Authentic Thai Tea Recipe – Star Anise & Cardamom Delight

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Authentic Thai Tea Recipe – Star Anise & Cardamom Delight

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you absolutely love a good, refreshing iced tea. But sometimes, you want something a little…extra. That’s where this Thai Tea recipe comes in. I first discovered Thai Tea on a trip a few years back, and I’ve been trying to recreate that amazing flavour ever since. This version, with a hint of star anise and cardamom, is my absolute favourite – it’s seriously addictive!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t your average iced tea. It’s creamy, subtly spiced, and incredibly fragrant. The combination of black tea, warm spices, and sweetened condensed milk is just heavenly. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make at home! It’s perfect for a hot summer day, a relaxing afternoon, or even a little treat with friends.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of this deliciousness:

• 4 cups water (approximately 950ml)
• 2 tablespoons red Thai tea mix or loose black tea (about 10-12 grams)
• 2 star anise
• 2 whole cloves
• 2 tablespoons sugar (approximately 25 grams)
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 4-5 green cardamom pods
• ¼ cup sweetened condensed milk (approximately 60ml)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients for a sec! Getting these right makes all the difference.

• Red Thai Tea Mix/Black Tea Options: Traditionally, Thai tea uses a specific blend of black tea, often Ceylon. But if you can’t find a red Thai tea mix, a strong black tea like Assam will work beautifully.
• The Aromatic Spice Blend: Star Anise, Cloves & Cardamom: These spices are the secret weapon! They add a warm, complex flavour that elevates the tea. Don’t skip them if you can help it. If you only have ground cardamom, use about ½ teaspoon.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk – The Key to Creaminess: This is essential for that signature Thai tea creaminess. Don’t try to substitute with regular milk or cream – it won’t be the same!

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get brewing! It’s easier than you think.

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the water, tea, star anise, cinnamon stick, cloves, and cardamom pods.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat and simmer for 3-4 minutes. This helps release all those lovely flavours.
3. Remove the saucepan from the heat, cover it, and let it steep for a full 30 minutes. Patience is key here! This is where the magic happens. Let it cool to room temperature.
4. Strain the tea into a pitcher to remove the spices and tea leaves.
5. Refrigerate the tea until it’s nice and chilled – at least an hour, or even overnight.
6. When you’re ready to serve, fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the tea about ¾ full.
7. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of sweetened condensed milk into each glass and stir well.
8. Serve immediately and enjoy! It’s amazing with a side of cookies or your favourite snack.

Expert Tips

Want to make this Thai Tea even better? Here are a few of my go-to tips:

• Brewing the Perfect Strength Tea: Adjust the amount of tea to your liking. If you prefer a stronger brew, add an extra tablespoon.
• Steeping Time for Optimal Flavor: Don’t rush the steeping process! 30 minutes is ideal for extracting maximum flavour from the spices.
• Adjusting Sweetness to Your Preference: The ¼ cup of condensed milk is a good starting point, but feel free to add more or less to suit your taste.

Variations

This recipe is a great base for experimentation! Here are a few ideas:

• Vegan Thai Tea: Swap the sweetened condensed milk for a vegan alternative, like coconut condensed milk. It adds a lovely subtle coconut flavour!
• Less Sweet Thai Tea: Reduce the amount of sweetened condensed milk to 2 tablespoons, or even 1, for a less sweet drink.
• Spiced-Up Thai Tea (Increased Spice Levels): Add an extra star anise, a few more cloves, or a pinch of ground nutmeg for a more intense spice flavour. My friend, Priya, loves adding a tiny piece of ginger too!
• Iced vs. Hot Thai Tea: While traditionally served iced, this tea is also delicious hot! Simply skip the ice and enjoy.

Serving Suggestions

Thai Tea is fantastic on its own, but it also pairs well with:

• Coconut cookies
• Mango sticky rice (a classic pairing!)
• Spicy Thai noodles
• Just about any sweet treat!

Storage Instructions

Leftover Thai Tea can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavour might mellow slightly over time, but it will still be delicious.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

What is the difference between Thai tea and regular black tea?

Thai tea is typically made with a blend of black tea, often Ceylon, and is known for its creamy texture and distinctive orange colour, achieved by adding condensed milk. It’s also heavily spiced!

Can I use tea bags instead of loose leaf tea?

You can, but the flavour won’t be as strong or complex. Use about 4-5 black tea bags.

How can I make Thai tea stronger?

Use more tea leaves, or steep the tea for a longer period (up to 45 minutes).

What if I don’t have star anise or cardamom?

While they add a unique flavour, you can omit them if necessary. A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can help fill in some of the flavour gap.

Can I prepare Thai tea a day in advance?

Absolutely! In fact, letting it sit overnight allows the flavours to meld even more. Just give it a good stir before serving.