Traditional Thai Iced Tea With Star Anise

INGREDIENTS

8 star anise pods, finely crushed

1 teaspoon orange blossom water

1 vanilla pod (or 1 tablespoon vanilla extract)

1 pinch ground cloves

1 pinch ground cinnamon

1⁄2 cup loose chinese black tea leaves

1 cup granulated sugar

3 drops red food coloring (optional)

half-and-half or sweetened condensed milk

DIRECTIONS

Bring 1/2 gallon of cold water to a boil. Add 8 finely crushed star anise pods, 1 teaspoon orange blossom water, the scrapings of 1 vanilla pod or 1 tablespoon vanilla extract, a pinch each of ground cloves and ground cinnamon, and 1/2 cup Chinese black tea leaves.

Boil for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from the heat and stir in 1 cup sugar and a few drops of red food coloring (optional, though traditional). Cover, steeping until tepid.

Strain & place in the refriderator for a few hours to really chill.

Pour the tea over plenty of crushed ice. Top with half-and-half or sweetened condensed milk.

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