How to Make Thai Style Anise Tea

Anise tea is spicy, flavorful, and contains numerous health benefits, such as improving the common cold and sinusitis, increasing the breast milk supply, and treating many digestive ailments. This Thai style anise tea makes good use of vanilla, cinnamon, cloves, and orange water for a delicious, unique taste, and resulting in a healthy brew you can drink anytime. This anise tea recipe yields approximately one half-gallon of tea.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Spring or distilled water
• Large pan
• Star anise pods
• Orange water
• Vanilla bean pod
• Vanilla extract
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground cloves
• Black tea leaves
• Granulated sugar
• Red food coloring (optional)
• Tea pitcher
• Half and half creamer (optional)
• Sweetened condensed milk (optional)

1. Heat ½ gallon of spring or distilled water to a boil in a large pan. Add eight finely crushed star anise pods, one teaspoon orange water, the contents of one vanilla bean pod, one tablespoon vanilla extract, a pinch each ground cinnamon and cloves, and ½ cup black tea leaves of choice.

2. Stir well to combine all ingredients of the Thai style anise tea, and then allow the mixture to boil for 3-5 minutes. Remove the pan from heat, and add one cup of granulated sugar, and 3-5 drops red food coloring, if desired. Cover the anise tea, and allow it to steep until it’s cooled to room temperature.

3. Strain the Thai style anise tea into a tea pitcher or container of your choice. Store it in the refrigerator for up to three days before discarding any unused portion. To serve, pour the tea over crushed ice, and top with half and half creamer or sweetened condensed milk.

Tips & Warnings

• Find anise pods and orange water at health food stores, upscale grocery stores, or order them online.
• Red food coloring is traditional for Thai tea, but is not necessary for your Thai style anise tea. Use only if desired, to improve appearance.
• Alternatively, this Thai style anise tea can be made in an electric coffee or tea maker. Simply place all dry ingredients (except sugar) into the machine’s filter-lined basket, and place the sugar, vanilla extract, and orange water into bottom of the pot. Brew as you would normal coffee or tea, and store your “instant” anise tea in the refrigerator until cold. Serve as directed above.