How To Make Thai Iced Tea

If you have ever traveled to Thailand, or even just frequented your local Thai restaurant, you are certainly acquainted with the allure of the famed Thai iced tea (cha yen to the Thai population). Creamy deliciousness, deep amber color, poured over a tall glass of crushed ice-- this sweet, refreshing blend is a perfect complement to the Thai heat (both the weather and the food). It’s subtle hints of vanilla, anise, tamarind and cardamom create a Southeast Asian paradise for your palate. I begin craving it immediately after stepping off the plane in Phuket. Blessedly, The Deck restaurant at the marina offers an excellent version of this Thai favorite and is always at the top of my list when we arrive. Wooden chairs on wooden patio perched above the Andaman Sea. Overhead fans and cheerful blue cushions. Yachties from all over the world taking in the view of the boats and the harbor. The rustle of trees in the balmy breeze, a bowl of Thai peanuts with fresh toasted basil and lemongrass, and a tall, icy glass of Thai iced tea. Just makes my heart happy. And while it is rare for me to enjoy a dessert drink—I am so fond of this one, that I learned how to make my own here at home. Perfect for when you’re in the mood for palm trees, jasmine scented breeze, emerald water, and a wooden longtail boat on the horizon.

ingredients:

• 1 cup Pantai Thai Tea Mix

• 4 cups water

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (or you can sweeten with Stevia later)

• Your choice of dairy/non-dairy creamer

Directions:

1. Bring the water to a boil and add the tea mix. Then add sugar and stir until completely

dissolved. Gently boil tea for about 3 minutes. Remove from heat.

2. Steep the tea for at least 30 minutes.

3. Strain the tea leaves and allow the tea to cool. Place the tea in the refrigerator and chill.

4. Fill glasses with ice and pour the Thai tea until the glasses are about 3⁄4 full. Top off with your

choice of creamer.

-half & half or whole milk

-evaporated milk

-coconut milk

-evaporated milk or half & half mixed with sweetened condensed milk is my favorite