Thai iced tea, or Cha Yen, is a beloved drink in Thai cuisine.
Known for its creamy texture, bold sweetness, and vibrant orange color, it’s a treat that stands out.
Served over crushed ice, it’s the perfect way to cool down on a hot day.
This guide will show you how to recreate this refreshing favorite right at home!
How to Make Thai Iced Tea: At A Glance
- Brew Thai tea mix or strong black tea with sugar.
- Steep for 10-15 minutes, then strain and cool.
- Serve over ice, filling the glass two-thirds full with tea.
- Top with milk or cream of your choice.
- Stir, taste, and adjust sweetness or creaminess as needed.
What is Thai Iced Tea?
Thai iced tea, or Cha Yen, is a sweet and creamy beverage made using a blend of black tea, sugar, and milk.
Traditionally, it combines strong brewed black tea with sweetened condensed milk and is served over crushed ice.
The drink often features a vibrant orange hue, introduced in Westernized versions by using food coloring or spices like turmeric.
Originating as a street food staple in Thailand, it quickly became a popular pairing for the country’s spicy dishes.
Today, Thai iced tea is enjoyed worldwide, offering a balance of bold flavors and refreshing coolness.
Its preparation can vary, with some recipes using pre-made tea mixes for convenience, while others rely on spices like star anise and cardamom to achieve a more complex flavor.
Regardless of the method, Thai iced tea remains a symbol of Thailand’s vibrant and aromatic cuisine.
Ingredients Needed
Here’s what you’ll need to make a delicious Thai iced tea:
- Thai Tea Mix or Loose-Leaf Black Tea: Authentic Thai tea brands like ChaTraMue or Pantai are recommended for their bold flavor and vibrant color.
- Sweeteners:
- Granulated sugar for a classic sweetness.
- Sweetened condensed milk for a rich, creamy flavor.
- Creamers:
- Evaporated milk or half-and-half for a traditional creamy finish.
- Coconut milk for a dairy-free option with a tropical twist.
- Optional Spices:
- Star anise, cardamom, or cinnamon for added warmth and depth.
- Ice: Crushed or cubed, essential for serving the tea chilled.
Traditional Thai Iced Tea Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ cup Thai Tea Mix (e.g., Pantai or ChaTraMue)
- 2 ½ cups water
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- Ice (crushed or cubed)
- 1 cup half-and-half or milk of choice (e.g., sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, coconut milk, or plant-based milk)
Instructions
- Boil Water: Bring 2 ½ cups of water to a boil over medium-high heat in a small saucepan.
- Add Tea Mix and Sugar: Stir in the Thai tea mix and granulated sugar, ensuring the sugar dissolves completely.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 2 minutes.
- Steep: Remove the pan from heat and allow the tea to steep for 10-15 minutes for a rich, full-bodied flavor.
- Strain: Using a fine-mesh strainer or a tea sock, strain the tea into a pitcher to remove the tea leaves and any residue.
- Cool: Let the strained tea cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour until chilled.
- Assemble the Drink:
- Fill a tall glass with crushed or cubed ice.
- Pour the chilled tea into the glass, filling it about two-thirds full.
- Top with half-and-half or your preferred milk.
- Stir gently to combine and enjoy.
Notes
- Sweetness: Adjust the amount of sugar or opt for sweetened condensed milk for a richer sweetness.
- Creaminess: Experiment with different milk options like coconut milk for a dairy-free twist or evaporated milk for a more traditional taste.
- Make-Ahead: Brew and chill the tea in advance to have it ready for serving at any time.
Alternative Preparation Methods
Using Tea Bags and Spices
If you don’t have access to a Thai tea mix, you can still enjoy Thai iced tea by using black tea bags and aromatic spices.
Start by boiling 4 cups of water in a medium pot.
Add 4 black tea bags (or a Thai tea blend if available) along with spices such as 2 star anise, 1-2 whole cloves, and 1 cardamom pod.
