In our recipe series, we have come up with yet another recipe which is Thai Tea Recipe. You can look at our collection of tea recipes and learn how to make tea.
Overview of Thai Tea
Thai tea, as the name refers to, is a tea that originated from Thailand. This tea type is termed Cha Yen, and is in a class by itself and has therefore earned tremendous popularity as a refreshing beverage among maximum tea lovers around the world.
Thai tea is a perfect combination of wide-ranging tea types, for example, black tea, spices, and sweetened condensed milk, which create a creamy and aromatic flavor profile. Thai tea is typically served over ice and is renowned for its vibrant orange color.
Taste of Thai Tea
Thai tea offers a scrumptious taste due to its richness of black tea with the sweetness of condensed milk. The tea features a smooth and creamy texture with subtle tints of vanilla and spices. The flavor is typically depicted as a sweet and subtle earthy, which maintains poise between refreshing and indulgent.
How to Maximize Thai Tea?
To make the most of the taste Thai tea gives, it is typically served over ice, which adds extra refreshing elements to the drink. By adding sweetened condensed milk, there will be more creamy and smooth texture only to enhance the integral taste. To maximize additional richness, you can add evaporated milk or coconut milk based on your needs and preferences.
Wholesome Benefits
Apart from its scrumptious taste, Thai tea offers several potential wholesome benefits. Black tea, the primary ingredient in Thai tea, is enriched with antioxidants that are known to optimize a person’s well-being.
However, it is worth noting that Thai tea is also rife with sugar and sweetened condensed milk. That said, its consumption should be in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Calories in Thai Tea
The calorie content of Thai tea can vary depending on the specific recipe and serving size. On average, an 8-ounce serving of Thai tea typically includes about 150-200 calories. The majority of these calories come from the sweetened condensed milk and sugar. It’s essential to be mindful of portion sizes if you are watching your calorie intake.
Ingredients in Thai Tea Recipe
The key ingredients for making Thai tea include:
Thai tea leaves or Thai tea powder mix: Thai tea leaves are the traditional choice for making Thai tea. However, many people also opt for convenient Thai tea powder mixes, which are readily available in stores or online.
Water: Fresh and filtered water is essential for brewing the tea.
Sugar: Thai tea is typically sweetened to enhance its flavor. The amount of sugar can be adjusted based on personal preference.
Sweetened condensed milk: This rich and creamy milk adds sweetness and a velvety texture to the tea.
Thai Tea Leaves vs. Powder Mix
When it comes to making Thai tea, you have the option to use either Thai tea leaves or Thai tea powder mix. Thai tea leaves provide a more authentic and traditional flavor. They are steeped in hot water to create a robust tea base. On the other hand, Thai tea powder mixes are a convenient alternative that combines tea leaves, spices, and sweeteners. They dissolve easily in hot water, offering a quicker and more accessible way to make Thai tea.
Recipe on How to Make Thai Tea
Here is a basic Thai tea recipe:
Ingredients:
- 4 cups of water
- ½ cup of Thai tea leaves or 4 tablespoons of Thai tea powder mix
- ½ cup of sugar (adjust according to taste)
- ½ cup of sweetened condensed milk
Instructions
- In a saucepan, bring the water to a boil.
- Add the Thai tea leaves or Thai tea powder mix to the boiling water.
- Reduce the heat and let the tea steep for about 5 minutes.
- Strain the tea into a pitcher or a heat-resistant container to remove any loose tea leaves or powder.
- Stir in the sugar until it completely dissolves.
- Allow the tea to cool to room temperature.
- Once cooled, refrigerate the tea for at least an hour or until chilled.
- To serve, fill a glass with ice and pour the chilled Thai teaover the ice, leaving some room at the top.
- Slowly pour the sweetened condensed milk over the tea, allowing it to sink to the bottom.
- Gently stir the tea and condensed milk together to create a creamy and sweetened beverage.
- Taste and adjust the sweetness by adding more sugar or condensed milk if desired.
- Serve and enjoy your homemade Thai tea!
Key Tips for Cooking
- Use high-quality Thai tea leaves or a reputable Thai tea powder mix for the best flavor.
- Adjust the amount of sugar and condensed milk according to your taste preferences.
- Let the tea steep for the recommended time to extract the desired flavor.
- Strain the tea to remove any tea leaves or powder residue for a smoother texture.
- Allow the tea to cool completely before refrigerating to prevent dilution when adding ice.
Thai Ice Tea Recipe from Start to Finish
- Boil 4 cups of water in a saucepan.
- Add ½ cup of Thai tea leaves or 4 tablespoons of Thai tea powder mix to the boiling water.
- Reduce the heat and let the tea steep for 5 minutes.
- Strain the tea into a pitcher and stir in ½ cup of sugar until dissolved.
- Cool the tea to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least an hour until chilled.
- Fill a glass with ice and pour the chilled Thai tea over the ice.
- Slowly pour ½ cup of sweetened condensed milk into the glass, allowing it to sink to the bottom.
- Stir gently to combine the tea and condensed milk.
- Taste and adjust sweetness if needed by adding more sugar or condensed milk.
- Serve and enjoy the refreshing and creamy Thai ice tea.
On a Final Note about Thai Tea
Thai tea is a beloved beverage that offers a delightful combination of flavors. Its vibrant orange color and creamy texture make it an eye-catching and refreshing choice. Whether you opt for Thai tea leaves or a powder mix, the key is to find the right balance of sweetness and creaminess to suit your taste preferences. With its unique taste and cultural significance, Thai tea is a wonderful addition to any tea lover’s repertoire.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use regular tea leaves instead of Thai tea leaves?
A: Thai tea leaves have a distinct flavor profile that contributes to the authentic taste of Thai tea. While regular tea leaves may work, they will not replicate the specific taste and aroma of Thai tea.
Q2: Can I use alternative sweeteners in Thai tea?
A: Yes, you can use alternative sweeteners like honey or agave syrup. However, keep in mind that they may alter the flavor profile of the tea. Experiment and adjust the amount based on your preference.
Q3: Can I make Thai tea without condensed milk?
A: Yes, you can omit the condensed milk if you prefer a less creamy or dairy-free version of Thai tea. You can substitute it with evaporated milk or coconut milk for a different flavor experience.
Q4: Can I make Thai tea hot instead of iced?
A: Yes, you can enjoy Thai tea hot by omitting the ice and serving it in a mug or teacup. Adjust the sugar and condensed milk to your taste and enjoy the warm and comforting flavors of Thai tea.
Q5: Can I make Thai tea with green tea instead of black tea?
A: Traditionally, Thai tea is made with black tea. However, you can experiment with green tea if you prefer a lighter and milder version of Thai tea. Keep in mind that the flavor and color will be different compared to the traditional Thai tea made with black tea.
