A cup of homemade milk tea with a teabag and milk on a table

How to Make Milk Tea

Why Make This Recipe

Milk tea is a comforting beverage loved by many around the world. Its creamy texture and aromatic spices make it a delightful drink for any time of day. Making your own milk tea at home allows you to control the flavors and sweetness, giving you a personal touch in each cup. Whether you enjoy it in the morning to kickstart your day or in the evening as a warm treat, this recipe is simple and quick.

How to Make Milk Tea

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 tbsp tea leaves (or 1 teabag)
  • 2 cups milk (about 1 1/3 of a mug)
  • 3 cardamom pods (lightly crushed)
  • A small piece of cinnamon (about 1 cm)
  • Sugar to taste

Directions:

  1. Start by bringing the milk, cardamom, and cinnamon to a boil in a saucepan. To prevent the milk from boiling over, you can place a heatproof spoon horizontally across the pot.
  2. Once the milk has boiled, use a ladle to aerate the mixture a few times. This will create a nice creamy froth.
  3. Next, add your tea leaves and bring the mixture back to a boil. Aerate again with the ladle and let it simmer aggressively for at least 5 minutes. The mixture should reduce by at least a third from where you started.
  4. After simmering, strain the mixture to remove the tea leaves and spices, and serve hot.

How to Serve Milk Tea

You can serve milk tea immediately after straining it. Pour it into your favorite mug and enjoy! You may also add a little extra sugar if you like it sweeter. It pairs well with biscuits or light snacks, making it a great companion for tea time.

How to Store Milk Tea

If you have leftover milk tea, you can store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. It is best to consume it within a day or two. When ready to enjoy again, simply heat it on the stove or in the microwave until warm. You may need to add a bit more sugar depending on your taste.

Tips to Make Milk Tea

  • For a richer flavor, use whole milk instead of low-fat milk.
  • You can customize your milk tea by adding different spices such as ginger or cloves.
  • Experiment with different types of tea leaves, like chai or Earl Grey, for unique flavors.
  • Adjust the sweetness level according to your preference.

Variation

You can make a spiced version of milk tea by adding ginger or cloves along with the cardamom and cinnamon. This adds an extra layer of warmth and flavor.

FAQs

Q: Can I use non-dairy milk for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk if you prefer a non-dairy option. Just note that this may change the final taste and texture slightly.

Q: How long can I keep milk tea in the fridge?
A: Milk tea is best consumed within 1-2 days when stored in the fridge. Make sure to heat it up before drinking.

Q: Can I make milk tea without spices?
A: Absolutely! If you prefer a plain milk tea, you can skip the cardamom and cinnamon and just use tea leaves and milk.

A cup of homemade milk tea with a teabag and milk on a table

Milk Tea

A comforting and creamy beverage made with tea leaves, spices, and milk, perfect for any time of day.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Course: Beverage, Snack
Cuisine: Asian, Indian
Calories: 120

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1/2 tbsp tea leaves (or 1 teabag) Use your preferred type of tea for flavor.
  • 2 cups milk Whole milk is recommended for a richer flavor.
  • 3 pieces cardamom pods Lightly crushed for flavor.
  • 1 cm cinnamon Use a small piece.
  • to taste Sugar Adjust according to your sweetness preference.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Start by bringing the milk, cardamom, and cinnamon to a boil in a saucepan.
  2. To prevent the milk from boiling over, place a heatproof spoon horizontally across the pot.
  3. Once the milk has boiled, use a ladle to aerate the mixture a few times to create a creamy froth.
  4. Add the tea leaves and bring the mixture back to a boil, then aerate again with the ladle.
  5. Let the mixture simmer aggressively for at least 5 minutes until it reduces by at least a third.
  6. After simmering, strain the mixture to remove the tea leaves and spices, and serve hot.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 6gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 100mgSugar: 10g

Notes

For a spiced version, add ginger or cloves along with cardamom and cinnamon for an extra layer of warmth. You can store leftover milk tea in the fridge for 1-2 days.

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