Royal Milk Tea Recipe

Introduction

Royal Milk Tea is a comforting and rich beverage originating from Japan, blending strong black tea with creamy milk and a touch of sweetness. It’s perfect for a cozy afternoon or whenever you crave a warm, soothing drink.

A white rounded cup filled with a light brown creamy drink topped with small orange-brown specks, sitting on a dark wooden coaster. Next to the cup on the coaster is a single brown cinnamon stick, all placed on a white marbled surface. In the background, a white marbled cutting board and another white cup are slightly visible. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 2 cups water
  • 2 black tea bags (preferably Assam or Darjeeling)
  • 1/2 cup whole milk (or milk of choice)
  • 2 teaspoons sugar (adjust to taste)
  • Optional: cinnamon stick, vanilla extract, or cardamom pod for infusion

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small saucepan, bring the water to a gentle boil.
  2. Step 2: Add the tea bags and simmer on low for 2-3 minutes to develop flavor.
  3. Step 3: Stir in the milk and continue to simmer (do not boil) for another 2-3 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Add sugar and stir until fully dissolved.
  5. Step 5: For enhanced flavor, you can steep a cinnamon stick or cardamom pod with the tea during simmering.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and let it sit for 1 minute.
  7. Step 7: Strain and pour into cups. Serve hot or let cool and serve over ice.

Tips & Variations

  • Use whole milk for a creamier texture or substitute with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version.
  • Adjust sugar according to your preference, or try honey or maple syrup as natural sweeteners.
  • Experiment with adding a splash of vanilla extract after simmering for a subtle aromatic touch.
  • For a spiced version, add a small piece of fresh ginger or a few cloves along with the tea bags while simmering.

Storage

Store any leftover Royal Milk Tea in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to prevent separation. Avoid boiling after reheating to keep the creamy texture smooth.

How to Serve

A white mug filled with smooth light brown chai tea sits on a dark wooden coaster, with a dusting of fine cinnamon powder sprinkled on top in a scattered pattern. Next to the mug on the coaster is a single cinnamon stick, showing a rough textured surface. The mug is placed on a white marbled textured surface, and a blurred white cloth and another white mug can be seen 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 loose leaf tea instead of tea bags?

Yes, you can use about 1 to 1.5 teaspoons of loose leaf black tea per 2 cups of water. Use a tea infuser or strain well after brewing to remove the leaves.

What milk works best for Royal Milk Tea?

Whole milk gives the richest and creamiest result, but you can use any milk you prefer—including dairy-free options—adjusting the sweetness and thickness to your liking.

Print

Royal Milk Tea Recipe

Royal Milk Tea is a rich and comforting beverage made with black tea, milk, and a touch of sugar. Originating from Japan, this creamy and flavorful drink is perfect for enjoying hot or iced, with optional aromatic spices like cinnamon or cardamom to enhance its fragrant profile.

  • Author: Clara
  • Prep Time: 2 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 minutes
  • Total Time: 8 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings 1x
  • Category: Beverage
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Japanese
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 cups water
  • 2 black tea bags (preferably Assam or Darjeeling)
  • 1/2 cup whole milk (or milk of choice)
  • 2 teaspoons sugar (adjust to taste)

Optional Flavorings

  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 1 cardamom pod
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Boil Water: In a small saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a gentle boil over medium heat to create the base for the tea infusion.
  2. Steep Tea: Add the 2 black tea bags to the boiling water. Lower the heat to a simmer and let the tea steep for 2 to 3 minutes to allow the flavors to develop fully.
  3. Add Milk: Pour in 1/2 cup of whole milk (or your preferred milk) and continue to simmer on low heat for another 2 to 3 minutes. Be careful not to let it boil to prevent curdling and to maintain a smooth texture.
  4. Sweeten Tea: Stir in 2 teaspoons of sugar until completely dissolved, adjusting sweetness according to your preference.
  5. Optional Flavor Infusion: For added depth, you may add a cinnamon stick, cardamom pod, or vanilla extract during the steeping process. Remove these before serving.
  6. Rest Tea: Remove the saucepan from heat and let the tea sit for 1 minute to meld the flavors perfectly.
  7. Strain and Serve: Strain the tea into cups using a fine mesh strainer to remove tea bags and any spice bits. Serve hot immediately or let it cool to serve over ice for a refreshing cold version.

Notes

  • Adjust the amount of sugar based on your taste preference or substitute with honey or sweeteners as desired.
  • Use full-fat milk for a creamier, richer texture, or any plant-based milk for a dairy-free version.
  • Ensure not to boil the milk to prevent it from curdling and to keep the tea smooth.
  • Steeping time can vary depending on tea strength preference; longer steeping yields stronger tea flavor.
  • Can be served hot in colder months or iced for a refreshing summer drink.

Keywords: Royal Milk Tea, Japanese Milk Tea, Assam Tea, Darjeeling Tea, Creamy Tea, Hot Tea Recipe, Iced Milk Tea, Comfort Drink

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