Sri Lankan milk tea, known as Thethani, is a rich, creamy black tea infused with ginger that’s absolutely delicious. This beverage is a beloved cultural tradition in Sri Lanka. 

Kevin, who grew up in Sri Lanka before moving to the United States, introduced me to this tea. For him, making Thethani is a cherished tradition that connects him to his roots and childhood memories.

Kevin remembers the smell of ginger and black tea filling his family home every morning as his dad prepared the tea. Even after moving to America at 18, making Thethani helped Kevin feel connected to the comforting memories of his Sri Lankan upbringing.

To make Thethani, you simmer fresh ginger and Ceylon black tea leaves, then strain it into a pitcher with sweetened condensed milk.The key is aerating the tea by vigorously pouring it back and forth between the pitcher and pot. This aerating creates that signature frothy, creamy texture that makes Thethani so delightful to sip.

After one gulp, I understood why this is Kevin’s go-to tea. The Ceylon tea paired beautifully with the sweet, creamy milk for a dessert-like richness. The ginger added some brightness for the perfect balance.

As Kevin explained, there’s something incredibly soothing about cradling a steaming mug of warm tea. If  you’re homesick, stressed, or just need a cozy break, Thethani will hit the spot.