In Thailand, this refreshing drink is served at many stands in little plastic bags with straws so you can drink it on the go, but Thai iced tea has soared in popularity at Thai restaurants across America—and for good reason. Thai tea leaves, which can be found at most Asian groceries, combine black tea leaves, star anise, orange flowers, vanilla, cloves, and cinnamon. This blend gives the tea its distinctive taste and orange color, but the technique and style of the drink will work with any good black tea, or you can use black tea with added herbs, in the style of chai (page 668).
Recipe information
Yield
makes 4 servings
Ingredients
Preparation
Step 1
Bring 6 cups water to a boil. Put the tea leaves in a heatproof pitcher and pour in the hot water. Allow the tea to steep for about 5 minutes.
Step 2
Divide the sweetened condensed milk among 4 glasses. Carefully strain the hot tea into the glasses and stir well, adding sugar and milk to taste. Add ice cubes to chill and serve
Hot Thai Tea
Step 3
Omit the ice and substitute teacups for the glasses.
Cha Dum Yen
Step 4
Thai Tea without Milk. Omit the sweetened condensed milk and milk.
