How to Make Sweetened Iced Tea (Traditional & Healthy Version)
Sweetened Iced Tea, known locally as 'Teh Ais Manis', is a staple beverage found in kopitiams and roadside stalls across Malaysia. This cooling drink is beloved for its refreshing taste and simple preparation, making it a go-to thirst quencher in Malaysia’s tropical climate. Traditionally brewed with robust black tea and sweetened with a touch of sugar or condensed milk, Malaysian Sweetened Iced Tea often boasts subtle hints of local flavors such as pandan leaves or a squeeze of fresh calamansi, elevating its taste and aroma. This healthy version of Sweetened Iced Tea retains the authentic flavors, utilizing less sugar and incorporating natural sweeteners and aromatic pandan, a common ingredient in Malaysian kitchens. The result is a guilt-free beverage that perfectly complements local dishes like nasi lemak or kuih-muih. Whether you’re enjoying a meal with family or seeking a hydrating afternoon pick-me-up, Teh Ais Manis brings people together and is a cherished part of Malaysia’s multicultural culinary heritage.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Black tea leaves (or 2 tea bags, use strong Malaysian tea like Boh or Sabah Tea)
- 500 ml Water (filtered)
- 1 leaf Pandan leaf (knotted, known locally as daun pandan)
- 2 teaspoons Brown sugar (or Gula Melaka (palm sugar), adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon Stevia or erythritol (natural sweetener, optional for lower calories)
- 2 halves Calamansi lime (limau kasturi, optional for zest)
- 1 cup Ice cubes (as needed for serving)
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1 · Bring water to a gentle boil in a small pot
Bring water to a gentle boil in a small pot. Add the knotted pandan leaf and let it simmer for 3 minutes to infuse the aromatic flavor.
Step 2 · Add black tea leaves (or tea bags) to the boiling water
Add black tea leaves (or tea bags) to the boiling water. Turn off the heat and let the tea steep for 5-7 minutes, depending on your preferred strength.
Step 3 · Remove the pandan leaf and tea leaves (or bags)
Remove the pandan leaf and tea leaves (or bags). While still warm, stir in brown sugar (or Gula Melaka) until dissolved. For a lighter version, add stevia or erythritol.
Step 4 · Allow the sweetened tea to cool to room temperature
Allow the sweetened tea to cool to room temperature, then transfer to the fridge for at least 10 minutes.
Step 5 · To serve
To serve, fill tall glasses with ice cubes. Pour the chilled tea over the ice, squeeze in calamansi lime if desired, and stir gently.
Step 6 · Serve immediately while cold
Serve immediately while cold. Enjoy your refreshing, healthy Malaysian Sweetened Iced Tea!
Why this recipe is healthy
By reducing the sugar content and incorporating natural sweeteners like stevia or erythritol, this version of Malaysian Sweetened Iced Tea is suitable for weight management and blood sugar control. The use of local ingredients like pandan and calamansi provides added nutrients and flavor without extra calories, making it a healthy beverage choice for all ages.
A note on tradition
Sweetened Iced Tea, or Teh Ais Manis, is deeply embedded in Malaysia’s daily life, from bustling city kopitiams to rural warungs. Often enjoyed alongside local snacks in the afternoon or served at gatherings, it reflects Malaysia’s penchant for pairing aromatic teas with local ingredients like pandan and calamansi. The practice of sweetening tea and serving it over ice is a classic way of beating the country’s heat, making it a beloved beverage across all ethnic groups.