Cha Yen with Vanilla

Nov 1, 2026 · By VanillaGoods

Drinks Drinks beverages Vanilla: Extract Easy

Cha Yen with Vanilla: Cha Yen with Vanilla, thai iced milk tea, served in an appropriate regional glass or cup for Cha Yen

Thai iced milk tea. A homestyle take on a drink from Thailand, made with easy-to-find ingredients. Makes 2 glasses in about 18 minutes.

Prep 12 min

Cook 6 min

Flavor Vanilla

Serve Hot

Total 18 min

Yield 2 glasses

Diet Gluten free

Ingredients

Adjust yield

glasses

1 ½ tbsp (9.0 g)Thai black tea leaves
1.0 cup (260.0 ml)filtered water
1.0 cup (240.0 ml)pasteurized whole milk
2.0 tbsp (28.0 g)granulated sugar
½ tsp (3.0 ml)pure vanilla extract

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Instructions

Heat water with Thai black tea leaves to an appropriate brewing temperature (green tea: ~175°F / 80°C; black tea: ~200°F / 93°C), and steep 2–4 minutes.
If using whole spices, briefly simmer spices with the water before adding the tea. Whisk matcha powder instead of leaving it to steep.
Strain loose tea; add milk and sugar and gently warm until steaming (or cool rapidly for a cold version).
For this original vanilla adaptation, add 3 ml pure vanilla extract to the prepared base and stir or blend until evenly dispersed; if it is a spice or chopped solid, hydrate, infuse or melt it in the warm phase, then strain if necessary.
Divide into two cups and serve; do not boil green tea aggressively.

Tips

Contains a possible caffeine source; exact caffeine per serving varies with products and extraction.
Perishables must not sit at room temperature longer than 2 hours, or 1 hour above 90°F (32°C).

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Recipe FAQ

How long does it take to make cha yen with vanilla?

Plan on 12 minutes of prep and 6 minutes of cooking. The recipe makes 2 glasses.

How should I store cha yen with vanilla?

Serve immediately; dairy drinks: refrigerate at or below 40°F / 4°C if not serving.

Can I make cha yen with vanilla ahead?

Best made just before serving. Serve immediately; dairy drinks: refrigerate at or below 40°F / 4°C if not serving.

Can I use a different form of vanilla?

Yes. This recipe uses 0.5 tsp pure vanilla extract (3 ml). Each teaspoon of pure vanilla extract can be swapped for 1 teaspoon of vanilla bean paste, the seeds of half a vanilla bean, or 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla powder. Paste and seeds add the classic dark specks.

Thai iced milk tea. A homestyle take on a drink from Thailand, made with easy-to-find ingredients. Makes 2 glasses in about 18 minutes.

Estimated · per serving

Nutrition

Per serving = 1 of 2 servings this recipe makes.

133 Calories / serving

4.1g Fat

20.1g Carbs

4.0g Protein

20.5g Sugar

Whole recipe (2 servings): ~266 cal · 8g fat · 40g carbs · 8g protein · 41g sugar

Estimated values per serving, calculated from standard ingredient data. Not verified Nutrition Facts; actual values vary with brands, measurements, and preparation.