Description
A luxurious and fragrant milk tea that combines the floral notes of Earl Grey with the sweet tartness of fresh cherries, creating a comforting beverage that’s both sophisticated and soothing.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cherry Base – In a small saucepan, add the fresh cherries and 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 with a fork or spoon to help extract more flavor and create a rich infusion. The cherries should break down slightly and create a vibrant red liquid.
- Brew the Earl Grey Tea – While the cherries are simmering, bring 1 cup of water to a boil in a separate pot or kettle. Once boiling, remove from heat and add the Earl Grey tea bag or loose leaf tea. Allow the tea to steep for 3-5 minutes, depending on your preferred strength. The longer it steeps, the stronger the bergamot flavor will be. Remove the tea bag or strain the loose leaves when done.
- Warm the Cherry Milk – Pour the milk into the saucepan with the softened cherries and heat gently over low-medium heat. Stir occasionally to prevent scorching until the milk is warmed through and takes on a pinkish hue. If using, add the cinnamon stick to the milk mixture for a subtle spice note that complements both the tea and cherries.
- Add Sweetener – Stir in 1-2 teaspoons of vanilla syrup into the milk and cherry mixture, adjusting the amount to your preferred level of sweetness. The vanilla adds a creamy roundness that brings all the flavors together harmoniously.
- Combine and Serve – Pour the brewed Earl Grey tea into a mug, then strain the warm milk and cherry mixture into the same mug. Press on the cherries with a spoon to release all their juice and flavor. Stir well to combine all elements into a cohesive beverage.
- Serve Hot or Cold – For a hot version, serve immediately while the drink is still warm. For an iced version, allow the mixture to cool slightly before pouring over ice in a tall glass. Either way, the flavors of cherry and Earl Grey will shine through beautifully.
- Garnish – For an elegant finishing touch, garnish with a fresh cherry or a light sprinkle of ground cinnamon on top before serving.
Notes
- The cherry flavor can be intensified by allowing the cherries to steep in the milk longer.
- You can substitute frozen cherries if fresh aren’t available, though the flavor may be slightly less vibrant.
- For a dairy-free version, oat milk works particularly well as it has a natural sweetness that complements the cherries.
- The tea can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated for a quick iced version later.
- Earl Grey tea contains bergamot oil which pairs exceptionally well with cherry’s fruity notes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg