Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea

Name: Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Contemporary
Ingredients: 1 Earl Grey tea bag (or 1 tsp loose leaf Earl Grey tea); 1 cup water; 1/2 cup milk (dairy or plant-based); 4-5 fresh cherries (pitted and halved); 1-2 tsp vanilla syrup (to taste); 1 cinnamon stick (optional); Ice (for iced version)

Published: October 8, 2025

by Lucille

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Delicious Flavor Combination: The blend of sweet cherries and fragrant Earl Grey creates a unique taste that tantalizes your taste buds.
Quick and Easy: With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up this delightful beverage in no time.
Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it hot for a comforting treat or iced for a refreshing drink during warmer months.
Customizable Sweetness: Adjust the vanilla syrup to your preference, making it as sweet as you like.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual get-together or a quiet night in, this drink suits every mood.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes preparing Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea a breeze. Here’s what you’ll need to get started.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Small saucepan
Mug
Strainer (if using loose leaf tea)
Spoon

Importance of Each Tool

Small saucepan: Essential for simmering cherries and heating milk to ensure even warmth without burning.
Mug: A stylish mug enhances your drinking experience and keeps your tea warm longer.
Strainer: If you opt for loose leaf tea, a strainer ensures a smooth tea without floating leaves.

Ingredients

This delightful blend of Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea combines citrusy notes with sweetness and creaminess.

Ingredients:
– 1 Earl Grey tea bag (or 1 tsp loose leaf Earl Grey tea)
– 1 cup water
– 1/2 cup milk (any type: dairy, almond, oat, etc.)
– 4-5 fresh cherries (pitted and halved)
– 1-2 tsp vanilla syrup (adjust to taste)
– 1 cinnamon stick (optional)
– Ice (optional for iced version)

How to Make Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea

Step 1: Prepare the Cherries

In a small saucepan, add the fresh cherries along with about 2 tablespoons of water.
* Simmer on low heat for 3-5 minutes until the cherries soften and release their juices.
* Gently mash the cherries to extract more flavor.

Step 2: Brew the Tea

While the cherries are simmering:
* Bring 1 cup of water to a boil.
* Steep the Earl Grey tea bag (or loose leaf tea) in hot water for 3-5 minutes according to your preferred strength.
* Remove the tea bag or strain out the loose leaves.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Pour the milk into the saucepan with softened cherries.
* Heat gently while stirring occasionally until warmed through.
* If desired, add an optional cinnamon stick for extra spice.

Step 4: Sweeten Your Mixture

Stir in 1-2 teaspoons of vanilla syrup into the milk and cherry mixture.
* Adjust sweetness based on personal preference.

Step 5: Serve Your Drink

Pour the brewed Earl Grey tea into a mug.
* Strain the warm milk and cherry mixture into the same mug, pressing on cherries to release all juice.
* Stir well to combine flavors.

Step 6: Iced Version Option

If you prefer your tea iced:
* Allow the mixture to cool slightly before pouring it over ice in a glass.

Step 7: Garnish and Enjoy!

For an extra touch:
* Garnish with a fresh cherry or sprinkle some cinnamon on top before serving.

Enjoy your homemade Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea!

How to Serve Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea

Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea is best enjoyed fresh, but there are various ways to enhance your drinking experience. Whether you prefer it hot or iced, serving suggestions can elevate this delightful beverage.

Hot Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea

Enjoy warm: Serve your tea right after preparation for a comforting experience.
Add a sprinkle of cinnamon: A dash of cinnamon on top adds warmth and an aromatic touch.

Iced Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea

Serve over ice: Pour the cooled mixture over ice for a refreshing drink, especially on warmer days.
Garnish with fresh cherries: A few whole cherries add visual appeal and extra flavor.

Pairing with Snacks

Accompany with biscotti: The crunchy texture of biscotti complements the smooth tea perfectly.
Serve with scones: Light, buttered scones make a delightful pairing, enhancing the tea’s flavors.

How to Perfect Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea

To create the perfect cup of Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea, attention to detail is key. Follow these tips to ensure a delicious outcome every time.

Use fresh cherries: Fresh cherries yield better flavor than canned ones, making your tea more vibrant.
Control steeping time: Adjust steeping time based on your taste preference; longer steeping results in a stronger flavor.
Temperature matters: Ensure your milk is heated gently to avoid curdling or scalding, preserving its creamy texture.
Experiment with milk types: Different milk options (dairy or plant-based) can alter the final taste and texture; try what suits you best.
Adjust sweetness: Taste as you go; adding vanilla syrup gradually allows for better control over sweetness levels.

Best Side Dishes for Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea

Pairing side dishes with Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea can enhance your overall enjoyment. Here are some great options that complement this delightful beverage.

Almond Biscotti – Crunchy and nutty, almond biscotti pairs wonderfully with the smoothness of the tea.
Lemon Scones – Light and zesty scones add a refreshing citrus note that harmonizes with the cherry flavor.
Shortbread Cookies – Buttery shortbread provides a rich contrast to the fruity tea without overpowering it.
Fruit Salad – A mix of seasonal fruits brightens up your meal and echoes the fruity notes in the drink.
Cheese Platter – Soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese create a savory balance alongside sweet cherry flavors.
Mini Pancakes – Fluffy mini pancakes drizzled with maple syrup make an indulgent snack that pairs well with tea.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea, it’s easy to overlook a few key steps. Here are some common mistakes and tips to avoid them.

Over-steeping the tea: Steeping the Earl Grey tea for too long can result in a bitter flavor. Aim for 3-5 minutes for the best taste.
Neglecting cherry preparation: Failing to properly soften and mash the cherries can lead to a lack of flavor in your milk tea. Simmer them gently to extract their juices fully.
Using cold milk: Adding cold milk can cool down your drink too quickly. Warm the milk gently with the cherries for a creamy texture.
Skipping vanilla syrup: Omitting vanilla syrup can leave your tea tasting flat. Adjust the sweetness to enhance the overall flavor profile.
Not straining properly: Forgetting to strain the cherry mixture may result in bits of fruit in your tea. Make sure to press on the cherries to extract all their juice.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea in an airtight container.
It can be kept in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Freezing Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea

Freeze in an airtight container or ice cube trays.
Best consumed within 1 month for optimal flavor.

Reheating Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea

Oven: Preheat at 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe container until warmed through.
Microwave: Heat in short bursts, stirring between intervals until warm.
Stovetop: Reheat gently on low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea that might help you make this delicious beverage even better.

How can I customize my Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea?

You can customize it by using different types of milk, such as almond or oat, and adjusting the sweetness with more or less vanilla syrup.

Can I use frozen cherries instead?

Yes, frozen cherries work well too! Just ensure they are thawed before cooking them down for maximum flavor.

What is the best way to serve Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea?

It can be served hot or iced based on your preference. Pour over ice for a refreshing drink or enjoy it warm on chilly days.

How do I make a larger batch of Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea?

Simply multiply each ingredient by the number of servings you want and follow the same preparation steps for consistency.

Can I add spices other than cinnamon?

Absolutely! You could try adding nutmeg or cardamom for a unique twist on this classic recipe.

Final Thoughts

Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea is not only delightful but also versatile. You can easily adjust flavors and ingredients to suit your taste preferences. Whether enjoyed hot or iced, this recipe is sure to please. Don’t hesitate to explore different variations!

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