Thai Iced Tea from Scratch Recipe

If you’ve ever wondered what Thai tea is it’s a caffeinated tea beverage made using either Thai tea mix or fresh spices mixed with milk and sugar.

It can be served hot or cold and traditionally the burnt orange-colored tea is poured in first so it’s on the bottom and then topped with milk or other milk alternatives like sweetened condensed milk.

The flavor is earthy and nutty and very sweet.

Brew the tea. Place the tea bags, water, vanilla extract, star anise, cardamom, cinnamon stick, vanilla bean, and turmeric into a medium-sized pot and bring to a simmer over medium heat.

Reduce the heat to low and let simmer for 3 to 5 minutes.
Strain it.

Pour the tea mixture through a strainer to remove the whole spices. Allow the tea to cool for about 10 to 15 minutes.

Prepare the milk. In a small bowl whisk the sweetened condensed milk and evaporated milk (or whole milk) together until smooth.

Assemble. Fill two glasses with ice and pour the tea over the ice. Pour the milk mixture over the tea.

Garnish with mint leaves.

Homemade Evaporated Milk Instructions
Since this recipe only makes two drinks you won’t need very much evaporated milk.

You can store the remaining homemade milk in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for your next batch of tea.

Place 1 cup of whole milk into a small saucepan and heat over medium heat.
Bring the milk to a simmer, stirring occasionally, and then reduce the heat to low.

Continue to simmer the milk for 20 to 25 minutes until it’s reduced by about half.

Remove from heat and let cool before using.

Store in an air-tight container in the refrigerator.

Thai Iced Tea from Scratch Ingredients

Black Tea Bags: you can use either loose tea or tea bags to prepare this recipe.

Black tea bags are a good choice because they’re a tad less messy and makes for a slightly quicker prep.

Sugar: The sugar you choose to use for this recipe is entirely up to you.

If using something like stevia though you will not need as much as the recipe below suggests.

Coconut palm sugar is a good choice because it tends to be one of the healthier options for sweetening recipes.

Star Anise: this licorice-like flavored spice is a key ingredient to a bold flavor that also adds a subtle sweetness.

Sometimes it can be hard to find in grocery stores, but you can easily purchase it online.

Whole Caradamom: this spice is described as being spicy, citrusy, and minty all at the same time, and has a strong aroma which makes it perfect for this tea blend.

Cinnamon Stick: this pungent and bitter spice is stronger in its original form.

Adding a single stick to the tea mixture will add a unique warming flavor.

Vanilla Bean: slice a 1/4-inch sized piece from a vanilla bean to add to the tea and spice mixture, which adds a strong vanilla taste in addition to adding vanilla extract which smooths the overall flavor of the beverage.

Tumeric: This spice has an earthy and bitter taste with an almost musky peppery flavor, but mixed into this tea recipe it blends smoothly and is responsible for creating the beautiful orange flavor without having to use food coloring or dye.

Sweetened Condensed Milk: generally sweetened condensed milk isn’t one of the most healthy ingredients in a recipe, however, this organic version leaves out all the junk.

You can also use canned coconut milk too and omit dairy altogether.

Evaporated Milk: you can use just sweetened condensed milk but I prefer to mix the two together for a smooth creamy texture.

Thai Iced Tea Alternative Ingredients

1/2 cup Thai Tea Mix
2 cups Water
1/4 cup Sugar
1/2 cup Sweetened Condensed Milk