Cha Yen (Thai Iced Tea)

Ingredients

• Thai tea mix (Cha Tra Mue) or strong Ceylon black tea1/2 cup loose leaf
• water3 cups
• star anise1 pod (omit if using Thai tea mix)
• palm sugar or light brown sugar1/3 cup
• sweetened condensed milk3 tbsp
• evaporated milk (or half-and-half)1/4 cup, very cold
• iceto fill 2 tall glasses

Steps

1. 1

   Steep the tea and star anise.

   Bring the water to a rolling boil. Add the tea and star anise, cover, and steep off heat for 5 full minutes. Thai tea mix wants a long steep — the color won't develop otherwise.

2. 2

   Strain and sweeten the tea.

   Strain into a heatproof pitcher. While hot, stir in the palm sugar and condensed milk until fully dissolved.

3. 3

   Cool and chill the tea.

   Cool to room temperature, then chill at least 30 minutes. The tea will deepen and the sweetness round out.

4. 4

   Fill glasses with ice and tea.

   Fill two tall glasses to the brim with ice. Pour the sweet tea over until each glass is about 80% full.

5. 5

   Pour evaporated milk slowly.

   Slowly pour the cold evaporated milk over the back of a spoon onto the surface. It will sit in a creamy layer that you can stir in for ribbons or sip through.