Does thai iced Tea have caffeine and How to Make It?
What is Thai Iced Tea?
Thai iced tea is a popular cold beverage originating from Thailand, known for its unique flavors that many people enjoy. The main ingredient is black tea, typically sourced from regions like Sri Lanka (Ceylon tea) or India (Assam tea, Darjeeling tea). These black teas have a rich and robust flavor, making them perfect for pairing with sweet milk and spices, which creates the distinctive taste of Thai iced tea. Additionally, sugar, evaporated milk, or sweetened condensed milk is often added, along with optional spices like star anise or cardamom.
To prepare Thai iced tea, gather the following ingredients: black tea (preferably a blend of Thai black tea), sugar, spices (such as star anise and cardamom, optional), and evaporated milk or sweetened condensed milk. Follow these specific steps to create the perfect cup:
- Boil Water: Start by boiling 960 milliliters (about 4 cups) of water.
- Add Tea Leaves: Once the water is boiling, add 15-20 grams of black tea leaves and any star anise (if using). Let it steep for 3-5 minutes.
- Add Sugar: After brewing, stir in 50 grams of white sugar until fully dissolved.
- Strain: Use a strainer to remove the tea leaves and star anise, leaving only the tea infusion. Allow the tea to cool slightly, then refrigerate until thoroughly chilled.
- Prepare Glasses: Fill tall glasses with ice cubes, about two-thirds full.
- Pour Tea: Pour the cooled tea over the ice, filling each glass about three-quarters full.
- Add Milk: Pour in 60 milliliters (about 1/4 cup) of evaporated milk or sweetened condensed milk, adjusting the amount according to your taste preference.
- Stir and Enjoy: Stir well before drinking, or leave it layered for a beautiful presentation.
Does thai iced Tea have caffeine?
Yes, Thai iced tea typically contains caffeine since it is made from black tea, which inherently has caffeine. It's important to note that Thai iced tea often uses crushed tea leaves or tea powder, which can release caffeine more quickly. During the brewing process, the tea leaves are in contact with hot water for an extended period, allowing more caffeine to be extracted. Consequently, the caffeine content in Thai iced tea may be higher compared to regular steeped whole leaf tea.
While the addition of milk and sugar makes the drink taste milder, the overall caffeine content can still be substantial. If you're concerned about its effects on your sleep, it’s advisable to avoid consuming Thai iced tea in the evening and instead enjoy it during the afternoon.
SEE MORE
If you have questions about selecting tea:
Learn-more-about-chinese-tea
If you have questions about the benefits of tea:
Health-benefits-of-chinese-tea
If you have questions about brewing tea:
How-to-brew-loose-leaf-tea