Spicy Thai Iced Tea with Sweetened Condensed Milk
A refreshing and creamy Thai iced tea brewed with black tea leaves and spiced with star anise and cardamom, sweetened with rich condensed milk. This thai-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 20 minutes brings together black tea leaves, whole star anise pods, pods cardamom pods, crushed for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 4, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 4 tbsp black tea leaves
- 2 whole star anise pods
- 3 pods cardamom pods, crushed
- 4 cups boiling water
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 2 cups ice cubes
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a heatproof pitcher, combine 4 tbsp black tea leaves, 2 whole star anise pods, and 3 crushed cardamom pods. Pour 4 cups boiling water over the spices and tea leaves, steeping for 5 minutes until deeply colored and fragrant.
- Step 2: Strain the tea mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a clean container, discarding the solids. While still hot, stir in 1/2 cup sugar until fully dissolved.
- Step 3: Allow the sweetened tea to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until chilled, about 30 minutes.
- Step 4: To serve, fill tall glasses with 1/2 cup ice cubes, pour 1 cup chilled tea over the ice, then slowly pour 2 tbsp sweetened condensed milk over the top to create a creamy layer. Stir gently before drinking.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spicy Thai Iced Tea with Sweetened Condensed Milk take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.
How do I store leftover Spicy Thai Iced Tea with Sweetened Condensed Milk?
Refrigerate any leftover spicy thai iced tea with sweetened condensed milk in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.
Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Thai Iced Tea with Sweetened Condensed Milk?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Spicy Thai Iced Tea with Sweetened Condensed Milk for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Spicy Thai Iced Tea with Sweetened Condensed Milk?
Thai cocktails & drinks like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
