Easy Thai Iced Tea Recipe

There’s something irresistibly refreshing about a tall glass of Thai iced tea. With its bold black tea base, sweet creamy finish, and vibrant orange hue, this beloved drink is the perfect way to cool down and indulge your sweet tooth at the same time.

I first fell in love with Thai iced tea at a small family-owned Thai restaurant tucked away in my neighborhood. Ever since, I’ve been recreating it at home with this easy, foolproof recipe—and let me tell you, it’s just as delicious (and far more budget-friendly) than anything you’d get at a café.

Whether you're sipping it alongside spicy takeout or enjoying it as an afternoon treat, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home. Let’s dive into what makes it so special.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Thai Iced Tea

This Thai iced tea recipe is more than just tasty—it’s downright crave-worthy. Here’s why you’re going to want to keep this recipe on repeat.

It’s ridiculously easy to make. You only need a few ingredients and about 10 minutes of prep time. Once you’ve made a batch of the tea, it’s as simple as pouring it over ice and topping it with creamy goodness.

Budget-friendly and better than takeout. A single glass of Thai iced tea at a restaurant can run you $4 or more. Making it at home costs just a fraction of that, especially when you brew a big batch to last all week.

Totally customizable. Want it less sweet? More creamy? Dairy-free? You can tweak this recipe to suit your taste buds or dietary needs. It’s easy to experiment until it’s just right.

Great for entertaining. This drink is a showstopper in both flavor and appearance. That bright orange color and luscious cream swirl make it a beautiful (and delicious) addition to any dinner party, brunch, or backyard BBQ.

Once you’ve tried this version, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought again. Let’s look at the ingredients you’ll need.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of Thai iced tea lies in its few—but powerful—ingredients. Each one plays a key role in building that iconic flavor.

Thai tea mix is the star of the show. This pre-blended black tea mix often includes spices like star anise and tamarind, and it gives the tea its signature orange color thanks to added food coloring. You can find it at Asian markets or online under brands like Pantai or Number One.

Sugar is traditionally added during the brewing process. Granulated white sugar is the most common, but you could also use cane sugar or even a splash of simple syrup if that’s what you have on hand. Don’t skip this step—it helps balance the strong, tannic tea with sweetness.

Evaporated milk and sweetened condensed milk create the creamy swirl that Thai iced tea is known for. Evaporated milk tones down the sweetness, while sweetened condensed milk adds richness and body. If you prefer, half-and-half or coconut milk can be substituted.

Ice is more important than you’d think! Use plenty of crushed or cubed ice to keep the drink frosty and refreshing. A tall glass filled to the brim with ice makes for the most satisfying sip.

You won’t need any fancy equipment for this recipe—just a saucepan for boiling, a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove the tea leaves, and a pitcher or jar for storing the brewed tea.

How To Make This Easy Thai Iced Tea

Brewing Thai iced tea at home is simple once you know the steps. Here’s how to get that perfect restaurant-style flavor and texture in your own kitchen.

Start by bringing water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add the Thai tea mix and sugar directly to the pot, stirring gently until the sugar dissolves. Let the mixture boil for 1 minute, then turn off the heat and let it steep for at least 15 minutes. This is where the tea gets its bold flavor and deep color.

Once the tea has steeped, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a heatproof pitcher. Be sure to remove all loose tea leaves or bits of spice. Let the tea cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until cold—at least 2 hours, or overnight if possible.

When you’re ready to serve, fill a tall glass with ice all the way to the top. Pour the chilled tea over the ice, leaving about an inch of space at the top. Now comes the best part: slowly drizzle a mix of evaporated milk and sweetened condensed milk over the top of the tea.

Watch as the creamy swirl cascades through the glass, giving the drink that iconic marbled look. Give it a quick stir before sipping—or serve it just like that and let everyone stir their own!

This recipe makes about four servings and comes together in under 30 minutes (plus chill time). You’ll end up with a rich, sweet, and icy drink that’s perfect any time of year.

Storage Options

One of the best parts about this recipe is that it stores beautifully, making it ideal for meal prepping or keeping in the fridge for hot days.

Brewed tea can be stored in the refrigerator in a sealed jar or pitcher for up to 5 days. Just make sure to strain it well to remove all tea particles, as these can turn bitter over time.

Prepared tea with milk added is best enjoyed fresh, as the dairy can separate if left too long. However, you can mix the evaporated and condensed milk ahead of time and keep it chilled separately to quickly assemble individual drinks.

If you want to freeze the tea for longer storage, pour it into ice cube trays. These tea cubes are perfect for chilling future drinks without watering them down!

Reheating isn’t needed, as Thai iced tea is always served cold. Just pour it over ice straight from the fridge and add your creamy topping.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the reasons I adore this recipe is how easy it is to adapt. Whether you’re vegan, watching sugar, or just out of a key ingredient, you can still enjoy a delicious Thai iced tea.

Make it dairy-free by using coconut milk, oat milk, or almond milk in place of evaporated milk. Sweetened condensed coconut milk is also a great sub if you want to keep that rich, sweet finish.

Try it unsweetened or lightly sweetened by skipping the sweetened condensed milk and adjusting the sugar level during brewing. A touch of honey or agave works well too.

Switch up the tea if you can’t find a traditional Thai tea mix. Use strong black tea like Assam or Ceylon, and add a pinch of star anise or a drop of vanilla extract for that authentic flavor.

Turn it into a dessert by blending it with ice for a Thai tea slushie or using it as a base for Thai tea popsicles. You can even pour it over vanilla ice cream for a dreamy float.

The beauty of this drink is in its flexibility—so feel free to experiment and make it your own. Once you’ve nailed your perfect version, you might never go back to store-bought again.

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