Quick answer: brew ¼ cup of Thai tea mix (or 4 black tea bags) in 2 cups of boiling water for 5 minutes, strain, stir in 2 tablespoons of sugar and 3 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk, and chill. Pour over ice and float 2-3 tablespoons of half-and-half, evaporated milk or cream on top.
Ingredients (2 tall glasses)
- ¼ cup Thai tea mix, or 4 black tea bags with 1 star anise and a small piece of cinnamon stick
- 2 cups (480 ml) boiling water
- 2 tbsp sugar, to taste
- 3 tbsp sweetened condensed milk
- 4-6 tbsp half-and-half, evaporated milk or heavy cream
- Plenty of ice
How to make it
- Steep the tea in the boiling water for 5 minutes. It should be strong.
- Strain, then stir in the sugar and condensed milk while the tea is hot.
- Cool to room temperature, then chill.
- Fill two glasses with ice and pour in the tea.
- Pour the half-and-half or cream slowly over the top so it floats and swirls down.
The creamy top
- Evaporated milk: the traditional street-stall choice.
- Half-and-half: the usual U.S. restaurant choice; creamier.
- Heavy cream: richest, with the most distinct layer.
- Whipped cream cap: lightly whipped cream floated on top, as on an Einspänner.
- Sea salt cream: see cheese foam.
Tips
- Brew it stronger than you would drink hot tea; ice dilutes it.
- Sweeten while hot so the sugar dissolves.
- Make the tea base a day ahead and keep it chilled.
How the dairy options compare: heavy cream vs milk and evaporated milk.
Frequently asked questions
What is Thai iced tea made of?
Strongly brewed Thai tea mix or spiced black tea, sugar and sweetened condensed milk, served over ice with evaporated milk, half-and-half or cream poured on top.
What makes Thai tea orange?
Packaged Thai tea mixes usually include food coloring. Tea brewed from plain black tea is a deep amber instead.
Can I use heavy cream in Thai iced tea?
Yes. Heavy cream or half-and-half makes a richer float than evaporated milk.
Can I make Thai iced tea dairy-free?
Yes. Use sweetened condensed coconut milk and top with coconut cream.
