Enjoy Coffee At The Comforts of Your Home

Thai Tea Latte Recipe [+Tips]

Note: This page contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases when you click on the link, but you are not charged extra.

Oh, Thai Tea Latte – what a delightful fusion of bold, aromatic, and creamy goodness! If you’ve ever wandered into a cozy café and ordered this vibrant orange drink, you know it’s like a sweet escape in a cup. But what exactly is it?

Top 5 Must-Try Coffee Lineup
  1. Old World Christmas Beans: Tastes like the holidays in every cup — discover the cozy magic of Old World Christmas Beans before the season slips away.
  2. Kirkland Sumatra French Roast : Dark, bold, and wildly smooth—why Kirkland’s Sumatra French Roast is the best-kept secret of serious coffee drinkers.
  3. Hot Fudge Whole Bean Coffee : What happens when dessert meets coffee? Meet the decadent whole bean that tastes like hot fudge—but better.
  4. Aroma Ridge Guatemala Antigua Medium Roast : From the highlands of Guatemala to your morning mug—this rich, balanced roast is waking up coffee lovers everywhere.
  5. Juan Valdez Cumbre Colombian Coffee : Crafted by Colombia’s most iconic coffee legend—why Cumbre is a must-try for fans of bold, authentic flavor.
  • Origins & Culture: Thai Tea Latte is inspired by traditional Thai iced tea, known locally as cha yen. It’s a beloved street drink in Thailand, where strong brewed black tea gets sweetened with sugar and condensed milk, then poured over ice. The latte twist adds creamy milk, making it smoother and even more comforting.
  • Why It’s So Popular: That rich orange color comes from special Thai tea leaves infused with spices like star anise, crushed tamarind, and sometimes even vanilla or orange blossom – giving it a unique aroma and flavor that’s both exotic and familiar.
  • The Perfect Drink: It’s not just a tea; it’s a sensory experience. The blend of sweet, spicy, creamy, and robust tea flavors feels like a warm hug on a chilly day or a refreshing treat on a hot afternoon.

So, if you’re ready to wow your taste buds and impress your friends, let’s get into what you need and how to make this magic happen right in your kitchen!

Ingredients For Thai Tea Latte Recipe

To craft a perfect Thai Tea Latte, you don’t need a pantry full of exotic stuff. The ingredients are simple yet special, and each one plays a crucial role in building that iconic flavor profile.

Experience Perfection: Breville Oracle Touch - Your Fully Automatic Barista at Home!
  • Thai Tea Mix (3 tablespoons): This is the star of the show. It’s a blend of strong black tea leaves combined with spices like star anise, crushed tamarind seeds, and sometimes orange food coloring (which you can skip if you prefer natural). You can find this in Asian markets or online.
  • Water (2 cups): For steeping the tea leaves. Hot, but not boiling, to coax out the full flavor.
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk (2-3 tablespoons): This is what gives the drink its luscious sweetness and creamy texture. It’s thick, sugary, and oh-so-rich.
  • Evaporated Milk (1/4 cup): Adds smooth creaminess without overpowering the tea’s boldness.
  • Sugar (1-2 tablespoons, optional): Depending on your sweetness preference, but often, the condensed milk is enough.
  • Ice Cubes (as needed): To chill the drink for that refreshing contrast.
  • Optional: Spices like star anise or cardamom (a pinch): If you want to boost the spice notes even more.
  Matcha Tea Latte Starbucks Recipe [+Tips]

Pro tip: Using high-quality Thai tea mix makes all the difference. Avoid generic black tea; it won’t give you that signature flavor or the beautiful orange hue.

How To Make Thai Tea Latte?

Alright, time to get hands-on and create your very own Thai Tea Latte masterpiece. Don’t worry-it’s easy, and I’ll guide you through every single step.

  1. Brew The Tea

    • Boil 2 cups of water.
    • Once boiling, remove from heat and add the 3 tablespoons of Thai tea mix.
    • Let it steep for about 5-7 minutes. You want it strong and flavorful, but not bitter.

  2. Strain The Tea

    • Using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth, strain the tea into a heatproof container to remove tea leaves and spices.

  3. Sweeten The Tea

    • While the tea is still hot, stir in 2-3 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk. This melts perfectly in the warmth, infusing the tea with creamy sweetness.
    • Add sugar if you want it sweeter (taste as you go!).

  4. Chill The Tea

    • Let the tea cool down to room temperature, then refrigerate it for about 15-30 minutes if you want a cold latte.

  5. Assemble The Latte

    • Fill a glass halfway with ice cubes.
    • Pour the cooled tea over the ice.
    • Slowly pour 1/4 cup evaporated milk on top to create that beautiful layered effect.

  6. Mix & Serve

    • Stir gently and enjoy immediately. If you want it creamier, add more evaporated milk or even a splash of whole milk or cream.

