# Authentic Thai Iced Tea Cha Yen with Condensed Milk > Cha Yen (Thai iced tea) is a sweet, creamy street-style beverage made from strongly brewed Thai tea, condensed milk and a splash of evaporated milk. This recipe yields layered, vividly colored glasses that are simple to make at home and perfect for warm afternoons or serving with spicy meals. Canonical URL: https://www.topshelf.recipes/recipes/authentic-thai-iced-tea-cha-yen-condensed-milk ## Author Jake Woods https://www.topshelf.recipes/chef/jake-woods Published: June 26, 2026 Last Updated: September 3, 2026 ## About This Recipe Cha Yen — Thai iced tea — is one of those deceptively simple street drinks that reads sweet and creamy on the first sip but actually lives in the space where bold black tea meets rich dairy and a whisper of spice. This recipe reproduces the classic vivid orange concentrate you find from Bangkok vendors: a strong, fragrant brew sweetened lightly in the pot, measured sweetness added at the glass with sweetened condensed milk, and finished with evaporated milk for that signature marbled top. The combination delivers brisk tannins, caramelized sugar notes, and a silky, almost custardy mouthfeel; star anise is optional but recommended for a subtle anise fragrance that nods to the street version. What makes this version work at home is control — steep a short, concentrated brew (5–7 minutes), press the leaves for maximum flavor, then chill so the tea pours cleanly over ice and layers attractively against the condensed milk. It’s an ideal companion to spicy or aromatic dishes (think papaya salad or satay), and it’s forgiving: adjust condensed milk to taste, swap evaporated milk for half-and-half for extra richness, or make a dairy-free coconut variant. With a few small technique touches — pre-chilled glasses, fine straining, and careful pouring — you get that showy, cafe-quality drink in under 15 minutes. ## Recipe Information - Prep Time: 5 minutes - Cook Time: 10 minutes - Total Time: 15 minutes - Servings: 6 - Difficulty: Easy - Category: Drinks ## Ingredients ### Brew a strong tea concentrate - 4 tablespoons Thai tea mix (Cha Yen tea blend) - 2 pieces Star anise (optional) - 4 tablespoons Granulated sugar - 4 cups Boiling water ### Prepare glasses with condensed milk and ice - 1/2 cup Sweetened condensed milk - 4 cups Ice cubes ### Assemble and top with evaporated milk - 1 cup Evaporated milk (or half-and-half for creamier finish) ## Ingredient Guide ### Thai tea mix (Cha Yen tea blend) Thai tea mix is a commercial blend used to make Cha Yen, typically based on strong black tea (often Ceylon or Assam) combined with spices, orange-hued coloring, and sometimes vanilla or tamarind. It comes from Thailand and yields a very bold, sweet, creamy tea with floral, slightly spiced and anise-like notes. You can buy it at Asian groceries, specialty tea shops, or online; if you can’t find it, brew a very strong black tea with a pinch of ground star anise and/or crushed cardamom plus a touch of vanilla or orange blossom water, then sweeten with sweetened condensed milk. ### Star anise (optional) Star anise is a star-shaped spice native to East Asia (Illicium verum) with a potent licorice/anise aroma used to infuse broths, teas, and spice blends. It’s common in Chinese, Vietnamese and Southeast Asian cooking and adds warm, sweet‑spicy depth when steeped whole. Find it in the spice aisle, Asian markets, or online; use a small pinch of ground anise seed or crushed fennel as a substitute if necessary. ## Instructions ### 1. Brew a strong tea concentrate Place the Thai tea mix, star anise (if using), and granulated sugar in a heatproof pitcher or bowl. Pour 4 cups (960 ml) of just-boiled water over the tea, stir to dissolve the sugar, and steep 5–7 minutes until the liquid is deep orange and fragrant. ### 2. Strain and cool the tea Strain the brew through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean pitcher, pressing the leaves to extract flavor. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed, then let the concentrate cool to room temperature; refrigerate until cold if you prefer a very chilled drink. ### 3. Prepare glasses with condensed milk and ice Add about 1–2 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk to each glass, adjusting to taste for sweetness and creaminess. Fill each glass generously with ice cubes to chill and create the layered look when you pour the tea. ### 4. Assemble and top with evaporated milk Pour the cooled tea concentrate over the ice and condensed milk in each glass until about three-quarters full. Finish by gently pouring evaporated milk (or half-and-half) over the top so it floats and creates the signature marbled effect; stir before drinking to combine. ### 5. Serve and store leftovers Serve immediately with a straw so drinkers can swirl the layers together. Store any leftover tea concentrate refrigerated up to 3–4 days and shake or stir before using; keep condensed and evaporated milk sealed in the fridge per package instructions. ## Nutrition Estimated nutrition per serving (about 13 fl oz): - Calories: 218 kcal - Protein: 9.7 g - Carbohydrates: 32.2 g - Fat: 8.7 g - Saturated Fat: 2.2 g - Trans Fat: 0 g - Fiber: 4.9 g - Sugar: 9.6 g - Added Sugars: 8.3 g - Cholesterol: 13 mg - Sodium: 69 mg - Potassium: 647 mg - Calcium: 357 mg - Iron: 12.4 mg - Vitamin D: 