Thai Iced Tea Recipe

Toast spices

In a small dry skillet over medium heat, toast the star anise, cardamom pods and cloves for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat and lightly crush the cardamom pods and star anise to release oils.

Boil water and steep

Bring 4 cups water to a rolling boil in a saucepan. Add the 4 tablespoons of Thai black tea and the toasted, crushed spices. If using, add 1 teaspoon crushed dried tamarind. Reduce heat to low and simmer gently for 3–5 minutes to extract color and flavor (longer for stronger tea and deeper orange color).

Sweeten while hot

Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in 1 cup granulated sugar while the tea is still hot until fully dissolved. Add 3 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk and stir to combine thoroughly; this helps round the flavor and deepen color.

Strain

Strain the tea through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a heatproof pitcher to remove tea leaves and spices. Press gently on solids to extract liquid, then discard solids. Let the sweetened tea cool to room temperature, then chill in the refrigerator for at least 30–45 minutes. (For faster cooling, transfer to a shallow pan and place in the fridge.)

Prepare creamy milk

If using evaporated milk, lightly stir to ensure it's smooth; if using a milk/half-and-half blend, combine with 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional) and chill. Keep the creamy milk cold so it creates a distinct layer when poured over the tea.

Assemble drinks

Fill 4 tall glasses with about 1/2 cup ice cubes each (adjust per glass size). Pour 3/4 to 1 cup of the chilled sweetened tea into each glass, leaving space at the top for the creamy layer.

Top with milk and serve

Slowly pour about 2 tablespoons to 1/4 cup evaporated milk (or milk/half-and-half) over the back of a spoon or down the side of each glass to create a layered look. Stir before drinking to combine, if desired. Serve immediately with a straw.

Storage

Keep leftover sweetened tea refrigerated for up to 4–5 days. Store condensed/evaporated milk unopened at room temperature per label; once opened, refrigerate and use within a few days.