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Thai Iced Tea Recipe

From Kitchen to Cafe: Easy Thai Iced Tea Recipe for Busy Women

Thai iced tea is a delightful and refreshing beverage that transports you straight to a bustling café in Bangkok with just one sip. As someone who loves cooking and experimenting with flavors, I’ve always found solace in crafting homemade drinks that capture the essence of my travels. Writing this blog post allowed me to dive deep into the world of Thai iced tea, a drink that I’ve cherished for years but never made from scratch—until now.

In this post, I’ll share an easy and authentic Thai iced tea recipe that busy women can whip up at home. We’ll explore the essential ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips to customize your drink. Let’s get started!

This post may contain affiliate links at no extra cost to you. Please read our full disclosure here to find out more.

From Kitchen to Cafe: Easy Thai Iced Tea Recipe for Busy Women

What is Thai Iced Tea?

Thai iced tea, or “cha yen,” is a popular Thai drink made from strongly brewed black tea, sweetened with condensed milk, and topped with creamy coconut milk. The vibrant orange hue is not just eye-catching; it’s a hallmark of the spices and unique preparation method that set it apart from other iced teas.

A Little History

Originating from the traditional Thai tea served in street markets, Thai iced tea has become a staple not only in Thailand but also in many parts of the world. The unique blend of tea, sugar, and creamy milk creates a sweet and refreshing beverage perfect for hot days or as a delightful accompaniment to spicy meals.

Why Make Thai Iced Tea at Home?

With the hustle and bustle of everyday life, many of us crave the taste of our favorite café drinks but lack the time to indulge. Making Thai iced tea at home is a fantastic way to enjoy this treat without the wait. Here are some compelling reasons to whip up this beverage in your kitchen:

1. Customization: You can control the sweetness, creaminess, and even the caffeine level by choosing your tea and milk options.

2. Healthier Choices: By making your own Thai iced tea, you can use organic ingredients or opt for vegan alternatives to suit your dietary preferences.

3. Cost-Effective: A homemade version is often much cheaper than frequent visits to a café, allowing you to enjoy this delightful drink without breaking the bank.

Essential Ingredients for the Best Thai Iced Tea

Black Tea

The foundation of any good Thai iced tea is high-quality black tea. Look for Thai tea blends that include a mix of Assam and other black teas, often flavored with spices like star anise and vanilla. The robust flavor profile is essential for a rich, authentic taste.

Coconut Milk

Coconut milk adds creaminess and a subtle tropical flavor. It’s what elevates the drink from ordinary to extraordinary. For a vegan option, use canned coconut milk or a carton of coconut beverage.

Sweetened Condensed Milk

This is where the magic happens! Sweetened condensed milk gives the drink its signature sweetness and creaminess. If you're vegan, there are plant-based alternatives available that work just as well.

Optional Add-Ins

You can customize your Thai iced tea with additional flavors like a dash of vanilla extract, spices, or even a splash of almond milk for a nutty twist.

Easy Thai Iced Tea Recipe: Step-by-Step

Now that we have our ingredients, let’s dive into the easy Thai iced tea recipe!

Ingredients List

  • 4 cups water

  • 4 tablespoons loose black tea or 4 tea bags (Thai tea blend)

  • 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk (or vegan alternative)

  • 1 cup coconut milk (or to taste)

  • Ice cubes

  • Optional: sweetener (sugar, honey, or agave) to taste

  • Optional: star anise or vanilla extract for added flavor

    • Instructions

    1. Brew the Tea:

  • In a saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a boil.

  • Add the loose black tea or tea bags and let it steep for about 10 minutes for a robust flavor.

    • 2. Strain the Tea:

  • Remove the tea bags or strain the loose tea into a heatproof pitcher.

    • 3. Sweeten the Tea:

  • While the tea is still warm, stir in the sweetened condensed milk until fully dissolved. Adjust sweetness to your liking.

    • 4. Cool Down:

  • Let the tea cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until chilled.

    • From Kitchen to Cafe: Easy Thai Iced Tea Recipe for Busy Women

    5. Serve:

  • Fill a glass with ice cubes, pour the chilled tea over the ice, and top with coconut milk. Stir gently and enjoy!

    • Tips for Making the Best Thai Iced Tea from Scratch

  • Quality Matters: Choose high-quality tea to get the best flavor. Avoid overly processed or low-grade options.

  • Cooling Time: If you're in a rush, you can pour the hot tea directly over ice to chill it quickly, but this may dilute the flavor.

  • Pre-Prep: Make a big batch of the tea base and keep it in the refrigerator for those busy days when you need a quick pick-me-up.

    • Enjoying Your Thai Iced Tea

    Now that you’ve mastered the art of making Thai iced tea, it’s time to serve it up! Consider using elegant glassware and adding a slice of lime or a sprig of mint for a refreshing garnish. This drink pairs beautifully with Thai dishes like Pad Thai or green curry, making it the perfect complement to your meals.

    Product Recommendations

    As I was perfecting this recipe, I discovered two fantastic products that I think will elevate your Thai iced tea experience:

    1. Thai Tea Leaves

    This premium blend of Thai tea leaves provides an authentic taste and rich aroma, perfect for your iced tea. Sourced directly from Thailand, it’s the ideal choice for those who want to make a true café-style drink at home.

    Grab your bag of authentic Thai tea leaves here!

    2. Coconut Milk Can

    This rich and creamy coconut milk is perfect for Thai iced tea. It’s organic and free from preservatives, ensuring that you get the purest flavor in every sip.

    Get your can of organic coconut milk now!

    Book Recommendation

    If you’re looking to expand your knowledge of Thai cuisine and drinks, I highly recommend "Thai Food" by David Thompson. This book is a treasure trove of authentic recipes and insights into Thai culture. It not only covers a variety of dishes but also delves into the history and nuances of Thai cooking.

    Don’t miss out on this culinary gem! Order "Thai Food" by David Thompson on Amazon today!

    Making Thai iced tea at home is not just about enjoying a delicious drink; it’s about embracing the flavors and traditions of Thai culture right in your kitchen. With this easy and authentic recipe, you can impress your friends and treat yourself to a café-quality experience without leaving your home.

    I hope you enjoy making and savoring your Thai iced tea as much as I did while writing this post. Share your variations, tips, and any experiences you have while making this delightful drink in the comments below. Cheers to homemade happiness!

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