Imagine wrapping your hands around a big, cozy mug brimming with sweet, fragrant comfort: that’s exactly what Homemade Vanilla Cinnamon Milk Tea delivers. This dreamy drink combines the robust depth of black tea with creamy milk, warm cinnamon, and a lush splash of vanilla all sweetened just the way you like. Whether you crave a gentle morning pick-me-up or an afternoon treat that feels special, this drink comes together with just a few staple ingredients and a simple process, making it as inviting as it is delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Tea:
- 2 black tea bags (or 2 teaspoons loose leaf black tea)
- 2 cups water
Vanilla Cinnamon Milk:
- 1 cup whole milk (or milk of choice)
- 2 tablespoons honey or sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Garnish:
- 1 cinnamon stick (optional for garnish)
How to Make Homemade Vanilla Cinnamon Milk Tea
Step 1: Brew the Black Tea
Start by bringing 2 cups of water to a boil in a small saucepan. Once boiling, take the pan off the heat and drop in your tea bags or loose leaf tea. Let it steep for 3 to 5 minutes, depending on how strong you like your tea—the longer, the bolder. This method brings out all the layered flavors of the black tea without bitterness.
Step 2: Warm the Milk Mixture
While your tea is getting rich and flavorful, pour the milk into another small pot. Warm it gently over medium heat—steaming is the goal, not boiling. Stir in your honey or sugar, the vanilla extract, and the ground cinnamon. Whisk gently until the sweetener is fully dissolved, and the whole kitchen smells dreamy and inviting.
Step 3: Combine and Serve the Milk Tea
Remove the tea bags from the brewed tea (or strain out loose leaves), and divide the tea between two mugs. Slowly pour the warm vanilla cinnamon milk over the tea in each mug and give it a gentle stir. The result is a beautiful swirl and a fragrance that will make you smile even before you take the first sip.
Step 4: Add the Finishing Touch
For a bit of extra flair, garnish each mug with a cinnamon stick if you have one on hand. It’s not just decorative—it infuses a subtle cinnamon aroma as you drink and feels just a little bit fancy.
How to Serve Homemade Vanilla Cinnamon Milk Tea
Garnishes
Topping your mug with a cinnamon stick instantly elevates the Homemade Vanilla Cinnamon Milk Tea, making it as visually tempting as it is delicious. For extra sparkle, dust a light sprinkle of ground cinnamon or a few vanilla bean specks on top—you’ll get a burst of aroma with every sip.
Side Dishes
This milk tea is comforting enough to enjoy on its own, but it shines alongside a stack of buttery shortbread cookies or a delicate fruit scone. If you’re after a full-on tea-time vibe, serve it with simple tea sandwiches or a few pieces of dark chocolate for a special treat.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving guests or just treating yourself on a cozy day, try pouring the milk tea into clear glass mugs to show off the creamy color swirl. For an iced Homemade Vanilla Cinnamon Milk Tea, let it cool and pour over ice—add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert-level decadence!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Homemade Vanilla Cinnamon Milk Tea can be stored in a covered mason jar or airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Be sure to give it a quick stir before re-serving, as some flavors and spices may settle.
Freezing
While it’s best fresh, you can freeze leftovers in ice cube trays and use the cubes to cool down future glasses of iced milk tea. This prevents your tea from being watered down and makes for a very clever summer twist!
Reheating
To warm up refrigerated tea, just pour it into a small saucepan and gently heat until hot—don’t boil, as this could affect the milk’s texture. A quick microwave zap in a mug also works for single servings. Always give it a stir to reincorporate any flavors that settled.
FAQs
Can I make Homemade Vanilla Cinnamon Milk Tea with non-dairy milk?
Absolutely! Feel free to use almond, oat, soy, or coconut milk. Each non-dairy milk has its own unique flavor and creaminess, so you can experiment to find your favorite version.
Is it possible to make this tea without caffeine?
Yes, you can swap out black tea for decaffeinated black tea or even herbal options like rooibos for a naturally caffeine-free drink. You’ll still get all the lovely vanilla cinnamon notes!
How sweet is this milk tea?
The beauty of Homemade Vanilla Cinnamon Milk Tea is its flexibility—you can use as much or as little honey or sugar as you’d like. Taste as you stir in the sweetener to create your perfect cup.
Can I serve this milk tea iced?
Definitely! Allow the prepared tea and milk mixture to cool, then pour over plenty of ice. It’s just as flavorful and especially refreshing on warm days.
Do I need loose leaf tea, or will bags work?
Either will do the trick! Tea bags are quick and mess-free, while loose leaf can offer a slightly richer taste. Just be sure to strain the loose leaves before serving.
Final Thoughts
If ever there was a drink tailor-made for cozying up or treating a friend to something special, Homemade Vanilla Cinnamon Milk Tea is it. It’s quick, endlessly customizable, and full of those warm, comforting flavors we all crave. Give it a try, and it might just become your go-to hug-in-a-mug for every season!
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Homemade Vanilla Cinnamon Milk Tea Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the cozy comfort of this Homemade Vanilla Cinnamon Milk Tea, a delightful blend of black tea, milk, and warm spices that is perfect for a relaxing afternoon treat.
Ingredients
Tea:
- 2 black tea bags (or 2 teaspoons loose leaf black tea)
- 2 cups water
Vanilla Cinnamon Milk:
- 1 cup whole milk (or milk of choice)
- 2 tablespoons honey or sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Garnish:
- 1 cinnamon stick (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Tea: Boil 2 cups of water, steep the black tea bags for 3-5 minutes.
- Warm the Milk: Heat milk in a pot, add honey/sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon.
- Combine: Remove tea bags, pour tea into mugs, top with milk mixture.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally garnish with a cinnamon stick and enjoy warm.
Notes
- For an iced version, let the tea and milk mixture cool, then pour over ice.
- You can use non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk for a dairy-free option.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mug
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
