Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea brings together two timeless flavors—Earl Grey tea and fresh cherries—creating a delightful balance of floral, citrus, and sweetness. The creamy milk adds richness, making it an irresistible treat. It’s easy to make, visually stunning with its layers, and ideal for both hot and cold serving. The perfect drink to enjoy with a good book or as a fun party beverage!
Ingredients
- 2 cups water
- 2 tablespoons Earl Grey tea leaves (or 2 tea bags)
- ½ cup fresh cherries, pitted and halved (plus extra for garnish)
- ¼ cup sugar (adjust to taste)
- ½ 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
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Brew the Earl Grey Tea: Bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a saucepan. Once boiling, remove from heat and add the tea leaves or tea bags. Let steep for 5-7 minutes, then strain the tea and set it aside to cool.
- Make the Cherry Sauce: In a separate saucepan, combine the halved cherries, sugar, and a small splash of water. Cook over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until the cherries soften and release their juices. Mash gently with a fork or masher to create a chunky sauce. Remove from heat and cool.
- Combine Tea and Vanilla: Once the tea has cooled, add vanilla extract and, if desired, cherry syrup or juice for extra flavor and color. Stir well.
- Assemble Your Drink: Fill a tall glass with ice cubes. Pour the cooled tea mixture over the ice, filling the glass about two-thirds full.
- Add the Milk: Slowly pour the milk into the glass, allowing the beautiful layering effect as the milk blends with the tea.
- Top with Cherry Sauce: Spoon the cherry sauce over the drink, leaving a few cherries visible for garnish.
- Garnish and Serve: For an extra touch, add fresh cherries on top and serve with a straw or stirring stick. Enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 2
- Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 10 minutes
- Total time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Non-dairy options: Use almond, oat, or coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
- Sweeteners: Swap sugar with honey, agave, or maple syrup for a more natural sweetener.
- Flavor twists: Experiment with other fruit syrups or juices, like raspberry or strawberry, for different flavors.
- Chilled version: Serve this drink cold with ice for a refreshing treat on hot days.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover tea mixture and cherry sauce separately in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.
- Reheating: Serve cold for the best experience, but you can warm the tea mixture gently before serving if you prefer it hot.
FAQs
1. Can I use dried cherries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can! Soak dried cherries in warm water for 15-20 minutes, then drain and use them in the cherry sauce. Reduce the sugar as dried cherries are sweeter.
2. Can I make this drink ahead of time?
You can prepare the tea and cherry sauce in advance, but it’s best to add the milk just before serving for the freshest taste and texture.
3. How can I adjust the sweetness?
Feel free to adjust the sugar or sweetener to your preference. You can also add less if you prefer a more subtle sweetness.
4. Can I make this tea without milk?
Yes, you can make it without milk for a lighter version, or try a plant-based milk like coconut milk for a different flavor profile.
5. How do I store leftover Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea?
Store the tea and cherry sauce separately in the fridge. Assemble the drink fresh when ready to serve.
6. Can I add more fruit flavors to the tea?
Absolutely! You can mix in other fruits like berries, peach, or apple for a more complex flavor.
7. Can I use pre-made cherry syrup?
Yes, store-bought cherry syrup can be a convenient substitute for homemade cherry sauce, but adjust the sweetness to taste.
8. How do I prevent the tea from becoming too bitter?
To avoid bitterness, be mindful not to over-steep the Earl Grey tea. Aim for 5-7 minutes for the perfect balance of flavor.
9. Is this recipe vegan-friendly?
Yes, simply use a non-dairy milk alternative like almond, oat, or coconut milk to make it vegan.
10. Can I serve this drink hot?
Yes, you can enjoy this as a hot tea by skipping the ice and serving it directly after combining the tea, milk, and cherry sauce.
Conclusion
The Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea is a unique, flavorful beverage that combines floral Earl Grey tea with the sweetness of cherries and the richness of milk. It's a treat for both tea lovers and those looking to enjoy a refreshing indulgence. Whether you serve it cold or warm, it’s a delightful drink that’s easy to make and sure to impress!
Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 Servings
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea combines the floral, citrusy notes of Earl Grey with the sweet burst of fresh cherries, creating a refreshing and indulgent drink. Perfect for any time of day, it’s easy to make and features a beautiful layering effect with creamy milk. Serve it cold for a refreshing treat or warm for a cozy indulgence—either way, it’s sure to impress!
Ingredients
- 2 cups water
- 2 tablespoons Earl Grey tea leaves (or 2 tea bags)
- ½ cup fresh cherries, pitted and halved (plus extra for garnish)
- ¼ cup sugar (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy, such as oat or almond)
- Ice cubes
- Optional: 1-2 tablespoons cherry syrup or juice for added flavor and color
Instructions
- Brew the Tea: Bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Once boiling, remove from heat and steep the tea leaves or tea bags for 5-7 minutes. Strain and let it cool.
- Make Cherry Sauce: In a separate saucepan, combine cherries, sugar, and a splash of water. Cook for 5-7 minutes until soft and release juices. Mash lightly for a chunky sauce and remove from heat to cool.
- Combine Tea and Vanilla: Once the tea has cooled, add vanilla extract and cherry syrup or juice for extra flavor and color. Stir well.
- Assemble the Drink: Fill a glass with ice cubes. Pour the tea mixture over the ice, filling about two-thirds of the glass.
- Add the Milk: Slowly pour the milk into the glass, creating a beautiful layering effect.
- Top with Cherry Sauce: Spoon the cherry sauce over the drink and garnish with extra cherries. Serve with a straw or stirring stick and enjoy!
Notes
- Non-Dairy Options: Use almond, oat, or coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
- Sweetener Swap: Use honey, agave, or maple syrup as alternatives to sugar.
- Flavor Variations: Experiment with other fruit syrups or juices, such as raspberry or strawberry, for a unique twist.
- Chilled or Hot: Serve this drink cold with ice, or skip the ice for a cozy warm version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean