Description
Indulge in a soothing, aromatic beverage that perfectly blends the robust character of black tea with the earthy warmth of cinnamon and the fragrant essence of vanilla beans. This cafe-style milk tea is simple to prepare and offers a sophisticated, comforting experience. Whether served piping hot for a cozy morning or poured over ice for a refreshing afternoon pick-me-up, this balanced infusion allows you to customize sweetness levels perfectly for a professional finish at home.
Ingredients
2 cups filtered water
2 cups milk (dairy, almond, or oat)
4 cinnamon sticks
4 vanilla beans (split and scraped)
4 black tea bags
Sweetener to taste (honey, sugar, or maple syrup)
2 pieces star anise (optional)
Instructions
Place water in a small saucepan and bring to a rolling boil.
Add cinnamon sticks, split vanilla beans, and star anise to the water.
Turn off the heat, cover the pot tightly, and steep the spices for 10 minutes.
Add the black tea bags to the infusion and steep for an additional 3 to 5 minutes.
Heat the milk in a separate container until warm, being careful not to boil it.
Remove the tea bags and spices from the infusion.
Combine the tea base with the warmed milk in a cup or pitcher.
Add your preferred sweetener to taste, stir well, and serve hot or chilled over ice.
Notes
Using whole spices like real vanilla beans and fresh cinnamon sticks provides the most professional flavor profile. The star anise is optional but highly recommended for adding complexity. You may substitute 2 tsp of ground cinnamon and 4 tsp of vanilla extract if whole ingredients are unavailable. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: drink
- Method: Infusion
- Cuisine: Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 85
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg