Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea Recipe
If you’re in search of a drink that tastes as dreamy as it looks, let me introduce you to Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea. This recipe is truly my spring-into-summer favorite: a fragrant, gently sweetened blend of Earl Grey tea, plump cherries, creamy milk, and a touch of vanilla. Each soft, pink-tinted sip brings together florals, fruit, and that lovely black tea base for an experience that always feels a bit celebratory. Whether it’s a morning pick-me-up or an afternoon treat, Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea is as delicious hot as it is refreshingly cold, and it’s almost too pretty not to share.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I love most about this recipe is how a handful of everyday ingredients come together to create something truly special. Each component plays a key role in building flavor, texture, or aroma. Here’s what you’ll need, plus a few hints for making every ingredient shine:
- Earl Grey tea bag (or 1 tsp loose leaf Earl Grey tea): The aromatic bergamot essence in Earl Grey is the foundation, giving your milk tea a floral, citrusy lift.
- Water (1 cup): Essential for extracting all the beautiful flavors from your tea – filtered water makes the taste even cleaner.
- Milk (1/2 cup, any type): Your choice of dairy or plant-based milk adds body and richness while mellowing out the tea’s edges.
- Fresh cherries (4-5, pitted and halved): The real star – juicy cherries infuse every sip with sweetness and a hint of tartness.
- Vanilla syrup (1-2 tsp): Just a splash for gentle warmth and sweetness; adjust to taste or try making your own for a fancier twist.
- Cinnamon stick (optional): If you love spice, this adds a cozy background note that pairs perfectly with cherries and tea.
- Ice (optional): For a summery, refreshing take, have ice at the ready to chill your drink.
How to Make Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea
Step 1: Simmer the Cherries
Start by gathering your fresh cherries and popping out those pits (a cherry pitter or even a sturdy straw works wonders). Slice them in half and place them in a small saucepan with about two tablespoons of water. Bring to a gentle simmer over low heat for 3-5 minutes until the cherries soften and start to release their deep red juices. Give them a little mash with the back of a spoon to coax out every drop of flavor. This creates a juicy cherry base that honestly smells like summer.
Step 2: Brew the Earl Grey Tea
While the cherries are working their magic, set your kettle on to boil 1 cup of water. Once it’s bubbling, pour it over your Earl Grey tea bag or loose leaves in a heatproof mug or teapot. Let it steep for 3 to 5 minutes, according to your ideal strength – longer for bolder, shorter for lighter. Remove the tea bag or strain out the loose leaves, taking a moment to savor that signature bergamot fragrance.
Step 3: Warm the Milk with Cherries
Pour your milk of choice into the saucepan with the softened cherries and continue to heat gently. Give it a slow stir every now and then, just until the milk is warming through and turning a lovely blush color from the cherries. If you love a twist, drop in the cinnamon stick now for a subtle, spiced undertone – just don’t let it come to a boil.
Step 4: Sweeten with Vanilla Syrup
Once the milk is warm and feelings of nostalgia are in the air, stir in one or two teaspoons of vanilla syrup. Taste as you go! More if you have a sweet tooth, less if you want the cherries to shine front and center. This is the moment the kitchen starts to smell like dessert.
Step 5: Combine Tea and Cherry Milk
Next, pour your hot Earl Grey tea into a serving mug or glass. Strain the cherry-milk mixture on top, pressing on the cherries with a spoon to squeeze out every bit of their vibrant, fruity essence. Stir to blend that gorgeous pale pink color throughout. If you love bits of fruit, skip the strainer and let those cherry pieces float in your cup.
Step 6: Hot or Iced – Your Choice
For an iced Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea, let the mixture cool for a few minutes, then pour over a tall glass of ice. For hot, serve straight away for a warm, comforting hug in a mug. Both ways are equally delightful, trust me!
Step 7: Add the Finishing Touch
This is where you make your Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea your own. Garnish with an extra cherry, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or even a swirl of whipped cream for extra indulgence. Presentation matters and it’s the little details that make at-home drinks feel extra fancy.
How to Serve Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea
Garnishes
For a finishing flourish, top your Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea with a fresh, whole cherry on the rim (so charming!), a pinch of ground cinnamon, or even delicate dried rose petals. If you want to elevate the look for a party, a twisted lemon peel or a dusting of cocoa powder also makes a lovely, aromatic topping.
