How to Make Thai Red Milk Tea at Home (Recipe & Ratios)

TL;DR

Thai red milk tea is a creamy, fragrant red-orange drink made from Thai red tea. Steep the tea strong, strain, add condensed and fresh milk (or creamer) plus sugar, stir, then pour over ice with pearls.

What is Thai red milk tea?

Thai red milk tea originates from Thailand and is known for its vivid red-orange color and distinctive creamy, fragrant aroma.

The red color comes from Thai red tea — a pre-flavored black tea blend that turns a beautiful earthy-orange tone once milk is added. The flavor is rich, moderately sweet and strongly aromatic.

Compared with regular milk tea, Thai red milk tea is more tea-forward and creamier thanks to combining condensed milk with fresh milk or creamer. It is a non-alcoholic drink, safe for all ages.

Ingredients for Thai red milk tea (~2 glasses)

Thai red tea: 15g.

Boiling water (~95°C): 250ml for steeping.

Sweetened condensed milk: 30ml (about 2 tablespoons).

Unsweetened fresh milk: 60ml — or substitute 20g creamer mixed with a little hot water for the signature richness.

Sugar (granulated or simple syrup): 15-25g, adjusted to taste.

Ice cubes: about 1.5-2 cups (fills the glass when poured).

Cooked tapioca pearls: 60-80g per glass (optional).

Tools: a pot/cup for steeping, a fine strainer or cloth filter, a stirring spoon, and a glass of about 500ml.

Ingredients for Thai red milk tea: Thai tea, condensed milk, fresh milk and ice — Photo: Nguyễn Tiến Thành / Pexels

How to make Thai red milk tea (steps)

Step 1 — Steep: put 15g of Thai red tea in a pot, pour 250ml of boiling water over it and steep for 4-5 minutes until the tea is deep red and fragrant. Longer steeping makes it stronger and slightly more bitter.

Step 2 — Strain: use a strainer or cloth filter to remove all the leaves, keeping the clear red tea liquid. Strain twice for a smoother result.

Step 3 — Add milk and sugar: while the tea is still warm, add 30ml condensed milk + 60ml fresh milk (or 20g creamer) and 15-25g sugar, then stir until fully dissolved. Taste and adjust sweetness/richness.

Tips for great Thai red milk tea

Tea : milk ratio about 2:1 — the tea must be strong enough so it keeps its flavor after milk and ice are added.

Richness: combine condensed milk with fresh milk for a rounded taste; for that authentic shop-style richness, add creamer.

Keep the red-orange color: steep the tea strong and strain well; mix in the milk while the tea is still warm for an even color, and avoid diluting too much.

Sweetness: add sugar gradually and keep tasting — a good Thai red milk tea is moderately sweet with a clear tea aftertaste, never cloying.

Ice: pour the milk tea over a full glass of ice right before drinking to avoid dilution; if making ahead, keep the tea a bit stronger to offset the melting ice.

Thai red milk tea for events and beverage stations

Thai red milk tea is a popular non-alcoholic option for weddings, birthdays, year-end parties and brand activations — it photographs beautifully, suits most palates and can be served to all ages.

A beverage station / mobile bar at an event can serve Thai red milk tea alongside non-alcoholic mocktails, fruit teas and soft drinks, creating a varied menu for guests who do not drink alcohol.

If you need a professional beverage station for your event, explore the service packages at /services and book a consultation at /book to set up a menu suited to your guest count.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Where can I buy Thai red tea?

Thai red tea is widely sold at bartending/ingredient stores, markets, Asian supermarkets and e-commerce sites; choose a pack clearly labeled Thai red tea.

Can I substitute the milk?

Yes. You can use fresh milk, condensed milk, creamer or a combination; for a vegan version use plant milk such as oat milk, though the richness and color will differ slightly.

How many calories are in a Thai red milk tea?

It depends on the amount of sugar, milk and toppings; the creamy-sweet base and pearls are the main calorie sources. To cut calories, reduce sugar, use less condensed milk and fewer toppings.

How long does it keep?

Best enjoyed the same day. If needed, store the milk tea (without ice and pearls) in the fridge for up to 24 hours and stir before serving; cook the pearls and use them within a few hours to keep them chewy.

How is Thai red milk tea different from Thai green milk tea?

The difference is the base tea: Thai red uses Thai red (black) tea for a red-orange color and rich flavor; Thai green uses Thai green tea for a pale green color and a lighter, fresher taste.

Does Thai red milk tea contain alcohol?

No. It is a completely non-alcoholic drink, suitable for all ages.