Cha-Yen — Thai Iced Tea Recipe: A Refreshing Touch of Asia

Thai iced tea is a classic, non-alcoholic Pan-Asian drink. In Thailand it is served in restaurants and also sold as a takeaway, often poured into a plastic bag instead of a glass. It is consumed all day long and at all times of the year. It is very refreshing and thirst-quenching. You can also find Thai ice tea (cha-yen) in Thai restaurants in Europe or you can make it yourself – it is simple and fast.

By the way, do you know what else is a popular Asian tea? It’s Taro bubble tea. Also known as taro milk tea, is a variation of bubble tea that contains taro flavor, a starchy root vegetable with a nutty flavor. Both Thai iced tea and taro bubble tea are popular drinks that can be found in Asian-style tea shops and cafes.

When translated directly from Thai, cha-yen means “cold tea”. It is an excellent thirst-quencher, and the Thais need to be very good at this because the average annual temperature there varies from 25 to 30 degrees, and rises to 35 degrees in the summer. In Thailand, condensed milk is sometimes substituted for coconut milk, but the classic recipe calls for sweet condensed milk. 

What is Thai Iced Tea taste like?

Thai Iced Tea has a sweet, creamy, and complex taste with an intriguing blend of flavors. The strong, slightly bitter black tea forms the base note, which is enriched with a symphony of aromatic spices like star anise, tamarind, and cardamom, introducing a subtly spiced and somewhat floral undertone.

The use of sugar and condensed milk introduces a pronounced sweetness, which balances the bitter and spiced notes of the tea. The condensed milk further introduces a rich, creamy taste and texture, making the tea smooth and velvety.

The addition of a creamy layer on top, often made from evaporated milk or coconut milk, imparts a luxurious mouthfeel and a hint of caramel-like flavor. This creaminess contrasts beautifully with the robustly spiced tea, adding a soothing element to the drink.

The end result is a delightfully refreshing beverage with a harmonious blend of sweetness, creaminess, and spiciness, all underscored by the robust flavor of black tea. It’s an exotic medley of flavors that is at once comforting and revitalizing.

What kind of tea is suitable for making Thai tea?

Thai Iced Tea is traditionally made with a Thai tea mix, which is a robustly flavored black tea that has been blended with spices such as star anise and crushed tamarind. This tea mix gives Thai Iced Tea its characteristic spiced and somewhat floral flavor.

The most commonly used brand for Thai tea mix is “Number One Brand” or “Cha Tra Mue,” which can be found at Asian grocery stores or online. This brand is distinctive for its bright red color, which is due to the food coloring added to the mix.

If you can’t find a Thai tea mix, you can substitute it with a strong black tea, such as Assam or Ceylon.

Please note that these substitutions will give you a drink that’s similar to, but not exactly the same as, traditional Thai Iced Tea, which is distinguished by the unique blend of flavors in Thai tea mix.

Now I will tell you how to make Thai iced tea at home. It really is as simple as possible and takes literally just 15-20 minutes to prepare. 

Ingredients

For 4-5 servings:

• 1200 ml (5 cups) of water
• 3 stars anise
• 30 g (1,1 oz) ginger root
• 1/4 teasp. ground cinnamon or one cinnamon stick
• 6 clove buds
• 6 cardamom capsules
• 2 tbsp. black tea leaves
• 200 g (7,1 oz) sweetened condensed milk 
• 100 ml (3,4 fl.oz / ~7 tbsp.) fresh whole milk

Preparation

Step 1.

Cut the ginger randomly. As you can see, I do not even peel it, all the spices will be separated later.

Step 2.

Cut the ginger randomly. As you can see, I do not even peel it, all the spices will be separated later.

Step 3.

Pour 1200 ml (5 cups) of water into a saucepan. Add the tea, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, anise, and ginger.

Step 4.

Put the saucepan on the stove, bring it to a boil then reduce the flame to a minimum and cook for 10-15 minutes. After allowing the contents to cool slightly for 30-60 minutes, strain the resulting tea through a fine sieve into a suitable container.

Step 5.

Add the milk and condensed milk.

Mix well, cover with clingfilm and leave in the fridge for at least 6 hours, or better still, overnight. We need the mixture to cool down and infuse well. 

Step 6.

Serve in big glasses, if you want, with ice.

🥡 How to Store

Proper storage is essential to maintaining the quality and flavor of Thai iced tea. If you have prepared or bought more Thai iced tea than you can drink at once, here’s how you can store it:

Refrigeration

Pour the leftover Thai iced tea into a clean, airtight container or glass bottle. Seal the container tightly to avoid any air exposure. Do not mix it with ice or milk yet, as these can dilute the flavor over time or cause it to spoil faster.

How long does thai tea last in the fridge?

When properly stored in the refrigerator, Thai iced tea can last for up to 4-5 days. However, for the best taste, it’s recommended to consume it within 1-2 days. After this point, the flavor might start to change.

Freezing

If you want to keep your Thai iced tea for a longer time, you can freeze it. Pour the tea into ice cube trays and place them in the freezer. Once the tea cubes are frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. This is a great way to have instant Thai iced tea; just add the cubes to a glass of milk whenever you want a refreshing drink.

How long it can be freezed?

Thai iced tea cubes can last in the freezer for up to 3-4 months without significant loss of flavor. It’s important to note, though, that while freezing will extend the shelf life, it may slightly alter the texture and taste of the tea when thawed.

‼️ Regardless of the storage method, always make sure to check your Thai iced tea for signs of spoilage before consuming it. If it develops a strange smell, discoloration, or mold, discard it immediately. Always prioritize food safety when consuming stored beverages or food.

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