How do you make Cha Ma Nao?

Cha Ma Nao is made by steeping Thai tea mix in hot water, sweetening it with sugar, finishing it with freshly squeezed lime juice, and pouring it over ice.

Is Thai iced tea healthy?

Thai iced tea, including Cha Ma Nao, contains sugar and caffeine. Cha Ma Nao is lighter than Thai milk tea since it doesn’t include sweetened condensed milk, so it’s a good option if you’re looking for a refreshing, dairy-free Thai drink with less fat.

What is the orange stuff in Thai tea?

The bright orange color in Thai tea comes from food coloring added to traditional Thai tea mixes. If you're concerned, you can look for Thai tea mixes without artificial coloring like this one from Taan Thai .

Is there any caffeine in Thai tea?

Yes, Thai tea is made from black tea leaves, which naturally contain caffeine. If you're looking to reduce caffeine, you can try using decaffeinated black tea, though the flavor may be slightly different.

Can I use bottled lime juice instead of fresh?

You can in a pinch, but fresh lime juice really makes a difference in Cha Ma Nao. Bottled juice tends to taste flat and slightly bitter. If you can get fresh limes, it’s worth it!

Can I make Cha Ma Nao ahead of time?

Yes! You can brew the tea, sweeten it, and mix in the lime juice, then store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just be sure to give it a stir before serving, as the sugar and lime juice may settle a bit.

What if I don’t have Thai tea mix?

Thai tea mix is what gives Cha Ma Nao its signature orange color and deep, earthy flavor. If you can’t find it, you can use strong black tea like Assam or Ceylon as a backup, but it won’t have quite the same taste.

Cha Ma Nao (Thai Lime Iced Tea)

Name: Cha Ma Nao (Thai Iced Tea with Lime Recipe)
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 8 c. water, separated; 1 cup Thai Tea Mix; 2/3 cup-3/4 cup, to taste, of sugar; 2/3 cup fresh lime juice, to taste, it took me about 5 limes

Description

Love the refreshing, sweet, tart taste of Thai Iced Tea with Lime? Make it at home today with this simple recipe!

Ingredients

Scale

8 c. water, separated
1 cup Thai Tea Mix
2/3 cup-3/4 cup, to taste, of sugar
2/3 cup fresh lime juice, to taste, it took me about 5 limes

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Instructions

This recipe makes enough for 8 glasses for your summer hangout, but I’ve also given instructions in my tips section below for how to do it for just one glass if it’s just for you.

Boil 4 cups of water in a small pot.

Once the water has boiled, turn off the heat and remove the pot from the heat.

Add in the 1 cup Thai tea mix either in a tea sock, or just put it straight into the water like I do.

Let it steep for 4-5 minutes.

Once the tea has steeped, take out the tea sock, or use a fine mesh strainer or paper filter to strain the tea into a pitcher.

Add in the 2/3 cup-3/4 cup sugar to taste, to the hot tea, and stir vigorously to help it dissolve.

Taste it, and if you want to add more sugar it’s best to do it at this stage, while the water is hot so it can dissolve. It should taste a little sweeter than you want since you are going to add in the water and the lime juice which will balance the flavors.

We usually do 2/3 cup since we don’t like it too sweet, but in Thailand they serve it sweeter, so do what you prefer.

Then add the next 4 cups of cold water and 2/3 cup lime juice, to taste, and stir.

Pour over a cup full of ice and enjoy!

Notes

Additions & Substitutions

Tea tea mix substitute: Use any bold black tea like Assam, or Ceylon.
White sugar substitute: Coconut sugar, agave, or simple syrup—just adjust to taste.
Lime substitute: Lemon works, though the flavor won’t be quite the same.
Garnish: Add fresh mint, a lime wheel, or a splash of soda water for fizz.

Cha Ma Nao Recipe Tips and Tricks

Want to make just 1 glass? Use 2 tablespoons of Thai tea mix, 1 cup hot water, 3 teaspoons sugar (or to taste), and the juice of 1 lime. Steep, strain, stir, pour over ice, and enjoy!
Steep strong: Thai iced tea is meant to be bold. Let that tea steep for at least 4–5 minutes.
Don’t add the lime juice to the hot water: let it cool off some before adding the lime juice since lime juice tastes fresher when it’s not exposed to heat.
Balance the flavors: If it’s too tart, add more sugar. Too sweet? A touch more lime juice brings it back in balance. Finding that perfect sweet-sour combo is key.

Prep Time: 5
Cook Time: 5
Category: Drink
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Thai