How To Make Iced Thai Green Tea

There’s something downright magical, don’t you think, about that dreamy green color in a glass with ice?

Thai green milk tea is one of those things I instantly and irreversibly fell in love with the first time I tried it at a tiny Thai eatery nestled between a laundromat and nail salon.

Ever since, I’ve been just a tiny bit obsessed with trying to re-create that creamy, slightly floral and perfectly sweet flavor at home, and I think I’ve finally got it down.

And if you’ve been wondering how to make Thai iced green tea at home, especially the one with the swoon-worthy swirl of milk, this post is for you.

Whether you’re looking for a cozy afternoon pick-me-up or an ice-cold refreshment on a balmy day, this tea recipe is deceptively simple and fully adaptable.

So get yourself something cozy to pour and we’ll dive right into all the cozy, green tea magic.

What Exactly Is Thai Green Tea?

Thai green tea is a refreshing and colorful adaptation of the classic Thai tea.

Instead of the deep orange that tends to color Thai iced tea, this version incorporates green tea mix, one usually spiked with jasmine or matcha, for a bright, refreshing drink that’s faintly floral, a little earthy and downright addictive.

It is typically made with sweetened condensed milk and evaporated milk over brewed green tea or occasionally matcha, and served cold over ice. It’s Thai milk tea’s demure, jade-tinted cousin.

How Do You Make Thai Green Tea at Home?

Here’s my go-to setup when I want to make Thai green tea from scratch. Nothing fancy. Just a few good ingredients, some ice, and a glass that makes you smile.

Ingredients (And Cozy Substitutions)

What you’ll need:

• 2 tablespoons Thai green tea mix (or jasmine green tea leaves if you want something more natural)
• 1 cup hot water (not boiling, around 190°F is perfect)
• 1–2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk (depends how sweet you like it)
• 1 tablespoon evaporated milk
• Ice cubes (lots!)

Optional: A splash of whole milk or oat milk if you like it creamier

How to Make It (Step-by-Step)

Steep the tea. Scoop the Thai green tea mix into a Teavana-esque tea sock or French press, pour in the hot water and let it steep for some 5 minutes. This allows it to truly soak in that earthy, floral flavor.

Strain it. After the steeping the tea, pour out the liquid in a heat-proof cup. If I’m drinking a mix rather than loose jasmine green tea leaves, the double strain keeps it on the smooth side.

Pour over ice. After the steeping the tea, pour out the liquid in a heat-proof cup. If I’m drinking a mix rather than loose jasmine green tea leaves, the double strain keeps it on the smooth side.

Sweeten it up. Add condensed milk while it’s hot so the ice cream melts. Then let it cool at room temperature or in the fridge.

And there you go, your pretty home-made café-style Thai milk green tea.

It’s a total mood.

Is Dairy-Free an Option?

Absolutely. I tested it with oat milk, coconut milk and almond milk, and here’s what I realised:

• Coconut milk will lend the most creamy flavor (it’s great).
• Oat milk is creamiest and tastes yummy (also goes well with coffee).
• Almond milk is fine, but requires a little more sweetener to taste better.

Simply sub the sweetened condensed milk for coconut condensed milk, or a little maple syrup, and your favorite plant milk will work for the swirl.

Thai Green Tea vs. Thai Iced Tea: What’s the Difference?

Let’s break it down:

	Thai Iced Tea	Thai Green Milk Tea
Color	Reddish-orange	Bright green or jade
Base	Black tea or Thai tea mix	Green tea or Thai green mix
Flavor	Strong, sweet, spiced	Floral, light, creamy
Traditional?	Yes	A more modern variation

 They’re both refreshing drinks and absolutely perfect over ice with that dreamy milk swirl. So maybe don’t make us choose?

What Are the Benefits of Green Tea in This Drink?

So not only is it pretty much the dreamiest drink to sip on a hot, sunny afternoon, Thai green tea also has a couple of teeny health perks up its sleeve. I mean, we love a treat that loves us in return, yes?

First and foremost, of course, is the antioxidants naturally present in green tea. The good: Good for your skin; helps ward off the not-so-fun stuff in your body; and gives your heart some reinforcements.

And because Thai green tea is brewed with green tea leaves (or a green tea blend), you’re drinking in some of that easy, breezy goodness with every cup.

And there’s enough caffeine in there to get you a lift, but it won’t make you too jittery, it hits the same “ahh, I can feel human again” focus. Excellent for when you’re trying to hold yourself together after lunch, yet also don’t want to be in a slump by 4 p.m.

And have you ever had Thai food chased by pulsating green milk tea? You know what is, it’s perfect after a sumptuous meal. Green tea is commonly thought to aid digestion, so it’s kind of a warm, creamy finish that makes sense.

A tiny sweet romance for you and your body. I’ll take that any day.

Where I Usually Find Thai Green Tea Mix

If I’m already online shopping (a.k.a. sipping tea in sweatpants), I’ll look at specialty tea websites or get this ChaTraMue Thai Green Tea Mix on Amazon

Quick aside: always scan the label. Some Thai tea mixes include flavoring or sweeteners in addition to the base.

And if you like to be in more control of the flavor, feel free to begin with jasmine green tea leaves and experiment by adding a touch of pandan or even some matcha for that natural green hue. It’s kind of fun to adjust it to your liking, actually.