The weather is finally getting warmer, so before we went to bed last night we threw open all our bedroom windows. I guess it must be high spring because the birds were singing and chirping all night long…it’s kind of lovely, but we didn’t get much sleep, so this will be a quick post. I made these yesterday and they’re too refreshing not to share. If you haven’t had it, Thai iced tea is a strongly brewed, spiced tea with a distinctive deep orange color. It’s sweetened with condensed milk, then topped off with evaporated milk, or sometimes coconut milk, and served over ice in a tall frosty glass. I can’t walk into a Thai restaurant without getting an instant craving for one.
These pops start off with an infusion of black tea, vanilla bean, star anise, and mint. To make it even more spicy you could add a few cardamom pods, a cinnamon stick, and whole cloves. I let it steep while it cools to room temperature to encourage some deep flavors to develop. Freezing, in general, tends to dull flavor, and I want these pops to pop!
Thai Iced Tea usually includes evaporated milk in addition to the condensed milk. I used coconut milk because I like the flavor. There’s no need for simple syrup because the condensed milk is sweet. You could also add a little fresh lime juice if you want to.
Ingredients
- 2 bags black tea, chai tea, or something specifically labeled for Thai iced tea
- 2 star anise
- 1 leftover vanilla bean
- several sprigs of fresh mint
- approximately 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- approximately 1/2 cup full fat coconut milk
- squeeze of fresh lime (optional)
Instructions
- Add 1 1/2 cups boiling water to the tea. Let it steep with the star anise, vanilla bean, and mint leaves. Crush the mint a bit with the back of a spoon to release its oils.
- Set aside and let the tea sit until cooled. Strain out the spices and mint from the cooled tea.
- Add the condensed milk, the coconut milk, and the lime juice, if using. Whisk to combine.
- Taste your finished mixture, and if it's as you like it, fill the popsicle molds, leaving room at the very top for expansion.
- Freeze until firm.
This is just another example of how pretty much anything in liquid form can be made into a popsicle. Wrap the frozen pops in waxed paper, or put them in individual zip lock baggies to protect them in the freezer.
Anybody else kept awake by birds?? Ah, Spring!
Get more popsicle inspiration on my Pinterest Popsicle board, here.
19 Comments
Siobhan Craig
August 10, 2015 at 8:43 pmIs theres anything i can substitute the coconut milk with? We have coconut allergies.
Sue
August 11, 2015 at 5:46 amThe coconut milk gives these popsicles their flavor and texture, Siobhan. You could try almond milk, but they would be icier.
Siobhan Craig
August 12, 2015 at 8:29 amOkay thank you
Val
June 24, 2014 at 3:09 pmCan you let me know which mold you have and where you ordered it? I want mine to have a similar look and want to make sure I don’t waste money on any that won’t work. You can email me direct ic you want. All of yours look and sound amazing. I have 4 little ones so I know it will be so fun to do with the right mold.
Sue
June 24, 2014 at 4:34 pmI like this one, Val, and have fun! http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000CF7H6/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0000CF7H6&linkCode=as2&tag=thvifrthgris-20&linkId=SUB6VP7OSB2MTYG4
Lexi @ Lexi's Clean Kitchen
April 24, 2014 at 5:49 pmThis is so amazing!!!
Andi @ The Weary Chef
April 8, 2014 at 8:44 pmThis is pure genius. GENIUS! I love Thai iced tea but am not clever enough to think of turning it into a popsicle. Love this!
shannon weber
May 14, 2013 at 12:14 pmI feel as though i should tell you that after your last popsicle post, i promptly clicked on the link, added to cart, and purchased the moulds you suggested. WE NOW HAVE THE EXACT SAME POPSICLE MOULDS. i am thrilled about this, as i am about this particular recipe. And for all of your future popsicle posts, because we are going to do some serious popsicling together this summer, i feel.
Anonymous
May 5, 2013 at 6:25 amI always spent my half an hour to read this blog’s posts daily along with a cup of coffee.
Review my web page; how much should i weigh
Averie @ Averie Cooks
April 28, 2013 at 11:20 pmsweetened condensed milk + the coconut milk…I am in heaven right there:)
Add some tea and the vanilla, oh yes! And popsicles, so creative! I’d have a hard time waiting for it to freeze before devouring!
The Café Sucré Farine
April 28, 2013 at 9:37 pmI don’t have to look at your Pinterest board Sue, because YOU are an inspiration to me, these sound and look amazing!
Sheila @ tasteduds
April 29, 2013 at 4:29 amI bought a box of Thai-tea flavored popsicle at the Asian market once and it was disappointingly watery in taste. I’ll have to try your recipe to make up for it. Yours sounds a lot more flavorful!
tiffany rose
April 29, 2013 at 4:05 amA few years ago, a mockingbird would land in our tree out front each night around 10:30 and sing/trill/screech all night long nonstop, keeping us awake though our bedroom is at the back of the house. This went on for weeks and I kept thinking of Harper Lee’s book. One night I couldn’t stand it any longer and threw a rock into the tree to scare it away. Thank goodness it never returned.
I love Thai Iced Tea, what a super cool idea.
Inside a British Mum's Kitchen
April 29, 2013 at 1:01 amWhat a lovely grown up popsicle – they look so perfect!
Mary x
anerdcooks.com
April 28, 2013 at 10:35 pmNow I need to get a popsicle mold! These look delicious.
Sue/the view from great island
April 28, 2013 at 10:44 pmGet one early—it’s going to be a long popsicle season :)
Nazima FranglaisKitchen
April 28, 2013 at 10:04 pmWhat a beautiful idea Sue. I love this and the pictures are gorgeous. The herbs in the tea are some of my favourites. A perfect recipe for warmer weather!
Sue/the view from great island
April 28, 2013 at 10:11 pmThanks Nazima, the flavors of chai tea are my favorites, too.
Heather Schmitt-Gonzalez
April 28, 2013 at 6:15 pmLooooove it! I’ve never had Thai Iced Tea before, but it sounds like something I’d adore. And you just know I need these popsicles in my life!