Voila! You’ve just made a classic Thai Tea Latte at home!

Expert Tips

Here’s where the magic gets serious. To elevate your Thai Tea Latte from good to chef’s kiss perfection, try these insider tips:

  • Use Fresh Tea Mix: Thai tea can lose its punch if it’s old or improperly stored. Keep it airtight and away from light.
  • Steep Longer for Boldness: If you love a robust tea flavor, increase steeping time by a couple of minutes but don’t go over 10 minutes or it may get bitter.
  • Play with Milk: Some purists swear by evaporated milk, but whole milk or coconut milk can add interesting flavors and textures.
  • Adjust Sweetness Gradually: Always taste before adding more sugar or condensed milk. Everyone’s sweet tooth is different.
  • Serve with Tapioca Pearls: Turn your Thai Tea Latte into a fun bubble tea experience by adding boba pearls!
  • Use Crushed Ice: It chills faster and keeps the drink refreshing without diluting it too quickly.
  • Make It Vegan: Swap condensed and evaporated milk with coconut condensed milk and coconut cream for a luscious dairy-free version.

Recipe Variations

Ready to shake things up? Here are some fun and creative ways to tweak your Thai Tea Latte:

  • Iced vs Hot: While iced is classic, a hot Thai Tea Latte is comforting on chilly days – just omit ice and serve steaming.
  • Thai Tea Frappé: Blend the brewed tea with ice, condensed milk, and a little sugar for a frosty, slushy delight.
  • Spiced Up: Add a cinnamon stick or star anise during brewing to intensify the spice notes.
  • Matcha Thai Tea Latte: Mix half Thai tea and half matcha powder for a vibrant, layered tea latte.
  • Caramel Thai Tea Latte: Drizzle caramel syrup inside your glass before pouring tea for an indulgent twist.
  • Alcoholic Version: Add a splash of spiced rum or whiskey for an adult-friendly Thai Tea cocktail.
  • Sugar-Free: Use a sugar substitute or skip sweetened condensed milk and replace with sugar-free condensed milk alternatives.
  Starbucks Pecan Crunch Oatmilk Latte Recipe [+Tips]

The world of Thai Tea Latte is full of possibilities, so feel free to experiment!

Final Words

If you’ve stuck around this long, you’re basically a Thai Tea Latte connoisseur now. Remember, the secret to this drink is balance – the right blend of strong tea, sweetness, and creamy milk, all served cold (or hot!) to perfection. It’s a drink that invites you to slow down, savor every sip, and maybe even transport yourself to a bustling street market in Bangkok with every taste.

FAQs

What Ingredients Are Needed For A Thai Tea Latte?

To make a Thai tea latte, you’ll need Thai tea leaves or Thai tea mix, water, sugar, sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk or whole milk, and optionally ice if serving cold.

How Do I Brew Thai Tea For A Latte?

Bring water to a boil, then steep Thai tea leaves or Thai tea mix in the hot water for 5-10 minutes. Strain out the leaves and sweeten the tea with sugar while it’s still hot.

Can I Use Regular Black Tea Instead Of Thai Tea Mix?

Yes, but traditional Thai tea mix contains additional ingredients like star anise and food coloring that give it its unique flavor and orange hue. For authenticity, use a Thai tea mix such as Pantai or Number One brand.

What’s The Difference Between Hot And Iced Thai Tea Latte?

An iced Thai tea latte is served over ice and often includes a stronger tea concentrate to prevent dilution. A hot Thai tea latte is served warm, often with more milk and less concentrated tea.

How Much Sweetened Condensed Milk Should I Use?

Typically, use 2-3 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk per serving. Adjust to taste depending on your desired sweetness.

Can I Make A Vegan Thai Tea Latte?

Yes, substitute sweetened condensed milk with coconut condensed milk or sweetened soy milk, and use plant-based milk such as oat, almond, or coconut milk.

Do I Need To Add Food Coloring To Make Thai Tea Orange?

Most Thai tea mixes already include food coloring. If you’re using plain black tea and want the signature orange color, you can add a drop or two of red and yellow food coloring.

How Long Does Thai Tea Concentrate Last In The Fridge?

Thai tea concentrate can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. Shake well before using.

What Type Of Milk Is Best For A Thai Tea Latte?

Evaporated milk or whole milk is traditionally used for richness, but any milk or milk alternative can be used depending on preference or dietary restrictions.

Can I Make A Thai Tea Latte Without Condensed Milk?

Yes, you can sweeten the tea with sugar or another sweetener of choice and use regular milk or a non-dairy alternative to achieve a similar creamy effect.

Related posts:

  1. Gingerbread Latte Starbucks Recipe [+Tips]
  2. Pumpkin Spice Latte Without Puree Recipe [+Tips]
  3. Toffee Nut Latte Recipe [+Tips]
  4. Banana Latte Recipe [+Tips]