Classic Thai Iced Tea Delight
Indulge in the authentic flavors of Thailand with this exquisite Thai Iced Tea recipe. This vibrant beverage is characterized by its unique blend of rich tea leaves, aromatic spices, and the perfect sweetness that tantalizes your palate. The enchanting notes of cardamom, clove, and cinnamon elevate the tea to new heights, making it a refreshingly satisfying drink for any occasion. Whether enjoyed on a hot summer day or as a delightful afternoon pick-me-up, this Thai Iced Tea will transport you to the bustling streets of Bangkok. Feel free to customize it by substituting sugar with sweetened condensed milk for a creamier twist. Carefully sourced Thai tea leaves are essential; they are best found in Asian markets or in the international section of your favorite grocery store. Serve chilled and impress your friends and family with this homemade delight!
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
water
6 cups (Bring to a boil)
Thai tea leaves
1 cup (Use as is)
cardamom pods
4 (Crushed)
whole clove
1 (Crushed)
cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon (Use as is)
sugar
1 cup (Use as is)
half-and-half
1 cup (Use as is)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, bring 6 cups of water to a vigorous boil.
2
Once boiling, turn off the heat and stir in the Thai tea leaves, crushed cardamom pods, crushed clove, and cinnamon.
3
Cover the pot and let the mixture steep for 5 minutes for optimal flavor extraction.
4
After steeping, pour the tea through a fine wire-mesh strainer into a heatproof pitcher, ensuring to discard the used tea leaves and spices. Caution: avoid pouring hot tea into glass as it may break.
5
Add 1 cup of sugar to the warm tea, stirring consistently until fully dissolved. Allow the tea to cool to room temperature.
6
Once cooled, cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the tea to chill.
7
To serve, fill a glass with crushed ice, pour the chilled tea over the ice, and finish off with 3 to 4 tablespoons of half-and-half on top for a creamy touch.
8
Stir gently and enjoy the refreshing taste of homemade Thai Iced Tea.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Classic Thai Iced Tea Delight?
It is an authentic Thai beverage characterized by a unique blend of rich tea leaves, aromatic spices, and a sweet, creamy finish.
What are the primary ingredients for this recipe?
The main ingredients include water, Thai tea leaves, cardamom pods, whole clove, cinnamon, sugar, and half-and-half.
Where can I purchase Thai tea leaves?
Thai tea leaves are best found in Asian markets or the international section of most grocery stores.
How do I prepare the spices for the tea?
The cardamom pods and the whole clove should be crushed before being added to the boiling water.
How much water is required for this recipe?
You need 6 cups of water brought to a vigorous boil.
How long should the tea mixture steep?
The mixture should steep for 5 minutes with the pot covered to ensure optimal flavor extraction.
Why shouldn't I pour the hot tea into a glass pitcher?
You should avoid pouring hot tea into glass because the heat may cause the glass to break; use a heatproof pitcher instead.
When should the sugar be added?
Add the sugar to the tea while it is still warm, right after straining out the leaves and spices.
Can I use something other than sugar to sweeten the tea?
Yes, you can substitute sugar with sweetened condensed milk for a creamier and more traditional twist.
How long does the tea need to be refrigerated?
The tea should be refrigerated for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the drink to chill completely.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 6 servings.
How is the half-and-half added to the drink?
For each glass, pour 3 to 4 tablespoons of half-and-half on top of the chilled tea and ice.
What type of ice is recommended for serving?
Crushed ice is recommended for the most authentic and refreshing experience.
What spices give this tea its unique aroma?
The unique aroma comes from the combination of crushed cardamom pods, crushed clove, and cinnamon.
Do I need to stir the sugar?
Yes, stir consistently until the sugar is fully dissolved in the warm tea.
How do I remove the tea leaves and spices?
Pour the steeped tea through a fine wire-mesh strainer into a heatproof pitcher.
Is this tea served hot or cold?
This is an iced tea recipe intended to be served chilled over ice.
What is the first step in making the tea?
The first step is to bring 6 cups of water to a vigorous boil in a large pot.
How much cinnamon is used?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon.
Can I prepare this tea in advance?
Yes, the tea needs at least 2 hours to chill, making it a great beverage to prepare ahead of time.
How many cardamom pods are needed?
You will need 4 cardamom pods, which should be crushed.
What is the total count of ingredients?
There are 7 distinct ingredients in this recipe.
Is this recipe categorized as a food or a beverage?
This recipe is categorized under Beverages.
What is the final serving instruction?
Stir the tea and half-and-half mixture gently before enjoying.
How much Thai tea leaves do I need?
You need 1 cup of Thai tea leaves.
What should I do after the tea steeps for 5 minutes?
Strain the tea into a heatproof pitcher and discard the used tea leaves and spices.
How much half-and-half is used in total?
The ingredient list specifies 1 cup of half-and-half for the whole batch.
Does the recipe include nutritional data like calories?
No, nutritional values such as calories, fat, and carbohydrates are not provided in this specific recipe data.
What is the texture of the tea when served?
The tea has a rich and creamy texture, especially when topped with half-and-half or condensed milk.
Is this drink suitable for a hot summer day?
Absolutely, it is described as a refreshingly satisfying drink perfect for hot weather.