Traditional Thai Iced Tea With Star Anise

I found this derink on Chow & it says that it is very refreshing. I haven't tried it yet but am looking forward to trying this summer (if we have one here in the UK!). Time to make doesn't include chilling time.

• Ready In: 15 mins
• Yields: 1/2 gallon

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

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Strain & place in the refriderator for a few hours to really chill.
4. Pour the tea over plenty of crushed ice. Top with half-and-half or sweetened condensed milk.