Make-Ahead Thai Iced Tea with Condensed Coconut Milk

Ingredients

• 1 cup Coconut cream
• 0.333 cup Cane sugar (For the condensed coconut milk)
• 1 cup Black tea leaves (Assam)
• 2 Cinnamon sticks
• 3 Star anise
• Salt (Generous pinch)
• 0.5 tsp Vanilla extract
• 0.25 cup Cane sugar (For the tea base)
• 4 cups Water (Hot)
• 0.25 cup Oat milk or coconut milk (For the base; use oat or coconut milk. A little extra is used to top each drink, amount unspecified.)
• Ice cubes (For serving; pack each cup with ice)

Steps

1. 1

   Add the coconut cream and the 1/3 cup cane sugar for the condensed coconut milk to a small saucepan. Stir as you bring the mixture to a boil.

2. 2

   Lower the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent boiling over. Avoid overcooking; the mixture will thicken further as it cools.

3. 3

   Transfer the condensed coconut milk to a container and let it cool completely before storing.

4. 4

   Place the Assam tea leaves in a large heatproof bowl.

5. 5

   Coarsely crush the cinnamon sticks and star anise with a pestle and mortar.

6. 6

   Heat a frying pan over medium heat. Add the crushed spices and toast for a few minutes, stirring, until aromatic. Turn off the heat and transfer the spices to the bowl with the tea leaves.

7. 7

   Add the salt, vanilla extract, 1/4 cup cane sugar, and hot water to the bowl. Stir well and steep for 3–5 minutes.

8. 8

   Pour the tea through a sieve into another bowl to catch the tea leaves and spices. Let the tea base cool before refrigerating if not using right away.

9. 9

   To make one drink, combine 1 cup of tea base with 2 tablespoons of condensed coconut milk and stir well.

10. 10

    Fill a cup with ice cubes and pour in the tea mixture.

11. 11

    Top with a little oat or coconut milk, stir, and serve.

Notes

The condensed coconut milk makes enough for about 4–6 drinks; the tea base makes about 4 drinks. The video suggests refrigerating the cooled condensed coconut milk and tea base; each should keep for up to a few weeks. The written directions specify 1/4 cup oat or coconut milk in the tea base, while the spoken method uses a little milk to top each prepared drink; no amount for topping is given. Ice quantity is also unspecified.

Nutrition per serving

• drink
• dessert-like
• vegetarian
• dairy-free option
• make-ahead
• iced
• Southeast Asian