Thai Iced Tea
A vibrant and creamy beverage known as Cha Yen, characterized by its bright orange color and distinct spiced flavor. This recipe blends aromatic Thai tea powder with sweetened condensed milk, served over ice for a refreshing non-alcoholic treat.
What it tastes like
The aroma is dominated by star anise, vanilla, and clove from the tea spices. On the palate, the texture is dense and creamy due to the condensed milk, which balances the sharp tannins of the black tea. The finish is cold and sweet with a lingering herbal quality from the mint garnish.
Flavour profile
Ingredients
- Thai Tea Powder2 tbsp
- Boiling Water2 oz
- Sweetened Condensed Milk1 tsp
- Ice Cubes1 ml
- Mint1 ml
Preparation
- 1
In a heat-proof container, combine the Thai tea powder with boiling water.
- 2
Add the sweetened condensed milk and stir vigorously until the powder is dissolved and the mixture is well blended.
- 3
Fill a highball glass completely with ice cubes.
- 4
Pour the warm tea mixture over the ice.
- 5
Garnish with a fresh sprig of mint before serving.
Substitutions
- Sweetened Condensed MilkCoconut Milk — This provides a dairy-free alternative with a distinct nutty flavor and slightly lighter body.
- Sweetened Condensed MilkEvaporated Milk and Simple Syrup — This combination mimics the creaminess but allows for more precise control over the sweetness level.
- Thai Tea PowderLoose Leaf Black Tea with Star Anise — Using standard tea leaves with added whole spices creates a cleaner, less artificial flavor profile.
Variations
Spiced Rum Thai Tea
Add 1.5 ounces of spiced rum to the tea mixture for an alcoholic version that enhances the existing vanilla notes.
Thai Tea Float
Top the drink with a scoop of coconut ice cream to create a richer, dessert-focused variation.