Coffee / Tea
Thai Iced Tea
Thai Iced Tea is a refreshing and aromatic beverage that combines strong brewed black tea with sweetened condensed milk and a hint of spices, often featuring star anise and cardamom. Served over ice, this vibrant orange drink is both creamy and invigorating, making it a popular choice for warm weather or as a delightful accompaniment to spicy Thai dishes. Each sip offers a unique blend of sweetness and bold tea flavor, creating a truly satisfying experience.
- sweet
- creamy
- spiced
- aromatic
- Prep Time
- 5 min
- Glass
- Highball glass
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Yields
- 1 serving
Few coffee / tea recipes deliver sweet and creamy quite like the Thai Iced Tea. Ready in about 5 minutes. If you've searched for "spicy food", this is the recipe to bookmark.
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Ingredients
- Serves
- 1 serving
- Glass
- Highball glass
- Prep
- 5 min
- 1/4 cup ThaiTea
- 1/2 cup boilingWater
- 2 tsp sweetenedCondensed milk
- cubesIce
- garnishMint
Method
Preparation
- 01
Combine Thai tea (i.e., the powder), boiling water, and sweetened condensed milk, stir until blended. Pour into 2 tall glasses filled with ice cubes. Garnish with mint leaves. Makes 2 servings.
Origin
History & Origins
Thai Iced Tea is a beloved Southeast Asian beverage that evolved from Thai tea traditions, often served with rum for an alcoholic variation. The drink combines the distinctive spiced orange tea with sweet condensed milk, creating a signature creamy texture. Its popularity has expanded globally as craft bartenders celebrate international flavors.
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Bartender’s Insight
Pro Tips
Brew strong Thai tea and cool completely before mixing
From Willow
use quality sweetened condensed milk for authentic flavor
add light rum or whiskey for sophistication
serve over crushed ice
top with milk for creaminess
At the Table
Perfect Pairings
Beyond the Classic
Variations
Spiced Thai Tea
Incorporates additional warm spices for complexity
Thai Tea Latte
emphasizes milk content for latte-like texture
Coconut Thai Tea
uses coconut milk for tropical richness
Questions
Frequently Asked
- The Thai Iced Tea has a flavor profile that is sweet, creamy, spiced, aromatic. It is crafted to balance these characteristics into a harmonious, satisfying drink that appeals to a wide range of palates.
- The Thai Iced Tea is ideal for Thai restaurants, outdoor gatherings, cultural festivals. Its flavor profile and presentation make it a versatile choice that works equally well as a social cocktail or a relaxed evening drink.
- Yes, there are several ways to adapt a Thai Iced Tea. If you cannot source Tea, look for a similar alternative that matches its flavor profile. Keep in mind that substitutions may alter the balance of the cocktail, so start with a smaller quantity and adjust to taste. The variations section above lists popular alternatives bartenders use.
- Some of the most popular Thai Iced Tea variations include Spiced Thai Tea, Thai Tea Latte, Coconut Thai Tea. Each variation puts a unique twist on the original recipe while retaining the essential character of the classic cocktail.
- The Thai Iced Tea is traditionally served in a Highball glass. Using the right glassware is important because it affects the aroma, temperature retention, and overall drinking experience. If you do not have a Highball glass on hand, a similar shaped glass will work.
- Yes, a mocktail version of the Thai Iced Tea is possible. Replace the base spirit with a non-alcoholic spirit alternative (there are many quality options available) and keep all other components the same. The result will capture much of the original's flavor profile while being suitable for guests who prefer alcohol-free options.
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