Description
This Vanilla Cinnamon Milk Tea is a comforting and flavorful beverage perfect for any time of day. Combining robust black tea with aromatic cinnamon and sweet vanilla, this recipe creates a creamy, warming drink that can be enjoyed hot or iced. Sweetened naturally with honey or maple syrup, it offers a soothing, lightly spiced flavor profile with easy stovetop preparation.
Ingredients
Scale
Tea Base
- 2 black tea bags or 2 teaspoons loose-leaf black tea
- 1 ½ cups water
- 1 small cinnamon stick (optional for steeping)
Milk Mixture
- 1 cup whole milk (or dairy-free alternative such as oat milk)
- 1 ½ tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Optional for Serving
- Ice (if serving cold)
- Pinch of cinnamon or cinnamon stick for garnish
Instructions
- Boil and Steep Tea: In a small saucepan, bring 1 ½ cups of water to a boil. Add the black tea bags and the optional cinnamon stick, then reduce the heat to low and allow to steep gently for 5 minutes to infuse the flavors.
- Remove Tea and Cinnamon Stick: After steeping, carefully remove the tea bags and cinnamon stick from the saucepan to avoid over-extraction and bitterness.
- Add Milk and Flavorings: Stir in 1 cup of whole milk (or dairy-free alternative), ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1 ½ tablespoons honey or maple syrup, and 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract. Mix well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Warm the Mixture: Return the saucepan to medium heat and gently warm the tea mixture. Stir occasionally to ensure it heats evenly but be careful not to bring it to a boil, which could affect the milk’s texture and flavor.
- Serve: Once the milk tea is heated through, pour it into mugs to serve warm. Alternatively, chill the tea and serve over ice for a refreshing iced vanilla cinnamon milk tea. Optionally, garnish with a pinch of cinnamon or a cinnamon stick for visual appeal and added aroma.
Notes
- For a creamier texture, substitute whole milk with half-and-half or oat milk.
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey or maple syrup to suit your taste.
- Enhance the warm spice profile by adding a dash of nutmeg or cardamom.
- If using loose-leaf tea, strain carefully to avoid leaves in the final cup.
