Name: Coconut Macaron Thai Iced Tea
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 2 cups water; 2 tablespoons Thai tea leaves (or Thai tea mix); 1 tablespoon sweetened condensed milk; 1/2 cup coconut milk (full fat for creaminess); 1 tablespoon sugar (adjust to taste); 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (for macaron flavor); 1/2 cup ice cubes; Toasted coconut flakes (for garnish); Whipped cream (optional, for topping)

Introduction to Coconut Macaron Thai Iced Tea

I still remember the first time I had Thai iced tea. It was at a small family-owned Thai restaurant, and I was instantly hooked by its rich, creamy sweetness and deep, spiced aroma. Over time, I started experimenting with different variations at home, and that’s when I came up with this Coconut Macaron Thai Iced Tea recipe.

This version adds a delightful coconut twist and macaron-inspired flavor to the traditional Thai iced tea. The result? A drink that’s creamy, nutty, and slightly chewy, making it both a refreshing beverage and a dessert in one! Let’s dive into what makes this drink special and how you can make it at home.

Also, if you’re a fan of unique and innovative recipes, you might enjoy this Brazilian Mounjaro Recipe, which brings a delicious twist to traditional Brazilian cuisine.

What is Thai Iced Tea?

History & Origins

I love diving into the history of my favorite drinks, and Thai iced tea has an interesting background. Traditionally known as “Cha Yen”, it became popular in Thailand as a sweetened, spiced black tea served with milk. The vibrant orange color and creamy taste make it a favorite street drink in Thailand and beyond.

Traditional Ingredients Used in Thai Iced Tea

Thai iced tea is typically made with:

Strongly brewed black tea (often Assam or Ceylon)
Star anise, cardamom, and tamarind for a unique spice blend
Sweetened condensed milk for richness
Sugar or simple syrup to enhance the sweetness
Evaporated milk to give it that signature creamy swirl

This drink is naturally sweet, spiced, and creamy, making it the perfect base for my coconut macaron twist.

Understanding the Unique Taste of Thai Iced Tea

Why Does Thai Iced Tea Taste Different?

If you’ve ever wondered why Thai iced tea has such a distinct taste, it comes down to the spices and the type of tea used. The addition of star anise, crushed tamarind, and sometimes vanilla gives it a slightly floral and earthy taste.

Role of Spices and Condensed Milk in Flavor

For me, the combination of sweetened condensed milk and spices is what makes Thai iced tea stand out. The creamy milk balances the bold, slightly bitter tea, while the spices add depth. When I first tried adding coconut, I realized it complemented the flavors beautifully, giving the drink a tropical richness.

Ingredients for Coconut Macaron Thai Iced Tea

When I started experimenting with this recipe, I wanted to capture the light, airy, and slightly chewy texture of a macaron while keeping the creamy Thai tea essence intact. Here’s what you’ll need:

Key Ingredients You Need

Loose-leaf black tea (Assam or Ceylon works best)
Star anise, cardamom, vanilla extract
Sweetened condensed milk
Coconut milk (for the coconut twist)
Shredded coconut (for added texture)
Almond extract (to mimic macaron flavor)
Crushed macarons (to sprinkle on top for a dessert-like touch)

Best Brands to Use for Authentic Taste

Pantai Thai Tea Mix – For an authentic Thai tea base
ChaTraMue – Another great Thai tea brand
Aroy-D Coconut Milk – Rich and creamy coconut milk
La Tourangelle Almond Extract – High-quality almond essence

Step-by-Step Recipe for Coconut Macaron Thai Iced Tea

I’ve tested this recipe multiple times to get the perfect balance of creamy, nutty, and spiced flavors. Here’s how you can make it at home:

1. Brewing the Perfect Thai Iced Tea Base

Bring 2 cups of water to a boil and add 2 tablespoons of Thai tea mix.
Add 1 star anise and a pinch of cardamom for extra flavor.
Let it steep for 5-7 minutes, then strain out the tea leaves and spices.

