With temperatures in Las Vegas in July and August breaking 100 and sometimes reaching 120 degrees, it is important to stay hydrated. It's especially true with the dry weather that is typical in a harsh desert climate.

You'll know when enough is enough. Dehydration can make you sluggish, cause a headache, or make your eyes feel especially itchy and dry. Some of the most common tips include to carry water in a reusable water bottle, eating vegetables (which have a high concentration of water), and avoid too much alcohol during the heat of the day (it will dry you out).

Why Thai Iced Tea Is A Tasty Protection Against The Heat.

Thailand might be a tropical region, but it is no stranger to heat. Its weather is dominated by monsoons, and it is just starting to cool down (April and May are the hottest months) as Las Vegas is heating up. Like Las Vegas, even locals complain about the heat. (Although native Las Vegans are likely to muse that their 120 degrees is a dry heat.)

The point is that Thai people are not strangers to heat or the effects of it. Thai iced tea ("cha-yen" or ชาเย็น) is made with a strongly brewed black tea. Depending on who is making your tea, they may use orange blossom water, star anise, or crushed tamarind seed for added flavor.

The tea is then sweetened with sugar or condensed milk and poured over ice, with coconut milk or whole milk added on top for taste and a creamy appearance. The reason Thai iced tea works so well in the heat is that it hydrates, provides a caffeine and sugar boost, and quenches thirst better than water because of the milk.

Two Thai Tea Recipes That You Can Try On Your Own.

Thai Iced Tea, Recipe 1

1 gallon water
8 Chinese star anise, ground
1 tablespoon orange flowers
1 tablespoon powdered vanilla
1 pinch clove powder
1 pinch chopped cinnamon
3/4 quart long cut China black tea leaves
1 to 2 cups sugar
1 quart half and half
beet powder (for color)
crushed ice

Boil water. Add star anise, orange flowers, vanilla, clove, cinnamon, and tea leaves to boiling water. Continue boiling for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Cover and allow to steep until lukewarm. Strain, and add sugar to taste. Serve in a clear glass over plenty of crushed ice. Top with half and half.

Credit: Thai Tea.

Thai Iced Tea, Recipe 2

1/4 cup peeled fresh ginger, coarsely chopped
1/4 cup diagonally sliced lemongrass
8 green tea bags
1/4 cup organic honey
1 quart boiling water
1/2 cup light organic coconut milk

Add ginger, lemongrass, green tea, and honey to boiling water, and steep 10 minutes. Strain into large beverage container, and stir in coconut milk. Chill thoroughly. Serve over crushed ice with fresh mint.

Credit: Better Nutrition.

Both versions can include some substitutions such as half and half instead of coconut milk, decaffeinated tea leaves, or refined sugar. For anyone substituting various ingredients, make sure you taste and perfect your particular mix for future reference.

Kung Fu Plaza in Las Vegas uses an ancient family recipe passed down from several generations. Founded in 1973, Kung Fu Plaza is the oldest and most authentic Chinese and Thai restaurant in Las Vegas.