Thai Iced Tea

Thai Iced Tea, known as Cha Yen, is one of Southeast Asia’s most iconic beverages. This brilliantly orange drink gets its signature color from strongly brewed Ceylon tea blended with warm spices like star anise, and its creamy sweetness from a generous pour of sweetened condensed milk. Street vendors throughout Thailand serve this refreshing drink from morning to night, and one sip will transport you straight to the bustling markets of Bangkok.

Ingredients

• 4 cups water
• 4 tablespoons Thai tea mix (ChaTraMue brand recommended)
• 2 whole star anise pods
• 3 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon evaporated milk
• Ice cubes

Instructions

1. Bring 4 cups of water to a rolling boil in a medium saucepan.
2. Add the Thai tea mix and star anise pods. Remove from heat, cover, and let steep for 5 minutes.
3. Strain the tea through a fine-mesh sieve or tea cloth into a heat-safe pitcher. Discard the tea leaves and star anise.
4. While the tea is still warm, stir in the sugar until completely dissolved. Let the tea cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until cold.
5. Fill tall glasses to the top with ice cubes.
6. Pour the chilled tea over the ice, filling each glass about three-quarters full.
7. Drizzle sweetened condensed milk and evaporated milk over the top. Stir gently to create that signature marbled effect, or leave layered for a beautiful presentation.

Pro Tips

• For an extra-authentic flavor, use a Thai tea sock (a muslin cloth filter) to steep the tea — it creates a smoother, richer brew.
• Adjust sweetness to taste. Traditional Thai iced tea is quite sweet, but you can reduce the condensed milk for a less sugary version.
• For a vegan version, substitute coconut cream for the condensed and evaporated milk.

Serving Suggestions

Thai Iced Tea pairs perfectly with spicy Thai dishes like Pad Thai, green curry, or Thai basil stir-fry. The creamy sweetness balances the heat beautifully. Serve in tall, clear glasses to show off the gorgeous orange-and-white layers.

Prep Time: 5 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes (plus chilling) | Servings: 4

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