Authentic Thai Iced Tea Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide
Are you ready to embark on a flavour adventure? This guide will take you through making the most authentic Thai Iced Tea, a vibrant beverage known for its rich, creamy texture and bold, slightly sweet flavour. Let's dive in!
Ingredients You'll Need:
- Strong Brewed Black Tea: We recommend using a robust black tea like Ceylon or Assam. The stronger the tea, the richer the flavour of your Thai Iced Tea. Approximately 4-6 tea bags for 4 cups of water.
- Water: Use filtered or bottled water for the best taste.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar works best. Adjust the amount to your preference. Start with 1/2 cup for 4 cups of tea.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: This is key to that creamy texture and sweetness. Approximately 1/2 to 3/4 cup depending on your desired sweetness level.
- Milk: Whole milk is traditional and adds to the creaminess, but you can also use 2% or other milk alternatives for a lighter version. Approximately 2 cups.
- Ice: Plenty of ice!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Brewing the Perfect Tea
- Boil the water: Bring 4 cups of water to a rolling boil.
- Steep the tea: Add 4-6 tea bags to the boiling water and steep for 5-7 minutes. For a stronger brew, steep for longer. Remove the tea bags and allow the tea to cool slightly.
Step 2: Sweetening and Combining
- Dissolve the sugar: In a separate container, mix the sugar into the cooled tea until it dissolves completely. A whisk can help speed up this process.
- Add the condensed milk: Stir in the sweetened condensed milk, ensuring it's fully incorporated into the tea mixture.
- Mix in the milk: Slowly pour in the milk, stirring gently to combine all the ingredients.
Step 3: Serving Your Thai Iced Tea
- Fill a glass with ice: Use a tall glass to accommodate plenty of ice.
- Pour the tea mixture: Carefully pour the tea mixture over the ice.
- Garnish (optional): Garnish with a sprig of mint or a wedge of lime for an extra touch of freshness.
Tips for the Perfect Thai Iced Tea:
- Adjust sweetness to your taste: Start with less sugar and condensed milk, and adjust to your preference. You can always add more, but you can't take it away!
- Use high-quality ingredients: The better the tea and milk, the better your Thai Iced Tea will taste.
- Experiment with variations: Try adding different spices like cardamom or cinnamon for a unique twist.
- Serve immediately: Thai Iced Tea is best enjoyed fresh.
FAQs about Thai Iced Tea
- Can I make it ahead of time? It's best made fresh, but you can prepare the tea mixture ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Add ice and milk just before serving.
- What kind of tea is best? A strong black tea like Assam or Ceylon is traditional.
- Can I use other types of milk? Yes, you can experiment with almond milk, soy milk, or other milk alternatives. However, whole milk offers the richest and creamiest texture.
This recipe will help you recreate the authentic taste of Thai Iced Tea at home. Enjoy this delicious and refreshing beverage! Remember to share your creations and tag us! Happy brewing!
