Refreshing, creamy, and distinctively orange, Thai Iced Tea is easy to make at home and is exactly like the tea you get from your favorite Thai restaurant or on the streets of Bangkok. 

When I think of our years in Bangkok, the flavor and color of Thai Iced Tea is an essential part of those memories. There are few pick-me-ups better suited to a steamy tropical afternoon than a cup of crushed ice filled to the brim with sweet, fragrant, bright orange tea. The memories of sipping these in the bright Bangkok sunshine are some of my favorites  

The great news is that it is incredibly easy to create a homemade version that is exactly like what you can get in Thai restaurants. No special techniques or equipment needed. If you can brew tea, you can make Thai Iced Tea.

What is Thai Iced Tea?

Thai Iced Tea is a refreshing drink that is served over ice and made with brewed black tea and spices like vanilla, cinnamon, cardamom, and star anise. It is usually served with sweetened condensed milk and has a signature bright orange color. This drink is common in Thailand but has gained popularity in Thai restaurants around the world.

Ingredients

• Thai Tea Mix – Start with one of these Thai tea mixes – I like Pantai Tea Mix or Number One Brand Thai Tea Mix. If you’ve been to Bangkok, Number One Brand is the one that you most likely would have stacked up in canisters in the stalls of Thai Iced Tea vendors. The mixes can be brewed just like any variety of loose tea.
• Sugar – This tea is sweet. If you want it to taste “right”, you need to add sugar. Feel free to play with the amount though, starting with less if you prefer a less sweet tea.
• Milk – This is always served creamy. Sweetened Condensed Milk is the most common addition, but you could also use whole milk, half and half, or coconut milk. Keep in mind that none of these substitutes are sweet like sweetened condensed milk, so you may need to add some additional sugar if you want that classic flavor. Coconut milk will also work if you want a dairy-free option.

Why is Thai Iced Tea orange?

Food coloring. The bright, unique color of Thai Iced Tea comes from food coloring added to black tea in Thai Tea Mix. On its own, the brewed tea is deep red. Stir in sweetened condensed milk (or another type of milk), and the tea turns orange.

How to store Thai Iced Tea

Brew and strain the tea. Allow it to cool at rom temperature and then transfer to a sealed container or pitcher. Refrigerate for up to a week. Add sweetened condensed milk right before serving.

What’s the difference between Thai tea and milk tea?

Thai Tea and Milk Tea are both iced black tea brewed with sweet spices and served with sweetened condensed milk. Thai tea has a distinct bright orange color while milk tea is light brown. Both varieties of iced tea can be customized with dairy or non-dairy milks and varying levels of sweetness.

Possible Variations

• Adjust sugar – The benefit of using my Thai Iced Tea recipe is that you can completely customize the sweetness in the tea. Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar to fit your preference or use unsweetened dairy.
• Change milk – Whole milk, half and half, or unsweetened condensed milk will all work. For a non-dairy version, coconut milk is a great option. Just be sure to add some additional sweetener if needed.
• Add citrus – This tea is great with a slice of lemon, lime, or orange. A bit of citrus makes the other flavors really shine!

More Refreshing Chilled Drinks

• Bourbon Lemonade Slush
• Two-Ingredient Green Smoothie (just mango and baby spinach!)
• Cold Brew Coffee Spritzer

Favorite Tools

• Thai Tea Mix – I recommend Pantai Iced Tea Mix or Number One Brand Thai Iced Tea Mix.
• Tools for making tea – Anything you use to brew and strain tea will work here. A traditional tea kettle and strainer. For a truly authentic version, try making it with a Thai-style tea filter (shown in photos above).