Thai Green Tea: Step-By-Step Recipe
Thai Green Tea is a refreshing beverage that people enjoy in Thailand for centuries. This delicious tea is known for its unique combination. It contains strong, earthy green tea, and aromatic spices such as star anise and cardamom. It has bold, bright flavours and energizing properties. Thai Green Tea has become a popular drink all around the world.
The origins of Thai Green Tea are traced back to ancient Chinese tea traditions. It was brought to Thailand by traders and merchants. Over time, the Thai people began to put their own spin on the tea. They incorporate local herbs and spices to create a distinctive flavour that is Thai.
Thai Green Tea is a tasty beverage. It is available in restaurants, and cafes all over Thailand and beyond. Whether served hot or iced, with or without milk, Thai Green Tea is a refreshing drink. This tea is perfect for any occasion. Experience the flavours of Thailand with this recipe. So why not try making your own batch of this delicious tea?
What Is Thai Green Tea?
Thai Green Tea is a type of tea made from green tea leaves and brewed with a blend of herbs and spices. Spices such as star anise, cardamom, and cinnamon, give it a unique and distinct flavour. The tea is generally sweetened with sugar and condensed milk. It adds a creamy texture and enhances the flavour.
One of the key ingredients in Thai Green Tea is pandan, a tropical plant that is native to Southeast Asia. The leaves of the pandan plant often help to flavour desserts and other sweet dishes. They use in Thai Green Tea to add a subtle, nutty flavour and aroma.
Thai Green Tea can serves hot or cold, depending on personal preference. And it often garnishes with fresh mint leaves or a slice of lemon. Tea is a popular drink in Thailand and other Southeast Asian countries. It is following in other parts of the world as well, thanks to its unique and delicious flavour.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe for Thai Green Tea works for several reasons. First of all, it uses high-quality ingredients. It includes loose-leaf green tea, fresh herbs, and spices. It ensures that the tea has a rich and authentic flavour. By using loose-leaf tea instead of tea bags, the tea can expand. It will help to release its full flavour potential, resulting in a more robust and flavourful brew.
In addition, this recipe includes a balance of sweet and creamy with the help of ingredients, such as sugar and condensed milk. It helps to balance out the strong, earthy flavour of the green tea and spices. The sweetness and creaminess of these ingredients provide a smooth and satisfying texture. It complements the bold flavour of the tea.
This recipe is adaptable and flexible, allowing for customization based on personal preference. For instance, the amount of sugar and condensed milk can adjust to taste. And the tea can serve hot or cold, depending on preference and the weather. This recipe is also easy to follow. This recipe is accessible to both experienced and novice tea makers alike.
Ingredients Required to Make Thai Green Tea
Thai Green Tea is a delicious and refreshing drink that is easy to prepare. you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 Star anise pods: These are small, star-shaped pods with a distinct liquorice-like flavour. They add a unique aromatic element to Thai Green Tea, infusing it with warm and slightly sweet notes.
- 5 Cloves: Cloves are small, dark-brown spice buds known for their strong, sweet, and slightly peppery taste. When used in Thai Green Tea, they contribute a rich and aromatic flavour that complements the other ingredients.
- 1 cup Milk: Milk is a creamy liquid often used to add richness and smoothness to beverages. In Thai Green Tea, it provides a luscious texture and balances the robust flavours of the spices and tea leaves.
- 2 tbsp Black tea leaves: Black tea leaves are fully oxidized tea leaves with a bold and robust flavour profile. They are the base ingredient of Thai Green Tea, providing a strong and slightly astringent taste.
- 1 ½ tbsp Sweetened condensed milk: Sweetened condensed milk is a thick and sweet dairy product made by removing most of the water from milk and adding sugar. It adds a creamy sweetness to Thai Green Tea, enhancing its flavour and texture.
- 1 pinch Kosher salt: Kosher salt is a type of coarse salt with a clean and mild taste. In small amounts, it helps to balance the flavours of the other ingredients in Thai Green Tea, enhancing their natural tastes.
- ¾ cup Hot water: Hot water is used to steep the tea leaves and dissolve the other ingredients. It helps to extract the flavours from the spices, tea leaves, and sweetened condensed milk, resulting in a flavorful base for Thai Green Tea.
