Easy Thai Iced Tea Recipe

There’s something magical about sipping an icy glass of Thai Iced Tea on a hot afternoon—the creamy texture, the vibrant orange hue, and that sweet, spiced flavor make it utterly irresistible. This easy Thai Iced Tea recipe delivers all the café-style charm without the fuss, and you don’t need any special equipment to get started.

this Recipe

I first fell in love with Thai Iced Tea at a local food truck that served it in big plastic cups brimming with crushed ice. Since then, I've been recreating it at home, tweaking it until I found the perfect blend that balances bold tea, creamy sweetness, and just the right amount of spice.

Whether you're entertaining friends, cooling off after a summer walk, or just craving something different from your usual coffee routine, this Thai Iced Tea is your ticket to instant refreshment.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Thai Iced Tea

Get ready to skip the takeout and make your own Thai Iced Tea in minutes. This version is not only delicious but incredibly simple to pull off at home.

First, it’s quick and no-fuss. With just a few basic ingredients and minimal prep, you can have this drink ready in under 15 minutes. Perfect for last-minute cravings or spontaneous guests.

It’s also budget-friendly. A single cup at a café can cost $4 or more, but making it at home? You’re looking at under $1 per serving. A true steal, especially if you’re serving a crowd.

The ingredients are easy to find, even at most standard grocery stores. And if you’re missing something, I’ll walk you through smart substitutions in the Variations section below.

Lastly, it’s perfectly customizable. Want it vegan? Prefer it less sweet? Craving more spice? This recipe adapts beautifully to suit your taste.

Once you’ve tried it homemade, it’s hard to go back to the store-bought version.

Ingredients Notes

This easy Thai Iced Tea comes together with just a few pantry staples, but each one plays a big role in capturing that classic flavor.

The base of the drink is strong black tea, typically made with Thai tea mix, which is a blend of black tea leaves, spices like star anise, and sometimes food coloring for that signature orange tone. You can find it in Asian markets or online under names like "Pantai" or "Number One Brand".

Next is sweetened condensed milk, which adds that rich, silky sweetness that defines Thai Iced Tea. It dissolves beautifully into the hot tea and creates the luxurious creamy layer when poured over ice.

For a lighter consistency and a beautiful ombre effect, we layer in evaporated milk or half-and-half on top. This helps balance the richness without overpowering the tea flavor. You can also use coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative that adds a tropical twist.

If you like your tea on the spicier side, you can steep in a few optional spices like star anise or cardamom pods to elevate the aromatic notes. This isn’t mandatory, but it adds a wonderful depth that fans of traditional Thai tea will appreciate.

You won’t need any fancy equipment—just a saucepan, a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth, and a heatproof container to brew and chill the tea. A tall glass filled with crushed ice is the finishing touch.

How To Make This Easy Thai Iced Tea

Making Thai Iced Tea at home is simpler than you might expect. Let’s walk through the steps together.

Start by boiling water in a medium saucepan. Once it's at a rolling boil, turn off the heat and add your Thai tea mix or black tea bags. If you're using loose tea, pour it into a tea sock or strainer. Let the tea steep for 5–7 minutes—you want it strong and fragrant.

After steeping, strain the tea into a heatproof container to remove the tea leaves and spices. Add sugar while it’s still hot so it dissolves completely. Give it a good stir, then set the tea aside to cool to room temperature before chilling it in the fridge. Cold tea is essential for the best flavor and texture.

When you’re ready to serve, fill a tall glass with crushed ice. Pour the chilled tea over the ice, filling the glass about ¾ full. Now for the magic: slowly drizzle sweetened condensed milk over the top, followed by evaporated milk or your dairy of choice. You’ll see the beautiful swirling layers as they mix.

For best results, give it a quick stir just before drinking. The final flavor should be bold, sweet, creamy, and ultra-refreshing.

From start to finish, the whole process takes about 15 minutes, not including chilling time. Make a batch ahead and store it in the fridge for a cool treat anytime.

Storage Options

One of the best parts of this Thai Iced Tea is how well it stores, making it ideal for meal prep or entertaining.

Refrigeration: Brewed tea can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days in an airtight container. Keep it unsweetened if you want to adjust the sweetness later. Just give it a good shake or stir before serving.

Sweetened version: If you’ve already added sweetened condensed milk to your tea, it will still last for about 3 days, though the flavor might mellow slightly over time.

Ice separation: Always store the tea without ice. Adding ice only when serving prevents dilution and keeps the flavor consistent.

To reheat (if making a warm version or just bringing it to room temp), simply pour the tea into a mug and microwave in 20-second intervals until warm. Stir and top with fresh milk or cream.

Variations and Substitutions

Thai Iced Tea is wonderfully versatile and easy to adapt to your preferences or dietary needs.

For a vegan Thai Iced Tea, substitute sweetened condensed coconut milk and full-fat coconut milk for the dairy-based milks. This not only keeps it plant-based but adds a delightful tropical note.

If you’re avoiding caffeine, try using rooibos tea or a decaffeinated black tea. It won’t taste exactly the same but still delivers a smooth, spiced experience that pairs well with the creamy topping.

Want a stronger spiced flavor? Add crushed star anise, cinnamon stick, or cardamom pods to the tea while steeping. Just remember to strain them out before chilling the tea.

For a less sweet version, simply reduce the amount of sweetened condensed milk or swap it out for regular sugar or a sugar substitute like monk fruit or stevia.

And if you’re feeling creative, turn it into a Thai Tea Latte by blending the chilled tea with ice and milk until frothy. It’s like a dessert and a drink in one.

Homemade Thai Iced Tea is such a treat—and once you get the hang of it, you’ll never need to hit the café again. Experiment with spices, play with sweetness levels, and make it your own. However you enjoy it, this easy Thai Iced Tea recipe is sure to become a staple in your drink rotation.

Print