There’s nothing quite like a refreshing glass of Thai iced tea on a warm day, and with its signature creamy sweetness and bold flavors, it’s no wonder this drink has gained worldwide popularity.

If you’ve ever wondered how to make Thai iced tea at home, you’re in the right place!

This post will walk you through ten easy ways to perfect this delightful drink, so you can enjoy it any time you like without needing to visit a Thai restaurant.

Whether you’re a seasoned tea enthusiast or a complete beginner, these methods will help you create the perfect Thai iced tea right in your own kitchen.

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Introduction to Thai Iced Tea

Thai iced tea is more than just a drink; it’s a cultural experience.

Originating in Thailand, this beverage combines strong brewed tea with spices, sweetened condensed milk, and sugar, topped with ice and finished with evaporated milk.

The result is a sweet, creamy drink with a distinctive amber color.

But what makes Thai iced tea so special?

The combination of black tea, often spiced with star anise and cardamom, creates a unique depth of flavor.

The richness of condensed milk adds to the creamy texture, while the sugar provides that irresistible sweetness.

Making the perfect Thai iced tea involves balancing these elements just right.

While you can purchase ready-made Thai tea mixes, there’s nothing quite like crafting it from scratch.

Here are five easy ways to help you make the perfect Thai iced tea at home, whether you want to stick to tradition or add your own twist.

Equipment List for Making Thai Iced Tea

1. Medium Saucepan – To boil water and brew the tea.
2. Tea Strainer or Cheesecloth – For straining loose tea leaves and spices after brewing.
3. Measuring Spoons – To measure out tea, spices, sugar, and milk.
4. Wooden Spoon or Whisk – To stir the tea and dissolve the sugar.
5. Jug or Pitcher – For cooling and storing the brewed tea.
6. Blender (optional) – If you’re making Thai iced tea slush.
7. Glasses – For serving your tea over ice.
8. Ice Cube Tray – To make fresh ice for serving.
9. Straws (optional) – If you want to sip your tea in traditional Thai iced tea style, or for bubble tea.
10. Tapioca Pearl Strainer (optional) – If making Thai iced tea with boba.

These basic items will ensure you can easily make and enjoy Thai iced tea in various forms.

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1. The Traditional Thai Iced Tea Recipe

The first method we’ll explore is the classic way to make Thai iced tea.

This is the method you’d find in most Thai restaurants, and it involves brewing strong black tea with added spices.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups of water
• 4 tablespoons of black tea leaves (or Thai tea mix)
• 2-3 star anise pods
• 1 stick of cinnamon
• 4 tablespoons of sugar
• 4 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk
• 2 tablespoons of evaporated milk
• Ice cubes

Instructions:

1. Brew the Tea: Boil water in a pot and add the black tea leaves, star anise, and cinnamon. Let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
2. Strain and Sweeten: Strain the tea into a jug and stir in the sugar while the tea is still hot, ensuring it dissolves fully.
3. Cool the Tea: Allow the tea to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until it’s cold.
4. Serve: Fill a glass with ice cubes, pour in the chilled tea, and add a layer of sweetened condensed milk. Top it off with a splash of evaporated milk for that rich, creamy finish.
5. Enjoy: Stir the drink to combine the layers and enjoy the perfect Thai iced tea!

This traditional method captures the authentic flavor and appearance of Thai iced tea. It’s perfect for anyone who loves the original and doesn’t want to stray too far from tradition.

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2. Vegan Thai Iced Tea

If you’re looking for a plant-based version of Thai iced tea, don’t worry—it’s easy to recreate the creamy goodness without any dairy!

