What is Thai Iced Tea Made Out Of? The Ultimate Ingredient Guide

November 13, 2025 •

4 min read

Over 70% of Thai tea sold in America uses a specific blend of Ceylon or Assam tea leaves, combined with aromatic spices and sweeteners. What is Thai iced tea made out of? The refreshing and creamy beverage, known as cha yen in Thailand, typically includes a base of strong black tea, sweetened condensed milk, and evaporated milk, served over ice.

Quick Summary

Thai iced tea is a sweet, creamy, and spiced drink made from brewed black tea, sweetened with condensed milk, and topped with evaporated milk. It is served over ice, and its distinctive orange hue comes from added spices, food coloring, or a combination of both.

Key Points

Tea Base: Thai iced tea uses a strong black tea, typically Ceylon or Assam, as its foundation.
Signature Spices: Aromatic spices like star anise, cardamom, and occasionally tamarind give the tea its complex flavor.
Creamy Sweetness: Sweetened condensed milk is a crucial ingredient for providing both sweetness and a creamy texture.
Visual Appeal: Evaporated milk is often drizzled over the top for a layered look and added creaminess.
Orange Color: The iconic orange color is usually from added food coloring, not the tea itself.
Serving Method: The tea is typically served over crushed ice, creating a refreshingly cold beverage.
Preparation: Making the tea involves brewing a strong tea concentrate, which is then sweetened and chilled before serving.
Authenticity vs. Convenience: You can make authentic Thai iced tea from scratch with spices or use a pre-mixed commercial blend.

Thai iced tea, or cha yen, is more than just a sweet drink; it is a cultural staple of Thailand, beloved for its complex flavor profile and vibrant color. While recipes can vary, the core of this refreshing beverage relies on a few key components that work together to create its signature taste. From the robust tea base to the creamy milk and aromatic spices, each ingredient plays a crucial role.

The Tea Base: Strong and Aromatic

The foundation of any authentic Thai iced tea is a very strong black tea, usually a blend of Ceylon or Assam varieties. Many Thai restaurants and street vendors, especially those in North America, use pre-packaged Thai tea mix, a commercial blend that contains a combination of black tea, spices, and often food coloring. For those making the tea from scratch, replicating this flavor is achievable by combining black tea with specific whole spices.

Brewing the Perfect Tea

Brewing Method: For a strong concentration that can stand up to the sweetness and creaminess, the tea is steeped in boiling water for an extended period. Some traditional methods use a 'tea sock' or cloth filter to brew the tea.
Spices and Flavorings: Authentic recipes often incorporate spices that lend a warm, complex character to the tea. These may include:
- Star Anise: A star-shaped pod with a licorice-like flavor.
- Cardamom: Adds a potent, aromatic warmth.
- Cinnamon: Provides a sweet and woody aroma.
- Tamarind Seed: Some recipes use this for a subtle, earthy undertone.
- Vanilla: A common flavoring that enhances the creamy sweetness.

The Creamy Components: Sweetness and Texture

Sweetened condensed milk is the key to Thai iced tea's signature richness and sweetness. It is a shelf-stable dairy product made from milk that has had most of its water removed and sugar added. This is mixed into the hot tea, melting to form a sweet base. Evaporated milk, or sometimes half-and-half, is often poured over the top just before serving, creating a beautiful layered effect.

Dairy Alternatives

For those avoiding dairy, alternatives can be used to achieve a similar creamy result. Coconut milk is a popular option, offering its own unique flavor profile that complements the spices well. Other non-dairy milks like oat milk or soy milk can also be used, though they may alter the final taste and texture slightly.

The Colorful Secret: Why Is It Orange?

One of the most striking features of Thai iced tea is its vibrant orange hue. Contrary to popular belief, this color does not naturally come from the tea or spices. It is almost always achieved through the addition of food coloring.

Artificial Dye: Many commercial Thai tea mixes contain a synthetic dye, often Sunset Yellow FCF, to achieve a consistent and eye-catching color.
Natural Alternatives: Some modern recipes that avoid artificial dyes use natural coloring agents like turmeric or saffron to get a similar, albeit less vibrant, yellow-orange color.

Preparation and Presentation

Making Thai iced tea involves a few simple steps, but the timing is crucial. The tea is brewed into a strong concentrate, sweetened while still hot, and then chilled. Serving it over crushed ice is key to achieving the desired cold and refreshing temperature. The final flourish of a drizzle of evaporated milk on top is a classic presentation that adds to the visual appeal.

Comparison Table: Homemade vs. Mix


Feature	Homemade Thai Iced Tea	Commercial Thai Tea Mix
Ingredients	Black tea leaves, whole spices, sugar, milks.	Blended black tea, sugar, spices, food coloring.
Flavor Control	Fully customizable sweetness and spice levels.	Pre-determined flavor profile, less flexibility.
Color	Natural, earthy brown or reddish color; can add natural dyes.	Vibrant, artificial orange color due to added dyes.
Authenticity	More control over traditional flavors and spices.	A consistent, popular version of the street drink.
Preparation	Requires steeping spices and tea separately.	Simple and quick, often just adding hot water.
Time	Longer process due to steeping and chilling.	Very fast, ideal for quick service.

Conclusion: The Magic is in the Mix

Thai iced tea's complex and refreshing character comes from its unique combination of robust black tea, a medley of warm spices, and the creamy sweetness of condensed and evaporated milk. While the vivid orange color is an iconic part of its identity, it's a modern addition that can be achieved naturally if desired. Understanding what is Thai iced tea made out of helps appreciate the balance of flavors that has made this beverage a worldwide favorite. For those looking to craft the perfect glass at home, experimenting with the spice blend and dairy options is the best way to find your ideal balance of sweet, creamy, and spiced perfection. For more authentic Thai recipes, a great resource is the Hot Thai Kitchen website, which offers a reliable Thai iced tea recipe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Thai iced tea is made from a strong black tea base, often a blend of Ceylon or Assam tea leaves, which provides a robust flavor to balance the sweetness and creaminess.

The vibrant orange color in commercial Thai tea mixes comes from added food coloring, often a synthetic dye called Sunset Yellow FCF. The natural tea brew is a darker brown or reddish hue.

Sweetened condensed milk is essential for achieving the traditional rich, sweet, and creamy taste of Thai iced tea. While substitutes can be used, the flavor and texture will be different.

Yes, you can make Thai iced tea without food coloring. The flavor will remain the same, but the color will be a natural dark amber or reddish-brown. Some recipes use a pinch of turmeric for a natural yellow tint.

Common spices used in Thai iced tea include star anise, cardamom, cinnamon, and sometimes vanilla or tamarind powder, which add warmth and complexity to the flavor profile.

The main difference is the addition of milk and spices. Regular iced tea is typically just black tea and water, sometimes with lemon and sugar. Thai iced tea is creamy, sweeter, and spiced, with sweetened condensed milk and evaporated milk added.

Yes, for a non-dairy version, coconut milk is a popular alternative that complements the spices well. Other non-dairy milks can also be used, but may not be as rich as condensed milk.