A warm cup of tea can make for the perfect breakfast along with a biscuit or a refreshing afternoon beverage. Whether you are a connoisseur, a tea drinker, or new to the beverage, you’ve probably heard of milk tea. Milk tea essentially refers to any tea beverage that has milk added to it. But in this specific recipe, the addition of milk gives it a bit of flavor that makes it easy to remember.
There can also be many variations such as including other flavors like nutmeg, cinnamon, adding tapioca pearls, and agave nectar. So to say, vanilla milk tea comes in different varieties, but the most commonly used recipe is actually fairly simple.
The addition of milk and vanilla gives the tea more body and flavor, changing it from an everyday tea to an actual experience. So, we’re going to break down how to make it and jazz it up so that you can enjoy it on any occasion.
How to Make Vanilla Milk Tea:
- 1 Cup of Milk
- 1 Quart of Water
- 4 Teaspoons of Loose-Leaf Black Tea
- 1/2 Teaspoons of Vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoons of cinnamon or nutmeg (optional)
- 1.2 Teaspoon of sugar or sweetener
- 3/4 Cup of Tapioca Pearls (optional)
- Tea Kettle
- Whisk
- Coffee mugs or teacups
1. Prepare the tapioca pearls.
First, boil 1/4 cup of water and place it on low or medium heat. Next, add the tapioca pearls slowly while stirring them in. The pearls will immediately sink to the bottom and you’ll need to keep stirring them so that they don’t become stuff together.
Do this for about 30 to 40 seconds. When the pearls are done, they’ll start floating on top of the water and will have increased in size. It’ll take anywhere from three to four minutes to cook them. Once they’re done, remove the pan from the heat, cover it with the lid, and let it sit.
2. Make the tea.
Next, boil four cups of water in a pot or your tea kettle. Then add your loose leaf tea to the infuser or to the pot and let it cook for about 40 seconds to 2 minutes or so.
Note, that the longer you allow your tea to steep, the stronger it will be–something that can make for especially strong tea if you’re using black tea. After steeping the leaves, pour the water in a cup.
3. Add the rest of the ingredients.
Now, boil your milk on the stove until it starts to steam or becomes slightly frothy. Then pour the milk into your teacup and then add a couple of tablespoons of tapioca pearls. Next, add about 3-4 tablespoons of ice.
Then, add your sweetener to the beverage per your liking, and then top it off by sprinkling it with a little cinnamon or nutmeg as desired. Note that the addition of the tapioca pearls is optional if you want to make bubble vanilla tea. If you prefer a simple latte, don’t add the pearls or the eyes, simply add the milk, sweetener, and flavoring.
What Does Vanilla Milk Tea Taste Like?
Ultimately the flavor of your vanilla milk tea will really depend on the type of tea that you use and the way that you flavor it. For example, you can use Matcha green tea, Oolong black tea, white tea, or any other variety.
Darker teas will have a more malty flavor that will create an almost nutty flavor when combined with the milk. The milk helps to balance the slightly bitter flavor of black or heavily steeped tea blends.
Green and white vanilla milk teas will have a lighter flavor profile that is creamier, floral, and almost earthy. So, if you prefer more of a smoky or nutty flavor for your vanilla milk tea, try black tea blends. If you prefer something that’s more savory, floral, or earthy, you may want to go with green or white-leave tea blends.
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Various Types of Milk Tea To Make
If you’re wondering which type of tea to use for your vanilla milk tea, don’t worry. There are so many options to choose from and you can actually make it from any tea variety of your choice. We’ve picked some of the most popular teas used to make this tasty beverage and these are just a few common options that you can check out.
Oolong Black Tea
This ancient tea is also made from tea plants and steeped for the ultimate black tea flavor. It contains a great mix of antioxidants and nutrients.
Oolong tea is malty, versatile, and has a nutty flavor that’s unforgettable. It can be strong and full-bodied, or it can be delight and light, depending on how long it’s steeped. It lends the perfect balance to milk and sugar, making for a flavorful, tasty tea that’s really balanced.
Ceylon Thai Milk Tea
The Ceylon tea version of vanilla tea is refreshing, cool, and a bit earthy. It’s perfect for both hot and cold vanilla tea and lends a spicy flavor to the tea. It’s often made with evaporated milk and sugar to add sweetness. To add more flavor, add a bit of nutmeg or vanilla to the mix.
Indian Spiced Milk Tea
Indian spiced milk tea, (aka Masala Chai) is another vanilla tea favorite. Masala Chai is native to India and its popularity has reached the west due to its enchanting texture and flavor profile.
It uses chai as its base and is a blend of spices and black tea leaves. Black pepper, clove, cardamom, and cinnamon are some of the spices used in chai tea.
Masala Chai is really milk-heavy and contains a small amount of sugar to sweeten and counteract the spicy flavor.
Turmeric Milk Tea
Turmeric is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. This milk tea, also known as golden milk, is a hot drink for anyone who wants to enjoy something soothing and a powerful immune booster.
This beloved Indian drink has been around for centuries and is used to treat everything from respiratory problems to digestive issues. Pair it with almond milk, rice, or coconut milk, and add a dash of fresh black pepper to improve its bioavailability (and spice it up a bit).
Black Tea
Black tea is one of the most used teas for vanilla milk tea. The flavor is balanced and rich, and the addition of the milk and sugar gives it an almost syrup-like aftertaste. There are so many black teas to choose from such as Oolong, Earl Grey, Ceylon, and Assam.
Green Tea
Green tea is packed with antioxidants and chlorophyll, making it a go-to drink for health nuts and everyday tea lovers. You may be surprised to learn that green tea can be paired well with milk.
Not only is Matcha tea a superfood-rich tasty brew that is often served with milk, but it can aid in providing much-needed daily nutrients. It is a great match for vanilla tea because of its savory sweetness, grassy flavors, and delicate creaminess. The Taiwanese bubble tea version of this tea (served with tapioca pearls) can also be made from green tea.
Vanilla Milk Tea Simple Recipe
Equipment
- Tea Kettle or Pot with Infuser
- Coffee mugs
- Small whisk
- Bubble tea straws
Ingredients
- 1 cup of milk
- 1 quart of water
- 4 teaspoons of loose-leaf black tea
- 1/2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoons of cinnamon or nutmeg optional
- 1/2 teaspoon of sugar or sweetener
- 3/4 cup of tapioca pearls optional
Instructions
- First, boil 1/4 cup of water and place it on low or medium heat.
- Next, add the tapioca pearls slowly while stirring them in.
- Once they are done, remove the pan from the heat, cover it with the lid, and let it sit.
- Next, boil four cups of water in a pot or your tea kettle.
- Then, add your loose-leaf tea to the infuser or to the pot and let it cook for about 40 seconds to 2 minutes or so.
- Boil the milk on the stove until it starts to steam or becomes slightly frothy.
- Pour the milk into your teacup and then add a couple of tablespoons of tapioca pearls.
- Next, add about 3-4 tablespoons of ice.
- Then, add your sweetener to the beverage per your liking and then top it off by sprinkling it with a little cinnamon or nutmeg as desired.
Nutrition
Conclusion
Vanilla Milk Tea is super easy to make and is one of those drinks that you simply can’t get enough of. Don’t be afraid to jazz up your tea with different flavors, sweeteners, or blended varieties. The milk and vanilla and this tea recipe give it a mild undertone that pairs well with many different flavor combinations.
Featured Image Credit: AB-7272, Shutterstock
