Thai Tea vs Green Thai Tea
When the sun is blazing and the days feel endless, there’s nothing like a chilled glass of Thai iced tea to cool you down. But did you know there are actually two popular versions of Thai iced tea—the classic Thai tea and green Thai tea? Both are creamy, sweet, and deeply refreshing, yet they’re distinct in flavor and color. Let’s explore these two summertime treats!
🍂 Thai Tea (Cha Yen)
Flavor Profile:
Classic Thai tea is made from strongly brewed black tea—often infused with star anise, crushed tamarind, and cardamom, creating a rich and robust flavor with hints of spice and earthiness. Sweetened condensed milk gives it that signature creamy, velvety texture, while sugar balances out the strong tea notes. Served over ice, it’s a perfect marriage of sweet, creamy, and slightly spicy.
Color & Presentation:
This tea’s iconic burnt orange color comes from the addition of food coloring (though some traditional blends get this color from the tannins in the tea itself). It’s usually served in a tall glass, with a dramatic pour of condensed milk swirling through the bright tea.
🌿 Green Thai Tea (Cha Kiao Yen)
Flavor Profile:
Green Thai tea uses a green tea base (often jasmine green tea) instead of black tea. It’s more delicate and floral, with a gentle astringency and earthy undertone. The creaminess from the condensed milk or coconut milk adds a luxurious texture, but the overall drink is lighter and more refreshing than the classic Thai tea.
Color & Presentation:
It has a beautiful pale green hue, making it visually as refreshing as it tastes. Like its black tea cousin, green Thai tea is also served over ice with a creamy top, creating those satisfying swirls when poured.
✨ Key Differences:
AspectThai TeaGreen Thai TeaBase TeaStrong black tea with spicesJasmine green teaFlavorRich, spicy, sweet, and robustLight, floral, slightly earthyColorBright orangePale greenTextureCreamy, heavy, sweetCreamy yet lighter, refreshingAromaNotes of star anise, cardamom, tamarindJasmine, grassy, subtle earthiness
🥤 Easy Recipes to Make at Home
🍂 Classic Thai Iced Tea
Ingredients:
1 tbsp Thai tea mix (or loose black tea with a pinch of crushed cardamom, star anise, and tamarind)
1 cup hot water
1-2 tbsp sugar (adjust to taste)
2-3 tbsp sweetened condensed milk
Ice cubes
Instructions:
Steep the Thai tea mix in hot water for about 5 minutes.
Strain the tea leaves and stir in sugar while it’s still hot.
Let it cool slightly, then fill a glass with ice.
Pour the tea over the ice and top with sweetened condensed milk.
Stir gently to create those dreamy swirls!
🌿 Green Thai Iced Tea
Ingredients:
1 tbsp jasmine green tea leaves (or green Thai tea blend)
1 cup hot water
1-2 tbsp sugar or honey (adjust to taste)
2-3 tbsp sweetened condensed milk or coconut milk for a vegan version
Ice cubes
Instructions:
Steep the green tea leaves in hot water for 3-4 minutes.
Strain and sweeten with sugar or honey while still hot.
Let it cool to room temperature, then fill a glass with ice.
Pour the sweetened green tea over the ice.
Top with sweetened condensed milk (or coconut milk) and watch those pretty swirls form.
☀️ The Perfect Summer Sip
Whether you’re lounging by the pool or hosting a backyard BBQ, both Thai iced tea and green Thai tea bring a touch of Thai magic to your summer days. Try them side by side and see which one captures your heart—classic and comforting or light and floral?
Pro tip: Add a sprig of mint or a slice of lime for an extra-refreshing touch!