This method swaps out the sweetened condensed milk and evaporated milk for vegan alternatives, while keeping the flavor profile as close to the original as possible.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups of water
• 4 tablespoons of black tea leaves
• 2-3 star anise pods
• 1 stick of cinnamon
• 4 tablespoons of sugar
• 4 tablespoons of coconut cream (or your preferred plant-based milk)
• Ice cubes

Instructions:

1. Brew the Tea: As with the traditional method, bring water to a boil and add the black tea leaves, star anise, and cinnamon. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, then strain.
2. Sweeten: Stir in the sugar while the tea is still hot.
3. Cool the Tea: Let the tea cool, then refrigerate it until it’s ready to serve.
4. Serve: Fill a glass with ice cubes and pour in the cold tea. Add a layer of coconut cream for a rich, plant-based alternative to condensed milk.
5. Enjoy: Mix it all together and enjoy a refreshing vegan Thai iced tea!

Coconut cream not only provides the creaminess but also adds a subtle tropical flavor that complements the spices in the tea. Other plant-based milks like almond or oat milk work well too, but coconut cream is closest to the original texture.

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3. Thai Iced Tea with Flavored Syrups

One way to enhance your Thai iced tea is by adding flavored syrups.

This method is great if you want to experiment with different tastes, giving your tea a unique twist while maintaining the traditional Thai iced tea foundation.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups of water
• 4 tablespoons of Thai tea mix or black tea leaves
• 2-3 star anise pods
• 4 tablespoons of sugar
• 4 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk
• 2 tablespoons of evaporated milk
• 2 tablespoons of flavored syrup (vanilla, almond, or caramel)
• Ice cubes

Instructions:

1. Brew the Tea: As before, boil water and brew the tea with star anise for 5-7 minutes.
2. Add Syrup: Stir in the sugar and flavored syrup of your choice while the tea is still warm.
3. Cool the Tea: Let the tea cool to room temperature, then chill it in the fridge.
4. Serve: Pour the chilled tea over ice and add the sweetened condensed milk and evaporated milk as usual.
5. Enjoy: Stir it all together and savor the delightful fusion of flavors!

Adding flavored syrups gives your Thai iced tea a new dimension. Vanilla adds warmth, almond brings nuttiness, and caramel creates a deeper sweetness, making this method perfect for those who love trying new flavors.

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4. Thai Iced Tea Slush

For an extra-refreshing twist on Thai iced tea, turn it into a slush!

This version is perfect for hot summer days when you want something cold and satisfying.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups of water
• 4 tablespoons of Thai tea mix or black tea leaves
• 2-3 star anise pods
• 4 tablespoons of sugar
• 4 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk
• 2 tablespoons of evaporated milk
• Ice cubes (plus more for blending)

Instructions:

1. Brew the Tea: Boil the water, brew the tea with star anise, and sweeten it with sugar.
2. Cool the Tea: After brewing, cool the tea to room temperature, then chill it in the fridge.
3. Blend: Once the tea is cold, pour it into a blender with a handful of ice cubes. Blend until smooth to create a slushy consistency.
4. Serve: Pour the slush into a glass, add the condensed and evaporated milk, and mix well.
5. Enjoy: Sip on this icy treat and enjoy a fun take on traditional Thai iced tea!

The slushy texture makes this drink incredibly refreshing, especially during hot weather. It’s a playful way to serve Thai iced tea that kids and adults alike will enjoy.

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5. Thai Iced Tea with Boba (Bubble Tea)

Combining two beloved drinks—Thai iced tea and boba tea—creates an indulgent treat that’s hard to resist.

If you’re a fan of bubble tea, this method adds chewy tapioca pearls to the rich and creamy Thai iced tea for an extra layer of fun.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups of water
• 4 tablespoons of Thai tea mix or black tea leaves
• 2-3 star anise pods
• 4 tablespoons of sugar
• 4 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk
• 2 tablespoons of evaporated milk
• Ice cubes
• ½ cup of cooked tapioca pearls (boba)

Instructions:

1. Brew the Tea: As usual, brew the tea with star anise, then sweeten with sugar.
2. Cook the Boba: While the tea is cooling, cook the tapioca pearls according to the package instructions.
3. Cool the Tea: Let the tea cool, then refrigerate.
4. Serve: Add the cooked boba to a glass, fill with ice, pour in the tea, and finish with the sweetened condensed and evaporated milk.
5. Enjoy: Stir well and enjoy the fun, chewy boba along with the flavorful Thai iced tea!

