Thai iced tea is one of those dangerously delicious drinks that’s traditionally loaded with sugar and sweetened condensed milk—but this version gives it a healthy, modern makeover without losing the rich, creamy magic you crave.
Made with fragrant spices like cinnamon, star anise, and cloves, then naturally sweetened with honey and topped with silky coconut milk, this Thai iced tea is smooth, lightly spiced, and just sweet enough. You still get that deep amber tea flavor with a hint of vanilla warmth, but without the sugar crash that comes after the original.
This recipe is not only dairy-free and refined sugar-free, it’s make-ahead friendly too. Brew and chill the tea in advance, and it’ll keep in the fridge for up to 4 days—just shake or stir before serving. Want to level it up? Pour the finished tea into popsicle molds and freeze for Thai iced tea ice pops that are creamy, dreamy, and perfect for hot days (or let’s be honest—any day).
Once you try this cleaner version, you may never go back to the classic orange stuff again. Your taste buds will thank you—and so will your blood sugar.
Homemade Thai Iced Tea with Fresh Coconut Milk & Honey 🥥🍯
Flavor Profile:
This naturally sweetened Thai iced tea is rich and creamy, with the tropical essence of fresh coconut milk and a touch of honey for natural sweetness. The bold black tea, aromatic spices, and silky coconut milk make it refreshing yet indulgent.
Ingredients (Makes 2 Servings)
🫖 Tea Base:
2 cups water
2 black tea bags (or 2 tbsp loose-leaf Assam or Ceylon tea)
2 star anise pods
1 cinnamon stick (optional, for extra warmth)
2 whole cloves
½ tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp turmeric powder (for the signature orange color, optional)
2-3 tbsp honey (adjust to taste)
🥥 Creamy Coconut Finish:
½ cup fresh coconut milk (full-fat for the best texture)
Ice cubes
Instructions
1️⃣ Boil the Tea:
In a saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil.
Add the black tea, star anise, cinnamon, cloves, and turmeric (if using).
Lower the heat and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
2️⃣ Sweeten & Flavor:
Stir in the honey and vanilla extract. Mix well until dissolved.
Turn off the heat and let the tea steep for another 5 minutes for a deeper flavor.
3️⃣ Strain & Chill:
Strain the tea into a pitcher, discarding the spices and tea leaves/bags.
Let it cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until cold.
4️⃣ Assemble the Drink:
Fill two glasses with ice cubes.
Pour the chilled tea over the ice, filling about ¾ of the glass.
5️⃣ Add the Coconut Swirl:
Shake or whisk the fresh coconut milk to make it smooth.
Pour it slowly over the tea, creating a creamy, marbled effect.
6️⃣ Enjoy!
Stir before drinking to combine the flavors, or leave it layered for an elegant presentation.
Sip and enjoy the natural sweetness and tropical creaminess! 🌴😋
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
📌 Calories: ~150 kcal
📌 Carbs: ~20g
📌 Sugar: ~18g (from honey)
📌 Fat: ~6g
📌 Protein: ~1g
Pro Tips & Variations
✔️ For a richer taste: Use thick coconut cream instead of coconut milk.
✔️ For a spicier twist: Add a small piece of fresh ginger to the tea while boiling.
✔️ For an iced latte effect: Blend the coconut milk with a bit of ice before pouring it over.
✔️ For a deeper coconut flavor: Use toasted coconut flakes as a garnish.
☀️ This version is refreshing, dairy-free, and naturally sweetened—perfect for a tropical escape in a glass! 🥥🥤✨
🥥 Coconut milk provides healthy fats (mostly MCTs) that support energy and brain function.
🍯 Honey adds natural antioxidants and enzymes.
☕ The tea has minimal calories but delivers antioxidants from black tea and spices.
