Thai Tea Dream
This Thai Iced Tea, also known as "cha yen," is a delightful and refreshing beverage that captures the authentic flavors of Thailand. The combination of black tea, star anise, cardamom, and sweetened condensed milk creates a rich and creamy drink with a hint of exotic spices. Served over ice and topped with evaporated milk, this homemade version trumps any pre-made mix and will transport you to the bustling streets of Bangkok with every sip.
Thai Tea Dream
A creamy and spiced Thai Iced Tea made from scratch, offering a delightful blend of black tea, exotic spices, and sweetened condensed milk, served over ice for a refreshing treat.
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Total Time
10 mins
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon loose-leaf black tea
- 1 piece star anise
- 2 pods cardamom
- Optional: 1/2 cinnamon stick
- Optional: 1/8 vanilla bean
- Optional: ground tamarind (to taste)
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 cup water (boiling)
- 1/2 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 tablespoon sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon evaporated milk (or coconut milk or whole milk)
- Ice
Instructions
- Boil the water and pour it over the loose-leaf black tea, star anise, cardamom, optional cinnamon stick, optional vanilla bean, and optional ground tamarind. Add almond extract if desired and let it steep for 5 minutes.
- Strain the tea through a fine mesh sieve to remove the tea leaves and spices.
- Stir in the sugar and sweetened condensed milk until fully dissolved.
- Fill a tall glass with ice and pour the tea over the ice, leaving some space at the top for the evaporated milk.
- Add more ice if needed and drizzle with evaporated milk.