Thai Iced Tea
Strongly brewed tea and condensed milk over ice — cha yen (cold tea) in Thai, the vivid orange from spice blends, condensed milk via British colonialism.
- 2 tbspthai tea mix(strongly brewed and chilled)
- 8 ozhot water(for brewing)
- 2 ozsweetened condensed milk
- 1 ozevaporated milk(for topping)
- 1Brew Thai tea mix in hot water for 5 minutes and strain.
- 2Stir in condensed milk while tea is still hot.
- 3Let cool to room temperature then refrigerate.
- 4Fill a glass with ice and pour in the sweetened tea.
- 5Top with a drizzle of evaporated milk.
- 6Stir before drinking.
Share this page
Thai Iced Tea — called cha yen in Thai, meaning cold tea — is a distinctive orange-colored beverage that became internationally recognized through Thai restaurant culture worldwide. The drink is made from strongly brewed Ceylon or Assam tea combined with condensed milk and evaporated milk, creating an intensely sweet, creamy, orange-hued drink served over ice. Its vivid orange color comes from the particular blend of spices — sometimes including star anise, tamarind seeds, and orange blossom water — used in the tea mixture, or from food coloring added to commercial Thai tea blends. Thailand's tea culture developed primarily under Chinese influence in the 19th and 20th centuries, and Thai Iced Tea represents a distinctly Thai adaptation of Chinese tea traditions blended with the condensed milk that British colonialism introduced throughout Southeast Asia.
🛒 Tools for This Recipe
Everything you need to make a great Thai Iced Tea at home.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. These links help support Jigger & Joy at no extra cost to you. Learn more
🍸 Drink Responsibly: Alcoholic beverages should only be consumed by adults of legal drinking age. Never drink and drive. If you choose to drink, please do so responsibly. Excessive alcohol consumption can be harmful to your health. If you or someone you know struggles with alcohol, contact the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357.
⚠️ Allergen Notice: Allergen information provided on this site is for general guidance only and may not be complete or accurate. Ingredients and formulations can vary by brand and may change without notice. If you have food allergies or sensitivities, always verify ingredients directly with manufacturers and check all product labels before consumption. Consult a healthcare professional if you have specific dietary concerns. Jigger & Joy is not liable for any adverse reactions resulting from the consumption of recipes on this site.
Disclaimer: Recipes are provided for informational and entertainment purposes only. Nutritional information, ABV estimates, and other data are approximations and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods used.