How to Make Thai Tea : Welcome to the world of Thai tea, a delightful and flavorful beverage that has captured the hearts of many tea enthusiasts around the globe. In this article, we’ll take you on a journey to learn how to make Thai tea from scratch. With its unique blend of black tea, sweetened condensed milk, and aromatic spices, Thai tea offers a perfect balance of sweetness and creaminess that will leave your taste buds wanting more. So, let’s dive in and discover the secrets to crafting this wonderful tea at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make the perfect cup of Thai tea, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Black tea leaves or Thai tea mix
- Water
- Sweetened condensed milk
- Evaporated milk
- Sugar (optional)
- Ice cubes
Equipment Required
Before we begin, make sure you have the necessary equipment:
- Tea kettle or saucepan
- Fine mesh strainer
- Pitcher or jug
- Serving glasses
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Boil the Water
Start by boiling water in a tea kettle or saucepan. For one serving of Thai tea, you’ll need around one cup of water. Once the water comes to a rolling boil, add the black tea leaves or Thai tea mix.
2. Brew the Tea
Let the tea steep for about 5 minutes to infuse its flavors fully. Keep in mind that steeping time can vary depending on the type of tea you’re using. You can slightly increase the steeping time for a stronger taste.
3. Strain the Tea
After the tea has steeped, strain it using a fine mesh strainer into a pitcher or jug. This step removes any tea leaves or particles, giving you a smooth and clean tea base.
4. Sweeten the Tea
Now comes the delicious part – adding sweetness to your Thai tea. While some prefer it less sweet, the classic Thai tea is on the sweeter side. Add sweetened condensed milk to the strained tea according to your taste preference. Stir well until the mixture turns a beautiful orange color.
5. Add Evaporated Milk
To enhance the creaminess of your Thai tea, pour a generous amount of evaporated milk into the tea mixture. This step gives the tea its signature rich and silky texture, making it even more enjoyable.
6. Chill and Serve
Allow your Thai tea to cool down slightly before adding ice cubes to chill it further. Once it’s cold and refreshing, pour the tea into serving glasses filled with ice. You’re now ready to savor the exquisite flavors of your homemade Thai tea.
Tips and Variations
- Adjusting Sweetness: If you find the tea too sweet, you can balance it by adding more plain black tea without sweetened condensed milk. Experiment with the sweetness level until it suits your taste buds perfectly.
- Spice it Up: For a twist, consider adding spices like cardamom, star anise, or cinnamon during the brewing process. These aromatic spices can elevate the flavors and give your Thai tea an exciting dimension.
- Vegan Option: For a vegan-friendly version, replace the dairy milk with coconut milk or almond milk. This alternative provides a creamy texture without compromising on taste.
Thai Tea’s Potential Health Advantages
Thai tea can be used as a beverage or as a traditional medicine. It can provide a similar energy boost to drinking a cup of coffee because it contains caffeine. Additionally, it has crucial antioxidants. Antioxidants assist in preventing cell damage that can result in major illnesses including cancer, cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and macular degeneration (older-onset impaired vision).
Regularly consuming Thai Tea or other black tea may provide the following health advantages:
Prevents Weight Gain
Regularly consuming black tea can help prevent weight gain. According to studies, the polyphenols in black tea help with the absorption of lipids (fats) and complex carbohydrates, which prevents obesity. Thai tea also aids in reducing appetite. According to reports, black tea exhibits these effects more overtly than green tea.
Reducing Cholesterol
Two cups of black tea each day can assist in lowering cholesterol levels. Heart attacks and other cardiovascular conditions, including high cholesterol levels, can occur. A person’s antioxidant levels rise when they consume at least three cups of black tea every day, which is another benefit for heart health.
Lowered Risk of Stroke
The risk of stroke can be greatly decreased by frequently drinking black tea, according to a meta-analysis of various research. Strokes can result in incapacitating symptoms including paralysis, weakness, and issues with balance and coordination and are typically brought on by blood clots in the brain.
Reduces Risk of Heart Disease
Some of the vascular dysfunction linked to heart disease has been found to be reversible with the use of black tea. Additionally, it can enhance blood oxidation, a crucial marker of heart health and other chronic medical conditions.
Effects That Reduce Inflammation
Thai tea is full of antioxidants that can support the maintenance of a healthy immune system, much like many types of herbal tea. According to studies, Thai tea possesses antioxidant levels that are comparable to those of green tea and other herbal teas that have become well-known for their anti-inflammatory properties.
Antibacterial Qualities
According to certain studies, dark teas like Thai tea may have antibacterial effects. Antimicrobial-containing drinks can support a healthy immune system and digestive system.
Thai Tea Risks: Potential Hazards
Thai tea has a number of health advantages, and there is no reliable evidence that drinking black tea poses any hazards to your health. Anyone who avoids caffeine for health reasons or for other reasons should avoid Thai tea since it contains caffeine.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve mastered the art of making Thai tea from scratch. With its alluring blend of black tea, sweetened condensed milk, and creamy goodness, Thai tea is a delightful beverage that will transport you to the streets of Thailand with every sip. So, the next time you crave a refreshing and exotic drink, remember this simple recipe to create a delightful cup of Thai tea in the comfort of your home.
FAQs
- Is Thai tea strong in caffeine?
- Yes, Thai tea is made from black tea leaves, which contain caffeine. However, the amount of caffeine can be adjusted by steeping the tea for a shorter duration.
- Is sweetened condensed milk necessary to create Thai tea?
- While sweetened condensed milk is a crucial ingredient in traditional Thai tea, you can experiment with alternatives like coconut milk or regular milk combined with sugar.
- Where can I find Thai tea mix or black tea leaves?
- Thai tea mix and black tea leaves are available at most Asian grocery stores or specialty tea shops. You can also find them online.
- Can I serve Thai tea hot?
- Traditionally, Thai tea is served over ice, but if you prefer it hot, you can enjoy it that way too. Simply skip adding ice and serve it warm.
- How long does Thai tea last?
- Thai tea is best enjoyed fresh, but if stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, it can last for up to 3 days. However, it’s recommended to consume it within 24 hours for the best taste and flavor.
