How to Brew Cardamom Thai Tea for a Creamy, Spiced Cup

By Sourced. Blended. Shared. LMTC | Lake Missoula Tea Co. | Published: 2026-10-26

Category: How-to Guides

Learn how to brew Cardamom Thai Tea for a creamy, spiced cup. Get step-by-step tips for the perfect balance of black tea, anise, and cardamom.

Quick answer

For a creamy, spiced cup of Cardamom Thai Tea, steep the loose-leaf blend in hot water for 5 minutes, then mix with milk and sweetener to taste. The anise and cardamom shine when the tea is brewed strong and balanced with creaminess.

Why brewing method matters for this blend

Cardamom Thai Tea is a black tea blend with anise and cardamom, so it responds well to a longer, hotter steep that draws out the deep spice and malty notes. A shorter steep can leave the cup thin, while a too-long steep can turn bitter.

The blend is designed to work with or without milk. If you prefer a creamy cup, brew it slightly stronger so the milk doesn't dilute the spice. If you drink it plain, a 5-minute steep gives a smooth, rich cup without needing additives.

Brewing steps

Boil fresh water: Bring fresh, filtered water to a rolling boil (212°F / 100°C). If you're using a teapot, warm it first with a little hot water.
Measure the tea: Use 1 teaspoon of Cardamom Thai Tea (about 2 grams) per 8-ounce cup. For a creamier cup, use 1.5 teaspoons to keep the flavor robust after adding milk. Start with 1 teaspoon, then adjust next time based on your taste.
Steep for 5 minutes: Pour the boiling water over the tea and cover. Steep for 5 minutes. This draws out the anise and cardamom without going bitter. Set a timer—steeping longer than 6 minutes can make the tea astringent.
Strain and add milk: Strain the tea into a cup. Add 1-2 tablespoons of milk (dairy or plant-based) and stir. For a classic sweet version, add sugar or honey to taste. If you're skipping milk, consider a slightly shorter steep (4 minutes) for a lighter cup.
Taste and adjust: Taste the tea. If you want more spice, let it steep a bit longer next time. If you want it creamier, add a splash more milk. The nutty texture of the blend means it handles extra dairy well. Keep notes on your preferred ratios so you can replicate your perfect cup.

The tea we use

Cardamom Thai Tea: Cardamom Thai Tea is a flavorful take on the classic Thai drink, with anise providing deep spiciness and cardamom adding piney, aromatic accents. The combination of anise and cardamom means you can adjust milk and sweetener without losing the characteristic spiced flavor.
Cardamom Thai Tea