- 2 tsp Matcha: Matcha is a finely ground green tea powder made from shade-grown tea leaves. It has a vibrant green colour and a slightly bitter taste. In Thai Green Tea, matcha adds a distinct earthiness and a deep green hue to the beverage.
- Ice: Ice is used to chill Thai Green Tea and make it a refreshing and cool drink. It helps to balance the warmth of the brewed tea and creates a pleasant contrast of temperatures.
Tools Required to Make Thai Green Tea
To make this recipe, you will need a few tools to brew tea in a proper way and with the right texture. Here are the tools you will need:
- Tea strainer or infuser: You will need a tea strainer or infuser to strain the Thai Green Tea mix and matcha tea powder. This will ensure that there are no loose leaves or clumps of powder in the tea.
- Teapot or large cup: You will need a teapot or a large cup to brew the tea. The size will depend on the amount of tea you want to make.
- Kettle: You will need a kettle to boil water for the tea. A stovetop kettle or an electric kettle will work.
- Measuring spoons: These will help to measure the Thai Green Tea mix, matcha tea powder, and sweetened condensed milk.
- Milk frother (optional): If you want to add milk foam to your Thai Green Tea, you will need a milk frother. This is optional and can skip if you prefer your tea without foam.
- Glass or cup: You will need a glass or cup to serve Thai Green Tea. It is best to use clear glass to showcase the vibrant green colour of the tea.
Thai Green Tea Recipe
Our Thai Green Tea is a beautiful combination of two teas: refreshing matcha and sweet and creamy Thai tea!
Servings: 1 Prep Time: 5 minutes Cook Time: 10 minutes Total Time: 15 minutes Course: Drinks Cuisine: Thai Calories: 206 kcal
Begin by placing the star anise and cloves in a small, dry skillet over medium-low heat. Toast them for a few minutes, or until their delightful aroma permeates the air. Once toasted, remove the spices from the heat and allow them to cool.
Using either a mallet or a rolling pin, coarsely crush the now-cooled spices, releasing their flavorful essence.
Proceed by heating the milk until it reaches a steaming point. If you prefer convenience, microwaving the milk is a suitable option. However, utilizing the stovetop method is equally effective. Once heated, add the black tea leaves and the coarsely crushed spices to the hot milk. Allow this heavenly concoction to steep for a duration of 45 minutes, allowing the flavours to meld and mingle. Once the time has elapsed, remove the solids from the milk, ensuring to press on them to extract any remaining liquid, and then gracefully bid farewell to these now-spent remnants.
Now is the right moment to incorporate the sweetened condensed milk and the pinch of salt into the aromatic mixture. Blend them with finesse until a harmonious fusion is achieved. Following this, grant the Thai tea mixture a brief respite to cool slightly, and then lovingly transfer it to the refrigerator, allowing it to continue its transformation.
Whilst Thai tea is undergoing its chilling metamorphosis, it is time to turn our attention to the matcha. Whisk the matcha powder into the hot water with care and precision, diligently working to achieve a smooth and frothy texture. Once expertly combined, set this verdant elixir aside, momentarily.
In your chosen vessel for indulgence, lovingly place a generous handful of ice, ready to embrace the forthcoming libations. With graceful fluidity, pour the Thai tea into the glass, followed by the matcha, each layer gently intertwining with the other. Before savouring this delightfully refreshing beverage, grant it a final stir, ensuring the culmination of all its flavours. Now, with the cup in hand, embrace the moment, and revel in the pleasures of your creation!
Thai Green Tea: Nutritional Information
Calories: 206 kcal
Carbohydrates: 27 g
Protein: 8 g
Fat: 7 g
Saturated Fat: 4 g
Cholesterol: 27 mg
Sodium: 105 mg
Potassium: 287 mg
Sugar: 27 g
Vitamin A: 415 IU
Vitamin C: 1 mg
Calcium: 232 mg
Iron: 1 mg
Tips To Make The Best Thai Green Tea
If you want to make the best Thai Green Tea, here are some tips to follow:
- Use high-quality ingredients: Use good quality tea mix, matcha powder, and milk. It will affect the taste of your Thai Green Tea. Make sure to use high-quality ingredients to get the best results.
- Brew the tea in a proper way: To get the perfect balance of flavour and aroma, it is important to brew the tea. Follow the instructions with care and don’t rush the process.
- Refilter the tea: Refilter the tea at least two more times. It will extract more flavour from the tea. This will result in a richer and more flavourful tea.
