How to Turn Thai Tea Into Delicious Ice Cream

Growing up, my mom made Thai iced tea for me. I remember the dark liquid would become a bright orange once milk was added to it. It’s nostalgic for me to drink on a hot summer day. I have an ice cream maker that I enjoy using and I figured what better way to enjoy it even more than to make Thai tea ice cream.

What is Thai tea?

Thai tea, or Thai ice tea, is a traditional Thai drink sweetened with condensed milk, sugar, and topped with evaporated milk. In the streets of Thailand you’ll get it served to you in a plastic bag with a straw because that’s how they roll there.

The Pictorial Process

Thai Tea Ice Cream Recipe — Prepare the Steeper with Thai Tea

Tea Tea Ice Cream Recipe

Servings: 8
Time: 60-70 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
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Ingredients

1 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
3/4 cup whole milk
1/2 cup sugar
1 tablespoon Thai tea

Directions

Heat whole milk in a cup.
Steep the Thai tea in the warm milk for about 30 minutes.
In a bowl combine the steeped milk and heavy whipping cream.
Stir in sugar until dissolved.
Pour mixture into the freezer bowl.
Start the ice cream machine and let it mix until the mixture is thickened, about 25-30 minutes.
For a firmer consistency, store ice cream in airtight container for 2 hours.

Makes about 1 quart (4 cups).
Some Thai tea leaves will escape from your steeper most likely. That’s okay.
I use a Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker.

The Taste Test

Thai tea is creamy, sweet, and refreshing and that’s exactly what this Thai tea ice cream is. Infusing Thai tea with cream and sugar makes it very reminiscent of Thai iced tea. The Thai tea flavor comes out pretty well and it’s not too sweet, which is just the way I like my dessert.

I had my significant taste test and he asked me why it had an orange tinge (it doesn’t have the vibrant orange like the drink though). I replied, “Duh…Thai tea is orange.” But It made me think, why is it orange?! I googled it and apparently the color is added in with the tea leaves. WHAT?! I had no idea. Learn something new everyday.

I’d consider this a successful experiment. The ice cream is going to be a great way to round out a curry dinner night or any night for that matter.

~Kristina

What ice cream flavor do you enjoy on a warm summer day?