On a drizzly afternoon, I found myself craving something warm yet uniquely flavorful—something that could whisk me away to a cozy café even while at home. Enter the delightful Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea, a comforting blend that marries the citrusy notes of quality Earl Grey with the bright sweetness of ripe cherries. This creamy concoction can adapt to your mood; enjoy it hot when you need a soothing hug in a cup or iced for those sun-drenched days. Not only is this recipe a breeze to whip up, but it’s also customizable—make it dairy-free or adjust the sweetness to suit your taste. Curious how this simple yet indulgent drink can transform your everyday routine? Let’s dive in! Why is Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea Special? Comforting, this drink offers a warm embrace, perfect for chilly evenings or lazy afternoons. Creamy texture comes from your choice of milk, making each sip utterly indulgent. Unique flavor profiles shine through with the delightful combination of Earl Grey and fresh cherries. Customizable sweetness allows you to tailor it exactly to your liking, whether with vanilla syrup or honey. Plus, enjoy it hot or iced—it’s versatile enough to satisfy any craving. Try it alongside a slice of cake or a savory treat from our Rosemary Garlic Steak for a delightful pairing! Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea Ingredients • A delightful fusion to uplift your day! For the Tea Base Earl Grey Tea – Provides a bold flavor with citrusy bergamot notes; opt for high-quality for the best results. Water – Essential for brewing the tea; fresh, filtered water is ideal for optimal flavor. For the Creamy Mixture Milk – Adds creaminess and smooth texture; you can use dairy, almond, or oat milk based on dietary preference. Fresh Cherries – The star ingredient for sweetness; use ripe Bing cherries for the best results, or frozen cherries if fresh are unavailable. Vanilla Syrup – Enhances sweetness and adds fragrant depth; adjust according to your personal taste. Cinnamon Stick (optional) – Infuses warmth and spice into the drink, enhancing flavor complexity. Ice (optional) – For serving if you’re making the iced version of Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea Step 1: Prepare Cherries In a small saucepan, combine pitted and halved fresh cherries with 2 tablespoons of water. Heat over low for about 3-5 minutes until the cherries soften and begin to break down. Gently mash the cherries with a fork to release their sweet juices, creating a flavorful cherry base for your Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea. Step 2: Brew Tea While the cherries are cooking, bring 1 cup of fresh, filtered water to a boil in a kettle. Once boiling, pour the hot water over your Earl Grey tea in a cup or teapot and steep for 3-5 minutes according to your strength preference. Remove the tea bag or strain loose leaves once brewed to enjoy the full, aromatic flavor. Step 3: Combine Cherry Mixture Next, pour in 1 cup of warmed milk into the saucepan containing the cooked cherries. Gently heat the mixture while stirring to combine and ensure the milk does not scald. If desired, add a cinnamon stick to infuse warmth and spice. Monitor the temperature until it’s just hot but not boiling to preserve the creamy texture. Step 4: Sweeten Mixture Now it’s time to add a touch of sweetness! Stir in 1-2 teaspoons of vanilla syrup into the warm milk and cherry mixture, adjusting the amount to suit your taste. Mix well until thoroughly combined, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. This step enhances the overall sweetness of your Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea. Step 5: Serve Pour the brewed Earl Grey tea into a mug, creating a cozy base. Next, strain the creamy cherry mixture over the tea, using a spoon to press and extract all the juices and flavors. Serve immediately while hot for a comforting cup, or let it cool and pour over ice for a refreshing iced version of your Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea. Make Ahead Options These Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea preparations are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time while still enjoying a delightful drink! You can prep the cherry mixture and vanilla syrup up to 3 days in advance. Simply cook the pitted cherries with water as instructed, then store the mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator to lock in flavor. Brew the Earl Grey tea and pour the warmed milk into the cherry mixture up to 24 hours ahead of time, ensuring you refrigerate both separately. When ready to serve, simply reheat the cherry mix gently and combine it with the brewed tea for a comforting cup that’s just as delicious as freshly made! Expert Tips for Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea Choose Quality Tea: Opt for a high-quality Earl Grey to ensure robust flavor; it truly elevates the overall taste of your Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea. Perfect Sweetness: Start with a small amount of vanilla syrup; you can always add more later! This prevents an overly sweet drink right away. Cool It Down: If making the iced version, let the brewed tea cool completely before pouring over ice—this avoids dilution and keeps it flavorful. Thaw Frozen Cherries: If using frozen cherries, make sure to thaw and gently mash them before cooking to release all their vibrant juices. Customize Your Milk: Don’t hesitate to experiment with different types of milk! Almond or oat milk can offer a delightful dairy-free alternative while maintaining creaminess. What to Serve with Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea Elevate your cozy tea experience with the perfect accompaniments that delight the palate and warm the soul. Crunchy Biscotti: These crunchy, nutty cookies add a delightful texture, perfect for dipping and complementing the creamy tea. Scones with Jam: Fluffy scones paired with cherry jam harmonize wonderfully with the drink’s fruity notes, offering both comfort and sweetness. Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese balances the drink’s sweetness, providing a savory contrast that enhances the overall flavor experience. Chocolate Cake: Rich, moist chocolate cake caters to the sweet tooth, and its decadence pairs beautifully with the tea’s creamy cherry flavor. Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad with berries and citrus adds brightness and a refreshing contrast, keeping your palate energized during your tea break. Iced Vanilla Latte: For an extra boost, an iced vanilla latte offers a smooth, creamy drink option that echoes your tea’s comforting sweetness. Spiced Nuts: A bowl of lightly spiced nuts adds a crunchy, savory element that perfectly complements the smoothness of your Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea. Lemon Shortbread Cookies: These buttery cookies with a touch of lemon enhance the citrus notes in the tea while providing a delightful contrast in texture. Let these pairings transform your Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea into a memorable experience, perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying during a quiet moment of bliss. Storage Tips for Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea Fridge: Store any leftover Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days, ensuring it stays fresh and creamy. Freezer: If you’d like to keep the tea longer, you can freeze the cherry syrup separately in ice cube trays for up to 2 months, allowing you to blend it with freshly brewed tea later. Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy your stored tea, gently reheat it on the stove or in the microwave, stirring to combine any separated ingredients before serving. Make-Ahead: Prepare the cherry syrup in advance and keep it refrigerated, making it easy to assemble your Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea whenever you’re craving this comforting drink. Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea Variations Feel free to explore delightful variations to make this comforting tea truly yours! Caffeine-Free: Swap Earl Grey for rooibos tea for a caffeine-free cup that’s equally delicious and soothing. Sweetness Swap: Use raw honey or agave syrup in place of vanilla syrup for a more natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with cherries. Nutty Flavor: Add a splash of almond extract to your cherry mixture for an enticing nutty twist—perfect for complementing the tea’s fragrance! Fruity Burst: Introduce additional fruits like sliced strawberries or blueberries, enhancing the flavor profile and adding vibrant colors to your drink. Coconut Appeal: Try coconut milk instead of regular milk for a tropical twist that brings a creamy depth and richness to your Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea. Spicy Kick: For those who love warmth, sprinkle a pinch of nutmeg along with your cinnamon stick for an extra layer of spice that warms the soul. Chilled Delight: Freeze the cherry mixture in ice cube trays for a refreshing iced tea that slowly releases flavor as it melts—perfect for hot days! Herbal Infusion: Blend in fresh mint leaves while heating the cherry mixture for a refreshing herbal note that brightens each sip, transforming into a delightful herbal tea. To further elevate your tea experience, consider enjoying this with a savory dish like a Baked Potato Steak on the side for a perfect meal! Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea Recipe FAQs What type of cherries should I use for the best flavor? Absolutely! I recommend using ripe Bing cherries for their sweetness and beautiful color. If fresh cherries are unavailable, you can easily substitute with frozen cherries—just be sure to thaw and mash them before cooking to release their juices. How should I store leftover Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea? Store any leftover Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. If you’re heating it up, give it a good stir before serving, as the layers may separate a bit. Can I freeze Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea? While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the cherry syrup separately! Simply pour the cooled syrup into ice cube trays and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just brew some fresh Earl Grey tea and blend it with the cherry ice cubes for a quick and delicious drink. How do I adjust the sweetness of my Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea? Very easily! Start with 1-2 teaspoons of vanilla syrup, then taste your mixture. If you want it sweeter, gradually add more syrup until you reach your desired sweetness. If you prefer a more natural alternative, try honey or agave syrup instead! Is this tea suitable for dietary restrictions, like dairy allergies? Yes! This Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea can easily be made dairy-free. Simply swap regular milk for almond, oat, or coconut milk, and enjoy a creamy beverage that fits your dietary needs. Just make sure to choose a milk alternative that you love! What can I do if my cherries are too tart? If you find your cherries don’t have enough sweetness, a trick I often use is to sprinkle a little sugar over them while they cook. This helps to enhance their natural sweetness and balance out any tartness, making your Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea even more delightful! Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea: A Cozy Creamy Delight Indulge in this Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea, a cozy drink that blends citrusy Earl Grey with sweet cherries. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 10 minutes minsCook Time 10 minutes minsTotal Time 20 minutes mins Servings: 2 cupsCourse: DrinksCuisine: AmericanCalories: 200 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Tea Base2 bags Earl Grey Tea Opt for high-quality for best results.1 cup Water Fresh, filtered water is ideal.For the Creamy Mixture1 cup Milk Use dairy, almond, or oat milk based on dietary preference.1 cup Fresh Cherries Use ripe Bing cherries or frozen if fresh are unavailable.1-2 teaspoons Vanilla Syrup Adjust according to your personal taste.1 stick Cinnamon Stick Optional, enhances flavor.Ice For serving if making the iced version. Equipment Saucepankettlecup or teapot Method Step-by-Step InstructionsPrepare Cherries: In a small saucepan, combine pitted and halved fresh cherries with 2 tablespoons of water. Heat over low for about 3-5 minutes until the cherries soften and begin to break down.Brew Tea: Bring 1 cup of fresh, filtered water to a boil in a kettle. Pour the hot water over your Earl Grey tea and steep for 3-5 minutes.Combine Cherry Mixture: Pour in 1 cup of warmed milk into the saucepan with the cooked cherries. Gently heat and stir to combine.Sweeten Mixture: Stir in 1-2 teaspoons of vanilla syrup into the milk and cherry mixture.Serve: Pour brewed Earl Grey tea into a mug, then strain the creamy cherry mixture over the tea and enjoy hot or iced. Nutrition Serving: 1cupCalories: 200kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 5gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 90mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 2gSugar: 22gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 0.5mg NotesStore any leftover Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. You can freeze the cherry syrup separately in ice cube trays for up to 2 months. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