Side Dishes
Pair your milk tea with something crisp or buttery, like shortbread cookies, almond biscotti, or a slice of lemon loaf. These treats complement the flavors of tea and cherries without overshadowing them. For a light meal, serve alongside a fruit-studded scone or a gentle cheese plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea shines in clear glasses or delicate ceramic mugs to highlight its beautiful blush hue. For whimsical gatherings, serve in small mason jars with striped paper straws, or create a milk tea “flight” with other fruit infusions. Freeze leftover cherry pulp in ice cube trays for eye-catching, flavorful additions to future glasses!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea (not that it lasts long!), simply cover and refrigerate for up to two days. It’s best to strain out the cherry solids before storing for a smoother texture and to keep flavors fresh. Just give it a good shake or stir before sipping again, as some settling is natural.
Freezing
You can freeze Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea in ice cube trays for fun, flavorful additions to future drinks! Alternatively, freeze in a sealed container, leaving some room for expansion. The flavor and color will hold up well for 1 to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge or blend frozen cubes with milk or ice for a frosty treat.
Reheating
To reheat, pour your milk tea into a saucepan or microwave-safe mug and warm gently until steaming but not boiling, which preserves that delicate cherry flavor. If freezing, let it thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat as desired, giving it a good stir before serving to combine any separated layers.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen cherries work perfectly when fresh aren’t in season. Just let them thaw a bit before simmering so you get maximum flavor and color in your Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Simply swap in your favorite plant-based milk, such as oat, almond, or coconut. Double-check your vanilla syrup and tea to ensure they’re vegan-friendly, and this drink becomes entirely plant-based and just as delicious.
Can I use a different tea instead of Earl Grey?
The floral-citrus notes of Earl Grey are wonderful here, but you can substitute with black tea, lavender tea, or even green tea for a lighter, more herbal twist. Each variation brings new personality to your milk tea.
How can I adjust the sweetness level?
The vanilla syrup gives you total control – add more for dessert-like vibes or cut back for a more tea-forward drink. You can also try honey, maple syrup, or even cherry preserves for a creative switch-up.
Will this recipe work as a big-batch drink for parties?
Yes! Simply multiply the ingredients by however many servings you need and simmer the cherries in a larger pot. Strain, combine, and serve in a pretty pitcher over ice with lots of garnishes for a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Final Thoughts
If you haven’t tried making Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea at home yet, let this be your invitation. This recipe always brings a sense of delight and occasion, whether poured over ice on a sunny afternoon or served steaming hot as a cozy nightcap. Give it a try, share with friends, and see just how special a homemade tea moment can be!
Print
Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea, a comforting blend of fragrant Earl Grey tea, sweet cherries, creamy milk, and a hint of vanilla syrup. Whether enjoyed hot or over ice, this beverage is a perfect treat for any time of day.
Ingredients
For the Cherry Infused Milk:
- 4–5 fresh cherries (pitted and halved)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup milk (any type: dairy, almond, oat, etc.)
- 1–2 tsp vanilla syrup (adjust to taste)
- 1 cinnamon stick (optional)
For the Earl Grey Tea:
- 1 Earl Grey tea bag (or 1 tsp loose leaf Earl Grey tea)
- 1 cup water
- Ice (optional for iced version)
Instructions
- Prepare Cherry Infused Milk: In a small saucepan, simmer fresh cherries with water until softened. Mash the cherries to extract flavor. Heat milk with vanilla syrup and cinnamon if desired.
- Brew Earl Grey Tea: Steep tea in hot water for 3-5 minutes. Strain the tea.
- Combine Ingredients: Pour the cherry-infused milk into the tea. Stir well.
- Serve: Serve hot or over ice. Garnish with fresh cherries or cinnamon.
Notes
- You can adjust the sweetness of the milk by varying the amount of vanilla syrup.
- Feel free to experiment with different types of milk for unique flavor profiles.
- For a stronger tea flavor, steep the Earl Grey tea longer.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: English
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea, Tea Recipe, Beverage, Cherry Tea, Earl Grey Tea
