Classic Thai Iced Tea Recipe — Authentic Cha Yen

Authentic Thai iced tea recipe and Thai tea recipe with condensed milk — original classic cha yen like in Thailand. Easy authentic Thai tea at home.

This classic Thai iced tea recipe is the authentic thai iced tea style you get from street stalls and cafés in Thailand: strong brewed tea, sweetened condensed milk, a splash of evaporated milk, and lots of ice. It’s the original thai tea recipe for authentic thai tea at home — no fancy equipment, just a thai tea recipe that delivers the real classic thai tea flavor and that signature orange-and-cream look.

Glass of classic Thai iced tea with condensed milk and ice
Classic Thai iced tea (cha yen) — the authentic way.

Ingredients

Makes 2 tall glasses

  • Thai tea — 3 tbsp loose Thai tea mix (or 3–4 Thai tea bags). Use a blend made for authentic thai iced tea (black tea + spices like star anise).
  • Water — 2 cups (480 ml) boiling
  • Sweetened condensed milk — 2–3 tbsp, or to taste
  • Evaporated milk — 2–3 tbsp for topping
  • Sugar — 1–2 tbsp optional, if you like it sweeter
  • Ice — plenty, for serving

See our ingredients guide for what to buy if you’re new to thai tea recipe basics.

How to make classic Thai iced tea

  1. Brew the tea
    Put the Thai tea (loose or bags) in a heatproof pitcher or bowl. Pour the boiling water over it. Steep 5–7 minutes — you want it strong for this authentic thai iced tea recipe. Strain (or remove bags) and let cool a few minutes.

  2. Sweeten
    Add condensed milk and optional sugar while the tea is still warm so they dissolve. Stir well. Taste and add more condensed milk if you like. This is the original thai tea recipe move: sweeten before icing.

  3. Chill
    Let the tea cool to room temperature, or pop it in the fridge 15–20 minutes so it’s cold when you serve.

  4. Serve
    Fill tall glasses with ice. Pour the classic thai tea over the ice to about ¾ full. Drizzle evaporated milk over the top so it layers. Add a straw and serve. That’s the full thai iced tea recipe — simple and authentic.

Tips for the best classic Thai iced tea

  • Strength: Brew strong. Dilution from ice will mellow it; weak tea will taste watery.
  • Condensed milk: Start with 2 tbsp per 2 cups tea and adjust. It’s the key to authentic thai iced tea sweetness and body.
  • Evaporated milk: Pour it over the back of a spoon onto the ice so it floats on top for the classic look.
  • Make ahead: You can brew and sweeten the tea, refrigerate it, and pour over ice when you’re ready — the thai tea recipe holds well for a day or two.

What’s next

This classic thai iced tea recipe is the base. From here you can try our boba version or vegan / dairy-free thai tea recipe. For more on the tea and spices, see What is Thai iced tea?.