Easy Thai Iced Tea
Learn how to make authentic Thai iced tea at home with this easy recipe. Creamy, aromatic, and customizable with healthier ingredient options.
Ingredients
- 4 cups water
- 4 bags black tea (or 3 tablespoons loose black tea)
- 2 whole star anise pods
- 3 green cardamom pods, lightly crushed
- 1 cinnamon stick, broken in half
- 4 whole cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds
- 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/3 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1/4 cup evaporated milk
- 2 tablespoons honey or palm sugar
- 1 cup ice cubes per serving
- Pinch of sea salt
Instructions
- 1
Combine water, star anise, cardamom pods, cinnamon stick, cloves, fennel seeds, turmeric, and sea salt in a saucepan over medium-high heat.
- 2
Bring the spiced water to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 8 minutes until the spices become fragrant and infuse into the liquid.
- 3
Remove from heat and add the black tea bags or loose tea directly to the hot spiced water, stirring gently to ensure full contact with the liquid.
- 4
Steep the tea with the spices for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to fully develop and deepen.
- 5
Strain the brewed tea through a fine mesh sieve into a clean pitcher, pressing gently on the tea bags to extract all the liquid.
- 6
Stir the condensed milk, evaporated milk, and honey into the warm tea until completely dissolved and well combined.
- 7
Let the tea cool to room temperature for about 15 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours until thoroughly chilled.
- 8
Fill a tall glass with ice cubes and pour the chilled Thai tea over the ice until three-quarters full.
- 9
Top with a splash of additional evaporated milk or coconut milk for creaminess, stirring gently to create the signature pale orange swirl.
- 10
Stir well before drinking and serve immediately while the ice is still crisp.
Variations & Substitutions
| Ingredient | Substitute | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| sweetened condensed milk | coconut cream mixed with 2 tablespoons honey | reduces refined sugar intake while adding natural sweetness and tropical flavor that complements Thai tea beautifully |
| evaporated milk | unsweetened almond milk or oat milk | eliminates added sugars and dairy while maintaining a creamy texture and reducing overall calories |
| honey or palm sugar | monk fruit sweetener or stevia (1-2 teaspoons) | provides sweetness with virtually no impact on blood sugar levels, ideal for diabetic-friendly versions |
| regular black tea bags | organic loose-leaf black tea or jasmine black tea blend | improves flavor complexity and reduces microplastics from bags while supporting sustainable sourcing |
| white sugar added through condensed milk | whole dates blended with water and coconut milk | adds natural sweetness with fiber and minerals, supporting better blood sugar stability |
Recommended Equipment
Tools that make this recipe easier
Nutrition Information
Per serving (serves 4)
| Calories | 142 |
| Total Fat | 4g |
| Saturated Fat | 2g |
| Cholesterol | 8mg |
| Sodium | 72mg |
| Carbohydrates | 22g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 16g |
| Protein | 2g |
This recipe was extracted from the original video source using AI. Nutritional information is estimated and may vary. Not a substitute for professional dietary advice. As an Amazon Associate, AlmostChefs earns from qualifying purchases. Product links are affiliate links — they cost you nothing extra but help support the site. Read full disclaimer
