Making authentic Thai tea at home is simpler than you think. With just a few key ingredients and basic kitchen tools, you can recreate that rich, creamy, and slightly spiced drink you love—no trip to a café needed. Whether you’re pairing it with pastries or enjoying it solo, this recipe delivers bold flavor every time.
If you’ve ever sipped a glass of Thai tea at a local café or restaurant, you know it’s more than just a drink—it’s an experience. That vibrant orange color, the creamy texture, the sweet yet spiced flavor… it’s comforting, refreshing, and downright addictive. But here’s the good news: you don’t need to leave your kitchen to enjoy it. Learning how to make Thai tea at home is not only possible—it’s surprisingly easy.
Thai tea, or *cha yen* in Thai, is a beloved beverage that blends strong black tea with sweetened condensed milk, spices, and sometimes evaporated milk. It’s typically served over ice, making it a perfect drink for warm days or as a sweet companion to rich desserts. While it may seem complex, the truth is that with the right ingredients and a little patience, anyone can master this classic recipe. Whether you’re a tea lover, a dessert enthusiast, or just curious about global flavors, this guide will walk you through every step—from selecting the right tea to serving it like a pro.
Key Takeaways
- Thai tea starts with strong black tea: Use Ceylon or Thai tea blend for authentic flavor and signature orange hue.
- Sweetened condensed milk is essential: It adds creaminess and sweetness—don’t substitute with regular milk or sugar alone.
- Spices enhance depth: Star anise, cardamom, and vanilla give Thai tea its complex aroma and taste.
- Brew strong and strain well: A robust brew ensures bold flavor, and straining removes tea leaves and spice bits.
- Serve over ice for best results: The contrast of hot tea and cold milk creates the perfect creamy texture.
- Customize to your taste: Adjust sweetness, creaminess, or spice level to match your preference.
- Great with desserts: Pairs beautifully with pastries, mango sticky rice, or coconut-based treats.
📑 Table of Contents
What Is Thai Tea?
Thai tea is a sweet, creamy iced tea that originated in Thailand and has become popular worldwide. It’s known for its bright orange color, which comes from food coloring often added to commercial tea blends—though you can skip this if you prefer a more natural hue. The base is typically a strong black tea, often a Ceylon blend, which is brewed with warm spices like star anise, cardamom, and sometimes cinnamon or vanilla.
What sets Thai tea apart is its rich, velvety texture, thanks to the generous use of sweetened condensed milk. Unlike regular milk or cream, condensed milk adds both sweetness and creaminess in one step, creating a luxurious mouthfeel. It’s usually served over ice, which chills the drink quickly and enhances its refreshing quality. While it’s commonly enjoyed as a beverage, Thai tea is also used in desserts—like Thai tea ice cream, cakes, and even custards—making it a versatile flavor in the world of pastries and sweets.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make authentic Thai tea at home, you’ll need just a handful of ingredients. Most are easy to find at your local grocery store or Asian market.
Essential Ingredients
- Thai tea mix or strong black tea: Look for pre-mixed Thai tea blends (often labeled “cha yen”) in Asian grocery stores or online. These blends usually include food coloring and spices. If you can’t find one, use strong Ceylon black tea as a base.
- Sweetened condensed milk: This is non-negotiable. It provides the signature sweetness and creaminess. Do not substitute with regular milk or sugar—it won’t deliver the same result.
- Water: Use filtered water for the best taste.
- Ice: Plenty of it! Thai tea is always served cold.
Optional Spices (for depth of flavor)
- 1–2 star anise pods
- 3–4 green cardamom pods (lightly crushed)
- 1 small cinnamon stick or ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp vanilla extract or 1 vanilla bean pod
- A pinch of salt (to balance sweetness)
Optional Add-Ins
- Evaporated milk (for extra creaminess)
- A splash of whole milk or half-and-half
- A drizzle of simple syrup (if you like it extra sweet)
Pro tip: If you’re using a pre-mixed Thai tea blend, it may already contain spices and coloring, so you can skip adding extras unless you want a stronger flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s walk through the process of making Thai tea at home. It takes about 15–20 minutes from start to finish—perfect for a quick afternoon treat.
Step 1: Brew the Tea
Bring 2 cups (16 oz) of water to a boil in a small saucepan. If you’re using whole spices like star anise or cardamom, add them now. Let the water simmer for 2–3 minutes to infuse the flavors. Then, add 3–4 tablespoons of Thai tea mix (or 2–3 black tea bags). Reduce the heat and let it steep for 5–7 minutes. The longer you steep, the stronger the flavor—but don’t overdo it, or it may become bitter.
Step 2: Strain the Tea
Once the tea is brewed, remove it from heat. Use a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth to strain out the tea leaves and spice bits. This ensures a smooth, grit-free drink. Let the tea cool for a few minutes—it should still be warm, not hot, when you add the milk.
Step 3: Sweeten and Cream It
In a large glass or pitcher, add 2–3 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk. Pour the warm tea over the condensed milk and stir well until fully dissolved. Taste and adjust—add more condensed milk if you like it sweeter, or a splash of evaporated milk for extra richness.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
Fill a tall glass with ice. Pour the tea mixture over the ice. Stir gently to combine. For an extra indulgent touch, top with a splash of evaporated milk or half-and-half—this creates that beautiful layered effect you see in cafes.
