The Thai tea drink known for its orange color and sweetened condensed milk is Thai tea. Often served over ice, it combines strongly brewed black tea with sugar and condensed milk, while evaporated or whole milk may be poured on top for extra creaminess and its recognizable layered appearance.
Thai tea is commonly made with Ceylon tea or a locally grown Assam-related tea called bai miang. Its vivid orange color is associated with Thai tea mixes and preparation methods, though the exact shade can vary. Despite many Western recipes adding star anise or cardamom, Thai tea served in Thailand is not necessarily heavily spiced.
A common mix-up is treating Thai tea as synonymous with bubble tea. Tapioca pearls can be added to Thai tea, but they are optional; bubble tea is a broader category of tea-based drinks. Thai tea can also be served hot, while the iced version is especially familiar internationally.