Thai Tea Recipe

5 from 1 vote

Bursting with bold and creamy richness, this traditional beverage is sure to transport you to the bustling streets of Bangkok.

Course Drinks

Cuisine Thailand

Keyword Thai tea

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 15

Total Time 20

Servings People

Calories 110kcal

Black Tea: Traditionally, Thai tea is made using a strong black tea such as Assam or Ceylon tea. The robust flavor of black tea provides a solid base for the other ingredients.
Sweetened Condensed Milk: The creamy richness of sweetened condensed milk is essential to achieving the signature taste of Thai tea. It adds a velvety texture and a touch of sweetness to the beverage.
Sugar: While sweetened condensed milk already adds sweetness, additional sugar is often added to balance the flavors. The amount of sugar can be adjusted to suit personal preference.
Spices: Thai tea is often infused with fragrant spices such as star anise, cardamom, and cinnamon. These spices add depth and complexity to the flavor profile of the tea.
Water: Water is used to brew the black tea and create the base for the Thai tea.

Boil water in a pot and add the black tea leaves. Allow the tea to steep for about 5 minutes, or until it reaches your desired strength.
Once the tea is brewed, strain it to remove the tea leaves and transfer the tea to a separate container.
In a separate saucepan, combine the sweetened condensed milk, sugar, and spices. Heat the mixture over low heat, stirring continuously until the sugar is dissolved and the spices are infused into the milk.
Remove the saucepan from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
Pour the spiced milk mixture into the brewed black tea and stir well to combine.
Taste the Thai tea and adjust the sweetness and spiciness according to your preference. Add more sugar or spices if desired.
Once the Thai tea is well mixed and the flavors have melded together, it's ready to be served.
For a refreshing iced Thai tea, pour the tea over ice cubes in a glass. Garnish with a sprig of mint or a slice of lime for an extra touch of freshness.
If you prefer a hot Thai tea, simply omit the ice and enjoy it warm. A hot cup of Thai tea is perfect for cozying up on a chilly evening.

Tips for Perfecting Your Thai Tea

To ensure that your Thai tea turns out perfectly every time, here are some tips to keep in mind:

Use high-quality tea: The quality of the black tea you use will greatly impact the flavor of your Thai tea. Opt for loose-leaf tea or high-quality tea bags for the best results.
Adjust the sweetness: Thai tea is known for its sweetness, but you can customize the level of sweetness to suit your taste. Add more or less sugar as desired.
Experiment with spices: Don't be afraid to play around with different spices to create your own unique blend. Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or a dash of ginger for an extra kick of flavor.
Brew the tea properly: Steep the tea for the recommended time to avoid bitterness. Oversteeping can result in a bitter taste, while understeeping may not extract enough flavor.
Let it cool: Allow the Thai tea to cool slightly before adding the spiced milk mixture. This will prevent the tea from becoming diluted or losing its vibrant color.
Presentation matters: Serve Thai tea in clear glasses to showcase its beautiful orange hue. Add garnishes like mint leaves, lime slices, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon for an elegant touch.

Serving: 296g | Calories: 110kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g