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Thai Iced Tea (Cha Yen) Recipe

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3.9 from 15 reviews

Thai Iced Tea (ชาเย็น, cha yen) is a classic and refreshing Thai beverage made from strong brewed Thai tea leaves sweetened with sugar and condensed milk, served over ice with a creamy topping of evaporated or half and half milk. This recipe includes both the traditional Thai style and an American adaptation, perfect for hot days or any time you crave a sweet, aromatic iced tea.

Ingredients

Thai Tea Base (makes 4 glasses)

  • 3/4 cup Thai tea leaves (buy Thai tea leaves online)
  • 4 cups hot off-the-boil water
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt

Thai Style Thai Tea (per 1 glass)

  • 3/4 cup Thai tea base (from above)
  • 1½ tablespoons sweetened condensed milk (or to taste)
  • A pint glass packed full of ice
  • 2-3 tablespoons evaporated milk

American Style Thai Tea (per 1 glass)

  • 3/4 cup Thai tea base (from above)
  • 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, see note)
  • A pint glass packed full of ice
  • 3-4 tablespoons half and half (~12% cream)

Instructions

  1. Make the Thai Tea Base: Steep 3/4 cup Thai tea leaves in 4 cups hot off-the-boil water for 5 minutes. Strain through a fine mesh strainer or use a French press for easy straining.
  2. Sweeten the Base: Add 1/4 cup sugar and 1/8 teaspoon salt to the hot tea and stir until dissolved. Allow the tea base to cool to room temperature to avoid melting the ice too quickly. Store in the fridge if not using immediately; it will keep for at least two weeks.
  3. Prepare Thai Style Thai Tea (Per Glass): Pour 3/4 cup of the cooled tea base into a mixing glass. Stir in 1½ tablespoons sweetened condensed milk until fully dissolved. If the base is chilled, briefly microwave to room temperature to help dissolve the condensed milk.
  4. Serve Thai Style: Fill a pint glass with ice and pour the sweetened tea over it. Drizzle 2-3 tablespoons evaporated milk on top and enjoy the rich, creamy flavor.
  5. Prepare American Style Thai Tea (Per Glass): Pour 3/4 cup of the cooled tea base into a mixing glass. Stir in 1 tablespoon sugar or to taste until dissolved. Warm slightly if the base is cold to dissolve sugar easily.
  6. Serve American Style: Fill a pint glass with ice, pour the sweetened tea over it, then drizzle 3-4 tablespoons half and half on top for a creamier, milder version.

Notes

  • You can use a French press to steep and strain the tea base easily.
  • The amount of sweetened condensed milk or sugar can be adjusted based on your preferred sweetness level.
  • Microwaving the tea base briefly helps dissolve sugar or condensed milk when using chilled tea.
  • Refrigerate any leftover tea base; it keeps well for up to two weeks, making future servings quick and easy.
  • For a dairy-free alternative, substitute evaporated milk and half and half with coconut milk or another plant-based creamer.

Find it online: https://glowcooks.com/thai-iced-tea-cha-yen-recipe/