Coconut Oolong Iced Tea

Creamy coconut iced tea with fresh ginger infusions.

Disclosure: Today’s recipe and post are sponsored by the Tea Council.

The first time I tried a Thai iced tea drink, my mind was blown. Sometimes we think iced tea can only be one thing (think back to our lemon tea recipe) but really, since there are four varieties of tea that come from that same Camellia sinensis plant your base ingredient already provides so much variety without even considering mix-ins! Also, I’m almost positive we proved how unique an iced tea recipe can be last week with the strawberry rose white tea!

With Thai iced tea in this example, what struck me was how rich the iced tea was thanks to the addition of a creamy ingredient. Some people use heavy cream, half and half, condensed milk or coconut milk depending on the recipe. And while my personal preference is something not as intensely sweet as that Thai tea, for this recipe we added some flavor bonuses to cut back on the sugar and add extra layers of interest. Coconut oolong iced tea may be your new morning summer beverage.

With a base of oolong tea (partially oxidized Camellia sinensis and often described as being the halfway mark between black and green tea for strength and color) we added a simple syrup sweetener infused with fresh ginger for a bright zing and turmeric for extra nutrition benefits and natural color. Many traditional Thai tea recipes have a base that includes food coloring (no thanks!). To get that creaminess that I loved with the Thai tea, we stirred in coconut milk. This recipe is highly customizable so if you want more ginger turmeric sugar and less cream, go for it! If you want more coconut milk, who’s stopping you? Let us know your favorite way to stir up a creamy iced tea! 

Coconut Oolong iced tea

Ingredients:

• 6 ounces oolong tea, brewed and chilled
• 2 teaspoons ginger turmeric simple syrup (adjust to preferred sweetness)
• 2 oz coconut milk
• raw ginger for garnish 
• ice

simple syrup: 

• 1 cup simple syrup
• 2 teaspoons turmeric powder
• 1 inch, peeled raw ginger, thinly sliced

Directions:

To make simple syrup heat equal parts granulated sugar and water into a sauce pan. Heat and stir to dissolve sugar. Add 2 teaspoons turmeric powder and 1 inch peeled and sliced raw ginger. Stir to combine. Cool and strain. 

To make drink stir oolong, simple syrup and coconut milk together. Add ice to a glass and pour tea mixture over top. Garnish with a strip of raw ginger.