Thai Iced Tea

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Servings: 4 Difficulty: Intermediate
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A vibrant, creamy, and sweet iced tea perfect for hot days or as a refreshing dessert drink.
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Thai Iced Tea

Author: chefs-mate Cooking Method: Cuisine: Courses:
Difficulty: Intermediate
Servings: 4 Calories: 361.9

Description

This classic Thai Iced Tea is a beloved staple in Southeast Asian cuisine, known for its striking orange hue and rich, aromatic flavor. The blend of strong black tea leaves with spices like star anise, tangerine peel, and cornflower creates a complex taste profile that is both floral and slightly spicy. Sweetened generously with sugar and finished with a splash of creamy evaporated milk, it offers a perfect balance of sweetness and tang. It is an excellent choice for summer gatherings, hot afternoons, or as a refreshing palate cleanser after a spicy meal. Simple to prepare yet deeply satisfying, this beverage brings a touch of tropical elegance to your kitchen. Serve it over plenty of ice for the best experience.

Ingredients

Directions

  1. Bring the water to a rolling boil in a saucepan over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the Thai tea leaves to the boiling water and immediately remove the pan from the heat.
  3. Gently stir the tea leaves to ensure they are fully submerged in the hot water.
  4. Let the tea steep for 5 to 10 minutes, or until the liquid turns a deep, brilliant orange and develops a strong flavor.
  5. Pour the steeped tea through a fine-mesh strainer or coffee filter into a large pitcher to remove the leaves.
  6. Add the sugar to the hot tea concentrate and stir vigorously until the sugar is completely dissolved.
  7. Allow the tea to cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate until cold.
  8. Fill tall glasses with crushed ice.
  9. Pour the chilled tea concentrate into the glasses, filling them about three-quarters full.
  10. Pour evaporated milk or half-and-half over the ice, adding about 1/4 cup per glass to create a creamy layer.
  11. Serve immediately with a straw.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

Amount Per Serving
Calories 361.9kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 4.8g8%
Saturated Fat 0.8g4%
Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
Sodium 10.6mg1%
Total Carbohydrate 90.0g30%
Dietary Fiber 15.6g63%
Sugars 45.0g
Protein 4.6g10%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

For the best flavor, use a dedicated Thai tea mix which often includes spices like star anise and tangerine peel. If unavailable, substitute with strong black tea and add a pinch of ground cardamom and orange zest.

The tea concentrate can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week. Stir before serving as the sugar may settle at the bottom.

Adjust the sweetness to your taste by adding more or less sugar. Traditional Thai iced tea is quite sweet, which helps balance the strong tannins of the tea.

For a vegan option, substitute the evaporated milk with coconut milk or a creamy oat milk alternative.

If you prefer a stronger tea flavor, increase the steeping time slightly, but be careful not to let it become too bitter.

Keywords: thai tea, iced tea, beverage, refreshing, summer drink, evaporated milk, sweet tea, asian cuisine, tea leaves, orange tea, crushed ice, spiced tea, thai street food, cold drink, tea concentrate
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