CocktailRecipes

Thai Iced Tea Cocktail Recipe + Ingredients & Tips

how to make a Thai Iced Tea Cocktail recipe

📋 Nutrition Facts
Main Alcohol Rum
Alcohol 10%
Calories 350 calories
Fat 8g
Protein 1g
Carbohydrates 45g
Prep time 5 minutes

Imagine diving into a glass of cool, creamy sweetness with a hint of exotic spices—that’s the Thai Iced Tea Cocktail for you! It’s a drink that’s both a dessert and a refreshing escape, all in one. Let’s embark on a flavorful journey together to uncover the secrets of this delightful cocktail. ⬇️

History

The Thai Iced Tea Cocktail is a modern twist on traditional Thai iced tea, which has been a popular beverage in Thailand for many years. It usually combines tea, spices, sugar, and milk or cream.

  • The name ‘Thai Iced Tea’ is directly derived from its country of origin, Thailand.
  • Originally a non-alcoholic drink, the cocktail version is a newer invention.
  • Its popularity skyrocketed internationally as Thai cuisine spread across the globe.

The taste of a Thai Iced Tea Cocktail?

A Thai Iced Tea Cocktail is creamy and sweet, with a tantalizing blend of spiced tea flavors. It’s a taste that transports you to the bustling streets of Bangkok with every sip.

I personally love Thai Iced Tea Cocktails for their unique blend of spices and the smooth, sweet finish that follows.

Interesting facts about Thai Iced Tea Cocktail

  • Thai Iced Tea originally gets its orange color from the addition of food coloring.
  • The cocktail version sometimes includes a splash of liqueur, adding a subtle kick to the sweet tea.
  • In Thailand, it’s common to see street vendors vigorously pouring the tea back and forth to create a frothy top.

Ingredients 📃

  • Thai tea mix: 4 oz (120ml)
  • Boiling water: 4 oz (120ml)
  • Condensed milk: 2 oz (60ml)
  • Evaporated milk or coconut milk: 1 oz (30ml)
  • Sugar: 1 tablespoon (12.5g)
  • Ice cubes: to fill the glass
  • Spiced rum or a spirit of choice: 1.5 oz (45ml)

Highball glass is the perfect vessel for a Thai Iced Tea Cocktail, as its tall stature highlights the layered beauty of the drink. Alternatively, a Mason jar can add a rustic charm to the presentation.

Recipe. How to make Thai Iced Tea Cocktail 🍹

  1. Brew Thai tea mix in boiling water for about 5 minutes, then strain.
  2. Stir in sugar until dissolved and let the tea cool to room temperature.
  3. Fill a highball glass with ice cubes, and pour the cooled tea over the ice.
  4. Top the glass with condensed milk and evaporated or coconut milk.
  5. Add a splash of spiced rum or your chosen spirit and mix well.

A Thai Iced Tea Cocktail is sweet and indulgent, so it’s wise to enjoy it in moderation due to its sugar content. For a healthier twist, use natural sweeteners like honey or agave and opt for light coconut milk.

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Food Pairings

Certain flavors dance together in perfect harmony, and that’s certainly true for the Thai Iced Tea Cocktail. Let’s explore some culinary partnerships that will elevate your taste buds to new heights.

Spicy Thai Dishes

The creamy sweetness of the Thai Iced Tea Cocktail beautifully complements the heat from spicy Thai foods, balancing the flavors and cooling the palate.

Barbecue

Smoky and savory barbecue dishes find a refreshing counterpoint in the sweet, spiced complexity of the cocktail, making for an irresistible pairing.

Vanilla Desserts

Vanilla’s subtle sweetness is a delightful match for the Thai Iced Tea Cocktail, enhancing its rich creaminess without overpowering the tea’s spices.

I adore the Thai Iced Tea Cocktail for its creamy texture and the way the spices linger on the tongue—it’s like a vacation in a glass.

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Bartender Advice

  • Always use fresh ice when serving to avoid diluting the flavors with meltwater.
  • To enhance the spiced notes, infuse your tea longer and consider adding a cinnamon stick while it cools.
  • Experiment with the sweetness by adjusting the amount of condensed milk to find your perfect balance.

Now that you’ve mastered the classic Thai Iced Tea Cocktail, in the sections below we’ll shake things up by showing the customizable elements you can alter and introducing a range of exciting variations to try in your next concoction.

What you could change in Thai Iced Tea Cocktail

  • Spiced rum can be replaced with bourbon for a smokier twist.
  • Swap condensed milk for almond or soy milk for a dairy-free option.
  • Adjust the sweetness with different sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit extract.

Thai Iced Tea Cocktail Variations

Coconut Thai Iced Tea Cocktail

  • Ingredients: Replace evaporated milk with coconut cream for a tropical touch.
  • Recipe: Follow the standard recipe, finishing with a generous float of coconut cream.

Chai Thai Iced Tea Cocktail

  • Ingredients: Add a chai tea bag during the brewing process for extra spice.
  • Recipe: Brew the chai with the Thai tea mix, then proceed as usual.

Vegan Thai Iced Tea Cocktail

  • Ingredients: Use almond milk and vegan sweetened condensed milk alternatives.
  • Recipe: Combine all vegan ingredients and finish with a splash of rum or a non-alcoholic spirit.

For a non-alcoholic treat, the Virgin Thai Iced Tea Cocktail is simple yet satisfying. Just omit the rum and enjoy the sweet, spiced tea chilled with creamy milk.

Q&A

Can I make Thai Iced Tea Cocktail caffeine-free?

Absolutely! Opt for a decaffeinated tea blend or a rooibos alternative to enjoy any time of day.

What can I use if I don’t have Thai tea mix?

Get creative with black tea and add your own mixture of spices, like star anise and cardamom, to mimic the flavor.

Is there a way to make this cocktail less sweet?

Certainly! Reduce the condensed milk and sugar, or try using unsweetened milk alternatives and natural sweeteners.

How long can I store the brewed Thai tea before making the cocktail?

Once cooled, you can keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days—just make sure it’s in a sealed container.

Can I prepare Thai Iced Tea Cocktail in advance for a party?

Sure thing! Mix everything except the ice and alcohol, then add those just before serving to keep it fresh.

What’s the best way to get the layered effect in the glass?

Pour the milk slowly over the back of a spoon to gently layer it on top of the tea, then stir before drinking.

Chris Glazer
Chris Glazer
Chris Glazer is a seasoned mixology and cocktail recipe writer at CocktailPlans.com. Chris has a deep passion for cocktail creation and mixology, and has been exploring and writing about the world of drinks for over 5 years.
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