Thai Tea Recipe From Scratch – Sweet & Creamy Delight

Did you know that around 90% of Thai tea consumed worldwide is enjoyed outside of Thailand? You might be wondering how to recreate that authentic sweet and creamy delight right in your own kitchen. By mastering a simple recipe, you can bring the rich flavors and vibrant colors of this beloved beverage to your table. What makes this homemade version stand out, and how can you tailor it to suit your taste preferences? Let’s take a closer look at the steps and ingredients that will transform your tea experience.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

When you take a sip of Thai tea, you’ll instantly fall in love with its unique blend of earthy undertones, nutty flavors, and just the right amount of sweetness. This drink captures the essence of traditional Thai flavors while allowing you to customize it to your taste.

It’s made using simple, accessible ingredients like Thai tea leaves, sugar, sweetened condensed milk, and evaporated milk, making it easy to whip up in your kitchen. Thai tea is rich in antioxidants and compounds that may help reduce inflammation, promoting overall health as you enjoy your drink.

One of the best parts? You can enjoy this beverage hot or cold, depending on your mood. If you want it creamier, feel free to add more sweetened milk.

Spice lovers can improve their drink with optional spices like star anise, cardamom, or even a hint of cinnamon.

In less than 15 minutes, you can have a delicious, homemade Thai tea ready to savor. Plus, if you prefer a vegan version, just swap the dairy milk for coconut milk.

Not only is this drink pleasing to the palate, but it also comes with antioxidants and a bit of caffeine. Once you try it, you might find yourself wanting to make it a regular treat!

History

Thai tea has a rich history that reflects the influences of various cultures and the evolution of culinary traditions. Tea made its way to Thailand in the late 19th century during the reign of King Rama V. This introduction brought together Chinese and Indian tea traditions. Chinese immigrants contributed their knowledge of tea cultivation, while Indian preferences shaped the demand for strong, aromatic flavors.

One notable development is the Thai iced tea, or Cha Yen, which blends strong black tea with condensed milk and sugar. Field Marshal Pibul Songkram further adapted this beverage to set it apart from Western drinks like latte. You can see how Thai tea has influences from multiple cultures, showcasing the power of cultural exchange. The Thai Tea industry emerged as a result of this adaptation, leading to a unique beverage that has become a staple in Thai cuisine.

As social gatherings often feature tea, it’s become integral to Thai street food culture, symbolizing hospitality.

Over time, Thai tea’s popularity has spread globally, especially in North America, where adaptations have included various flavors and vibrant colors. Today, while embracing modern trends like bubble tea, the essence of Thai tea continues to celebrate its diverse roots. This legacy reflects both tradition and innovation in the world of tea.

Recipe

Thai Tea Recipe

Thai tea is a delightful beverage that combines the rich flavors of black tea with aromatic spices and creamy milk. This recipe captures the essence of authentic Thai iced tea, providing a revitalizing drink perfect for any occasion. The blend of spices such as star anise, cardamom, and cinnamon creates a fragrant base, while the addition of sweetened condensed milk and dairy offers a luscious texture that complements the tea perfectly. Traditionally made with Thai tea mix, this DIY version allows you to choose healthier ingredients.

Whether it’s served ice-cold on a hot day or as a comforting drink in cooler weather, Thai tea is always a hit.

Preparation of this Thai tea involves simmering the tea with spices, straining out the solids, and sweetening it to perfection. By choosing your preferred milk or dairy alternatives, you can customize the drink to suit your taste and dietary needs.

Follow the steps below to create a delicious batch of Thai iced tea that you can enjoy with friends and family.

Ingredients:

• 2-4 black tea bags
• 4 cups water
• 2 star anise
• 4 whole cardamom pods
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• ½ cup sugar (coconut palm, granulated, or brown sugar syrup)
• ½ cup sweetened condensed milk (organic or regular)
• ½ cup evaporated milk or whole milk (or half and half)
• Ice
• Fresh mint leaves (for garnish)
• Optional: vanilla extract and a slice of vanilla bean

Directions:

1. In a medium-sized pot, combine the water, black tea bags, star anise, whole cardamom, cinnamon stick, and ground turmeric. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
2. Reduce the heat to low and allow the tea to simmer for 3 to 5 minutes, extracting all the rich flavors from the spices.
3. Remove from heat and pour the tea mixture through a fine strainer to remove the whole spices and tea bags.
4. While the tea is still hot, stir in the sugar until fully dissolved. Set aside and let the mixture cool to room temperature or chill in the refrigerator.
5. Once cooled, fill glasses with ice. Pour the prepared tea over the ice, filling each glass three-quarters full.
6. Slowly pour the sweetened condensed milk and your choice of dairy over the top of the tea, allowing it to create a distinct layer without stirring.
7. Garnish with fresh mint leaves and serve immediately, enjoying the beautiful layered appearance.

Extra Tips:

For a vegan version of this delightful drink, substitute sweetened condensed milk and evaporated milk with full-fat coconut milk.

Experiment with the spice quantities according to your taste preferences—feel free to add more star anise or cardamom for a stronger flavor.

If you’re short on time, prepare a large batch of the tea concentrate in advance and refrigerate it for a quick drink on demand.

Using a teapot with a built-in infuser basket can simplify the straining process and make preparation even easier. Enjoy your Thai tea!

Final Thoughts

As you investigate the world of Thai tea, you’ll uncover its deep-rooted history and cultural significance that transcend mere flavor. Originating during King Rama V‘s reign in the late 19th century, Thai tea combines influences from Chinese and Indian tea traditions. The classic recipe, which emerged in the early 20th century, blends strong black tea with sweetened condensed milk and sugar to create its iconic taste. This blend of black tea delivers a rich and robust flavor profile that makes Thai tea unique among other tea varieties.

Thai tea isn’t just a drink; it represents warmth and hospitality in Thai culture. It’s often served at social gatherings, symbolizing friendship and togetherness. As you enjoy this beverage, you participate in a centuries-old tradition that emphasizes community.

Over the years, Thai tea culture has evolved, particularly with the rise of bubble tea. Modern tea shops now offer exciting variations, blending classic Thai tea flavors with innovative elements like chewy tapioca pearls.

While these trends introduce new tastes, they still uphold the essence of traditional Thai tea-making.

Ultimately, whether you cherish the classic version or experiment with new twists, Thai tea continues to be a delightful representation of Thailand’s rich heritage and vibrant tea-drinking culture. Enjoy exploring this delightful beverage!

FAQ

If you’ve got questions about making the perfect Thai tea, you’re not alone. Many home brewers wonder which tea leaves to use. You can find Thai Tea Mix at Asian grocers or online. If that’s not available, black loose leaf tea or black tea bags work just fine.

Another common question is about spices. For authentic flavor, include star anise, whole cloves, cardamom, a cinnamon stick, and ground turmeric. Adjust the spice amounts based on your personal taste.

When it comes to sweetness, you have options. Use sweetened condensed milk, granulated sugar, or condensed coconut milk if you prefer a dairy-free version. Pair your sweetener with milk—choose half and half, light cream, or even full-fat oat milk for that rich creaminess.

Preparing your Thai tea involves boiling water, tea leaves, and spices. Let it simmer for a few minutes, steep for two hours, and then strain out the solids. You’ll achieve that strong, non-bitter tea taste that characterizes this refreshing drink.

Add your chosen sweetener and milk, and serve over ice for a revitalizing iced version. Feel free to adjust the sweetness and spice levels to match your preference!