0 mcg ## Tips ### Use a fine sieve Strain the brew through a fine-mesh sieve or double-layered cheesecloth to remove tiny tea particles that cloud and muddy the drink. ### Press to extract flavor After steeping press the tea leaves gently with the back of a spoon to squeeze out concentrated flavor without over-steeping the solids. ### Pre-chill the glass Rinsing or chilling glasses in the freezer for a few minutes helps the condensed milk stay settled and enhances the marbled layering when you pour the tea. ### Float milk slowly To create the layered marbling, pour evaporated milk over the back of a spoon or down the inside edge of the glass so it doesn’t immediately mix with the tea. ### Adjust sweetness in stages Sweeten the concentrate lightly and add additional condensed milk at the glass so drinkers can control sweetness without losing the tea’s bright edge. ## Variations and Substitutions ### Vegan coconut cha yen Replace condensed milk with canned sweetened condensed coconut milk (or simmer full-fat coconut milk with sugar until reduced) and top with chilled coconut cream for a dairy-free version. ### Lower-sugar option Skip the sugar in the brew and use just 1 tablespoon condensed milk per glass, or substitute a sugar syrup made from erythritol for a reduced-calorie twist. ### Spiced tea blend Add 2 crushed green cardamom pods and a small strip of star anise to the tea while steeping for a more aromatic, chai-adjacent flavor profile. ### Rooibos Thai-style For a caffeine-free alternative, substitute rooibos tea for the Thai black tea and follow the same method for a naturally sweet, nutty iced drink. ## Notes This recipe recreates the classic street-cart Cha Yen with an easy concentrate you can make ahead. Home cooks will love how striking and satisfying the layered pour looks and how easily you can scale it for guests. ### Storage and Make-Ahead Store any leftover tea concentrate in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days; shake or stir well before using as the solids can settle. Keep opened cans of condensed and evaporated milk refrigerated and refrigerated per package directions. Do not assemble mixed drinks ahead if you want the layered presentation; combine just before serving. Avoid freezing after the milks are added because texture and separation will degrade. ### Serving Suggestions Serve Cha Yen with spicy Thai dishes like som tam (green papaya salad), grilled chicken satay, or a rich coconut curry to balance heat with sweet creaminess. For snacks and desserts, pair with mango sticky rice or lightly salted fried wontons; present in tall glasses with wide straws and a short spoon so guests can stir as they like. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Why is my tea not bright orange? Many commercial Thai tea blends include a natural or food coloring to achieve that vivid orange hue; if you use plain black tea (Assam or Ceylon) the color will be darker and less orange but the flavor will still be good. ### Can I make this drink dairy-free? Yes — swap sweetened condensed milk for canned sweetened condensed coconut milk or make your own by simmering coconut milk with sugar; finish with chilled coconut cream or full-fat coconut milk instead of evaporated milk. ### How do I prevent bitterness? Avoid over-steeping — 5–7 minutes for a strong concentrate is enough — and press the leaves once then remove them; if your tea is still bitter, reduce steep time or use a tea blend with a milder profile. ### Can I prepare the tea ahead of time? Yes, brew and refrigerate the concentrate up to 3–4 days ahead; keep the milks sealed separately and assemble over ice just before serving to preserve the layered look. ### What’s the best way to get that marbled top? Add condensed milk to the glass first, fill with ice and tea, then gently pour evaporated milk over the back of a spoon or down the glass wall so it floats and forms the signature marbling. ### Can I use loose-leaf black tea instead? You can — use a robust black tea like Assam or a strong Ceylon and adjust the quantity to taste; be mindful that plain black teas lack the orange-hued dyes and some proprietary Thai blends include additional aromatic ingredients. ## Related Recipes and Guides - [Brown Butter Dalgona](https://www.topshelf.recipes/recipes/brown-butter-dalgona) - [Mushroom Mocha Latte](https://www.topshelf.recipes/recipes/mushroom-mocha-latte) - [Hibiscus Cold Brew Fizz](https://www.topshelf.recipes/recipes/hibiscus-cold-brew-fizz) - [Boozy Red White Blue Popsicles (Vodka Ice Pops for Adults)](https://www.topshelf.recipes/recipes/boozy-red-white-blue-popsicles-vodka-ice-pops-for-adults) - [Hibiscus Simple Syrup](https://www.topshelf.recipes/recipes/hibiscus-simple-syrup) - [Affogato with Caramel](https://www.topshelf.recipes/recipes/affogato-with-caramel-salted-cookie) - [Trending Grillside Drinks for 2026: Cocktails, Low‑ABV Sippers, and Non‑Alcoholic Pairings to Elevate Backyard BBQ](https://www.topshelf.recipes/articles/trending-grillside-drinks-2026-cocktails-low-abv-non-alcoholic-pairings) - [Blue Drinks at Home: Natural Color Techniques + 10 Viral Blue Cocktail & Mocktail Recipes](https://www.topshelf.recipes/articles/blue-drinks-natural-ingredients-10-viral-recipes) - [Gluten-Free Weeknight Grilling Plan](https://www.topshelf.recipes/articles/gluten-free-weeknight-grilling-plan)