Cha Yen

Instructions

1. 1 Bring four cups of water to a rolling boil in a saucepan, add the Thai tea mix and optional star anise, then remove from heat and steep for five minutes until deeply colored and fragrant.
2. 2 Strain the tea through a fine cloth filter or strainer into a pitcher, pressing the leaves to extract maximum flavor and color, then stir in the sugar while the tea is still hot.
3. 3 Allow the brewed tea to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least thirty minutes until thoroughly chilled, which prevents the ice from melting too quickly when served.
4. 4 Fill four tall glasses to the brim with crushed ice, packing it tightly so the glasses are completely full and the ice creates a frosty surface for the tea to cascade over.
5. 5 Pour the chilled tea over the ice until each glass is three-quarters full, watching the vibrant orange liquid flow dramatically through the crystalline ice and create beautiful layers.
6. 6 Drizzle one tablespoon each of sweetened condensed milk and evaporated milk over the top of each glass, creating a marbled cream layer that guests can stir in to their taste.