What is a dirty Thai tea?

A dirty Thai tea is a traditional Thai iced tea with an added shot of espresso. This bold twist blends spiced black tea, sweetened condensed milk, and strong coffee for a creamy, caffeinated treat. It’s rich, layered, and has a beautiful balance of sweet and bitter.

What is the white stuff in my Thai tea?

The white layer is usually sweetened condensed milk or evaporated milk added at the end for creaminess. In a dirty Thai tea recipe, it may also be a plant-based milk like coconut or oat milk. As it mixes with the tea and espresso, it creates that signature gradient look.

What is Thai tea mix made of?

Store-bought Thai tea mix often includes black tea, spices like star anise and clove, vanilla flavoring, and sometimes food coloring. A clean homemade version of the dirty Thai tea recipe skips the dyes and uses loose-leaf tea with real spices for a natural, flavorful brew.

How to make Thai tea without food coloring?

To make Thai tea without food coloring, steep strong black tea with whole spices like star anise, clove, and cinnamon. You can also add a pinch of turmeric or beet powder for natural color. This version keeps your dirty Thai tea recipe vibrant and dye-free.

Dirty Thai Tea Recipe – 1 Bold Twist You’ll Love Now

Description

This dirty Thai tea recipe blends strong black tea, warm spices, creamy coconut milk, and bold espresso into a naturally sweet and dye-free treat.

Ingredients

2 tbsp loose black tea
2 whole star anise
2 cloves
1 small cinnamon stick
1.5 cups filtered water
2 tbsp maple syrup (or to taste)
3/4 cup coconut or oat milk
1 shot espresso (chilled)
Ice cubes

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Instructions

In a small pot, add water, tea leaves, star anise, cloves, and cinnamon stick.
Bring to a simmer and steep for 5–7 minutes.
Strain and let the tea cool completely.
Add maple syrup and stir.
Fill a tall glass with ice.
Pour in the cooled tea.
Add milk of choice.
Slowly pour in the chilled espresso shot over the milk.
Garnish with star anise or cinnamon stick and serve.

Notes

Make espresso ice cubes to prevent dilution.
Use beet powder or turmeric for natural coloring.
Chill all ingredients beforehand for clean layering.