
• Play with Spices: Add a cinnamon stick or a few cloves and vanilla beans (or vanilla extract) during the steeping process for additional spice complexity that complements the cardamom and star anise.
• Vegan-Friendly Version: Use coconut milk or almond milk instead of evaporated milk or half-and-half to create a vegan version of this classic drink.
• Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet beverage, reduce the amount of sugar or try using a natural sweetener like honey or stevia.
• Add a Citrus Twist: Include a few drops of orange blossom water or a squeeze of lime for a subtle citrus note that enhances the overall flavor profile of the tea.