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Thai Milk Tea Recipe

Thai Milk Tea Made Easy: A Foolproof Recipe You’ll Love

There’s something truly magical about Thai milk tea. Its vibrant orange hue, the perfect balance of creamy sweetness, and the smooth, refreshing taste make it one of my absolute favorite drinks. I remember the first time I had it at a tiny Thai restaurant—I was instantly hooked! But buying it every time I had a craving wasn’t practical, so I set out to create the perfect Thai milk tea recipe (easy and authentic!) that I could make at home.

Now, I’m sharing my foolproof recipe with you so you can enjoy this delicious beverage anytime. Whether you love it iced, with boba, or as a cozy warm drink, this guide will walk you through the entire process. Let’s get started!

This easy recipe is perfect for dessert lovers who enjoy simple eating with a tropical twist. The best part? You can make it using a rice cooker, making the process effortless and stress-free.

This post may contain affiliate links at no extra cost to you. Please read our full disclosure here to find out more.

Thai Milk Tea Made Easy: A Foolproof Recipe You’ll Love

What is Thai Milk Tea?

Thai milk tea, or "Cha Yen" in Thai, is a beloved beverage made from strong black tea, sweetened condensed milk, and evaporated milk. It’s served either iced or hot and is known for its distinct flavor—bold and slightly spiced, with a smooth, creamy finish.

The secret to its unique taste comes from authentic Thai tea blends, which often contain spices like star anise, vanilla, and tamarind. Traditionally, it’s prepared using a tea sock (a cloth filter), but don’t worry—we’ll be using easy-to-find kitchen tools.

Essential Ingredients for Authentic Thai Milk Tea

To make the best homemade Thai milk tea, you’ll need:

Tea Base:

  • 2 tablespoons Thai tea mix (I recommend Pantai Thai Tea Mix for an authentic flavor)

  • 2 cups water

    • Sweetener & Dairy:

  • 2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk

  • 3 tablespoons evaporated milk

  • 2 tablespoons sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)

    • Extras (Optional but Delicious!):

  • 1/2 cup cooked boba pearls (for a fun chewy texture)

  • Ice cubes (for an iced version)

  • Dairy-free options: Coconut milk or oat milk

    • How to Make Thai Tea at Home – Step-by-Step Guide

    Step 1: Brewing the Tea Base

      1. Boil 2 cups of water in a pot.

      2. Add 2 tablespoons of authentic Thai tea mix and stir.

      3. Reduce heat and let it simmer for 5 minutes to extract the flavors.

      4. Remove from heat and let the tea steep for another 10 minutes.

      5. Strain the tea using a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth.

    Step 2: Adding the Signature Creamy Touch

      1. While the tea is still warm, stir in 2 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk and 3 tablespoons of evaporated milk.

      2. Add sugar if you prefer a sweeter taste.

      3. Mix well until the sweetener dissolves completely.

    Step 3: Making It Iced or Hot

    • For Iced Thai Milk Tea: Fill a cup with ice cubes and pour the tea over it.

    • For Hot Thai Milk Tea: Serve immediately in a warm cup and enjoy!

    Step 4: DIY Thai Milk Tea with Boba (Optional)

      1. Cook boba pearls according to package instructions (usually boil for 5-10 minutes).

      2. Drain and soak in sugar syrup for extra flavor.

      3. Add boba to your cup before pouring in the tea.

    Top Amazon Product Recommendations for the Perfect DIY Thai Tea Experience

    1. Pantai Thai Tea Mix – Authentic Thai Tea Leaves

    To achieve that authentic flavor, I highly recommend Pantai Thai Tea Mix. It’s the same tea used in Thai restaurants, with the perfect balance of rich black tea and subtle spices.

    Grab Pantai Thai Tea Mix here! and enjoy real Thai flavors at home.

    2. BOLLE Boba Pearls – For the Perfect Chewy Texture

    Want to elevate your Thai milk tea? These boba pearls cook quickly and have the perfect soft, chewy consistency.

    Get high-quality boba pearls here! and take your drink to the next level.

    3. Reusable Boba Straws & Glass Cup Set

    Make your homemade Thai tea even more fun with these wide reusable boba straws and an aesthetic glass cup.

    Order this eco-friendly boba straw set here! and sip in style.

    Serving and Presentation Tips

  • For a picture-perfect iced Thai milk tea, pour the milk in last and watch it swirl beautifully before mixing.

  • Use a mason jar or a tall glass cup for a trendy café-style look.

  • Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or a star anise on top for an elegant touch.

    • Thai Milk Tea Variations to Try

    Healthier Alternatives

  • Swap sweetened condensed milk with honey or maple syrup.

  • Use unsweetened almond or oat milk for a lighter version.

    • Dairy-Free Version

  • Use full-fat coconut milk for a creamy, tropical twist.

  • Try soy or oat milk for a nut-free alternative.

    • Unique Flavors

  • Add a splash of vanilla extract for extra depth.

  • Mix in matcha powder for a Thai matcha milk tea blend.

  • Blend with taro powder for a purple-hued treat!

    • Final Thoughts

    Thai milk tea is one of those beverages that instantly brings joy with every sip. It’s creamy, flavorful, and so easy to make at home. Now that you know how to make Thai tea at home, you’ll never have to rely on takeout again!

    Try this Thai milk tea recipe (easy and authentic!) and let me know how it turns out. If you love it, share your creations on social media and tag me—I’d love to see your homemade versions!

    Also, don’t forget to check out the Amazon links above to grab the best Thai tea mix, boba pearls, and stylish cups to enhance your DIY experience.

    Cheers to delicious, homemade Thai milk tea!

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