Jeff and I were lucky to spend a few weeks in Bangkok this past January. It was always my dream to go to Thailand and it was everything I hoped for! (I rode an elephant….balanced on top of it’s head! While Jeff sat comfortably in the secured chair on its back.) One of my favorite things that we did was take Thai cooking classes. It was so much fun to make authentic Thai dishes like Massaman Curry and Pomelo Salad in an open air kitchen. When we came home, we wanted to try to replicate some of the dishes we learned for our friends. I wouldn’t say that any of the dishes we made were a success (it was hard to find a lot of ingredients, like palm sugar and coriander, we needed in the States), but I also tried my hand at my Thai iced tea! It was so hot in Bangkok, I treated myself to this sweet, milky red drink every day!
Thai Iced Tea Recipe
- 2/3 cup Thai tea leaves (you can find Thai tea leaves in most Chinese super markets)
- 1 2/3 cup water
- 1/3 cup sugar (yup, you read that correctly, that’s a lot of suga!)
- 1 1/2 cup evaporated milk (12 oz can)
1. Boil water in a large pot
2. After water has boiled, remove from heat and add tea leaves. Let seep for about 4 minutes.
3. Strain the leaves out of the tea and mix in sugar.
4. Pour in a heat resistant pitcher and let cool for a few minutes. Then store in the fridge for a few hours.
5. To serve, pour in a tall glass filled with ice. Top with evaporated milk. If you pour the milk really slowly, it will stay at the top and you will get the cool separated look with the milk on top and the red tea on the bottom. (I was too impatient and did not do this)
Makes 2 cups.
Jeff and I both gave up drinking coffee for Lent this year. It’s been a battle, but I’ve been exploring making sweet tea, chai tea and all sorts of other caffeinated drinks instead! Anyone have any good recipes?
Hi! And welcome to my site! I hope you find something that inspires you while you are here. 
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This looks incredible! I love this recipe- nice work. (Tea for me is all in tea bags and steeped in water- not that exciting lol)
Looks yummy! If you are looking for coriander, it’s cilantro in most asian grocery stores or if you are looking for the seeds, you can probably find it in indian grocery stores. Palm sugar you can usually find in blocks or jars in asian grocery stores.
I love Thai tea! And I love your pics and blog. Is there a 99 Ranch near you? They should have most of the ingredients you need for Thai food. My fave Thai dish Som Tum (papaya salad).
oo, it looks so yummy and authentic! i love the color of thai iced tea! since you’re trying other teas these days, my recommendation is earl grey tea–the aroma on it’s own could wake you up in the morning! i love the organic loose leaf variety they sell at Christina’s Spice Shop, right down the street from you. they also have a loose-leaf chai that has cacoa husks in it, giving it a more chocolately twist, i think it’s made by Mem teas. either of those are great with a splash of cream and some honey:) happy tea-drinking!
ohhhh! Thanks for the tips, Jackie! I will have to make a trip there!
I just got some thai tea leaves and made a batch but it didn’t come out strong enough even though I steeped it longer than the directions said. I will definitely give your recipe a try because I just LOVE thai iced teas, and this looks wonderful!!! Great pics
I had the same problem, too!! When I first started making Thai iced tea, it would turn out really watery. I had to adjust by adding more leaves! That’s why the tea leaves to water ratio is a bit ridiculous. So is the sugar to water ratio
Yum yum yum. Thai Ice Tea is so good. Despite all that sugar.
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