Easy Thai Iced Tea Recipe

There's nothing quite like the vibrant orange hue and creamy sweetness of Thai iced tea to transport you straight to the bustling streets of Bangkok. With its bold black tea base, aromatic spices, and silky finish, this refreshing drink is a year-round favorite in our house.

I first started making Thai iced tea at home after spending too much money on takeout versions. I couldn’t believe how easy it was to replicate the same authentic taste with just a few pantry staples. It’s quick, fun to make, and always a hit with guests. Let’s dive into why you’ll fall in love with this recipe.

Why You'll Love This Easy Thai Iced Tea

Get ready to bring the magic of your favorite Thai restaurant straight to your kitchen. This easy Thai iced tea recipe is the perfect way to enjoy a luxurious treat without the price tag or the wait.

One of the best things about this drink is how incredibly easy it is to make. With just a few ingredients and some steeping time, you can have a tall glass of this creamy, spiced beverage ready in no time. It’s beginner-friendly and foolproof.

It’s also budget-friendly, using affordable ingredients like black tea, sugar, and sweetened condensed milk. You probably already have most of what you need at home, which means there’s no need for special grocery trips or pricey equipment.

Craving something cool and refreshing during a hot afternoon? Thai iced tea is your answer. Served over ice, it’s as thirst-quenching as it is indulgent. Plus, you can easily customize the sweetness and creaminess to match your personal preference.

This drink is also perfect for entertaining. The bold color and elegant layering make it a showstopper on any table. Whether you’re serving it with a spicy curry or a sweet dessert, it’s guaranteed to impress your guests.

Ready to see just how easy it is to make this treat at home? Let’s break down the ingredients that make this drink so irresistible.

Ingredients Notes

Thai iced tea may look exotic, but the ingredients are actually quite simple. The magic lies in their balance and quality, and each one plays a vital role in creating that signature flavor and appearance.

Black tea is the base of this recipe. Look for strong, full-bodied varieties like Ceylon or Assam, or opt for Thai tea mix, which often includes added coloring and spices. The robust flavor is essential to stand up to the sweetness and cream.

Sugar is typically added while the tea is hot, allowing it to fully dissolve and blend into the mixture. Traditional Thai iced tea is sweet—almost dessert-like—but feel free to adjust the amount to your taste.

Sweetened condensed milk brings in that rich, creamy texture and sweet flavor. It also creates the beautiful orange-and-white swirl effect when poured over the tea and ice. Don’t skip this one—it’s the heart of the drink.

Evaporated milk or half-and-half is often added at the end to create a layered effect and mellow out the sweetness. If you're dairy-free, coconut milk or oat milk works beautifully and adds a lovely twist.

You don’t need any fancy tools to make Thai iced tea. A fine mesh strainer or tea filter bags help remove the loose leaves, and a basic saucepan or kettle will do the job. A tall glass and a handful of ice are all you need to serve it in style.

How To Make This Easy Thai Iced Tea

Making Thai iced tea at home is both satisfying and straightforward. You’ll feel like a café pro with just a few easy steps and a bit of patience.

Start by boiling about four cups of water in a medium saucepan. Once the water reaches a rolling boil, remove it from the heat and add your black tea or Thai tea mix. Stir briefly, cover the pot, and let the tea steep for 5–10 minutes, depending on how strong you like it.

While the tea is still hot, stir in the sugar until completely dissolved. This ensures a smooth sweetness throughout the drink without any gritty texture. Let the tea cool to room temperature, then strain it through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a pitcher or large container.

Refrigerate the tea for at least an hour to chill it completely. This step is important—pouring hot tea over ice will just water it down and melt the ice too quickly. Cold tea gives you that crisp, refreshing result you’re after.

When you’re ready to serve, fill a tall glass with ice and pour in your chilled tea, leaving an inch or so of space at the top. Gently pour a few tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk over the tea. Watch the beautiful swirls form as the creamy layer slowly blends with the tea below.

Top it off with a splash of evaporated milk, half-and-half, or coconut milk for extra creaminess and depth. Give it a stir if you prefer a uniform color and flavor, or leave it layered for visual drama. Sip, savor, and enjoy.

From start to finish, you’ll need about 15 minutes of hands-on time and another hour or so for chilling. It’s a quick and fun way to treat yourself or impress guests without much fuss.

Storage Options

Thai iced tea stores beautifully, making it a great make-ahead option for parties or weekly treat prep. Simply store the brewed tea—without the dairy—in a sealed pitcher or glass jar in the refrigerator.

The tea will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the fridge. Just be sure to give it a good stir before serving, as some of the flavor may settle over time.

If you've already mixed in the condensed milk, it's best to consume it within 2–3 days for the best flavor and texture. The dairy may separate slightly after sitting, but a quick shake or stir will bring it back together.

To re-create that layered look, store the components separately and assemble each glass fresh. That way, you preserve the visual wow factor and ensure the tea and cream are perfectly chilled when served.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about Thai iced tea is how customizable it is. Whether you're looking to change up the flavor or adjust for dietary needs, there are plenty of fun variations to try.

For a dairy-free version, use coconut milk or oat milk in place of sweetened condensed and evaporated milk. You can even find dairy-free condensed milk alternatives in many grocery stores or make your own.

Want to cut back on sugar? Try using a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener while the tea is hot. Keep in mind that condensed milk is already sweet, so adjust accordingly to avoid an overly sugary result.

For a spiced twist, add a pinch of ground cardamom, star anise, or cinnamon to the tea as it steeps. These spices complement the bold black tea and give the drink a more traditional Thai flavor profile.

Craving something even more indulgent? A splash of vanilla extract or a touch of almond milk adds a unique depth. You can also blend the final drink with ice to create a frozen Thai tea frappe—perfect for scorching days.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different teas too. Chai tea bags, rooibos, or even Earl Grey can all be used to put a unique spin on this classic.

Whichever variation you try, have fun and make it your own. The beauty of Thai iced tea is how easily it adapts to your taste and mood. Once you get the hang of it, you'll be reaching for this recipe again and again.

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