What Is Thai Milk Tea Made Of? Ingredients and Recipe

Thai milk tea is a popular Thai beverage served hot or cold, made from strongly brewed black tea, sugar, and milk. Its signature orange-amber color and creamy top layer make it easy to recognize, and it's a natural pairing with the spicy food Thailand is known for.

What Is Thai Milk Tea Made Of?

Traditionally, Thai tea used a local strain called Ceylon tea, but it's now more commonly made from a robust black tea blend, often flavored with warm spices like star anise, cardamom, and crushed tamarind. Some recipes also add a touch of orange flower water or natural food coloring for that classic orange hue.

The tea is brewed strong, then sweetened with sugar and evaporated or condensed milk, and typically served over ice.

Hot and Cold Varieties

Cold Thai Tea

The best-known version: strong black tea sweetened with sugar and condensed milk, served over ice with a layer of milk or cream on top.

Dark Cold Thai Tea

Served cold without milk, sweetened only with sugar — closer to traditional iced black tea.

Thai Lime Tea

The same base tea flavored with lime juice and sometimes fresh mint, sweetened with sugar.

Hot Thai Tea

Traditionally enjoyed in the morning, often alongside pathongko (Thai-style fried dough). The dark version skips the milk and is sweetened with sugar only.

How to Make Thai Milk Tea

Ingredients

• 100 g black tea (Assam works well)
• Star anise, cardamom, or tamarind pulp (cinnamon or cloves optional)
• 6 cups hot water
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup condensed milk
• 1 cup evaporated milk (or a milk of your choice)

Steps

1. Steep the tea and spices in hot water for about 5 minutes, then strain.
2. While the tea is still hot, stir in the sugar until dissolved.
3. Add the condensed milk and mix well.
4. Let the mixture cool to room temperature, or refrigerate.
5. Fill a glass with ice, pour in the tea mixture to about three-quarters full, and top with evaporated milk.

FAQ

Is Thai milk tea the same as regular milk tea?

Not quite. Thai milk tea uses a specific spiced black tea blend and gets its color from the tea itself (and sometimes food coloring), while other milk teas can use green tea, oolong, or plain black tea without the same spice mix.

Can I make Thai milk tea without condensed milk?

Yes — you can substitute regular sugar and any milk you prefer, though the flavor and texture will be lighter than the traditional version.

Does Thai milk tea have caffeine?

Yes, since it's made from black tea. A typical serving has a moderate amount of caffeine, similar to other strongly brewed black teas.

The Bottom Line

Thai milk tea is a simple combination of strongly brewed black tea, sugar, and milk, with room to customize the spice blend and sweetness to your taste. Whether you like it hot or over ice, it's an easy drink to recreate at home with just a few ingredients.

For more milk tea inspiration, see our guide to milk tea or the ultimate guide to making perfect milk tea. If you're after other iced options, check out Thai iced tea or our summertime iced tea recipes.