- Use sweetened condensed and evaporated milk: These have a great flavour. This is what makes the tea creamy and sweet. Make sure to use the right proportions and mix them well.
- Add matcha powder for colour and flavour: Matcha powder adds a vibrant green colour to the tea. It also enhances the flavour of the tea. Make sure to add it at the right time to get the best results.
- Top off with milk foam (optional): Milk foam adds a nice touch to the tea and can make it much more appealing. Use a milk frother to create a creamy foam and top off the tea with it.
By following these tips, you can make the best Thai Green Tea that is creamy, flavourful, and very appealing. Enjoy your homemade Thai Green Tea and impress your guests with your tea-making skills.
Storing & Freezing
You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in a covered container. Make sure to cool the tea down to room temperature before storing it in the fridge. It is best to consume the tea within 2 days for the best flavour.
If you want to freeze it, I recommend freezing it without the milk. You can freeze the tea in ice cube trays and use them later to make a refreshing Thai iced tea. Mix the tea cubes with milk, sugar, and ice in a blender to make a delicious and creamy drink.
When freezing it, make sure to transfer it to an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag. It will help to prevent freezer burn. Thai Green Tea can store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Before consuming frozen tea, make sure to defrost it. You can defrost it in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for a few hours. Once defrosted, you can reheat the tea or mix it with milk and ice for a refreshing drink.
FAQs
Is Thai Green Tea Healthy?
Thai Green Tea has several potential health benefits due to its ingredients. Here are some of the ways in which Thai Green Tea can be healthy:
- Antioxidants: Green tea contains a rich amount of antioxidants (such as polyphenols and catechins). It can help to protect against cellular damage caused by free radicals.
- Boosts metabolism: Green tea contains caffeine and catechins. It may help to increase the metabolism and promote fat burning.
- Reduces the risk of diseases: Drinking green tea daily has associated with your health. It helps to reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and some types of cancer.
- Lowers cholesterol: The antioxidants are present in green tea. It may help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels.
- Promotes relaxation: Green tea contains an amino acid called L-theanine. It may promote relaxation and reduce stress levels.
It’s important to note that Thai Green Tea is sweetened with condensed milk and sugar. It can add calories and added sugars to your diet. If you’re looking to reap the potential health benefits of green tea, it’s best to enjoy it unsweetened. As per concern, you can also use natural sweeteners such as honey or stevia.
What Is The Difference Between Thai Tea And Thai Green Tea?
Thai tea is a black tea that is generally brewed with spices. Spices include star anise and cinnamon, along with sugar and condensed milk. It gives it a sweet and creamy flavour. The distinctive orange colour of Thai tea comes from the addition of food colouring.
Thai Green Tea, on the other side, consists of green tea leaves. It generally brews with a blend of herbs and spices, such as pandan leaves, lemongrass, and ginger. It is sweet with sugar and condensed milk. Some recipes use coconut milk or other natural sweeteners for sweetness.
Both Thai tea and Thai Green Tea are sweet and creamy, but they have different flavour profiles. It is due to the type of tea used and the addition of different herbs and spices. Thai tea has a stronger and more distinct flavour due to the black tea base and the addition of spices. Thai Green Tea has a lighter and more refreshing taste.
Why Is Thai Green Tea So Green?
Thai Green Tea gets its green colour from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, which helps to make the tea. Green tea leaves are not oxidized during processing. It means that they do not lose their natural green colour. This is different from black tea, which contains tea leaves that have been fully oxidized. It gives them a darker colour and a stronger flavour.
Can I Drink Thai Tea Everyday?
Thai tea is a delicious and refreshing beverage, it is important to consume it in moderation. And if you are sensitive to caffeine or sugar you should drink this for sure. Thai tea contains high amounts of sugar and condensed milk. In addition, it can contribute to weight gain, tooth decay, and other health issues if consumed in excess.
It is best to consume Thai tea and other sugary or caffeinated beverages in moderation. Therefore, it is an important part of a balanced and varied diet. It includes plenty of water, whole foods, and nutrient-dense snacks.
Is Thai Tea Stronger Than Coffee?
It is difficult to compare the strength of Thai tea and coffee as it depends on several factors. It includes the type and amount of tea or coffee used, the brewing method, and personal preference.
