Vanilla Cinnamon Black Milk Tea Recipe

Introduction

Vanilla Cinnamon Milk Tea is a comforting and fragrant beverage perfect for cozy mornings or relaxing afternoons. This warm tea combines the sweet aroma of vanilla with the spicy hint of cinnamon, balanced by rich milk and a touch of honey.

A clear glass cup filled with a creamy light brown drink topped by a thin layer of white foam sprinkled with cinnamon powder, milk being poured smoothly from a metal pitcher into the cup, placed on a white marbled surface. In the foreground on the surface, there are two brown cinnamon sticks and some star anise pieces scattered near the cup. In the blurred background, another similar glass cup is visible. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 2 cups Water
  • 4 sticks Cinnamon (or 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon)
  • 4 pieces Vanilla beans (split and scraped, or 4 teaspoons vanilla extract)
  • 2 pieces Star anise (optional)
  • 4 teaspoons Loose-leaf black tea (or 4 black tea bags)
  • 2 cups Milk
  • Honey or sweetener (to taste)

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Boil the water in a small pot until it bubbles vigorously.
  2. Step 2: Add the cinnamon sticks and vanilla beans (or vanilla extract) to the boiling water. Turn off the heat and cover the pot. If using star anise, add it now.
  3. Step 3: Let the mixture steep for about 10 minutes to infuse the flavors.
  4. Step 4: Add the loose-leaf black tea or tea bags to the pot and steep for an additional 3-5 minutes, depending on how strong you like your tea.
  5. Step 5: While the tea steeps, warm the milk in a separate pot until it is hot but not boiling.
  6. Step 6: Strain the tea mixture through a fine mesh sieve into the warm milk, removing the spices and tea leaves.
  7. Step 7: Stir in honey or your preferred sweetener to taste.
  8. Step 8: Serve the vanilla cinnamon milk tea hot, or let it cool and pour over ice for a refreshing iced version. Optionally, sprinkle a little cinnamon on top before serving.

Tips & Variations

  • Use almond or oat milk as a dairy-free alternative for a different flavor and texture.
  • If you don’t have vanilla beans, vanilla extract works well and is easier to find.
  • Adjust steeping times based on your preferred tea strength to avoid bitterness.
  • Add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves for extra warmth and complexity.
  • Sweeten with maple syrup or brown sugar for a richer taste.

Storage

Store any leftover milk tea in the refrigerator in a sealed container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain smoothness. For best flavor, prepare fresh each time.

How to Serve

A clear glass mug filled with a creamy light brown chai tea, showing a smooth texture with a thin layer of foamy milk on top sprinkled with cinnamon powder. Steaming hot chai is being poured from a dark metallic pot into the mug, blending softly with the lighter frothy layer. The mug sits on a flat surface with a white marbled texture. Next to the mug are two cinnamon sticks, a star anise, and some scattered spice powder, adding warm brown and earthy tones around the drink. Another similar glass mug filled with chai is slightly blurred in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use tea bags instead of loose-leaf tea?

Yes, black tea bags work perfectly in this recipe and make it even easier to prepare. Just use the same amount given and steep accordingly.

Is star anise necessary in this recipe?

Star anise is optional and adds a subtle licorice-like flavor that pairs well with cinnamon and vanilla, but the tea is delicious without it as well.

Print
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Vanilla Cinnamon Black Milk Tea Recipe


  • Author: Zoe
  • Total Time: 23 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings 1x

Description

Vanilla Cinnamon Milk Tea is a comforting and aromatic beverage blending the warm flavors of cinnamon and vanilla with robust black tea, finished with creamy milk and a touch of honey for sweetness. Perfect served hot to soothe on chilly days or chilled for a refreshing iced treat.


Ingredients

Scale

Tea Infusion

  • 2 cups Water
  • 4 sticks Cinnamon (or 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon)
  • 4 pieces Vanilla beans (split and scraped, or 4 teaspoons vanilla extract)
  • 2 pieces Star anise (optional)
  • 4 teaspoons Loose-leaf black tea (or 4 black tea bags)

Milk Tea

  • 2 cups Milk
  • Honey or sweetener (to taste)

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Gather all ingredients and equipment needed to make the tea infusion and milk tea.
  2. Boil Water: In a small pot, bring 2 cups of water to a vigorous boil over medium-high heat.
  3. Add Spices and Vanilla: Add cinnamon sticks and split vanilla beans with scraped seeds (or vanilla extract) to the boiling water. Remove the pot from heat and cover it. Add star anise if using to infuse additional flavor.
  4. Steep Spices: Let the cinnamon and vanilla mixture steep, covered, for about 10 minutes to extract rich flavors.
  5. Brew Tea: Add black tea leaves or tea bags to the infusion and steep for an additional 3-5 minutes until the tea reaches desired strength.
  6. Warm Milk: Meanwhile, gently warm 2 cups of milk in a separate pot on low to medium heat until warm but not boiling to prevent scalding.
  7. Strain and Combine: Strain the cinnamon vanilla tea infusion through a fine mesh sieve into the warmed milk, ensuring no spice residues remain.
  8. Sweeten: Stir in honey or your preferred sweetener to taste, mixing gently to dissolve thoroughly.
  9. Serve: Serve the milk tea hot for a cozy drink or allow it to cool and pour over ice for a refreshing iced milk tea. Optionally sprinkle with cinnamon for garnish.

Notes

  • Using vanilla beans provides a richer flavor than vanilla extract but both work well.
  • Star anise is optional but adds a subtle licorice note that complements the cinnamon and vanilla.
  • Adjust steeping time of black tea based on desired strength and bitterness preference.
  • Use dairy or any plant-based milk as preferred; almond or oat milk pairs wonderfully with these flavors.
  • For a stronger cinnamon flavor, increase the number of cinnamon sticks or use ground cinnamon during steeping.
  • Sweeten to taste – honey adds a natural floral sweetness, but agave or maple syrup can be good alternatives.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 18 minutes
  • Category: Beverage
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Tea Beverage

Keywords: vanilla cinnamon milk tea, spiced tea, black tea recipe, homemade milk tea, warm beverages, iced tea alternative

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