Thai tea lattes have become an increasingly popular drink in cafes and coffee shops around the world. With their sweet, spicy flavor profile and creamy texture, it’s easy to see why they have gained such widespread appeal. But despite often being found on specialty coffee shop menus, traditional Thai tea lattes contain no coffee at all.
What is a Thai tea latte?
A Thai tea latte is a sweetened Thai black tea infused with spices like star anise, cardamom, and cinnamon. This spiced tea is then mixed with steamed milk to create a latte. The result is a drink with a bold, sweet, and mildly spicy flavor. Thai tea lattes are often topped with whipped cream or foam to add even more rich creaminess.
The base of the drink is chai (Thai tea), made by brewing strong black tea and spices together. This produces a bright orange-red colored tea that forms the foundation for the latte. While coffee shops sometimes add espresso to Thai tea lattes, traditionally they contain no coffee at all. The rich, creamy texture comes solely from the steamed milk.
Ingredients in a traditional Thai tea latte:
- Strong black tea
- Star anise
- Cardamom pods
- Cinnamon
- Sugar or sweetened condensed milk
- Steamed milk
The ingredients can vary, but strong black tea and spices are essential to creating the distinctive Thai tea flavor. Sweetened condensed milk is also commonly used to add sweetness and a silky texture.
The origins of Thai tea
Thai tea traces its roots back to the mid-19th century when tea was first introduced to Thailand by the Chinese. Black tea was the variety that took hold, blending with indigenous Thai ingredients like spices, sugar, and milk.
The result was a tasty beverage that helped quench thirst in the hot Thai climate. Vendors began selling the spicy, creamy tea on the streets, often brewing it in front of customers out of metal pots over small stoves.
This traditional Thai street tea formed the inspiration for the Thai tea lattes and boba tea drinks that are so popular worldwide today. The basic ingredients remain the same, though commercial versions may alter some components to suit local tastes.
Is coffee ever added?
Some coffee shops do add coffee to their Thai tea lattes, but this is not traditional. Roasted coffee beans were not historically available in Thailand, so authentic Thai tea recipes contain no coffee at all. The closest thing is the bold black tea used as the base.
That said, some cafes have created unique fusion versions incorporating coffee. For example, a latte may include a single shot of espresso alongside the traditional Thai tea ingredients. The espresso adds a layer of additional flavor but is not essential for making a Thai tea latte.
Other hybrid drinks may mix Thai tea ingredients with a coffee base instead of black tea. However, a drink made completely of coffee without any Thai tea spices could not accurately be described as a Thai tea latte.
Some coffee shop variations include:
- Thai tea latte with one espresso shot added
- Iced latte with Thai tea syrup and coffee
- “Dirty” Thai tea latte with an espresso shot
So while coffee may sometimes find its way into Thai tea lattes, traditional versions contain no coffee at all. The base is bolder and spicier regular black tea.
Making an authentic Thai tea latte
Here is a simple recipe for how to make an authentic Thai tea latte at home:
Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons Thai black tea (or strongly brewed regular black tea)
- 3 whole star anise pods
- 5 green cardamom pods, cracked
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 4 cups water
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 2 cups steamed milk
Instructions:
- In a pot, combine the Thai tea, spices, and water. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- Once simmering, turn off heat and let steep for 5 minutes.
- Strain the tea through a fine mesh strainer into a container. Press on the solids to extract maximum flavor.
- Add the sweetened condensed milk and whisk until fully dissolved into the tea.
- To make one latte, combine 1/2 cup of the sweetened tea with 1/2 cup steamed milk. Adjust ratios to taste.
- Pour into a glass and top with extra milk foam if desired. Enjoy!
This makes a sweet, aromatic Thai tea concentrate that can be turned into multiple lattes. Simply adjust the tea and milk ratios to suit your tastes. The key is using high quality Thai black tea and whole spices for authentic flavor in every sip.
The popularity of Thai tea lattes
Thai tea lattes have seen a surge in popularity in recent years. Trendy coffee shops have put them on menus, exposing more people to the exotic pleasures of Thai iced tea. Their presence alongside espresso drinks also leads some to mistakenly think Thai tea contains coffee as well. But the flavor profile is wholly different, relying solely on bold black tea and aromatic spices.
Here are some reasons why Thai tea lattes have become so popular:
| Reason | Description |
|---|---|
| Unique flavor | The combination of malty black tea and lively spices like star anise creates a one-of-a-kind drinking experience unfamiliar to most. |
| Creamy texture | Steamed milk makes Thai tea lattes rich, soothing, and velvety on the tongue. |
| Sweetness | Sugar or sweetened condensed milk balances out the spice for a delicious sweet-and-spicy flavor profile. |
| Customizability | You can adjust the ratios of tea to milk, top with extra foam, and add other mix-ins to suit your tastes. |
In short, Thai tea lattes offer familiar latte texture with unique exotic aromas and flavors. This makes for an indulgent, comforting, yet adventurous drink experience.
Health benefits
Sipping Thai tea lattes offers some possible health perks beyond satisfying your taste buds. Here are some of the potential wellness benefits of Thai tea ingredients:
Black tea:
- Rich in antioxidants that may help protect cells from damage.
- Contains caffeine to boost alertness.
- May help strengthen cardiovascular and immune system health.
Spices:
- Star anise has compounds that act as antioxidants.
- Cardamom may aid digestion and promote oral health.
- Cinnamon has anti-inflammatory properties that can help regulate blood sugar.
However, the high sugar content of most Thai tea latte recipes may negate some of these benefits. Overall, enjoying Thai tea lattes in moderation can add a flavorful, soothing treat to your diet without much downside.
Satisfying your Thai tea cravings
For those who love discovering new flavor experiences or want to satisfy their Thai tea dreams, getting a cafe-quality Thai tea latte is now easier than ever. Here are some tips:
- Find an authentic cafe – Many larger cities now have Thai or Asian cafes preparing Thai tea the traditional way. They likely won’t add coffee unless specifically requested.
- Check specialty coffee shops – Even non-Thai establishments are starting to offer Thai tea lattes on their menus. However, quality can vary greatly.
- DIY at home – Get high quality Thai tea leaves and spices to make your own concentrate. Adjust and customize the ingredients to suit your tastes.
- Try pre-made mixes – Powdered Thai tea mixes provide an instant way to whip up a quick latte, though may lack fresh complexity.
There are now ample opportunities to experience legitimate Thai tea lattes in all their spiced, creamy glory. Just don’t expect them to contain coffee like some other popular cafe drinks. Their unique flavors come from a totally different source – the enchanting ingredients of Thailand itself.
Conclusion
Thai tea lattes provide a one-of-a-kind drinking experience that has captivated people worldwide. Their signature sweetness, spice, and creaminess comes from a blend of strong black tea, aromatic spices, sugar, and steamed milk. Coffee is not traditionally used to make Thai tea.
While some modern coffee shops have created unique fusions with espresso, a true Thai tea latte follows centuries-old Thai techniques. By learning to make your own using quality ingredients, you can sip these exotic elixirs any time your taste buds crave a Thai tea adventure.