Tasty Thai Tea

Ever wondered how Thai tea is made and the history behind it? We’ve taken a deep dive into learning about the drink to give insight on its origin. Traditional Thai tea is made using Ceylon, an expensive component that, in some cases, is substituted with Bai Miang, a locally grown landrace version of Assam, a black tea that took its name from Assam, India, the place where it was widely grown. Other ingredients used in making Thai tea include orange blossom water, crushed tamarind, vanilla, cinnamon, red or yellow food coloring, and star anise. These are proportionally blended to give the tea a unique taste. 

Because of the spices used and additional yellow and red food colors added, Thai tea usually has a bright orange color. It’s sweetened with sugar and taken with or without milk. Owing to the Thailand climate, Thai tea is typically poured over crushed ice in tall plastic cups and sold in market stalls or on the streets by vendors. Say hello to this tasty iced tea! 

The Origin of Thai Tea

As to when the original Thai tea – a mixture of black tea, condensed milk and sometimes ice - was invented remains unknown. History, however, states that tea drinking was introduced in Thailand by the British among other foreigners living in Thailand between 1804 and 1854. The English, for example, brought with them their tea, presumably English tea. 

During this period, tea was a privilege enjoyed by the lofty in Thailand. After tea was brewed and served to the upper class, domestic workers would then be allowed to take the used leaves and brew tea for themselves. 

Since the flavor and color of the tea faded after the first brew, the workers added orange color and flavor to make the tea tasty and drinkable once again. This orange-colored tea later became traditional Thailand tea. 

Later, condensed milk and spices were added to the traditional tea, a recipe that was influenced by the Indian Chai. And this became known as the Thai tea. 

Today, this tea is widely known and enjoyed in Asia and the United States. In America, it’s served in Thai restaurants plain. In other cases, however, tapioca pearls are added to it to make Bubble tea. 

Magic Cup Thai Tea

At Magic Cup, we offer Thai milk tea and Thai Green milk tea. These drinks are made using our made-from-scratch Thai tea and half n half. If you’d like to enjoy the normal Thai milk tea, we have our take on the classic drink ready for you to enjoy. However, if you’re looking for something different, give our Thai green milk tea a try. 

Instead of the traditional orange color of the Thai tea, our Thai Green Milk Tea has a minty green color, and its taste is much more fruity and floral than the normal Thai tea. It’s made of highly concentrated green tea leaves combined with the freshness of mint and the sweet scent of jasmine. Compared to the normal Thai milk tea, this tea is more nutritious as it contains most of the naturally occurring vitamins in green tea leaves. 

How To Prepare Thai Milk Tea

The classic base for Thai tea is a strong black tea. In addition to the tea leaves, crushed spices are incorporated in the tea to make it tasty. The leaves are then brewed for a long time. Once a perfect brew is achieved, add your choice of half n half or condensed milk, followed by crushed ice to make the famous Thai milk iced tea.

If you love spiced ice tea, you’ll love the tasty Thai tea more.

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901 N. Jupiter Rd. #150
Richardson, TX 75081
214-812-9693

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11724 Bellaire Blvd.
Houston, TX 77072
832-906-2200