How to Make Authentic Thai Tea from Scratch Recipe
Introduction
Thai tea is a vibrant and creamy beverage known for its unique blend of strong tea and sweet milk. Perfectly chilled and served over ice, it’s a refreshing treat that brings a taste of Thailand right to your home.
Ingredients
- 90g Thai tea leaves (we used ChaTraMue)
- 397g can condensed milk (or condensed coconut milk for a vegan option)
- 410g can evaporated milk (or oat milk)
- Ice, to serve
Instructions
- Step 1: Carefully whisk the loose Thai tea leaves with 1.5 litres of boiling water in a large heatproof bowl. Leave the tea to steep for 8 minutes.
- Step 2: Meanwhile, set a sieve over a large jug and line it with muslin.
- Step 3: After 8 minutes, pour the steeped tea carefully through the lined sieve, squeezing the muslin to extract all the flavor. Be cautious as the tea will be hot.
- Step 4: Whisk the condensed milk and evaporated milk into the strained tea until fully combined, then chill the mixture in the refrigerator for 1 hour.
- Step 5: To serve, fill a jug with ice, pour in the chilled Thai tea, and serve in tall glasses over ice with reusable straws.
Tips & Variations
- For a vegan version, substitute condensed milk with condensed coconut milk and evaporated milk with oat milk for a creamy, plant-based alternative.
- If you prefer your Thai tea less sweet, adjust the amount of condensed milk to taste.
- Using muslin helps to remove any tea leaf residue for a smooth, clear tea.
Storage
Store leftover Thai tea in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Stir well before serving. It’s best enjoyed chilled and over ice. Avoid freezing, as the milk may separate.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use tea bags instead of loose Thai tea leaves?
While loose Thai tea leaves provide the best authentic flavor, you can use Thai tea bags if available. Adjust steeping time as needed and ensure the tea is strong enough to balance the sweetness.
How can I make Thai tea less sweet?
Reduce the amount of condensed milk or substitute part of it with regular milk or evaporated milk to decrease sweetness without losing the creamy texture.
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How to Make Authentic Thai Tea from Scratch Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 18 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This authentic Thai tea recipe features a rich, sweet, and creamy beverage made by steeping Thai tea leaves in boiling water and blending with condensed and evaporated milk. Perfectly chilled and served over ice, it offers a delightful balance of robust tea flavors and smooth dairy notes, making it an ideal refreshing drink for warm days or anytime you crave a taste of Thailand.
Ingredients
Tea Base
- 90g Thai tea leaves (we used ChaTraMue)
- 1.5 litres boiling water
Dairy Ingredients
- 397g can condensed milk (or condensed coconut milk for a vegan option)
- 410g can evaporated milk (or oat milk)
To Serve
- Ice
Instructions
- Steep the Tea: Carefully whisk the Thai tea leaves with 1.5 litres of boiling water in a large heatproof bowl. Let the tea steep for 8 minutes to fully extract its rich flavor.
- Strain the Tea: Set a sieve over a large jug and line it with muslin cloth. Carefully pour the steeped tea through the muslin-lined sieve, squeezing gently to extract all the liquid and flavors while being cautious of the hot temperature.
- Mix the Milks: Whisk the strained tea with the condensed milk and evaporated milk until the mixture is smooth and combined evenly.
- Chill the Tea: Refrigerate the milk-tea mixture for 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and serve chilled.
- Serve: Fill a serving jug with ice, pour in the chilled tea mixture, and serve in tall glasses over ice. Use reusable straws for an eco-friendly touch.
Notes
- For a vegan version, use condensed coconut milk and oat milk instead of dairy milks.
- Thai tea leaves can be found at Asian grocery stores or online; brands like ChaTraMue are highly recommended for authentic flavor.
- Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of condensed milk used.
- Muslin cloth helps achieve a clearer tea by filtering out fine tea particles.
- This recipe yields about 6-8 servings depending on glass size.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes steeping time (no direct cooking)
- Category: Beverage
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Thai
Keywords: Thai tea, Thai iced tea, traditional Thai drink, sweet tea, condensed milk tea, Asian beverage, iced tea recipe