2. Infusing the Coconut & Macaron Flavors

Stir in 2 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk and ½ cup of coconut milk.
Add ½ teaspoon of almond extract to get that subtle macaron essence.
Let the tea cool before assembling the drink.

3. Assembling & Serving the Drink

Fill a glass with ice cubes and pour in the chilled tea mixture.
Drizzle evaporated milk over the top for that signature Thai iced tea swirl.
Sprinkle with shredded coconut and crushed macarons for the final touch.

At this point, I usually take a step back and admire how beautiful it looks before taking that first creamy sip!

Thai Iced Tea vs. Other Popular Beverages

Is Thai Iced Tea the Same as Boba?

I get this question a lot! While both are sweet, creamy, and refreshing, Thai iced tea is spiced black tea with milk, whereas boba tea (or bubble tea) is made with chewy tapioca pearls and can come in a variety of flavors.

Thai Iced Tea vs. Thai Iced Coffee – Key Differences

Thai iced coffee is also delicious, but the biggest difference is that it’s made with coffee instead of tea and often has a stronger, bolder taste. If you love coffee, you might enjoy Thai iced coffee just as much!

Nutritional Information & Health Considerations

Does Thai Iced Tea Have a Lot of Sugar?

Yes, traditional Thai iced tea contains a lot of sugar due to sweetened condensed milk and added syrups. However, I’ve experimented with healthier versions by using:

Unsweetened coconut milk instead of condensed milk
Natural sweeteners like honey or stevia
Low-fat almond milk for a lighter version

The coconut macaron version still has sweetness, but by adjusting the ingredients, you can control the sugar levels to your preference.

Best Pairings & Serving Ideas

One of my favorite things about this drink is how versatile it is. Here are a few pairing ideas:

What Goes Well with Coconut Macaron Thai Iced Tea?

Mango Sticky Rice – The coconut flavors complement each other beautifully.
Almond Croissants – If you love macarons, almond croissants are a great match.
Coconut Ice Cream – Double the coconut, double the fun!

Creative Variations to Try

Make it dairy-free by using oat milk instead of condensed milk.
Add boba pearls for a fun twist.
Blend it into a slushie for a frozen version on hot days.

FAQs – Everything You Need to Know About Coconut Macaron Thai Iced Tea

I’ve received a lot of questions about Thai iced tea and this coconut macaron variation, so here’s a detailed breakdown of the most common ones!

1. Is Thai Iced Tea the Same as Boba?

No, Thai iced tea and boba tea are not the same, although they share some similarities. Here’s how they differ:

Feature	Thai Iced Tea	Boba (Bubble Tea)
Base	Black tea (often Assam or Ceylon)	Varies (can be black, green, or milk tea)
Main Ingredients	Condensed milk, sugar, spices	Milk, sweeteners, flavorings, and boba pearls
Texture	Smooth and creamy	Creamy with chewy tapioca pearls
Toppings	Sometimes topped with milk or spices	Tapioca pearls, jelly, or fruit bits

Thai iced tea is more traditional and spiced, while boba tea can be customized with different flavors and add-ins. However, if you love boba, you can easily add tapioca pearls to Thai iced tea for a fun hybrid drink!

2. Why Does Thai Iced Tea Taste Different?

Thai iced tea has a unique, rich, and spiced flavor that sets it apart from regular milk tea. Here’s why:

✅ Spices – Traditional Thai iced tea contains star anise, cardamom, and tamarind, giving it a subtle floral and earthy note. Some recipes even include cinnamon or vanilla.

✅ Sweetened Condensed Milk – Unlike regular milk tea, Thai iced tea is rich and creamy due to the use of condensed milk, which adds thickness and a caramel-like sweetness.

✅ Strong Black Tea – Thai tea is often made with Assam or Ceylon tea leaves, which are naturally bold and slightly malty.

✅ Food Coloring – Some Thai tea mixes include orange food coloring, which makes it visually distinct. While the color doesn’t affect the taste, it adds to the drink’s signature look.

