Stepping into my kitchen, I was transported to the bustling streets of Thailand as the aroma of spices filled the air. Today, I’m thrilled to share my recipe for Creamy Thai Iced Tea from Scratch—a delightful way to enjoy an authentic taste of this beloved beverage right at home. This creamy concoction is not only customizable, with a refreshing dairy-free option, but it also brings a splash of color and a caffeine kick that’s perfect for sipping on warm days or alongside spicy dishes. Each glass showcases a beautiful ombré effect, making it as visually captivating as it is delicious. Ready to sweeten your day with something extraordinary?

Why is Thai Iced Tea so popular?

Creamy Texture: The luscious blend of sweetened condensed milk or coconut milk creates an irresistible smoothness that complements spicy foods.

Vibrant Colors: The striking ombré effect makes this drink not just tasty but also a feast for the eyes, sure to impress your guests!

Customizable: You can easily adjust the sweetness or swap milk alternatives for a dairy-free twist, allowing you to make it your own.

Quick Brew: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this delightful drink in no time, making it a fantastic option for last-minute gatherings or hot days.

Crowd-Pleaser: Whether enjoyed alone or paired with spicy dishes, this Thai Tea is a hit at any gathering, just like our delicious Thai Peanut Chicken or Steak Queso Rice.

Thai Tea Ingredients

For the Brew
• Black Tea Bags – Brew 6 bags for a strong and rich flavor.
• Water – Use 2½ cups to perfectly steep your tea.
• Vanilla Extract – Optional; add 2 teaspoons to enhance the flavor.
• Star Anise – Two pieces lend a sweet, licorice essence to the tea.
• Whole Cardamom – Use 1 tablespoon for warmth and complexity in taste.
• Cinnamon Stick – One stick adds a comforting warmth.
• Vanilla Bean – Incorporate ¼ piece, split, for extra depth and aroma.
• Ground Turmeric – Use 2 teaspoons as a natural colorant for that vibrant hue.

For Sweetening and Creaminess
• Sugar – Adjust to taste (2 tablespoons recommended); coconut palm sugar can add authenticity.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk – Use ¼ cup for that creamy, delightful sweetness.
• Evaporated Milk or Whole Milk – Substitute with coconut milk for a dairy-free option, using the same quantity.

Optional Additions
• Boba (Tapioca Pearls) – Add these for a fun bubble tea twist!

Embrace the deliciousness of homemade Thai Tea with this list of essential ingredients, and don’t forget to savor each sip of your sweet creation!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Thai Iced Tea

Step 1: Brew the Tea
In a medium-sized pot, combine 6 black tea bags, 2½ cups of water, 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, 2 star anise, 1 tablespoon of whole cardamom, 1 cinnamon stick, ¼ split vanilla bean, and 2 teaspoons of ground turmeric. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, watching for bubbles to form around the edges.

Step 2: Simmer to Infuse
Once simmering, reduce the heat to low and let the mixture brew for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally. The tea should develop a rich, dark color, and the spices will fill your kitchen with a warm aroma. Be careful not to over-brew, as this can affect the final flavor.

Step 3: Strain the Tea
After simmering, remove the pot from heat. Using a fine mesh strainer, strain the tea mixture into a jug to eliminate the solids, ensuring a smooth Thai Iced Tea experience. Notice the beautiful deep hue; this is where the turmeric adds its vibrant color.

Step 4: Prepare the Glasses
Fill two tall glasses with ice cubes, leaving room for the tea and milk. The ice should be piled high, ready to chill the soon-to-be-filled drinks. Pour the strained tea over the ice, allowing it to cool and instantly create a refreshing beverage.

Step 5: Mix the Creaminess
In a separate bowl, whisk together ¼ cup of sweetened condensed milk and ¼ cup of evaporated milk (or coconut milk for a dairy-free version) until well combined. This mixture will add that signature creaminess of traditional Thai Iced Tea, bringing depth to each sip.

Step 6: Combine and Garnish
Pour the creamy milk mixture over the iced tea in the glasses, watching the beautiful ombré effect form as the layers blend together. If desired, garnish with a sprig of fresh mint for an extra touch of color and freshness.

Step 7: Optional Boba Addition
For a fun twist, prepare tapioca pearls according to package instructions. Once cooked, layer them at the bottom of each glass before adding ice and tea. This adds a chewy texture, turning your Thai Iced Tea into a delightful boba experience!

Expert Tips for Thai Iced Tea

Brew Strength: Adjust the number of tea bags for a bolder or milder flavor. Six bags create a robust taste, perfect for a strong Thai tea experience.

Strain Well: Be sure to strain the tea mixture thoroughly to avoid bits of spices in your drink, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable pour.

Color Naturally: Use ground turmeric to achieve that vibrant orange hue without artificial dyes. It’s both healthy and visually appealing in your homemade Thai tea!

Sugar Adjustment: Taste your tea after brewing and adjust sugar accordingly to get the sweetness just right—aim for that delightful balance found in traditional Thai tea.

Chill Before Serving: Allow the brewed tea to cool slightly before pouring over ice. This prevents dilution and keeps your drink refreshing and crisp.

What to Serve with Creamy Thai Iced Tea from Scratch?

Delight your senses with perfect pairings that bring out the delicious flavors of your homemade Thai Iced Tea.