For added warmth, you can include a cinnamon stick.
Let the mixture simmer for about 3 minutes, then remove it from the heat and allow it to steep for at least 10-15 minutes to develop the flavors.
Strain the tea to remove the spices and tea bags, then follow the standard steps to sweeten, cool, and serve.
Natural Coloring Options
To achieve the signature orange color of Thai iced tea without relying on artificial dyes, turmeric can be used as a natural alternative.
Add 1-2 teaspoons of ground turmeric to your tea during the steeping process.
Turmeric not only provides a vibrant color but also adds subtle earthy undertones to the drink.
When using turmeric, make sure to strain the tea carefully to avoid any gritty residue.
Dairy-Free and Vegan Options
For those seeking a dairy-free or vegan version of Thai iced tea, there are plenty of plant-based alternatives that deliver the same creamy texture and rich flavor.
Coconut milk is a popular choice, offering a tropical twist that complements the tea’s bold taste.
Almond milk and oat milk are other excellent options, providing a neutral creaminess without overpowering the tea.
To replace sweetened condensed milk, you can use a combination of granulated sugar and full-fat coconut milk or make a homemade dairy-free condensed milk using plant-based creamers.
Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sugar, depending on your preference.
Serving Suggestions
Thai iced tea is not just a standalone drink; it’s the perfect companion to many flavorful Thai dishes.
Its creamy sweetness balances the heat and spice of popular meals like Pad Thai, Thai Basil Chicken, or spicy curries.
The richness of the tea soothes the palate, creating a harmonious dining experience.
For an added touch, consider garnishing your Thai iced tea with fresh mint leaves for a refreshing aroma or a light sprinkle of cinnamon to enhance its warm, spiced undertones.
Tips and Tricks
Achieving the Perfect Balance of Sweetness and Creaminess
The key to a great Thai iced tea is balancing its sweetness and creaminess.
Start with the recommended amount of sugar or sweetened condensed milk and adjust to your taste.
If you prefer a richer drink, increase the amount of cream or milk.
For a lighter option, use less or choose plant-based alternatives.
Tasting as you go is essential to ensure the flavors complement each other perfectly.
Ensuring Strong Tea Flavor
Thai iced tea is known for its bold flavor, which can sometimes get diluted by the ice.
To avoid this, brew the tea slightly stronger than usual.
Steep the tea for the full recommended time, or use a bit more tea mix or tea bags than the recipe suggests.
This ensures the flavor holds up even as the ice melts.
Storing Brewed Tea for Future Use
To save time, brew a larger batch of tea and store it in the refrigerator.
Make sure to strain the tea and let it cool completely before refrigerating it in an airtight container.
It can last for up to a week, so you’ll always have a base ready to assemble a fresh glass of Thai iced tea.
When serving, simply pour the chilled tea over ice, add milk or cream, and enjoy.
Conclusion
Thai iced tea is a delicious and easy-to-make drink that brings the flavors of Thailand to your home.
With simple ingredients and a few steps, you can create a refreshing treat tailored to your taste.
Give it a try and experiment with different variations to make it your own.
We’d love to hear about your experience and any personal twists you’ve added!
FAQ’s
What gives Thai iced tea its orange color?
The vibrant orange hue of Thai iced tea comes from food coloring included in many Thai tea mixes, such as Pantai or ChaTraMue.
For a natural alternative, turmeric can be added during the brewing process to achieve a similar color.
Can I make Thai iced tea without a Thai tea mix?
Yes, you can make Thai iced tea without a pre-made mix.
Use strong black tea as the base and enhance the flavor with spices like star anise, cardamom, and cinnamon.
This approach creates a similar flavor profile and allows you to control the ingredients.
How can I reduce the sweetness?
To reduce the sweetness, adjust the amount of sugar or sweetened condensed milk in the recipe.
You can also use unsweetened creamers or milk alternatives for a lighter taste.
