Thai tea, with its rich amber color, exotic aroma, and creamy sweetness, is one of the most popular iced beverages enjoyed around the world. Known as cha yen in Thailand, this drink has found its way into street stalls, cafés, and homes globally. If you’ve ever wanted to recreate that authentic Thai tea experience in your kitchen, this guide is for you.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
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Authentic Taste at Home – Recreate the same flavor you enjoy at Thai restaurants.
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Customizable Sweetness – Adjust the sugar and milk to your preference.
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Budget-Friendly – Making Thai tea at home is much cheaper than buying it out.
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Perfect for Hot Days – It’s a refreshing, ice-cold treat for warm weather.
Ingredients List
To make classic Thai tea, you’ll need the following:
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4 cups water
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4 tablespoons Thai tea mix (look for brands like Pantai or Number One)
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1/2 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
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1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
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1/2 cup evaporated milk or whole milk
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Ice cubes for serving
Optional:
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Star anise, crushed cardamom, or vanilla for extra flavor
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Coconut milk or non-dairy creamers for a vegan twist
Timing & Servings
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Prep Time: 5 minutes
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Cook Time: 10 minutes
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Chill Time: 30 minutes
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Total Time: 45 minutes
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Servings: 2 large glasses
Step-by-Step Instructions for Thai Tea
Step 1: Boil the Water
Start by bringing 4 cups of water to a gentle boil in a saucepan.
Step 2: Add Thai Tea Mix
Add the Thai tea leaves or mix to the boiling water. Stir gently and let it boil for about 3 minutes. Remove from heat and steep for an additional 10 minutes for a deeper flavor.
Step 3: Strain the Tea
Using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth, strain the tea to remove the leaves or tea dust. Pour the tea into a heat-proof container.
Step 4: Add Sugar
Stir in the sugar while the tea is still warm so it dissolves completely. Adjust the sweetness to your liking.
Step 5: Let It Cool
Allow the sweetened tea to cool to room temperature. Then refrigerate for 30 minutes or until chilled.
Step 6: Prepare Glasses
Fill tall glasses with ice cubes.
Step 7: Assemble the Thai Tea
Pour the chilled tea over the ice, filling the glass about 3/4 full. Top each glass with about 2 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk and a splash of evaporated milk or whole milk.
Step 8: Stir and Serve
Stir gently to create that signature swirled effect. Serve immediately with a straw or long spoon.
What Makes Thai Tea Unique?
The Signature Orange Color
The bright orange color comes from food coloring added to the tea mix, which is typical in commercial blends. It’s what gives Thai tea its recognizable look.
The Flavor Profile
Thai tea is fragrant with floral, spicy, and earthy notes, often infused with star anise, tamarind, or vanilla.
Thai Tea Variations
1. Thai Milk Tea (Hot)
Skip the ice and enjoy it warm with steamed milk.
2. Thai Tea with Boba
Add tapioca pearls to turn your Thai tea into a fun bubble tea.
3. Vegan Thai Tea
Use coconut milk or almond milk and replace sweetened condensed milk with a vegan condensed coconut version.
4. Spiced Thai Tea
Add a pinch of cinnamon, star anise, or cardamom during the steeping process for an aromatic touch.
Thai Tea vs. Chai Tea: What’s the Difference?
Though both are tea-based and may contain spices, Thai tea is typically stronger, sweeter, and more dessert-like. Chai tea (especially Indian masala chai) is more spiced and less sweet, often made with milk and a mix of warming spices.
Best Brands for Thai Tea Mix
To get the most authentic flavor, look for:
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Number One Brand (ChaTraMue) – Most popular and used in Thai restaurants.
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Pantai Thai Tea Mix – Another excellent option.
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Spice Jungle Loose Thai Tea Leaves – Great for flavor control.
Can You Make Thai Tea Without a Pre-Made Mix?
Yes! Use strong black tea like Ceylon or Assam as the base. Then add spices such as star anise, crushed tamarind, cardamom, and a few drops of vanilla. Sweeten with sugar and top with condensed milk for the same creamy effect.
Pairing Suggestions
Thai tea pairs beautifully with a variety of Thai and Asian dishes:
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Pad Thai
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Mango Sticky Rice
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Spring Rolls
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Fried Bananas
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Spicy curries
Its sweet, creamy profile balances spicy and savory flavors well.
Tips for Success
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Use Good Quality Tea: A strong black tea base ensures a rich flavor.
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Chill the Tea Thoroughly: Let it cool fully before serving over ice.
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Control the Sweetness: You can use less sugar or opt for honey or agave.
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Presentation: Pour the milk slowly over the back of a spoon to create beautiful swirls.
Storing Thai Tea
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Refrigerate: Keep leftover tea in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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Do Not Freeze: The milk may separate and develop an off texture if frozen.
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Store Separately: If making ahead, store the tea and milk separately and mix just before serving.
Health Considerations
While Thai tea is delicious, it’s also high in sugar and calories due to the condensed milk. You can reduce the sweetness, use low-fat milk, or explore non-dairy alternatives to make it lighter.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use regular black tea instead of Thai tea mix?
Yes, but you’ll need to add spices like star anise and vanilla to mimic the traditional flavor.
Q2: Is Thai tea caffeinated?
Yes, Thai tea is made with black tea which contains caffeine, typically around 30–60 mg per serving.
Q3: Can I make Thai tea sugar-free?
You can reduce or skip the sugar and use unsweetened condensed milk or sugar-free alternatives.
Q4: Is Thai tea gluten-free?
Yes, Thai tea itself is gluten-free, but always check labels if using a commercial mix.
Q5: Can I serve Thai tea hot?
Absolutely! Just skip the ice and add warm milk for a cozy, winter version.
Conclusion
Thai tea is more than just a drink—it’s an experience. From its striking appearance to its indulgent taste, it’s a beverage that delights the senses. Whether you enjoy it iced on a summer day or hot in the cooler months, making Thai tea at home lets you enjoy this café favorite anytime you want. With just a few ingredients and a little practice, you can master the art of Thai tea and impress your guests with every swirl.