Name: Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4–5 fresh cherries, pitted and halved; ½ cup water; ½ cup milk (dairy or plant-based); 1–2 teaspoons vanilla syrup (adjust to taste); 1 cinnamon stick (optional); 1 Earl Grey tea bag or 1 teaspoon loose-leaf Earl Grey; 1 cup boiling water; Ice cubes (if making iced version)

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Short Description

A fragrant Earl Grey tea enriched with sweet, cherry-infused milk—combining the floral bergamot of the tea with fruity cherry notes and creamy vanilla, served hot or iced for a delightful twist on classic milk tea.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The floral, citrusy bergamot of Earl Grey pairs beautifully with cherry sweetness
Homemade cherry-infused milk adds natural fruit flavor and creaminess
Flexible: serve hot or over ice depending on preference
Easily adapted to dairy or plant-based milks and adjustable sweetness

Ingredients

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

For the Cherry‑Infused Milk

4–5 fresh cherries, pitted and halved
½ cup water
½ cup milk (dairy or plant‑based, e.g. almond, oat)
1–2 teaspoons vanilla syrup (adjust to taste)
1 cinnamon stick (optional)

For the Earl Grey Tea

1 Earl Grey tea bag or 1 teaspoon loose‑leaf Earl Grey
1 cup boiling water
Ice cubes (if making an iced version)

Directions

Prepare Cherry‑Infused Milk:
- In a small saucepan, combine the halved cherries and water. Simmer gently until the cherries soften (about 5 minutes).
- Mash the cherries lightly to release their flavor.
- Add milk, vanilla syrup, and the cinnamon stick (if using), then warm the mixture over low heat until just heated through—do not boil.
- Remove from heat, discard the cinnamon stick, and strain if you prefer a smooth milk infusion (optional).
Brew the Earl Grey Tea:
- Steep the tea bag or loose-leaf Earl Grey in hot water for 3–5 minutes until fragrant and bold.
- Remove the tea bag or strain out the leaves.
Combine:
- Pour the warm cherry‑infused milk into the brewed Earl Grey tea. Stir gently to combine.
Serve:
- For a hot version: serve immediately in a warmed cup.
- For an iced version: let the tea‑milk mixture cool, then pour over ice in a tall glass.
- Optionally garnish with fresh cherries or a cinnamon stick.

Servings And Timing

Servings: Makes 1 generous cup of Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea
Prep Time: ~5 minutes to pit and cook cherries; ~3–5 minutes tea steeping and assembling
Total Time: About 10 minutes

Variations

Substitute cherries with frozen cherry halves or cherry juice concentrate (reduce water accordingly)
Use flavored syrups such as almond, salted caramel, or honey syrup in place of vanilla
Swap cinnamon stick for a few whole cloves or a strip of orange peel for aromatic variation
Experiment with lavender Earl Grey or citrus-infused black tea for different floral notes
For creaminess, use half-and-half or sweetened condensed milk

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover cherry‑infused milk in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day
Store extra brewed tea separately in the fridge for up to 2 days
To reheat the drink, gently warm the combination on the stovetop, stirring occasionally
For iced tea, keep components chilled and assemble over fresh ice before serving

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh?

Yes—thawed frozen cherries work well. Slightly increase the simmer time to extract flavor.

2. How sweet is the vanilla syrup—can I adjust?

Absolutely—1 teaspoon offers mild sweetness; increase to 2 teaspoons for a richer flavor or reduce as desired.

3. Can I skip the cinnamon stick?

Yes—the cinnamon is optional. The tea and cherries already deliver ample flavor.

4. Does this recipe work with plant‑based milk?

Yes—almond, oat, soy, or coconut milk all work well.

5. How do I make it stronger or lighter in tea flavor?

Steep longer (up to 5 minutes) for stronger flavor, or brew shorter for a milder cup.

6. Can I make a larger batch?

Yes—simply multiply ingredients proportionally. Keep tea and milk components separate until serving.

7. Can I make this drink ahead?

You can prepare cherry‑infused milk and chilled tea separately and combine just before drinking for freshness.

8. Can I make a vegan version?

Yes—use plant‑based milk and ensure your vanilla syrup is vegan or use maple syrup.

9. Is it better served hot or cold?

Either is delightful—hot for cozy sipping, iced for a refreshing fruity latte.

10. Can I garnish this for presentation?

Yes—garnish with whole cherries, a cinnamon stick, or even a thin slice of orange for visual appeal.

Conclusion

The Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea brings together floral bergamot, rich cherry flavor, and creamy milk into a beautifully balanced beverage. Whether served hot or chilled, its elegant sweetness and aromatic notes make it a sophisticated twist on traditional milk tea. Perfect for leisurely mornings or as a special treat—sip and enjoy the fusion of fruity and floral goodness.