Step 5: Garnish and Enjoy
Serve immediately with a wide straw (to sip up the creamy layers) and a spoon. Some people like to garnish with a cinnamon stick or a sprinkle of ground cardamom for a fragrant finish.
Tips for the Best Thai Tea
Want to take your homemade Thai tea to the next level? Here are some expert tips to ensure every sip is perfect.
Use Fresh Ingredients
Always use fresh tea and unopened condensed milk. Old tea can taste stale, and expired condensed milk may have an off flavor.
Adjust Sweetness to Taste
Everyone’s sweet tooth is different. Start with 2 tablespoons of condensed milk and add more as needed. Remember, you can always add sweetness, but you can’t take it away.
Experiment with Spices
If you’re using loose spices, toast them lightly in a dry pan before adding to the water. This releases their essential oils and deepens the aroma. But be cautious—too much star anise can make the tea bitter.
Make It Ahead
You can brew a big batch of tea and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat slightly before mixing with condensed milk, or pour it cold over ice for a quick refreshment.
Try Different Milk Ratios
For a lighter version, use half condensed milk and half evaporated milk. For a richer drink, go heavy on the condensed milk. You can even add a splash of coconut milk for a tropical twist.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Thai tea isn’t just a drink—it’s a flavor experience that pairs beautifully with a variety of desserts and snacks.
With Pastries and Desserts
Because of its creamy, spiced profile, Thai tea complements rich, sweet treats. Try it with:
- Mango sticky rice: The coconut and mango balance the tea’s sweetness.
- Coconut macaroons: The nutty, chewy texture contrasts nicely with the smooth tea.
- Butter cookies or shortbread: Their mild flavor lets the tea shine.
- Thai tea ice cream: Double the flavor for a decadent dessert duo.
- Pandan cakes or rolls: The herbal notes of pandan pair wonderfully with Thai tea.
As a Dessert Base
You can also use your homemade Thai tea to make desserts. Reduce it into a syrup for drizzling over pancakes, blend it into smoothies, or freeze it into popsicles. Some bakers even use it in cake batters or custards for a unique flavor twist.
For Entertaining
Set up a Thai tea bar at your next gathering. Provide brewed tea, condensed milk, ice, and optional add-ins like evaporated milk, coconut milk, or simple syrup. Let guests customize their own drinks—it’s fun, interactive, and always a hit.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even simple recipes can go wrong if you’re not careful. Here are a few pitfalls to watch out for when learning how to make Thai tea at home.
Using the Wrong Tea
Regular breakfast tea or green tea won’t give you that bold, spiced flavor. Stick to a strong black tea or authentic Thai tea blend.
Skipping the Straining Step
Leaving in tea leaves or spice bits can make your drink gritty and unpleasant. Always strain thoroughly.
Adding Cold Tea to Condensed Milk
Condensed milk doesn’t dissolve well in cold liquids. Always mix it with warm tea first, then chill or add ice.
Over-Spicing
A little spice goes a long way. Too much star anise or cardamom can overpower the tea and make it bitter.
Using Regular Milk Instead of Condensed
This is a common mistake. Regular milk won’t provide the same sweetness or creaminess. Stick to sweetened condensed milk for authenticity.
Conclusion
Making Thai tea at home is easier than you might think—and so rewarding. With just a few simple ingredients and a little know-how, you can enjoy this creamy, spiced delight anytime you want. Whether you’re sipping it solo, pairing it with your favorite pastry, or impressing guests with a DIY tea bar, this recipe delivers authentic flavor without the café price tag.
The beauty of Thai tea lies in its balance: sweet but not cloying, creamy but refreshing, spiced but not overwhelming. Once you master the basics, feel free to experiment—try different milk ratios, add coconut, or even turn it into a dessert. The possibilities are endless.
So next time you’re craving that vibrant orange drink, don’t reach for a mix or head out the door. Grab your tea, your condensed milk, and a pot—and make it yourself. You’ll be amazed at how close you can get to the real thing, right in your own kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Thai tea without food coloring?
Yes! Many homemade versions skip the artificial coloring. Use a strong black tea blend and spices for flavor, and the tea will have a natural amber hue. The taste will still be authentic and delicious.
What can I substitute for Thai tea mix?
If you can’t find Thai tea mix, use 2–3 black tea bags (preferably Ceylon) and add your own spices like star anise, cardamom, and vanilla. Brew it strong for the best flavor.
Can I use sugar instead of condensed milk?
You can, but it won’t be the same. Condensed milk adds both sweetness and creaminess. If you must substitute, mix sugar with evaporated milk or half-and-half for a closer texture.
How long does homemade Thai tea last?
Brewed tea (without milk) can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Once mixed with condensed milk, drink it within 1–2 days for best taste and texture.
Can I make Thai tea hot?
Yes! While it’s traditionally served over ice, you can enjoy it warm—especially in cooler weather. Just skip the ice and serve it like a chai latte.
Is Thai tea caffeinated?
Yes, because it’s made with black tea, Thai tea contains caffeine. If you’re sensitive, enjoy it earlier in the day or opt for a decaf black tea blend.