Thai Iced Tea Tra Sua Recipe

I absolutely adore this Thai iced tea recipe because it perfectly balances the rich and creamy flavors with an exotic blend of spices, taking me on a mini-vacation right from my kitchen. Plus, making it at home means I can enjoy this vibrant and refreshing treat whenever I need to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Thai Iced Tea, or Tra Sua, is a refreshing treat I love for its balance of bold flavors and creamy sweetness. In my recipe, I use 3 tablespoons of Thai tea mix, which provides a unique flavor that, when combined with the sweetened condensed milk and evaporated milk, yields a drink of amazing richness.

I enjoy adding star anise to give the dish an aromatic touch and enhance its unique character.

Ingredients

• Thai Tea Mix: Known for its unique flavor and vibrant orange color, the mix often includes black tea and spices.

  It provides caffeine and adds warmth to the drink.

• Sugar: Adds sweetness, balancing the strong tea flavor.

  It’s a simple carbohydrate, providing quick energy.

• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Thick, creamy, and sweet, it enhances richness while also contributing sugars.
• Evaporated Milk: Offers a creaminess and slight sweetness, adding depth without overpowering.
• Whole Milk or Half-and-Half: Introduces creaminess and mildness, complementing the tea’s intensity while adding calcium.

Ingredient Quantities

• 2 cups water
• 3 tablespoons Thai tea mix (e.g., Cha Tra Mue or similar)
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk
• 1/4 cup evaporated milk
• 1/2 cup whole milk or half-and-half
• Ice cubes
• Optional: Star anise or cardamom for additional flavor

Instructions

1. In a small saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil.

2. Lower the heat to the lowest setting and introduce 3 tablespoons of Thai tea mix into the water, which is now at a full rolling boil.

3. Stir 1/4 cup sugar into the mixture until dissolved, then let it simmer for 5 minutes.

4. Take the saucepan off the heat and let the tea steep for another 10 minutes.

5. Pour the tea through into a heat-proof jug or bowl. This is to remove the strained leaves.

6. Warm tea is essential for this. Stir in the following: 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of sweetened condensed milk.

7. Let the tea cool to room temperature, and then chill it in the refrigerator.

8. To serve, pack cubes of ice into a glass, then pour the chilled tea over them, filling the glass about 3/4 full.

9. In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup of evaporated milk with 1/2 cup of whole milk or half-and-half.

10. Carefully add the milk mixture to the tea in each glass, trying to keep the two liquids separate. This takes a little coaxing, but it creates a more beautiful effect. For the final flourish, sprinkle the top of each glass with some crushed ice, and enjoy your gorgeously hued Thai iced tea.

Equipment Needed

1. Small saucepan
2. Heat-proof jug or bowl
3. Stirring spoon
4. Measuring cups and spoons
5. Fine mesh strainer or sieve
6. Small bowl
7. Glasses for serving
8. Ice cube tray (if making ice from scratch)

FAQ

• Can I use a different type of tea for this recipe?Though traditional Thai iced tea uses a mix of specific teas, you can make this drink with black tea. Just know that it won’t look or taste quite the same, as black tea is very different from the mix of teas usually found in a glass of Thai iced tea.
• Is there a dairy-free option for this recipe?You can substitute coconut milk or almond milk for cow’s milk and use sweetened coconut condensed milk for a non-dairy version in place of evaporated milk.
• How can I make the tea less sweet?Alter the quantity of sugar and sweetened condensed milk to suit your taste.
• What can I do if I don’t have evaporated milk?Additional whole milk or half-and-half can be used as a substitute, though it might alter the richness and flavor slightly.
• How long can I store Thai iced tea in the fridge?You can store the tea (without milk) in the refrigerator for no more than 3 days. For the best flavor, add milk just before serving.
• Is there a specific brand of Thai tea mix that I should use?Cha Tra Mue is a popular brand, but any Thai tea mix you can find at your local store should do just fine.
• Can I add additional flavors to the tea?Indeed, while brewing the tea, you can also add star anise or cardamom for an extra depth and aroma.

Substitutions and Variations

Thai tea mix: Use black tea bags and a touch of vanilla extract to get a similar flavor.
Sweeteners: Swap out for honey or agave syrup.
Condensed milk, sweetened: For a non-dairy version, opt for coconut cream or almond milk, adding your preferred amount of sugar for sweetness.
Evaporated milk: Use heavy cream for a richer taste.
Coconut milk can replace the whole milk or half-and-half in this recipe for a non-dairy version.

Pro Tips

1. Enhanced Flavor: For a richer, more complex flavor, consider adding a few pieces of star anise or cardamom when you boil the tea. Remove them after steeping.