Creamy, sweet orange-hued tea
Thai Iced Tea
Prep Time
5 min
Cook Time
5 min
Total Time
40 min
Servings
2
2 servings
Difficulty
Easy
Cost
Budget
$
Thai Iced Tea
Creamy, sweet orange-hued tea
★4.2(22)
A bold, sweet iced tea with a distinctive orange color and creamy finish from sweetened condensed milk. This Thai restaurant classic is a refreshing companion to spicy food.
5m
Prep Time
5m
Cook Time
40m
Total Time
2
Servings
Easy
Difficulty
Budget $
Cost
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
Thai iced tea gets its vibrant color from Thai tea mix (Cha Tra Mue brand is classic) and its signature creaminess from a generous pour of condensed or evaporated milk over ice.
Thai cooking achieves a remarkable balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy in every dish. This recipe brings those layered flavors to your home kitchen.
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp Thai tea mix (Cha Tra Mue)
- 2 cups boiling water
- 3 tbsp sweetened condensed milk
- 2 tbsp evaporated milk or half-and-half
- Sugar to taste
- Ice cubes
Instructions
- 1
Bring 2 cups water to a boil. Add Thai tea mix and steep for 5 minutes.
- 2
Strain through a fine-mesh sieve or coffee filter into a heatproof pitcher.
- 3
Stir in sweetened condensed milk and sugar while the tea is still warm.
- 4
Let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until cold.
- 5
Fill tall glasses with ice, pour the tea to 3/4 full, and top with a swirl of evaporated milk.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve over steamed jasmine or sticky rice
Pair with a side of pickled vegetables or kimchi
Add a drizzle of sesame oil and toasted sesame seeds for extra flavor
Arrange on a platter for easy sharing at your next gathering
Substitutions
Thai tea mixStrong Ceylon black tea + star anise
Different color but similar flavor profile
Sweetened condensed milkCoconut condensed milk
Dairy-free and adds a subtle coconut flavor
Tips & Storage
Pro Tips
Brew the tea very strong—it will be diluted by ice and milk.
Pour the cream slowly over a spoon for a beautiful layered effect.
Let the protein rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute for maximum tenderness.
Season each component individually rather than seasoning at the end — this builds deeper, more complex flavor throughout.
Storage
Refrigerate the tea base (without ice or milk topping) for up to 3 days.
Reheating
Reheat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes. Add a splash of broth or water to prevent drying. Stovetop reheating over medium-low heat is also effective.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (15mg) · 2 servings
Calories160
LowModerateHigh
A light, low-calorie option · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein3g
Carbohydrates4g
Fat28g
Fiber65mg
Sugar0g
Sodium26g
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Thai tea mix?
- A blend of Ceylon tea, food coloring, and sometimes star anise. Cha Tra Mue is the most popular brand.
- Can I use regular black tea?
- Yes, use strong-brewed black tea with a pinch of star anise, though the color will differ.
About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
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