Boba Thai iced tea is a fun and trendy way to elevate your drink. The chewy tapioca pearls add a delightful contrast to the creamy and smooth Thai iced tea, making this method a favorite among bubble tea lovers.

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6. Thai Iced Tea with Coconut Milk

For a tropical twist on the classic Thai iced tea, try using coconut milk instead of condensed and evaporated milk.

This method adds a light, refreshing flavor while maintaining the creamy texture of traditional Thai iced tea.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups of water
• 4 tablespoons of Thai tea mix or black tea leaves
• 2-3 star anise pods
• 4 tablespoons of sugar
• ½ cup of coconut milk
• Ice cubes

Instructions:

1. Brew the Tea: Boil water, add Thai tea mix or black tea with star anise, and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes.
2. Sweeten: Strain the tea and stir in sugar while it’s still hot.
3. Cool the Tea: Let the tea cool and refrigerate until cold.
4. Serve: Fill a glass with ice, pour in the chilled tea, and top it off with a generous splash of coconut milk.
5. Enjoy: Stir to combine and enjoy the rich coconut flavor that pairs beautifully with the tea.

The coconut milk not only adds creaminess but also enhances the tropical flavor, making this version of Thai iced tea a perfect summer treat.

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7. Thai Iced Tea with Matcha

If you love the flavor of matcha (green tea powder), you’ll enjoy this fusion of Thai iced tea and matcha tea.

Combining these two popular teas creates a vibrant, flavorful drink with a balanced earthy and sweet taste.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups of water
• 4 tablespoons of Thai tea mix or black tea leaves
• 2-3 star anise pods
• 4 tablespoons of sugar
• 1 teaspoon of matcha powder
• 4 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk
• Ice cubes

Instructions:

1. Brew the Tea: Boil the water and brew the Thai tea mix with star anise, simmering for 5-7 minutes. Strain and sweeten with sugar.
2. Prepare the Matcha: In a small bowl, whisk the matcha powder with a little hot water until smooth and free of lumps.
3. Cool the Tea: Refrigerate the tea until cold.
4. Serve: Fill a glass with ice, pour in the Thai iced tea, and add a layer of sweetened condensed milk. Drizzle the whisked matcha over the top.
5. Enjoy: Stir the layers together for a delicious and vibrant Thai iced tea matcha fusion.

This method brings together the sweet, spiced flavors of Thai iced tea with the refreshing bitterness of matcha, creating a visually stunning and tasty beverage.

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8. Thai Iced Tea with Fresh Mint

For a refreshing and fragrant variation, add fresh mint to your Thai iced tea.

The mint complements the sweetness of the tea while adding a cooling element that’s perfect for hot days.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups of water
• 4 tablespoons of Thai tea mix or black tea leaves
• 2-3 star anise pods
• 4 tablespoons of sugar
• 4 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk
• Fresh mint leaves
• Ice cubes

Instructions:

1. Brew the Tea: Boil water and brew the Thai tea with star anise, simmering for 5-7 minutes. Strain and stir in sugar.
2. Cool the Tea: Let the tea cool, then refrigerate.
3. Prepare the Mint: Lightly muddle a few mint leaves to release their oils.
4. Serve: Add ice to a glass, pour in the chilled tea, and mix in the sweetened condensed milk. Add the muddled mint leaves on top.
5. Enjoy: Stir and sip the refreshing minty Thai iced tea.

This version adds an extra layer of freshness, making it a perfect choice for warm weather or as a revitalizing afternoon drink.

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9. Spiced Thai Iced Tea

For an extra kick of flavor, you can enhance the spices in your Thai iced tea by adding cloves, cardamom, and ginger.

