If you’ve ever finished a meal at a Thai restaurant with a tall glass of orange-hued iced tea, you know the magic of Thai Iced Tea. Sweet, creamy, and lightly spiced, it’s the perfect way to cool down and treat yourself all at once. The best part? You can make this iconic drink right in your own kitchen with just a few pantry staples.
This homemade version is just as flavorful—and way more affordable—than ordering out. Let’s make this rich, restaurant-style Thai Iced Tea at home!
Why You’ll Love It
Here’s what makes Thai Iced Tea so irresistible:
- Sweet and creamy – the perfect dessert-like drink
- Bold black tea flavor – strong and satisfying, balanced with spice
- Beautiful presentation – those creamy swirls over bright tea are a showstopper!
Whether you’re entertaining guests or just treating yourself, this drink always feels special.
Ingredients
You can find Thai tea mix online or at Asian grocery stores, but if it’s not available, strong black tea with a pinch of spice works too.
- 3 tablespoons Thai tea mix (or 2 black tea bags + pinch of cardamom & star anise)
- 1 cup boiling water
- 2 teaspoons sugar (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk
- 2 tablespoons evaporated milk (or coconut milk for dairy-free)
- Ice cubes
How to Make It
Making Thai Iced Tea at home is surprisingly easy. Here’s how:
- Brew the Tea
Steep Thai tea mix or black tea in boiling water for 5 minutes. Strain and discard the tea leaves or remove tea bags. - Sweeten It
While still hot, stir in the sugar and sweetened condensed milk. Let the tea cool completely. - Pour Over Ice
Fill a glass with ice and pour in the sweetened tea. - Top with Milk
Slowly drizzle evaporated or coconut milk on top. Stir gently to create that beautiful swirl effect.
Tips & Variations
Here are a few ways to make your Thai Iced Tea your own:
- Use coconut milk for a vegan/dairy-free version with a tropical twist
- Adjust the sweetness to your preference—more or less sugar, or skip condensed milk and use honey
- Make a big batch by multiplying the recipe and storing the sweetened tea in the fridge for up to 3 days
- Add spice – a pinch of cinnamon or extra cardamom gives it a warmer flavor
Craving more cool and flavorful tea recipes? This Thai Iced Tea is just one of the delicious drinks featured in our Top 5 Refreshing Iced Teas roundup! From sweet and fruity to light and zesty, you’ll find five unique recipes to sip your way through summer. ➤ Take a look at the full iced tea collection here and discover your new favorite!