Refreshing Star Anise Thai Iced Tea
This Refreshing Star Anise Thai Iced Tea offers a unique twist on the classic summer beverage, combining the aromatic flavors of star anise, vanilla, and subtle spices with a rich, creamy texture. The blend of crushed star anise pods and fragrant orange blossom water creates a fragrant infusion that is both refreshing and delightful. Perfect for hot summer days, this delicious iced tea can be enjoyed alone or paired with your favorite Thai dishes. Experience the flavors of Thailand right in your home, and embrace the chill of summer, no matter the weather outside!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Star anise pods
8 (finely crushed)
Orange blossom water
1 teaspoon
Vanilla pod
1 (scraped (or substitute with 1 tablespoon vanilla extract))
Ground cloves
1 pinch
Ground cinnamon
1 pinch
Chinese black tea leaves
1/2 cup
Granulated sugar
1 cup
Red food coloring
3 drops (optional)
Half-and-half or sweetened condensed milk
to taste
Instructions
1
In a large saucepan, bring 1/2 gallon of cold water to a rolling boil.
2
Once boiling, add the crushed star anise pods, orange blossom water, vanilla pod scrapings (or vanilla extract), ground cloves, ground cinnamon, and the loose Chinese black tea leaves.
3
Boil the mixture for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even infusion.
4
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the granulated sugar until fully dissolved. If desired, add a few drops of red food coloring for a traditional touch.
5
Cover the saucepan and allow the tea to steep until it cools to a tepid temperature.
6
Once cooled, strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve or tea strainer into a large pitcher.
7
Refrigerate the tea for several hours to allow it to chill completely.
8
When ready to serve, fill glasses with plenty of crushed ice and pour the chilled tea over the ice.
9
Add a splash of half-and-half or drizzle in sweetened condensed milk according to your taste preference and stir gently to combine.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Refreshing Star Anise Thai Iced Tea?
It is a unique twist on the classic summer beverage, combining aromatic flavors like star anise, vanilla, and spices with a rich, creamy texture.
How many star anise pods are required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 8 star anise pods, which should be finely crushed.
What type of tea is used in this recipe?
This recipe uses 1/2 cup of loose Chinese black tea leaves.
Can I substitute vanilla extract for a vanilla pod?
Yes, you can substitute 1 vanilla pod with 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract.
How much orange blossom water is needed?
The recipe requires 1 teaspoon of orange blossom water for a fragrant infusion.
What spices are included in the tea mixture?
The tea mixture includes a pinch of ground cloves and a pinch of ground cinnamon.
How long should the tea mixture be boiled?
The mixture should be boiled for 3 to 5 minutes once the water reaches a rolling boil.
How much sugar is added to the tea?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of granulated sugar, stirred in until fully dissolved.
Is food coloring necessary for this Thai iced tea?
Food coloring is optional; you can add 3 drops of red food coloring for a traditional touch.
How do I prepare the tea for serving after boiling?
Allow the tea to steep until it cools to a tepid temperature, then strain it through a fine mesh sieve into a pitcher.
How long should the tea be refrigerated?
The tea should be refrigerated for several hours to allow it to chill completely.
What is the best way to serve the tea?
Fill glasses with plenty of crushed ice and pour the chilled tea over the ice.
What kind of dairy is recommended for the topping?
You can use a splash of half-and-half or a drizzle of sweetened condensed milk to taste.
How much water is needed to start the recipe?
You should bring 1/2 gallon of cold water to a rolling boil.
When should I add the sugar?
Remove the saucepan from the heat before stirring in the granulated sugar.
What is the purpose of crushing the star anise pods?
Crushing the pods helps release their aromatic flavors for a better infusion.
Can I enjoy this tea with food?
Yes, this delicious iced tea pairs perfectly with your favorite Thai dishes.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 ingredients listed for this Refreshing Star Anise Thai Iced Tea.
Does the recipe use ground or whole cinnamon?
The recipe specifically calls for a pinch of ground cinnamon.
Is the vanilla pod scraped or used whole?
The vanilla pod scrapings are used to infuse the tea.
What type of ice is best for Thai iced tea?
Crushed ice is recommended for a traditional serving style.
Is this drink suitable for hot weather?
Yes, it is described as perfect for hot summer days.
Can I use a tea strainer to filter the tea?
Yes, a fine mesh sieve or tea strainer works well to remove the leaves and spices.
How should I stir the tea once dairy is added?
Stir gently to combine the dairy with the chilled tea.
What is the primary flavor profile of this tea?
The flavor is a combination of star anise, vanilla, and subtle spices with a sweet, creamy finish.
Can I make this tea without red food coloring?
Yes, the red food coloring is entirely optional and does not affect the flavor.
How much ground cloves should be used?
Only a pinch of ground cloves is needed.
What is the final step before drinking?
The final step is adding your choice of dairy and stirring gently.
Is the tea steeped covered or uncovered?
The saucepan should be covered while the tea steeps and cools.
What is the role of orange blossom water?
It creates a fragrant floral layer that complements the spices.