Iced Assam Milk Tea Recipe

Boil water

Bring 300 ml of fresh water to a rolling boil (about 95–100°C).

Steep tea

Place 2 tablespoons Assam tea leaves (or 2 strong Assam tea bags) in a heatproof container or teapot. Pour the boiling water over the leaves/bags and steep for 4–5 minutes for a strong, full-bodied brew. For an even stronger flavor (to stand up to milk and ice), steep up to 6 minutes but avoid excessive bitterness.

Strain

Strain the leaves or remove the tea bags and discard. You should have roughly 250–280 ml of brewed tea remaining after steeping and absorption; if necessary, top up with a small splash of hot water to reach 300 ml before cooling.

Sweeten while hot

While the tea is still hot, stir in 2 teaspoons granulated sugar (or 15–20 ml simple syrup) until fully dissolved. Dissolving while hot ensures even sweetness and no graininess.

Cool the tea

Allow the sweetened tea to cool at room temperature for 10–15 minutes, then refrigerate or place in an ice bath for 5–10 minutes until it is cold (about refrigerator-cold or under 20°C). Cooling before adding ice prevents excessive dilution.

Combine milk

In a measuring cup or small pitcher, combine 150 ml whole milk with 30 ml half-and-half or evaporated milk if using. This will yield a creamy mouthfeel. Adjust milk amount slightly if you prefer lighter or heavier dairy—total milk target is ~180 ml.

Assemble the drink

Fill a 16 oz (about 475 ml) glass with 1 cup of ice cubes (roughly 120–150 g). Pour the chilled sweetened Assam tea over the ice, filling the glass about two-thirds (approx 200–220 ml).

Add milk and stir

Slowly pour the milk mixture (about 180 ml) into the glass. Stir gently with a long spoon or straw until the tea and milk are fully combined and evenly colored. Taste and add more sweetener if desired (dissolve a little simple syrup if adding).

Garnish & serve

Optionally garnish with a lemon slice on the rim or a sprig of mint. Serve immediately with a straw. The finished drink should total about 16 oz (including ice).