This version offers a more robust and aromatic experience that’s perfect for those who love spiced beverages.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups of water
• 4 tablespoons of Thai tea mix or black tea leaves
• 2-3 star anise pods
• 2 cloves
• 1 cardamom pod, crushed
• A small slice of fresh ginger
• 4 tablespoons of sugar
• 4 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk
• 2 tablespoons of evaporated milk
• Ice cubes

Instructions:

1. Brew the Tea: Boil water and add the Thai tea mix, star anise, cloves, cardamom, and ginger. Simmer for 5-7 minutes to infuse the flavors.
2. Sweeten: Strain the tea and stir in sugar while it’s still hot.
3. Cool the Tea: Let the tea cool to room temperature and refrigerate.
4. Serve: Pour the tea over ice and add the sweetened condensed milk and evaporated milk.
5. Enjoy: Stir well and enjoy the bold spiced flavors in your Thai iced tea.

This spiced version is perfect for those who enjoy a warm, fragrant tea with an extra depth of flavor.

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10. Thai Iced Tea Float

Turn your Thai iced tea into a dessert by adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream!

This Thai iced tea float is indulgent and perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups of water
• 4 tablespoons of Thai tea mix or black tea leaves
• 2-3 star anise pods
• 4 tablespoons of sugar
• 4 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk
• 1 scoop of vanilla ice cream
• Ice cubes

Instructions:

1. Brew the Tea: Boil water and brew the Thai tea mix with star anise, simmering for 5-7 minutes.
2. Sweeten: Strain the tea and add sugar.
3. Cool the Tea: Let the tea cool and refrigerate.
4. Serve: Fill a glass with ice, pour the chilled tea over it, and add sweetened condensed milk. Top the tea with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
5. Enjoy: Stir the tea as the ice cream melts, creating a creamy, dreamy dessert drink.

This Thai iced tea float is a delightful combination of tea and ice cream, making it an ideal sweet treat for any occasion.

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FAQ: Thai Iced Tea

1. What type of tea is used in Thai iced tea?

Thai iced tea is typically made with strong black tea, often with added spices like star anise and cardamom.

You can also find pre-mixed Thai tea blends, which usually include these spices.

2. Can I use regular black tea to make Thai iced tea?

Yes, you can use regular black tea as a base for Thai iced tea.

Just be sure to add the traditional spices (such as star anise and cinnamon) for that authentic flavor.

3. What makes Thai iced tea different from regular iced tea?

The key difference is the addition of sweetened condensed milk and spices like star anise and cardamom in Thai iced tea.

These ingredients give it a unique sweetness, creaminess, and depth of flavor not typically found in regular iced tea.

4. Can I make Thai iced tea without dairy?

Absolutely!

You can make a vegan version by substituting coconut cream, almond milk, or another plant-based milk for the sweetened condensed and evaporated milk.

5. Is Thai iced tea healthy?

Thai iced tea can be quite high in sugar and calories due to the sweetened condensed milk and sugar used.

However, you can make healthier versions by adjusting the amount of sugar or using lower-calorie milk alternatives.

6. Can I prepare Thai iced tea in advance?

Yes! You can brew the tea ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.

Just add the condensed milk and ice when you’re ready to serve.

7. What are some common variations of Thai iced tea?

Some popular variations include vegan Thai iced tea, Thai iced tea slush, and Thai iced tea with boba (bubble tea).

You can also experiment by adding flavored syrups like vanilla, almond, or caramel.

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Conclusion

Thai iced tea is a beloved beverage with rich flavors and a creamy texture that people all around the world adore.

Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or try one of the variations like vegan Thai iced tea or adding boba, the key to making the perfect Thai iced tea is finding the balance between the tea, spices, and sweetness.

With these five easy ways to make Thai iced tea, you can experiment and discover your personal favorite version of this refreshing drink.

So go ahead, grab your tea leaves, milk, and spices, and start brewing the perfect glass of Thai iced tea today!

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