Spicy Pad Thai: The heat and nutty flavors of Pad Thai beautifully balance the creamy sweetness of Thai Iced Tea, creating a harmonious dining experience.
Green Papaya Salad: Its crisp, fresh ingredients enhance the refreshing qualities of your drink, making it a perfect side to cool your palate.
Coconut Curry: The rich, fragrant flavors of curry harmonize exquisitely with the tea’s sweetness, adding warmth and depth to your meal.
Grilled Lemongrass Chicken: The zesty and herbaceous notes of lemongrass offer a delightful contrast to the tea’s smoothness, creating a culinary dance on your taste buds.
Shrimp Spring Rolls: These light and crunchy bites provide an ideal textural contrast, allowing the sweet and creamy tea to shine through.
Mango Sticky Rice: For dessert, this traditional Thai dish complements the drink’s flavor profile. The sweetness of ripe mangoes pairs wonderfully with the tea’s creamy essence.
Chilled Thai Chili Limeade: Opt for this refreshing drink to match the zesty tea and tantalize your taste senses even more with a citrus twist.

Indulge in these delightful pairings to create a memorable meal that celebrates the vibrant flavors of Thai cuisine!

Storage Tips for Thai Iced Tea

Room Temperature: Thai iced tea is best served chilled; avoid leaving it out at room temperature for more than 2 hours to maintain freshness.

Fridge: Store brewed tea in an airtight container for up to 7 days, but keep any milk or cream separate, which lasts about 4–5 days when refrigerated.

Freezer: If you’ve made a large batch, pour the brewed tea into ice cube trays and freeze them; they’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months. Use these cubes to chill future servings without diluting your drink.

Reheating: When reheating, rewarm the tea mixture gently on the stove, but never let it boil to preserve the flavor and texture.

Thai Tea Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to customize your Thai Iced Tea for a truly unique experience that satisfies your taste buds!

Dairy-Free: Substitute sweetened condensed milk with coconut milk for a lighter, vegan-friendly twist.
Boba Bliss: For a fun bubble tea experience, prepare tapioca pearls and layer them at the bottom of the glass!
Caffeine-Free: Swap black tea with rooibos tea for a caffeine-free delight that still has a rich color and flavor.
Sugar Toggle: Use honey or agave syrup instead of sugar for a more natural sweetener option.
Flavor Boost: Add a touch of almond or coconut extract to the milk mixture for a nutty depth.
Spice it Up: Incorporate a pinch of cardamom or ginger for an extra zesty kick that enhances the warm spices of the tea.
Cold Brew: Brew the tea overnight in the fridge for a smoother, less bitter flavor that’s refreshing on hot days.
Mocha Twist: Add cocoa powder into the tea during brewing for a delightful chocolatey flavor that pairs well with sweetened condensed milk.

With these variations, your Thai Iced Tea can be a delicious complement to meals like Steak Queso Rice or a refreshing treat alongside our flavorful Ground Beef Stir. Enjoy crafting your own perfect blend!

Make Ahead Options

These Thai Iced Tea preparations are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the week! You can brew the tea base and strain it up to 3 days in advance, letting the flavors deepen in your fridge—just be sure to store it in an airtight container to maintain its quality. The sweetened condensed milk or dairy-free coconut milk mixture can also be prepared 24 hours ahead and refrigerated, ensuring you have everything ready for that refreshing sip. When you’re ready to serve, simply pour the brewed tea over ice, add the milk mixture, and garnish. This way, you’ll enjoy your homemade Thai Iced Tea in just minutes, with all its delicious flavors intact!

Thai Iced Tea Recipe FAQs

What type of black tea is best for making Thai Iced Tea?
Absolutely! For the best flavor, use Ceylon or Assam black tea bags. These teas offer a robust, rich taste that serves as the perfect base for your creamy concoction. Traditional recipes often steer clear of regular black tea blends due to their lack of depth, so sticking to these varieties will elevate your drink!

How do I know if my spices are fresh enough?
Very good question! Fresh spices will have a strong aroma when you smell them. If they’re stale, they may not add much flavor, potentially leaving your Thai Iced Tea tasting flat. For the best results, I recommend using whole spices like cardamom, which should be used within 1-2 years of purchase for optimal freshness. If you’re unsure, just whip up a test batch to see how fragrant it is!

How should I store leftover Thai Iced Tea?
To keep your delicious brew fresh, store any leftover tea in an airtight container in the fridge. It can last for up to 7 days without milk. Remember, if you’ve added milk, keep those separate and they can last about 4-5 days in a sealed container. This method not only preserves the flavors but ensures that your tea remains refreshing for your next sip!

Can I freeze Thai Iced Tea? How?
Yes, you can certainly freeze your Thai Iced Tea! Here’s how: Pour your brewed tea into ice cube trays and freeze them for up to 2 months. This allows you to chill future servings without watering them down. Simply pop a few cubes into your glass, pour in some fresh brewed tea or milk, and enjoy the delightful experience!

What should I do if my Thai Iced Tea isn’t sweet enough?
If your tea is lacking sweetness, no worries! Simply dissolve additional sugar in a small amount of warm water to create a syrup. Start with 1 tablespoon of sugar mixed in, and taste as you go; you can always adjust more if desired. For a twist, try adding coconut palm sugar instead to enhance both sweetness and authenticity!

Is there a caffeine-free version of Thai Iced Tea?
Absolutely! If you wish to enjoy all the wonderful flavors without the caffeine, you can use rooibos tea as a great alternative. Brew it a bit stronger to create a robust flavor that holds up against the spices. This way, you can still indulge in the delicious essence of Thai Iced Tea anytime, day or night!