Easy Thai Iced Tea Recipe

There's something irresistible about the vibrant orange hue and sweet, creamy flavor of Thai Iced Tea. It’s cool, aromatic, and just the right balance of bold and smooth—perfect for hot afternoons or a sweet treat after a spicy meal.

I started making Thai Iced Tea at home after realizing how often I was stopping by our local Thai spot just for this drink. Now, with a few pantry staples and 10 minutes, I can whip up a glass anytime that rivals any restaurant version. It's surprisingly simple and way more cost-effective!

The rich, silky texture combined with the earthy notes of black tea and the floral hint of star anise makes this a drink you'll want again and again. Let’s dive into what makes this iced treat so special.

Why You’ll Love This Thai Iced Tea

Once you try this homemade Thai Iced Tea, you'll never go back to store-bought or takeout versions again. Here’s why it deserves a spot in your weekly routine:

First, it’s incredibly easy to make. No fancy equipment needed—just a pot, a strainer, and your favorite tall glass. Whether you're a tea lover or just looking to try something new, this is an approachable recipe anyone can master.

It’s also budget-friendly. One bag of Thai tea mix can last for weeks, and the other ingredients are simple pantry staples like sugar and condensed milk. You’ll be saving big bucks compared to your usual coffee shop run.

Another major plus? It’s refreshingly indulgent. Sweetened just right and poured over crushed ice, this drink is a creamy, cooling escape. It’s great for guests or just treating yourself.

And lastly, this drink is customizable. Want it less sweet? Use less condensed milk. Dairy-free? Swap in coconut milk or oat milk. You can adjust it to suit your preferences while keeping that iconic flavor intact.

Once you try making it yourself, you’ll see how satisfying—and fun—it is to serve up this beautiful beverage at home.

Ingredients Notes

What makes Thai Iced Tea stand out isn’t just the color—it’s the unique blend of ingredients that give it that unmistakable taste. Here's a closer look at what you'll need and why each one matters.

Thai tea mix is the heart of this recipe. Typically made from black tea leaves blended with spices like star anise and tamarind, it gives Thai Iced Tea its deep, earthy flavor and signature hue. You can find it online or at most Asian grocery stores. Look for brands like Pantai or Number One.

Granulated sugar sweetens the tea while it's still hot, helping it dissolve completely. This step is essential for achieving that sweet, restaurant-style flavor. You can adjust the amount to your taste, but I recommend starting with 2 tablespoons for every 1 cup of tea.

Sweetened condensed milk adds richness and creaminess, plus that iconic velvety texture Thai Iced Tea is known for. It also contributes to the layered look when poured over ice. No substitutes quite match its thick sweetness, but dairy-free versions are available if needed.

Evaporated milk or half-and-half is often used to float on top before serving. This final touch creates that beautiful separation and softens the drink's sweetness just a touch. You can also use whole milk or coconut cream here for added depth.

As for equipment, all you need is a saucepan, a mesh strainer or tea sock, and tall glasses. If you're feeling fancy, serving with a reusable straw really makes it café-worthy!

How To Make This Thai Iced Tea

Making Thai Iced Tea at home is surprisingly straightforward. You just steep, sweeten, chill, and serve. Let me walk you through each step:

Start by boiling water in a medium saucepan. Once it reaches a rolling boil, remove it from the heat and add your Thai tea mix. I recommend using 2 tablespoons of tea mix for every cup of water. Let it steep for 5 minutes to draw out all that flavor and color.

After steeping, strain the tea into a heat-safe container using a fine mesh strainer, cheesecloth, or traditional tea sock. This removes the tea leaves and any sediment, leaving you with a clean, vibrant base. Don’t skip this step—it’s key for a smooth sip!

While the tea is still hot, stir in the sugar until it fully dissolves. This ensures you don’t end up with grainy bits later. Once sweetened, let the tea cool to room temperature, then chill it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.

When you’re ready to serve, fill a tall glass with ice—crushed ice works best. Pour the chilled tea about ¾ of the way up the glass. Then slowly drizzle in the sweetened condensed milk and finish with a splash of evaporated milk or half-and-half.

Stir it gently or leave it layered for that classic ombré look. The whole process takes about 10 minutes of hands-on time, plus cooling. You’ll be sipping your homemade Thai Iced Tea in under an hour!

Storage Options

Homemade Thai Iced Tea base can be made ahead and stored in the fridge. Once strained and sweetened, it will keep well in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Keep the tea and the milk components separate until serving. This helps preserve the flavor and keeps it looking fresh, especially if you're serving guests later.

If you’ve already added milk and can’t finish the drink, just pop it in the fridge and enjoy it within 24 hours. Give it a good stir before drinking as separation is natural.

To re-create that just-made texture, pour it over fresh ice before serving again. It tastes just as good the next day!

Variations and Substitutions

Thai Iced Tea is super flexible, and that’s part of the fun. You can easily adapt it to suit your dietary needs or flavor preferences.

For a vegan version, swap the sweetened condensed milk with coconut condensed milk (widely available now), and use full-fat coconut milk or oat milk for the topping. You’ll get that same creaminess with a tropical twist.

Want to cut down on sugar? Reduce the amount of granulated sugar or skip it altogether if your milk substitute is sweet enough. You can also try using honey or maple syrup for a different kind of sweetness.

If you’re avoiding caffeine, try making it with rooibos tea and adding your own spices like star anise and cardamom to mimic the classic flavor. It’s not traditional, but it’s a fun way to make it kid-friendly or bedtime-safe.

Try making a spiced version by steeping the tea with an extra cinnamon stick or a few crushed cloves. It’s perfect in cooler months when you want a little extra warmth in your drink.

And if you love boba, go ahead and add tapioca pearls to the bottom of your glass before pouring in the tea. Thai Bubble Tea, anyone?

Feel free to experiment until you find your perfect combo. The beauty of this recipe is how easy it is to tailor to your taste.

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