Iced Tea
This authentic Thai iced tea, known as Cha Yen, is a vibrant, creamy, and deeply refreshing classic street food drink. Characterised by its signature orange hue, the tea is brewed strong, sweetened with condensed milk, and topped with a luxurious splash of evaporated milk over plenty of ice. It is the perfect sweet and cool pick-me-up to enjoy on a warm day.
Cuisines
Cooking Instructions
Cooking: 3 minutes
Notes:
The tea should be brewed slightly sweeter than desired for the final drink; as it is poured over a full cup of ice, the melting ice will naturally dilute and balance the sweetness.
Pouring the hot tea mixture back and forth between two vessels before adding ice creates a lovely, traditional foam that enhances the overall texture and presentation.
Sweetened condensed milk provides the essential thick, sugary base, while a final drizzle of evaporated milk added over the ice ensures an extra boost of creamy richness.
Crushed ice is traditionally preferred for Thai iced tea as it cools the drink rapidly and creates the perfect consistency for this indulgent treat.
Brew Tea
Steep the Thai black tea in hot water using a tea sock or fine-mesh strainer for 1 to 2 minutes until the liquid becomes dark and robust.
Mix Tea Base
Pour the strained hot tea into a mixing vessel and immediately stir in the sugar and sweetened condensed milk until completely dissolved.
Add Creaminess
Stir in a portion of the evaporated milk to the hot tea mixture to achieve a rich, orange-tinted base.
Froth
If desired, pour the hot tea mixture back and forth between two vessels several times to create a pleasant, light foam.
Assemble and Serve
Fill a tall glass with a generous amount of crushed ice, pour the hot tea mixture over the top, and finish with a final drizzle of evaporated milk before serving immediately.
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Ingredients
| Thai Black Tea | 1 tbsp |
| Water | 240 ml |
| Sugar | 2 tsp |
| Sweetened Condensed Milk | 2 tsp |
| Evaporated Milk | 2 tsp |
