How To Make Thai Tea Drink: A Refreshing And Aromatic Homemade Delight

Thai tea drink, also known as “cha yen“, is a beloved beverage in Thailand and has gained popularity worldwide for its unique flavor profile. This vibrant orange-colored drink combines the sweetness of black tea with the warmth of spices like star anise, cinnamon, and cardamom. If you’re craving a refreshing and flavorful drink, this guide will teach you how to make Thai tea drink at home with ease.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup water
• 1/4 cup Thai black tea leaves
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup evaporated milk
• 1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk
• 1/4 teaspoon ground star anise
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
• Ice cubes

Instructions:

1. Brew the Tea:

• Bring the water to a boil in a saucepan.
• Add the Thai black tea leaves and let it steep for 5-7 minutes, or until the tea is flavorful.
• Strain the tea into a large heat-resistant container.

2. Add Spices:

• Add the ground star anise, cinnamon, and cardamom to the brewed tea.
• Let the spices infuse for a few minutes, enhancing the tea’s flavor.

3. Sweeten the Tea:

• Stir in the sugar until it dissolves completely.
• Adjust the sweetness to your liking.

4. Chill the Tea:

• Let the tea cool down to room temperature.
• Place the tea in the refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours, or overnight for a more intense flavor.

5. Assemble the Drink:

• Fill a glass with ice cubes.
• Pour the chilled Thai tea over the ice.
• Add evaporated milk and sweetened condensed milk according to your desired richness.

6. Garnish and Serve:

• Garnish the drink with a sprinkle of ground star anise or cinnamon for an extra touch of flavor.
• Serve immediately and enjoy the refreshing taste of Thai tea drink.

Tips for Making the Best Thai Tea Drink:

• Use good quality Thai black tea leaves to ensure a rich and flavorful base.
• Adjust the amount of spices to suit your taste preferences.
• For a creamier texture, use full-fat evaporated milk and sweetened condensed milk.
• Experiment with different ratios of evaporated milk and sweetened condensed milk to achieve your desired sweetness and creaminess balance.
• For a refreshing twist, add a squeeze of lime juice or a scoop of Thai iced tea jelly.

Variations:

• Iced Thai Tea: Serve the Thai tea drink over ice for a cool and refreshing beverage.
• Hot Thai Tea: Enjoy the tea hot for a comforting and aromatic experience.
• Thai Tea Latte: Add a shot of espresso or strong coffee to the Thai tea drink for a caffeine boost.
• Thai Tea Smoothie: Blend the Thai tea drink with ice, yogurt, and fresh fruit for a creamy and flavorful smoothie.

Health Benefits:

Thai tea drink offers several potential health benefits:

• Antioxidant Properties: The spices used in Thai tea, such as star anise, cinnamon, and cardamom, contain antioxidants that may help protect cells from damage.
• Improved Heart Health: The antioxidants in Thai tea may also help reduce inflammation and improve heart health.
• Boosted Immune System: The spices in Thai tea have antimicrobial properties that may help strengthen the immune system.
• Reduced Stress: The calming aroma of spices like cinnamon and cardamom can help reduce stress and promote relaxation.

Final Note:

Thai tea drink is a delightful and versatile beverage that can be enjoyed hot or cold, with various customization options to suit your taste preferences. Whether you’re looking for a refreshing drink to cool down on a hot day or a comforting beverage to warm you up on a chilly evening, Thai tea drink is a perfect choice. So, gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and indulge in the deliciousness of this exotic tea drink.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q1: Can I use regular black tea leaves instead of Thai black tea leaves?
A1: While regular black tea leaves can be used, Thai black tea leaves have a unique flavor profile that is essential for authentic Thai tea drink.

Q2: Can I omit the spices from the recipe?
A2: The spices add depth and complexity to the flavor of Thai tea drink. However, if you prefer a milder taste, you can reduce the amount of spices or omit them altogether.

Q3: How long can I store the Thai tea drink in the refrigerator?
A3: The Thai tea drink can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to keep it covered to prevent it from absorbing other flavors.

Q4: Can I make Thai tea drink in advance?
A4: Yes, you can make Thai tea drink in advance and store it in the refrigerator for convenience. Just make sure to chill it thoroughly before serving.

Q5: What are some alternative sweeteners I can use in Thai tea drink?
A5: You can use honey, agave nectar, or maple syrup as alternative sweeteners in Thai tea drink. Adjust the amount to suit your desired sweetness level.