But as per caffeine content, coffee generally contains more caffeine than Thai tea. A cup of coffee contains around 95 mg of caffeine. A cup of Thai tea may contain around 20-60 mg of caffeine, depending on the brand and recipe.
The strength of a beverage is not only determined by its caffeine content. Thai tea may have a strong flavour due to the addition of spices like cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom. Also because of the use of condensed milk or other sweeteners.
In Conclusion
Thai Green Tea is a delicious and refreshing beverage. You can enjoy it at any time of day. With its vibrant green colour and fragrant aroma, it is a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds. While making it may seem daunting at first, it is actually quite simple. You can make it at home with a few basic ingredients and tools.
To make it, it is important to use high-quality ingredients. For instance, Thai Green Tea mix, matcha tea powder, sweetened condensed milk, and evaporated milk. Brewed the tea in a filter sock and poured through several times to extract more flavour. Then mix it with the sweetened milk mixture to create a creamy and indulgent beverage.
Thai Green Tea does contain caffeine and sugar, it is still in moderation as part of a healthy and balanced diet. Choose natural sweeteners and avoid excessive amounts of sugar. it will help you to enjoy the delicious taste and maintain your health.
All over, making it is a fun and rewarding experience. So why not give it a try and discover the delicious taste of this beloved beverage from Thailand?
Thai Green Tea: Step-By-Step Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 Star anise pods
- 5 Cloves
- 1 cup of Milk
- 2 tbsp Black tea leaves
- 1½ tbsp Sweetened condensed milk
- 1 pinch of Kosher salt
- ¾ cup of Hot water
- 2 tsp Matcha
- Ice
Instructions
- Begin by placing the star anise and cloves in a small, dry skillet over medium-low heat. Toast them for a few minutes, or until their delightful aroma permeates the air. Once toasted, remove the spices from the heat and allow them to cool.
- Using either a mallet or a rolling pin, coarsely crush the now-cooled spices, releasing their flavorful essence.
- Proceed by heating the milk until it reaches a steaming point. If you prefer convenience, microwaving the milk is a suitable option. However, utilizing the stovetop method is equally effective. Once heated, add the black tea leaves and the coarsely crushed spices to the hot milk. Allow this heavenly concoction to steep for a duration of 45 minutes, allowing the flavours to meld and mingle. Once the time has elapsed, remove the solids from the milk, ensuring to press on them to extract any remaining liquid, and then gracefully bid farewell to these now-spent remnants.
- Now is the right moment to incorporate the sweetened condensed milk and the pinch of salt into the aromatic mixture. Blend them with finesse until a harmonious fusion is achieved. Following this, grant the Thai tea mixture a brief respite to cool slightly, and then lovingly transfer it to the refrigerator, allowing it to continue its transformation.
- Whilst Thai tea is undergoing its chilling metamorphosis, it is time to turn our attention to the matcha. Whisk the matcha powder into the hot water with care and precision, diligently working to achieve a smooth and frothy texture. Once expertly combined, set this verdant elixir aside, momentarily.
- In your chosen vessel for indulgence, lovingly place a generous handful of ice, ready to embrace the forthcoming libations. With graceful fluidity, pour the Thai tea into the glass, followed by the matcha, each layer gently intertwining with the other. Before savouring this delightfully refreshing beverage, grant it a final stir, ensuring the culmination of all its flavours. Now, with the cup in hand, embrace the moment, and revel in the pleasures of your creation!
Notes
- Use high-quality ingredients: Use good quality tea mix, matcha powder, and milk. It will affect the taste of your Thai Green Tea. Make sure to use high-quality ingredients to get the best results.
- Brew the tea in a proper way: To get the perfect balance of flavour and aroma, it is important to brew the tea. Follow the instructions with care and don't rush the process.
- Refilter the tea: Refilter the tea at least two more times. It will extract more flavour from the tea. This will result in a richer and more flavourful tea.
- Use sweetened condensed and evaporated milk: These have a great flavour. This is what makes the tea creamy and sweet. Make sure to use the right proportions and mix them well.
- Add matcha powder for colour and flavour: Matcha powder adds a vibrant green colour to the tea. It also enhances the flavour of the tea. Make sure to add it at the right time to get the best results.
- Top off with milk foam (optional): Milk foam adds a nice touch to the tea and can make it much more appealing. Use a milk frother to create a creamy foam and top off the tea with it.
