**Thai Iced Tea: A Refreshing and Nutritious Beverage**
Thai iced tea is a beloved beverage that combines the rich flavors of black tea, spices, and a creamy base. This article will explore what Thai iced tea is, its nutrition facts, how to make it, and provide a delicious recipe.
What Is Thai Iced Tea?
In Thailand, Thai iced tea is a popular treat often found in coffee shops and restaurants. It typically features a unique orange color, thanks to the use of coconut milk. The base is made with black tea and is spiced with cloves, cardamom, and star anise. Over the years, Thai iced tea recipes have evolved, incorporating Western influences and sometimes sweeteners and food coloring.
In this traditional version, we use natural ingredients and no artificial additives. The addition of coconut milk gives it a delicious, creamy texture and a range of health benefits. It’s not only a refreshing drink but also packed with beneficial nutrients.
Nutrition Facts
One serving of Thai iced tea offers several nutrients. It contains around 104 calories, with 7 grams of fat, mainly from the healthy fats in coconut milk. There are 10 grams of carbohydrates and 7 grams of sugar. It also provides a good amount of manganese and vitamin B2, which are important for various bodily functions.
How to Make Thai Iced Tea
Making Thai iced tea is a simple process. Start by boiling water and adding the black tea bags and orange blossom tea bags (or orange zest) to a pitcher. Add the cloves, star anise, and vanilla extract, and let the tea steep for 8-10 minutes. Then, add a tablespoon of maple syrup for added sweetness if desired.
Next, pour in ½ cup of cold water and strain the tea through a mesh strainer or remove the tea bags and spices. Fill two tall glasses with ice and pour the tea evenly between them. Finally, top each glass with coconut milk and give it a gentle stir.
Thai Iced Tea Recipe
Here is the recipe for making Thai iced tea:
**Ingredients**:
– 1 cup hot, boiled water
– ½ cup cold water
– 4 cloves, whole
– ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 teaspoon cardamom
– 2 star anise
– 2 organic black tea bags
– 2 organic orange blossom tea bags or 1 teaspoon orange zest
– ¼ cup coconut milk
– 1 tablespoon maple syrup (optional)
**Instructions**:
1. In a large cup with a slanted edge, combine all ingredients except for the cold water and coconut milk.
2. Stir the ingredients and steep the tea for 8-10 minutes.
3. Add ½ cup of cold water.
4. Fill two tall glasses to the brim with ice.
5. Using a small mesh strainer, pour the tea evenly between the two glasses.
6. Top each glass with coconut milk, stir, and serve.
Pairing with Thai Recipes
To enhance the Thai iced tea experience, try pairing it with some delicious Thai dishes. Some great options include Thai coconut soup, tom kha gai, soba noodles with turmeric Thai sauce, Thai curry kelp noodles, Thai curry, Thai chili sauce, Thai spring rolls, and Thai chicken stir fry.
Conclusion
Thai iced tea is a delightful beverage that offers a unique combination of flavors and health benefits. Whether you enjoy it on a hot day or as a refreshing treat after a meal, this recipe is sure to please. So, gather your ingredients and give it a try. Cheers to a delicious and invigorating cup of Thai iced tea!
Images:
– [Image of a tall glass of Thai iced tea with ice and coconut milk](https://draxe.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Thai-Iced-Tea-Final-2.jpg)
– [Image of the ingredients for making Thai iced tea](https://draxe.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Thai-Iced-Tea-Ingredients-1.jpg)
