If you are craving a warm hug in a cup or a refreshing twist on your usual tea break, this Homemade Vanilla Cinnamon Milk Tea – Hot or Iced Recipe is just the treat you need. With the rich depth of black tea mingling effortlessly with creamy vanilla and a spicy hint of cinnamon, this drink offers a perfect balance of cozy and invigorating vibes. Whether you want it steaming hot to soothe a chilly day or chilled over ice to brighten up a warm afternoon, this recipe makes it deliciously simple to enjoy a café-quality milk tea right at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to whip up this delightful drink is a breeze because it calls for simple, everyday ingredients that each play a special role in crafting the perfect flavor and texture.
- Black tea bag or 1 tablespoon loose leaf black tea: The robust base that brings a beautiful, slightly bitter depth to balance the sweetness.
- 1/2 cup water: Essential to properly steep the tea and extract those rich flavors.
- 1/2 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy): Adds creamy texture and smooths out the bold tea notes for a luscious finish.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses a warm sweetness that elevates the entire drink.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Brings a cozy spice kick that pairs perfectly with vanilla.
- 1-2 tablespoons honey or sweetener: Adjust sweetness to your liking, making the drink just right for your taste buds.
- Ice (optional): For those choosing to enjoy the Homemade Vanilla Cinnamon Milk Tea – Hot or Iced Recipe in a refreshing cold version.
How to Make Homemade Vanilla Cinnamon Milk Tea – Hot or Iced Recipe
Step 1: Brew Your Black Tea
Start by boiling 1/2 cup of water in a small saucepan or kettle. Once boiling, steep your black tea bag or loose leaf tea in the hot water for about 3 to 5 minutes, depending on how strong you like your tea. This brewing process lets the tea release its rich flavors, which is the foundation of your delicious milk tea.
Step 2: Prepare the Spiced Vanilla Milk
While your tea is steeping, gently heat 1/2 cup of milk over medium heat in a separate saucepan. As it warms, add in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1 to 2 tablespoons of honey or your preferred sweetener. Stir continuously until everything is well combined and the milk reaches a comforting warmth without boiling. This mixture gives your drink its signature creamy texture and those lovely aromatic notes from the cinnamon and vanilla.
Step 3: Combine Tea and Milk
Remove the tea bag from your brewed tea and pour the now-rich tea into your favorite cup. Slowly add the warm spiced vanilla milk to the tea, stirring gently to marry the flavors and create a silky smooth drink. This is where your Homemade Vanilla Cinnamon Milk Tea – Hot or Iced Recipe truly comes to life.
Step 4: Choose Hot or Iced
If you prefer a hot beverage, your milk tea is ready to enjoy as is. For an iced version, allow the tea to cool to room temperature before pouring it over a glass filled with ice. Give it a gentle stir, and you have an incredibly refreshing take on this delicious recipe, perfect for any season.
How to Serve Homemade Vanilla Cinnamon Milk Tea – Hot or Iced Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate the look and flavor of your milk tea with a simple sprinkle of ground cinnamon or a whole cinnamon stick as a stirrer. These garnishes add a rustic charm and a little extra aroma with every sip, making your drink feel even more luxurious and special.
Side Dishes
Pair your Homemade Vanilla Cinnamon Milk Tea – Hot or Iced Recipe with lightly spiced cookies, buttery scones, or buttery almond biscotti for a snack experience that feels like a cozy café afternoon. The subtle sweetness and spice of the tea complement these treats perfectly without overpowering them.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your milk tea in a clear glass mug for the hot version so the rich colors are visible or in a tall glass for iced tea to showcase the swirl of creamy milk and tea. Add a cinnamon stick or a vanilla bean pod on the side of the glass for an elegant touch that makes this simple drink look extraordinarily inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftover milk tea, store it in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Be sure to give it a good stir before drinking to redistribute the cinnamon and vanilla flavors.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this recipe as the milk may separate and the texture can change once thawed, diminishing the smooth, creamy feel that makes this milk tea so enjoyable.
Reheating
To reheat your chilled Homemade Vanilla Cinnamon Milk Tea – Hot or Iced Recipe, warm it gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring in between to keep the flavors balanced and the milk from scorching.
FAQs
Can I use green tea instead of black tea?
Absolutely! Green tea will give your vanilla cinnamon milk tea a lighter, more delicate flavor. Just keep in mind green tea steeps faster and can become bitter if left too long, so adjust the steeping time accordingly.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Yes, just swap the dairy milk for any plant-based milk like almond, oat, or soy milk and use a vegan sweetener such as maple syrup or agave nectar instead of honey.
How sweet should the milk tea be?
Sweetness is totally personal! Start with 1 tablespoon of honey or your preferred sweetener, then taste and add more if you like it sweeter. The vanilla and cinnamon also add natural sweetness that complements the honey.
Can I prepare this tea in bulk for a party?
You can make the tea and spiced milk mixtures separately in larger quantities, then combine them when serving. To keep things fresh, prepare only as much as you expect your guests to drink.
What is the best way to keep iced milk tea from getting watery?
To avoid watery iced milk tea, chill the tea completely before adding ice or use tea ice cubes made from brewed tea instead of plain ice. This keeps the flavor strong without dilution.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Homemade Vanilla Cinnamon Milk Tea – Hot or Iced Recipe, it will quickly become your go-to comfort drink whether you want warmth or refreshment. It’s simple to make, wonderfully flavorful, and perfect for any time of day. So grab your favorite mug or glass, and treat yourself to this delightful brew—you deserve it!
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Homemade Vanilla Cinnamon Milk Tea – Hot or Iced Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
Description
Enjoy a comforting cup of Homemade Vanilla Cinnamon Milk Tea, a delightful blend of black tea infused with warm vanilla and cinnamon flavors. Perfect served hot or iced, this easy-to-make recipe combines aromatic spices and creamy milk for a soothing, sweet tea experience in just 10 minutes.
Ingredients
Tea Base
- 1 black tea bag (or 1 tablespoon loose leaf black tea)
- 1/2 cup water
Milk Mixture
- 1/2 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy, e.g., almond or oat milk)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1–2 tablespoons honey or sweetener of choice (adjust to taste)
Optional
- Ice (for iced tea)
- Cinnamon stick or extra ground cinnamon for garnish
Instructions
- Boil Water: Bring 1/2 cup of water to a boil in a small saucepan or kettle to prepare your tea base.
- Steep Tea: Place the black tea bag into the hot water and steep for 3-5 minutes, adjusting steeping time for preferred strength.
- Heat Milk: While the tea steeps, gently heat 1/2 cup of milk in a separate saucepan over medium heat, ensuring it becomes warm but not boiling.
- Add Flavorings: Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1-2 tablespoons honey or sweetener into the warm milk until well combined.
- Combine Tea and Milk: Remove the tea bag from the steeped tea and pour the tea into your cup, then add the spiced warm milk, stirring gently to blend flavors.
- Prepare Iced Option: For iced milk tea, allow the tea to cool before pouring it over ice, then stir well.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally, garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a cinnamon stick for a decorative touch and enhanced aroma.
- Enjoy: Sip and relax with your homemade vanilla cinnamon milk tea, served hot or iced.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of honey or sweetener based on your sweetness preference.
- Non-dairy milk options like almond or oat milk work well for a vegan version.
- Steeping time affects tea strength; longer steeping yields stronger tea.
- Do not boil the milk to prevent scalding and to preserve flavor.
- Cinnamon garnish enhances the drink’s aroma and presentation.
- Prep Time: 3 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: International
