Description of this recipe: This Creamy Coconut Thai Iced Tea recipe is a luscious twist on the classic Thai iced tea, blending the robust flavors of traditional Thai tea with the richness of coconut milk. It’s a refreshing, sweet, and utterly delightful beverage perfect for hot days or whenever you need a flavorful pick-me-up. The coconut milk adds a creamy texture and a hint of tropical essence, elevating the experience to a new level of indulgence.
Why you will love this recipe:
- Unique Flavor Profile: Combines the distinct, slightly spiced taste of Thai tea with the tropical creaminess of coconut milk.
- Easy to Customize: Adjust the sweetness and strength to suit your personal preferences.
- Simple Ingredients: Requires just a few ingredients, most of which you likely already have on hand.
- Quick to Make: Ready in under an hour, including chilling time.
- Refreshing and Versatile: Ideal as a cool treat in summer or a comforting drink year-round.
- Visually Appealing: The swirling effect of coconut milk mixing with the tea creates a beautiful presentation.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Brew and chill the tea in advance for an even quicker assembly.
- A Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for serving at gatherings or enjoying as a personal indulgence.
Introduction
Thai iced tea, known as “Cha Yen” in Thailand, is a beloved street food staple renowned for its vibrant orange hue and distinctive sweet flavor. It is traditionally made with strong brewed black tea, sweetened condensed milk, and sometimes evaporated milk, creating a rich and intensely flavorful drink.
This recipe puts a creamy, tropical spin on the traditional favorite. By substituting sweetened condensed milk with coconut milk, you get a beverage that has a lighter, slightly sweet and nutty flavor. The coconut milk adds a layer of smoothness that complements the bold tea perfectly. This Creamy Coconut Thai Iced Tea is not only delicious but also offers a unique twist that sets it apart from the classic version.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility. It’s incredibly easy to make at home with just a few readily available ingredients. Whether you’re a seasoned tea enthusiast or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is designed to be straightforward and enjoyable.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups water
- 4 Thai tea bags (or 2 tablespoons loose Thai tea leaves)
- 1/3 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup canned coconut milk (full-fat recommended)
- Ice cubes
Preparation:
Step 1: Boil the Water & Brew the Tea
In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a rolling boil over high heat. Once boiling, carefully add the Thai tea bags (or loose Thai tea leaves contained in a tea strainer) to the hot water. Reduce the heat to low, allowing the tea to steep gently for approximately 10 minutes. Steeping for this duration ensures that the tea develops a rich, robust flavor and achieves its signature dark orange color. Be sure to monitor the steeping process closely, avoiding excessive boiling that can lead to a bitter taste.
Step 2: Sweeten the Tea
After the tea has steeped for the appropriate amount of time, carefully remove the tea bags or strainer from the saucepan. Gently squeeze the tea bags to extract any remaining liquid without tearing the bags. Add 1/3 cup of sugar to the hot tea and stir continuously until the sugar is completely dissolved. Incorporating the sugar while the tea is still hot helps it dissolve more efficiently, ensuring a smooth and consistent sweetness throughout the beverage. For an added layer of flavor, stir in 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract, which complements the tea’s natural spiciness and adds a touch of aromatic warmth. Allow the sweetened tea to cool to room temperature to prepare it for chilling.
Step 3: Chill the Tea
Once the sweetened tea has cooled to room temperature, transfer it to a heatproof pitcher or bowl. Place the pitcher or bowl in the refrigerator to chill completely, which typically takes about 1 hour. Chilling the tea is a crucial step to ensure that the final beverage is refreshingly cold and enjoyable. Avoid adding ice directly to the tea at this stage, as it can dilute the flavor and compromise the overall quality of the drink. If you’re pressed for time, you can speed up the chilling process by placing the pitcher in the freezer for a shorter duration, but be sure to monitor it closely to prevent the tea from freezing.
Step 4: Assemble the Drink
Once the tea is thoroughly chilled, prepare a tall glass by filling it with ice cubes. Adding ice to the glass just before serving helps keep the drink cold and prevents the ice from melting too quickly. Carefully pour the chilled tea over the ice, leaving a small amount of room at the top of the glass to accommodate the coconut milk.
