This Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea is a lovely drink that combines the floral and citrusy notes of Earl Grey with the sweet burst of cherries. It’s perfect for any time of day!
Every sip feels like a cozy hug! I often enjoy it while wrapped in a blanket, pretending I’m at a fancy tea party. Who knew tea could be such a treat? 😊
Making this drink is easy! Just brew the tea, add some cherry goodness, and finish with milk. It’s such a fun way to jazz up your regular tea routine!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Earl Grey Tea: This tea infuses a lovely floral and citrus flavor from bergamot oil. If you want to switch things up, try using another flavored tea, like lavender or chai, for a new twist.
Fresh Cherries: Fresh cherries are fantastic here, but if they’re out of season, frozen cherries work too. Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid.
Sugar: I used granulated sugar, which dissolves easily. You could replace it with honey, agave syrup, or a sugar substitute. Adjust based on your sweetness preference!
Milk: I love using oat milk for its creamy texture, but feel free to use regular milk, almond milk, or any non-dairy alternative you like best.
Cherry Syrup: This is optional but highly recommended! If you don’t have cherry syrup, you can use other fruit syrups or even a bit of grenadine for a similar effect.
How Do I Perfectly Steep Tea?
Steeping tea properly is essential for great flavor. Over-steeping can lead to bitterness, while under-steeping might leave the tea weak. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Start with boiling water but remove it from heat before adding tea.
- Let it steep for 5-7 minutes. You can check the color; it should be a rich amber without being too dark.
- Once done, strain the tea leaves or remove the tea bags to stop the brewing process.
Always taste it! You can adjust steep time with future batches based on your preference.
How to Make Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tea:
- 2 cups water
- 2 tablespoons Earl Grey tea leaves (or 2 tea bags)
- 1/2 cup fresh cherries, pitted and halved (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/4 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy, such as oat or almond)
- Ice cubes
- Optional: 1-2 tablespoons of cherry syrup or juice for added flavor and color
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful drink takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus some cooling time for the tea and cherry sauce. Give yourself about 30 minutes total to enjoy the process of making this refreshing beverage!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brew the Earl Grey Tea:
Start by bringing 2 cups of water to a boil in a saucepan. Once boiling, remove the pan from the heat and add the Earl Grey tea leaves or tea bags. Let them steep for about 5-7 minutes. After steeping, take out the tea leaves or bags and set the tea aside to cool down.
2. Make the Cherry Sauce:
In another saucepan, combine the halved cherries, sugar, and a small splash of water. Cook this mixture over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, or until the cherries soften and start to release their juices. Use a fork or a masher to gently mash the cherries to create a chunky sauce. After cooking, remove from heat and let it cool.
3. Combine Tea with Vanilla:
Once your Earl Grey tea has cooled down, add in the vanilla extract. If you want an extra pop of flavor and color, mix in the cherry syrup or juice at this stage. Stir well to combine everything.
4. Assemble Your Drink:
Grab a tall glass and fill it with ice cubes. Pour the cooled tea mixture into the glass, filling it about two-thirds full.
5. Add the Milk:
Slowly pour the milk into the glass. As you pour, you’ll see the beautiful layering effect as the milk mixes with the tea. It’s like magic!
6. Top with Cherry Sauce:
Now, spoon the cherry sauce on top. Make sure to leave some cherries peeking out for a lovely garnish.
7. Garnish and Serve:
For an extra touch, add some fresh cherries on top. Serve your Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea with a straw or a stirring stick, and enjoy this refreshing treat!
Can I Use Dried Cherries Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! If you choose to use dried cherries, soak them in warm water for about 15-20 minutes to soften them before cooking. Drain the water and add the soaked cherries to the saucepan with sugar. Keep in mind that dried cherries are sweeter, so you might want to reduce the sugar to taste!
What Can I Use Instead of Milk?
If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, unsweetened almond or oat milk work great in this recipe! You can also use coconut milk for a richer flavor. Just make sure to adjust the sweetness accordingly as some non-dairy milks can be sweeter than others.
How Do I Store Leftover Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea?
If you have any leftovers, store the tea mixture and the cherry sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The tea can be enjoyed cold within 2-3 days. To serve, simply pour over ice and add fresh milk again for the best flavor!
Can I Sweeten This With Something Other Than Sugar?
Definitely! You can use honey, agave syrup, or maple syrup as a natural sweetener. Just note that these alternatives may alter the flavor a bit, so start with a smaller amount and adjust to your taste!
