Thai Iced Tea Recipe at Home with Condensed Milk
Introduction
Craving that bold, sweet, creamy drink you tried at a Thai restaurant? That’s Thai iced tea — also known as “Cha Yen.” Today, I’ll show you exactly how to make Thai iced tea at home with condensed milk. It’s easy, it’s authentic, and it tastes like pure summer in a glass.
Thai iced tea is famous for its bright orange hue, bold black tea base, and indulgent creamy top. Let’s dive into what makes this drink so special and how you can create it at home with just a few ingredients.
What Is Thai Iced Tea?
Thai iced tea (or Cha Yen in Thai) is a chilled tea made from strongly brewed black tea, sweetened with sugar and condensed milk, and poured over ice. It’s commonly served in Thai restaurants worldwide and has become a global favorite thanks to its unique blend of bold tea and dessert-like creaminess.
You can also find variations with spices like star anise or tamarind, but today we’ll focus on the classic version made with sweetened condensed milk.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make Thai iced tea at home with condensed milk, you’ll need the following:
- 2 tablespoons Thai tea mix (or strong black tea)
- 1 cup boiling water
- 2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk
- 2 teaspoons sugar (optional)
- ¼ cup evaporated milk or regular milk (for topping)
- Ice cubes
Tip: If you want restaurant-style flavor and color, use Thai tea mix from brands like Pantai Norasingh or ChaTraMue.
Step-by-Step Thai Iced Tea Recipe
Step 1: Brew the Tea
Add 2 tablespoons of Thai tea mix or black tea to a cup of boiling water. Let it steep for 5 minutes. The longer it steeps, the stronger the flavor.
Step 2: Strain and Sweeten
Strain the tea into a glass or pitcher. Add sugar (if using) while it’s hot and stir to dissolve. Then stir in the condensed milk.
Step 3: Chill the Tea
Let the tea cool down to room temperature. You can also chill it in the refrigerator for 10–15 minutes if you prefer.
Step 4: Assemble the Drink
Fill a tall glass with ice cubes. Pour the cooled tea over the ice until ¾ full. Top with evaporated milk or regular milk for that creamy swirl.
Step 5: Serve and Sip
Stir gently and enjoy! The layers are not just beautiful—they create a perfect balance of bold, sweet, and creamy.
Thai Iced Tea vs. Regular Milk Tea
Wondering how Thai iced tea differs from your usual milk tea or chai? Here’s a quick comparison:
- Tea base: Thai iced tea uses Ceylon or Thai tea mix; chai uses black tea with spices.
- Sweetener: Thai tea uses condensed milk; chai often uses sugar or honey.
- Spices: Thai iced tea has little to no spice; chai is spice-forward (cardamom, cinnamon, etc.).
If you want more spice in your life, try our sugar-free Karak chai or cardamom tea for immunity.
Health Tips and Substitutions
- Lower sugar version: Use unsweetened tea and low-sugar condensed milk or stevia-based sweetener.
- Dairy-free version: Use coconut condensed milk and oat or almond milk for topping.
- Spice it up: Add 1 star anise or a pinch of cinnamon while brewing for a twist.
- Want less caffeine? Brew it weaker or use decaf black tea.
Fun Fact: Why Is Thai Tea Orange?
Authentic Thai tea gets its orange color from added food coloring in Thai tea mixes. Traditional Thai vendors began using food dye in the 20th century to create a visually distinct beverage.
If you prefer natural coloring, skip the dye and focus on flavor!
Best Time to Drink Thai Iced Tea
- Hot afternoons: A chilled Thai tea is ultra-refreshing in summer.
- Post-meal treat: Think of it as a light dessert in a glass.
- Weekend brunch: Pairs well with spicy Asian dishes or even pancakes!
Final Thoughts
Thai iced tea is a delightful blend of strong tea, creamy condensed milk, and sweet indulgence. With just a few ingredients, you can bring the authentic taste of Thai street stalls into your home kitchen.
Want more cool recipes like this? Check out our tea recipe blog section for more spiced, sweet, and soothing drinks.