3. What is in Thai Iced Tea?

Traditional Thai iced tea is made with:

Black tea leaves – Assam or Ceylon for a strong base
Spices – Star anise, cardamom, tamarind, and sometimes vanilla
Sweeteners – Sugar or simple syrup
Condensed milk – For creaminess
Evaporated milk – Used as a finishing touch
Ice – Served over ice for a refreshing drink

For the Coconut Macaron Thai Iced Tea variation, I add:

Coconut milk – To enhance the tropical flavor
Shredded coconut – Adds a subtle chewiness
Almond extract – To mimic macaron flavor
Crushed macarons – A fun topping for extra texture

This fusion takes the classic Thai iced tea and turns it into a dessert-inspired beverage!

4. What is the Difference Between Thai Iced Tea and Thai Iced Coffee?

Many people confuse Thai iced tea (Cha Yen) and Thai iced coffee (Oliang), but they’re actually quite different.

Feature	Thai Iced Tea (Cha Yen)	Thai Iced Coffee (Oliang)
Base	Strong black tea	Thai-style coffee blend
Spices	Star anise, tamarind, cardamom	Sometimes includes cardamom
Milk Used	Sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk	Sweetened condensed milk, sometimes coconut milk
Taste Profile	Sweet, creamy, slightly spiced	Strong, rich, slightly nutty
Caffeine Level	Moderate	High

If you prefer a stronger caffeine boost, Thai iced coffee might be a better choice, while Thai iced tea is more about a sweet, smooth, and spiced experience.

5. Does Thai Iced Tea Have a Lot of Sugar?

Yes, traditional Thai iced tea contains a significant amount of sugar, mainly from:

Sweetened condensed milk
Added sugar or simple syrup
Flavored Thai tea mix (which may contain added sugar)

However, you can make a healthier version by:
✅ Using unsweetened coconut milk instead of condensed milk
✅ Replacing sugar with honey, stevia, or monk fruit sweetener
✅ Opting for low-fat or dairy-free alternatives like almond or oat milk
✅ Controlling the sweetness by brewing your own tea instead of using pre-mixed Thai tea powders

If you’re watching your sugar intake, I’d recommend making homemade Thai iced tea so you can adjust the sweetness level to your preference.

Bonus: Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?

Absolutely! To make Coconut Macaron Thai Iced Tea dairy-free, try these swaps:

Use coconut cream instead of condensed milk for a creamy texture
Substitute oat milk or almond milk for evaporated milk
Use maple syrup or agave as a natural sweetener

I’ve made this dairy-free version multiple times, and it’s just as delicious!

Conclusion – Enjoying Your Homemade Coconut Macaron Thai Iced Tea

Over the years, I’ve tried countless variations of Thai iced tea, but this Coconut Macaron Thai Iced Tea remains one of my all-time favorites. It’s the perfect balance of sweet, creamy, spiced, and nutty flavors, making it more than just a drink—it’s a full experience.

What I love most about this recipe is its versatility. Whether you prefer it extra creamy, lightly sweetened, dairy-free, or even with boba pearls, you can customize it to match your taste. The addition of coconut milk, almond extract, and crushed macarons creates a dessert-like experience that feels indulgent but is surprisingly simple to make at home.

Why You Should Try Making It at Home

If you’re like me and love a good homemade drink, this recipe is a must-try because:
✔ It’s easy to make – No fancy equipment is needed.
✔ You control the ingredients – Adjust the sweetness, use healthier alternatives, or make it dairy-free.
✔ It’s unique – You won’t find this exact combination in cafes!
✔ Perfect for special occasions – Impress your guests with a fun, Instagram-worthy beverage.

Experiment & Make It Your Own

One of the best parts of making drinks at home is getting creative. Here are some fun ways to make it your own:

Make it iced or blended – Try turning it into a frozen slushie.
Add toppings – Tapioca pearls, whipped cream, or coconut flakes for extra indulgence.
Infuse with other flavors – A hint of vanilla bean or cinnamon can give it a unique twist.
Pair it with desserts – It goes amazingly well with almond croissants, macarons, or mango sticky rice.

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