Thai tea, also known as Thai iced tea is a Thai drink made from strongly brewed Ceylon tea. However, due to Ceylon tea’s high price, a locally grown landrace version of Assam known as Bai Miang or Pantai Thai Tea Mix with added food coloring is commonly used.

Other ingredients may include added orange blossom water, star anise, crushed tamarind seed or red and yellow food coloring, and sometimes other spices as well.

This tea is sweetened with either sugar, coconut flower syrup or sweetened condensed milk. Evaporated milk, coconut milk, half & half or whole milk is generally poured over the tea and ice before serving to add taste and a creamy appearance. However, in Thailand, condensed milk and sugar are mixed with the tea before it is poured over ice and then topped with evaporated milk.

In Thai restaurants worldwide, it is served in a tall glass, though when sold from street and market stalls in Thailand it is more typically poured over the crushed ice in a clear (or translucent) plastic bag or tall plastic cups. At markets, it can be seen to be mixed through pouring the tea at heights of about 4 feet back and forth. It can also be made into a frappé at more Westernized vendors. Whatever your preference may be, this is one fine, tall, icy glass of wonderful!

Ingredients:

Thai Tea Mix:

• 1 cup Pantai Thai Tea Mix or 4 Ceylon Black Tea bags
• 4 cups Water
• 1/2 -1 cup Sweetener of choice

Thai Tea Assembly:

• Pre-made Thai tea mix (see above)
• half and half, coconut milk, whole milk or evaporated milk
• Lots of ice

Directions:

Thai Tea Mix directions

• Bring water to boil and add the thai tea mix or the 4 black ceylon tea bags. Add sweetener and gently stir until completely dissolved. Gently boil tea for about 3 minutes. Remove from heat.
• Allow tea to steep for at least 30 minutes and allow it to cool. The more concentrated the tea flavor, the better the Thai tea tastes.
• If you are using the Thai tea mix, strain the tea leaves. Set finished Thai tea aside to cool.
• If you are using black tea bags, remove the tea bags and set aside finished Thai tea to cool.
• You can make this ahead of time and have the Thai tea chilling in the fridge.

Assembly directions

1. Fill glasses with ice.
2. Fill glass with about 3/4 full with the Thai tea mixture. Then top off remainder of glass with milk of choice.
3. Stir and enjoy.  Serves 4-6