Easy Thai Iced Tea Recipe

There's something truly magical about sipping a tall glass of Thai iced tea on a hot afternoon. With its vibrant orange hue, creamy sweetness, and fragrant spices, this beloved drink offers a refreshing escape that’s both indulgent and energizing.

I first fell in love with Thai iced tea during a trip to a tiny family-run restaurant tucked away in the back streets of Bangkok. The blend of strong brewed tea, warm spices, and sweetened milk served over ice was love at first sip. Now, it’s a go-to treat in our home – quick to make, wildly satisfying, and perfect for impressing guests or simply spoiling yourself.

Ready to bring that irresistible Thai flavor to your own kitchen? Let’s get into what makes this recipe a must-try.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Thai Iced Tea

Get ready to fall head over heels for this bold and creamy Thai iced tea. It’s more than just a drink – it’s a mini vacation in a glass.

First and foremost, it’s ridiculously easy to make. You don’t need any special equipment or hard-to-find ingredients. Just a few pantry staples and you’re on your way to making tea shop-worthy Thai iced tea at home.

The flavor is absolutely unforgettable. Bold black tea, warm spices like star anise and cardamom, and the perfect swirl of creamy sweetened condensed milk – every sip hits the spot.

It’s also budget-friendly. Forget spending $5+ per glass at a café. You can make several servings of this Thai classic for the same price, right in your kitchen.

Lastly, it’s a versatile crowd-pleaser. Serve it at brunch, with spicy takeout, or as a sweet after-dinner treat. You can even make it dairy-free or sugar-free with a few simple swaps.

Whether you’re a Thai tea newbie or a longtime fan, this recipe will become a favorite in no time.

Ingredients Notes

At the heart of this Thai iced tea is a short list of simple but flavorful ingredients. Here’s what gives this drink its iconic taste and look.

Thai tea mix is the star. Look for a pre-blended Thai tea mix (like Pantai or Number One Brand) which combines strong black tea leaves with orange food coloring and a blend of spices. This gives the tea its distinctive flavor and bright color. You can find it online or at most Asian grocery stores.

Sugar is added while the tea is hot to ensure it dissolves completely. Thai tea is traditionally very sweet, but you can always adjust the sugar level to suit your taste.

Sweetened condensed milk adds both creaminess and sweetness. This is poured over the tea after it’s brewed and chilled, creating a beautiful, layered look and rich flavor.

Evaporated milk or half-and-half is often added on top to give the drink its silky, finishing touch. Some people use whole milk or coconut milk instead for a dairy-free version.

You won’t need any fancy tools – just a saucepan, a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth, and some tall glasses for serving. A large measuring cup with a pour spout can also be handy for steeping and pouring the tea.

How To Make This Easy Thai Iced Tea

Making authentic-tasting Thai iced tea at home is surprisingly simple. Here's exactly how to do it.

Start by bringing water to a gentle boil in a saucepan. Once boiling, add your Thai tea mix and stir to fully saturate the leaves. Let the tea simmer for a couple of minutes, then remove it from heat and let it steep for about 15 minutes to extract all that rich flavor.

While the tea is steeping, prepare a heatproof container and strainer. Pour the tea through a fine mesh strainer or a cheesecloth-lined sieve into the container, catching all the loose leaves. Stir in sugar while the tea is still hot so it dissolves completely.

Allow the sweet tea to cool to room temperature, then transfer it to the refrigerator to chill. This step ensures your ice doesn’t melt instantly and water down the tea.

When you're ready to serve, fill tall glasses with ice and pour the chilled tea about three-quarters of the way full. Gently drizzle in your sweetened condensed milk, then top off with evaporated milk or half-and-half. Don’t stir just yet – admire those gorgeous layers first!

Finally, give it a gentle stir right before drinking, and enjoy that perfect harmony of tea, spice, and sweet creaminess. From start to finish, this drink takes about 25–30 minutes, including cooling time.

Storage Options

Have leftovers or want to make a big batch? Thai iced tea stores beautifully with just a little planning.

Store the brewed, sweetened tea base in an airtight container or pitcher in the fridge. It will keep well for up to 5 days. Only add the milks when you’re ready to serve, as they can separate or curdle over time.

If you've already added milk to some tea, it's best consumed within 24 hours. Keep it covered and cold.

You can also freeze leftover tea in an ice cube tray to make Thai tea ice cubes! They’re perfect for cooling down your next glass without diluting the flavor.

To reheat (if you prefer a warm version), simply microwave the plain tea or heat gently on the stovetop. Add the milk afterward, as reheating with milk can cause it to curdle.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how easily you can tailor it to your taste or dietary needs.

For a vegan or dairy-free version, swap the condensed milk and evaporated milk for coconut condensed milk and full-fat coconut milk. Almond or oat milk also work well, but coconut delivers that extra richness.

To cut down on sugar, use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener. And choose unsweetened plant-based milk to control the sweetness even more.

Want to turn this into a boozy dessert cocktail? Add a splash of spiced rum or vanilla vodka. Serve it in a fancy glass with a cinnamon stick for extra flair.

Prefer a hot version? Skip the ice and enjoy it warm with your favorite milk stirred in.

You can even experiment with flavored syrups like vanilla, cardamom, or almond to give your Thai iced tea a unique twist. The possibilities are endless, so don’t be afraid to make it your own.

Whether you keep it classic or add a personal touch, this easy Thai iced tea recipe delivers every time – sweet, smooth, and wonderfully satisfying.

Print