Step 5: Add the Coconut Milk
Slowly pour the coconut milk over the tea-filled glass. As the coconut milk cascades into the tea, it will create a visually appealing swirling effect that is characteristic of Thai iced tea. You can either gently stir the mixture to fully incorporate the coconut milk into the tea, or you can leave the swirls intact for a more decorative presentation. Adjust the amount of coconut milk to suit your personal taste preferences. For a creamier and more indulgent beverage, consider adding a larger quantity of coconut milk. Serve immediately and enjoy this delightful twist on a classic favorite!
COOKING Rating:
- Ease of Preparation: Easy
- Flavor Complexity: Medium
- Overall Deliciousness: High
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve chilled on a hot day.
- Pair with spicy Thai dishes for a complementary flavor contrast.
- Offer as a refreshing alternative to traditional iced tea.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of shredded coconut for added visual appeal.
- Serve as a delightful beverage option at gatherings or parties.
Tips:
- Use full-fat coconut milk for the richest and creamiest texture.
- Adjust the sweetness to your liking by adding more or less sugar.
- For a stronger tea flavor, let the tea steep longer or use more tea leaves.
- Brew a large batch of tea in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Ensure that the tea is thoroughly chilled before adding ice to prevent dilution.
- Experiment with different flavorings, such as a splash of lime juice or a pinch of cinnamon.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (includes chilling time)
Nutritional Information: (per serving, approximate)
- Calories: 150
- Protein: 1g
- Sodium: 10mg
Conclusion
This Creamy Coconut Thai Iced Tea recipe provides a delightful and refreshing twist on a classic beverage. By incorporating coconut milk, we elevate the flavor profile, adding a creamy, tropical essence that complements the bold and spicy notes of traditional Thai tea. This recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to adjust the sweetness and strength to suit your personal preferences. Whether you’re seeking a cool treat on a hot day or a comforting indulgence year-round, this Creamy Coconut Thai Iced Tea is sure to satisfy your cravings. With its simple preparation and readily available ingredients, it’s an easy and enjoyable recipe that you can whip up in no time. So go ahead, give it a try, and experience the unique and delicious flavors of this delightful beverage.
Questions and Answers About This Recipe:
1. Can I use a different type of tea if I don’t have Thai tea?
While Thai tea has a unique flavor due to its blend of spices and black tea, you can substitute it with strong black tea like Assam or Ceylon. Add a pinch of star anise and a tiny drop of orange food coloring to mimic the traditional Thai tea flavor and color. However, keep in mind that the taste won’t be exactly the same, but it can still be a delicious alternative.
2. Is it necessary to use full-fat coconut milk?
Full-fat coconut milk is highly recommended for its richer and creamier texture, which significantly enhances the overall experience of the drink. Light coconut milk can be used as a substitute, but the resulting tea will be less decadent and may not have the same luscious mouthfeel. If you are looking to cut down on calories, you can use a blend of half full-fat coconut milk and half light coconut milk to strike a balance between flavor and health.
3. How can I adjust the sweetness of this recipe?
The amount of sugar can be easily adjusted to your personal preference. Start with the recommended 1/3 cup and taste the tea after it has cooled. If you prefer it sweeter, add more sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired level of sweetness. Alternatively, you can use a sugar substitute like maple syrup, honey, or stevia. When using liquid sweeteners, start with a smaller amount as they tend to be sweeter than granulated sugar.
4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, this recipe is excellent for making ahead of time. You can brew the tea, sweeten it, and let it cool completely before storing it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply pour the chilled tea over ice and add the coconut milk. This make-ahead approach is perfect for entertaining or when you want to have a refreshing drink readily available without having to prepare it from scratch each time.
5. What are some variations I can try with this recipe?
There are several ways to customize this Creamy Coconut Thai Iced Tea. For an extra creamy version, add a splash of sweetened condensed coconut milk. If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce the sugar or use a sugar substitute. You can also experiment with different flavorings, such as a squeeze of lime juice for a citrusy twist, a pinch of cinnamon for warmth, or a few drops of almond extract for a nutty flavor. Another interesting variation is to add a shot of espresso for a Thai iced coffee version, which combines the rich flavors of coffee and Thai tea for a truly unique experience.
