Vanilla Cinnamon Milk Tea Recipe

This Vanilla Cinnamon Milk Tea is a cozy, aromatic beverage that combines the warmth of cinnamon with the smoothness of vanilla, creating a perfect balance of flavors. It’s a delightful tea-based drink that’s sweetened with honey or your favorite sweetener, and can be served either hot or cold for a refreshing twist. Whether you’re looking to unwind on a cold day or enjoy a flavorful iced treat, this milk tea has you covered.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Vanilla Cinnamon Milk Tea is the perfect blend of comforting spices and rich, creamy milk. The infusion of cinnamon, vanilla, and optional star anise creates a fragrant, flavorful base, while the tea adds depth and balance. It’s simple to make, customizable with your choice of milk and sweetener, and can be enjoyed hot or iced. Perfect for tea lovers and those who crave a delicious, aromatic drink with a hint of sweetness.

Ingredients

• 2 cups water
• 2 cups milk (dairy or plant-based)
• 4 cinnamon sticks or 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 4 vanilla beans, split and scraped, or 4 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 star anises (optional)
• 4 tsp loose-leaf black tea or 4 black tea bags (optional)
• Honey or other sweetener of choice (sugar or a sugar substitute)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Boil the Water:

• Bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a small pot.

2. Infuse the Cinnamon and Vanilla:

• If using cinnamon sticks and vanilla beans: Add them to the pot once the water has boiled. Turn off the heat, cover with a lid, and let it steep for about 10 minutes.
• If using ground cinnamon and vanilla extract: Simply add them to the boiling water (no need to steep, so you can skip the next step).
• If using star anise: Add it to the pot during the steeping step along with the cinnamon sticks and vanilla beans.

3. Add Black Tea (Optional):

• If you prefer tea in your milk tea, add the black tea to the pot during the steeping process and brew for an additional 3-5 minutes, depending on how strong you like your tea.

4. Heat the Milk:

• In a separate pot, heat 2 cups of milk until it’s warm, but not boiling.

5. Strain and Combine:

• Pour the cinnamon-vanilla infusion through a strainer into the warm milk to combine them, ensuring no solids from the cinnamon sticks, vanilla beans, or star anise get into your drink.

6. Sweeten:

• Add your sweetener of choice to taste, stirring until fully dissolved.

7. Serve:

• Hot Version: Serve it warm right away.
• Iced Version: Let it cool, then serve over ice for a refreshing twist.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe makes about 2 servings.
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes (depending on steeping time)
• Total Time: 20-25 minutes

Variations

• Dairy-Free Option: Use plant-based milk like almond, coconut, or oat milk to make this recipe dairy-free.
• Spiced Version: Add a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom for extra spice and flavor.
• Iced Tea Twist: Brew the tea and let it chill in the refrigerator, then serve it over ice for a cold, refreshing drink.
• Sweetener Options: Besides honey, you can use maple syrup, agave nectar, or a sugar substitute to fit your dietary preferences.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover Vanilla Cinnamon Milk Tea in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. If you plan to drink it cold, just pour over ice once chilled.
• Reheating: Reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Be careful not to boil the milk.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe without tea?

Yes, you can skip the tea and still enjoy the delicious cinnamon-vanilla-infused milk. It’ll just be a spiced milk drink rather than a traditional milk tea.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cinnamon and vanilla infusion ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to enjoy, just warm up the milk, combine, and sweeten.

How can I make this more robust?

To enhance the flavors, try using more cinnamon sticks or increase the amount of vanilla extract. You can also steep the spices longer to intensify the flavor.

Can I use flavored milk?

Yes! Using flavored milk like vanilla almond milk or sweetened coconut milk can give the drink a unique twist and add extra sweetness.

Conclusion

This Vanilla Cinnamon Milk Tea is a soothing, flavorful drink that’s perfect for any time of day. Whether you enjoy it hot for a cozy treat or chilled for a refreshing beverage, it’s a delightful way to enjoy the rich flavors of cinnamon and vanilla. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a comforting, aromatic drink that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy every sip!

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