Ask anyone what they drink with Thai food and you'll hear the same two answers: the bright orange Thai iced tea everyone recognizes, and the striking blue butterfly pea drink that has taken over social media. They look nothing alike, and they taste nothing alike either. Here's what's actually in each one, how they're served in Thailand, and what to order at our Henderson restaurant.
What is Thai iced tea, exactly?
In Thailand it's called cha yen — literally "cold tea." Street vendors brew a strong black tea (often a Ceylon-style blend) with spices like star anise, cardamom, and sometimes tamarind seed, then sweeten it generously and pour it over crushed ice. The finishing touch is a slow pour of evaporated or condensed milk that swirls into the tea.
That famous orange color? Part of it is the tea blend, but most Thai tea mixes also include a little food coloring — it's been that way for decades. The flavor is malty, faintly floral from the spices, and sweet enough to stand up to a plate of chili-heavy food. That's the point: it cools your palate between bites of spicy Thai dishes.
Is Thai iced tea vegan?
Not by default. The traditional recipe relies on dairy — condensed milk for sweetness and evaporated milk for body. The good news is that the tea itself is entirely plant-based, so swapping in oat, coconut, or soy milk gives you a vegan Thai tea that's just as creamy. Coconut milk in particular pairs beautifully with the spices. If you're ordering at Thailicious, simply ask for it vegan and we'll make it that way.
What is butterfly pea tea?
Butterfly pea (dok anchan in Thai) is a climbing vine with vivid blue flowers that grows all over Southeast Asia. Thai families have brewed its dried petals into tea for generations, and the flowers are also used to color desserts and sticky rice a natural blue.
On its own, butterfly pea tea tastes mild and earthy — close to a light green tea with no bitterness. In Thailand it's usually served iced with a touch of honey or syrup and a squeeze of lime, which is where the magic happens.
Why does it change color?
The petals contain anthocyanins, the same family of natural pigments found in blueberries and red cabbage. These pigments react to acidity. Brewed plain, the tea is a deep royal blue. Add lime or lemon and it shifts to violet, then magenta, right in front of you. No dyes, no tricks — just chemistry you can drink.
Because the drink is an herbal infusion rather than true tea, it's also naturally caffeine-free, making it an easy choice for dinner, for kids, or for anyone cutting back on caffeine.
Thai iced tea vs. butterfly pea: which should you order?
Choose Thai iced tea if you want something rich, sweet, and creamy — it's the classic partner for pad thai, curry, or anything with heat. Choose the butterfly pea drink if you prefer something lighter and refreshing, want to skip caffeine, or simply want the color-changing experience at the table. Many of our Green Valley regulars order one of each and share.
Pro tip: ask for your butterfly pea drink with the lime on the side so you can watch the color shift yourself.
What about vegan butterfly pea drinks?
Plain butterfly pea tea with lime and syrup is already vegan. The creamy "butterfly pea latte" version is traditionally made with dairy or condensed milk — but just like Thai tea, it works perfectly with coconut or oat milk. As a restaurant with one of Henderson's largest vegan Thai menus, we treat drinks the same way we treat food: everything on the menu can be enjoyed plant-based.
Where to get Thai iced tea and butterfly pea drinks in Henderson, NV
Thailicious Authentic Thai & Vegan serves both drinks fresh, for dine-in and takeout, at 19 S Stephanie St, Ste 160, Henderson, NV 89012 — a short drive from Green Valley and the Las Vegas Strip. Pair them with anything from our menu, or order ahead online and pick up on your way home. Questions about ingredients or dairy-free options? Call (702) 489-9441 or visit our contact page.