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The Recipe · No.589 · Thai Iced Tea

Thai Iced Tea, and where to source it

Thai Iced Tea — 5best2buy.com 5BEST2BUY.COM Thai Iced Tea Thai 5best2buy.com

Thai tea is a strong black tea steeped hard, sweetened while hot, then chilled and poured over ice with condensed milk floated on top. Steep it long and strong — four to five minutes minimum — because the ice and milk will dilute it, and a weak brew disappears.

By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026

Prep5 min
Cook10 min
Makes2 servings
CuisineThai
Cost$
VegetarianGluten-free
Contains  dairy
Make it vegan: use plant milk, oil, or a vegan cheese for the dairy.
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for 2 servings
Our ratio, your call. The amounts below are a tested starting point — a version, not the one and only. Anything tagged to taste is the knob you turn: start there, then make it yours.
Black tea
Thai tea mix or a strong Ceylon black; steep it hard so it survives the ice and milk.
4 tbsprecommended
Source it →
Sugar
Dissolved into the hot tea before it chills; the drink is meant to be sweet.
3 tbsprecommended
Source it →
Sweetened condensed milk
Some in the tea, some floated on top for the two-tone look and rich finish.
3 tbsprecommended
Source it →
Ice
A tall glass packed with ice; pour the sweet tea over and top with milk.
2 cupsrecommended
Local / market
The Rundown
Greedometer ●●●●● Barely a splurge
A light hand — your arteries say thanks.
EffortSome doing
Cook it with
No-cook
The Method
  1. Steep strongSteep the tea in just-off-boil water for 4 to 5 minutes; it should be very dark.
  2. Sweeten hotStrain, then stir in the sugar and a little condensed milk while the tea is still hot.
  3. ChillLet the sweet tea cool to room temperature or chill it in the fridge.
  4. Build the glassPour over a tall glass of ice and float condensed milk on top; stir before drinking.
The Toolkit

Saucepan · Fine strainer · Tall glass · Long spoon · Measuring spoons

Straight Answers
Can you make Thai Iced Tea ahead of time? — Partly

You can batch the mix and keep it cold, but add the ice, soda, and garnish and shake or stir to order — a made-up drink goes flat and watery if it sits.

Is Thai Iced Tea gluten-free? — Yes

Yes — nothing in this recipe as written contains gluten. As always, glance at the labels on any packaged items (broth, sauces, chocolate), since brands vary.

Is Thai Iced Tea vegan? — Vegetarian, not vegan

It’s vegetarian but not vegan as written — it has dairy. Make it vegan: use plant milk, oil, or a vegan cheese for the dairy.

Community Notes

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© 2026 5best2buy.com · Recipe No.589

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