Overview
Thai tea is a delicious and refreshing beverage that has gained popularity worldwide. Known for its vibrant orange color and unique flavor, Thai tea is a perfect blend of strong black tea, spices, and creamy milk. In this blog post, I’ll share an authentic Thai tea recipe that you can easily make at home. Whether you’re a seasoned tea lover or new to the world of teas, this recipe will quickly become one of your favorites!
Ingredients
- 4 cups of water
- 4 tablespoons of Thai tea leaves (available at Asian grocery stores or online)
- 3/4 cup of sugar
- 1/2 cup of evaporated milk
- 1/4 cup of sweetened condensed milk
- Ice cubes
Optional Ingredients
- Star anise (for extra flavor)
- Vanilla extract (a few drops for added richness)
Instructions
- Boil the Water:
- Start by bringing 4 cups of water to a boil in a medium-sized pot.
- Add Tea Leaves:
- Once the water is boiling, add the 4 tablespoons of Thai tea leaves. If you’re using star anise for added flavor, add 1-2 pieces now.
- Reduce the heat and let the tea simmer for 3-5 minutes, allowing the leaves to fully infuse their flavors into the water.
- Strain the Tea:
- After simmering, remove the pot from heat and strain the tea into a large pitcher to remove the tea leaves and any spices. Use a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth for best results.
- Sweeten the Tea:
- While the tea is still hot, add 3/4 cup of sugar. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved. Adjust the sweetness to your preference.
- Cool the Tea:
- Let the tea cool to room temperature. You can speed up the cooling process by placing the pitcher in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
- Prepare the Milk Mixture:
- In a separate bowl, mix 1/2 cup of evaporated milk with 1/4 cup of sweetened condensed milk. Stir until well combined. If you like, you can add a few drops of vanilla extract for extra richness.
- Assemble the Thai Tea:
- Fill a glass with ice cubes. Pour the cooled tea over the ice, filling the glass about 3/4 of the way.
- Gently pour the milk mixture on top of the tea. The milk will float on the surface, creating a beautiful layered effect.
- Stir and Enjoy:
- Stir the tea before drinking to combine the flavors. Enjoy your homemade Thai tea immediately!
Tips for the Perfect Thai Tea
- Tea Leaves: For the best flavor, use authentic Thai tea leaves. These are often a blend of black tea, food coloring, and spices like star anise and tamarind.
- Sweetness: Thai tea is traditionally quite sweet. Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar to suit your taste.
- Milk: For a dairy-free version, you can substitute the evaporated and condensed milk with coconut milk or almond milk.
Conclusion
Making Thai tea at home is simple and allows you to enjoy this exotic drink anytime you crave it. With its vibrant color and unique blend of flavors, Thai tea is perfect for hot summer days or as a delightful treat. Try this recipe and experience the magic of authentic Thai tea in the comfort of your own home!