🏠 Home > 🗺️ Recipes > 🍷 Drinks > 🇹🇭 Thailand Drinks > 🍷 Thai Iced Tea (Cha Yen) , Thai Iced Coffee (Oliang) , Lemongrass Herbal Drink (Nam Takrai)
🍷 Authentic Thai Drinks You’ll Love Making at Home
Introduction
If there’s one thing you’ll notice in Thailand besides the amazing food, it’s the drinks! From the moment you step out on the street, you’ll see vendors blending up iced teas, pouring frothy Thai coffee, and ladling out herbal concoctions that promise to cool you down in the tropical heat.
These drinks are more than just refreshments—they’re part of Thai culture, a way locals connect over meals and beat the heat together. Whether you’ve tried them while traveling or spotted them at Thai restaurants abroad, these beverages are loved everywhere.
In this article, I’ll walk you through 3 beloved Thai drinks recipes you can easily recreate at home:
1.Thai Iced Tea (Cha Yen)
2.Thai Iced Coffee (Oliang)
3.Lemongrass Herbal Drink (Nam Takrai)
Each one has its own personality: rich, bold, refreshing, and uniquely Thai. Let’s dive in!
🔹 Recipe 1: Thai Iced Tea (Cha Yen)
About this Recipe
Thai Iced Tea is probably the most iconic drink from Thailand. Sweet, creamy, and served over crushed ice, it’s the perfect balance of bold black tea, warm spices, and silky condensed milk. If you’ve ever had Thai food in the U.S. or Europe, chances are this was the orange-colored drink that came with your pad Thai.
Ingredients & Measurements
- 2 tablespoons Thai tea mix (or strong black tea with star anise & crushed tamarind seed if homemade)
- 1 cup boiling water
- 2 teaspoons sugar (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk
- 2 tablespoons evaporated milk (or half-and-half)
- Ice cubes (crushed or whole)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1.Brew tea: Add Thai tea mix into boiling water. Steep for 5–7 minutes.
2.Strain tea: Remove the leaves to avoid bitterness.
3.Sweeten: Stir in sugar while the tea is still hot.
4.Assemble: Fill a tall glass with ice cubes. Pour the tea about ¾ of the way up.
5.Top with milk: Add condensed milk and evaporated milk slowly for a pretty layered effect. Stir before drinking.
Tips & Mistakes to Avoid
- Don’t skip straining. Leaving tea leaves too long makes it bitter.
- Adjust sweetness. Authentic Thai tea is sweet, but you can cut back.
- Use crushed ice for that Thai street-style feel.
FAQ
Q: Can I make it vegan?
A: Absolutely! Swap condensed milk for coconut condensed milk and evaporated milk for coconut milk.
Q: Why is Thai tea orange?
A: Commercial Thai tea mix often has food coloring. Homemade versions won’t be as bright, but taste just as amazing.
Summary
This drink is all about indulgence. It’s creamy, sweet, and refreshing—perfect for impressing guests at a dinner party or just enjoying with spicy takeout.
🔹 Recipe 2: Thai Iced Coffee (Oliang)
About this Recipe
Oliang is Thailand’s answer to iced coffee. Strong, bold, slightly smoky, and sweetened with sugar and condensed milk, it’s the perfect afternoon pick-me up in hot weather. Unlike Western coffee, it’s usually brewed using a “coffee sock” filter that gives it a unique depth of flavor.
Ingredients & Measurements
- 2 tablespoons Oliang coffee powder (or a mix of ground coffee, roasted corn, and sesame if making at home)
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1–2 teaspoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk
- Ice cubes
Step-by-Step Instructions
1.Brew coffee: Place the coffee powder in a filter sock or French press. Pour in boiling water and steep 5 minutes.
2.Sweeten: Stir in sugar while still hot.
3.Serve: Pour over a tall glass of ice.
4.Finish: Top with condensed milk for creaminess.
Tips & Mistakes to Avoid
- Don’t dilute too much. Thai iced coffee should be strong.
- Use brown sugar or palm sugar for more authentic depth.
- Play with ratios. Some locals like it black and strong, others sweeter and milkier.
FAQ
Q: Can I use instant coffee?
A: Yes, but the flavor won’t be as complex. For a quick version, dissolve instant coffee in hot water, add sugar, and finish with condensed milk.
Q: Is Oliang super caffeinated?
A: It’s bold, but not over the top. The smoky roasted notes make it taste stronger than it is.
Summary
Thai iced coffee is robust and comforting, the kind of drink that makes you feel energized but still cozy. It’s street-side Thailand in a glass.
🔹 Recipe 3: Lemongrass Herbal Drink (Nam Takrai)
About this Recipe
Nam Takrai is one of Thailand’s most refreshing herbal drinks. Lemongrass is boiled into a fragrant, citrusy tea, lightly sweetened, and served cold. Locals drink it for its cooling effect and health benefits—especially digestion and relaxation.
Ingredients & Measurements
- 4 stalks fresh lemongrass (smashed and cut into pieces)
- 4 cups water
- 2–3 tablespoons sugar or honey (to taste)
- Ice cubes
Step-by-Step Instructions
1.Prep lemongrass: Smash stalks with the back of a knife to release oils. Cut into 2-inch pieces.
2.Boil: Add lemongrass to a pot with 4 cups of water. Simmer for 10–15 minutes.
3.Strain: Remove lemongrass pieces.
4.Sweeten: Add sugar or honey while still warm.
5.Chill: Let it cool, then serve over ice.
Tips & Mistakes to Avoid
- Don’t over-boil. Lemongrass can turn bitter if cooked too long.
- Use honey if you want a softer, more soothing sweetness.
- Add pandan leaves for an extra fragrant twist.
FAQ
Q: Can I drink it hot?
A: Yes! In cooler weather, serve it warm as an herbal tea.
Q: Does it really help digestion?
A: Lemongrass has natural oils that are believed to calm the stomach and reduce bloating.
Summary
Nam Takrai is light, fragrant, and the perfect non-caffeinated option. It’s refreshing, healthy, and makes you feel like you’re sipping wellness in a cup.
Final Thoughts
Thai drinks are more than just beverages—they’re experiences. Each one tells a story about Thai culture: from the sweetness of Thai Iced Tea, to the bold kick of Oliang, to the gentle herbal calm of Lemongrass Drink.
The best part? You don’t need fancy equipment. Just a pot, some ice, and a little patience. Try making one at a time, and you’ll quickly find your favorite.
So next time you’re craving something refreshing, skip the soda and try one of these authentic Thai drinks instead. Who knows—you might just bring a little piece of Thailand into your home.
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