Thai Iced Tea, known as "Cha Yen," is a sweet and aromatic beverage made with Thai tea leaves, condensed milk, and ice. It's a popular and refreshing drink often enjoyed in Thailand. A step-by-step guide on how to make Thai Iced Tea:
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons Thai tea leaves (or Thai tea mix)
- 2 cups of water
- 2-3 tablespoons condensed milk (adjust to taste)
- Sugar (optional, for additional sweetness)
- Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. Preparing Thai Tea:
- Boil 2 cups of water in a saucepan.
- Add the Thai tea leaves (or Thai tea mix) to the boiling water and let it simmer for about 3-5 minutes. You can adjust the steeping time to control the strength of the tea.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the tea cool to room temperature.
2. Straining the Tea:
- Strain the brewed tea through a fine sieve or a tea strainer to remove the tea leaves. You should be left with a strong and concentrated Thai tea.
3. Sweetening the Tea:
- While the tea is still warm, add condensed milk to it. Start with 2-3 tablespoons of condensed milk and adjust to your desired level of sweetness. You can also add sugar if you prefer it sweeter. Stir well to dissolve the milk.
4. Chilling the Tea:
- Let the sweetened Thai tea cool to room temperature, then refrigerate it until it's cold.
5. Serving:
- To serve, fill a glass with ice cubes, leaving some room at the top.
- Pour the chilled Thai tea over the ice.
6. Garnishing (Optional):
- You can garnish the Thai Iced Tea with a drizzle of additional condensed milk on top for a beautiful presentation.
7. Stirring and Enjoying:
- Use a long spoon to stir the tea and ice together. The result should be a sweet, creamy, and cold Thai Iced Tea.
Thai Iced Tea is a delightful and indulgent beverage that's perfect for cooling down on a hot day or as a sweet treat alongside your favorite Thai dishes. Enjoy the unique flavor and rich, creamy texture of this classic Thai drink.