Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unique Flavor Fusion: The blend of Earl Grey’s bergamot-infused black tea with the natural sweetness of cherries creates a distinctive and enjoyable taste experience.
- Versatility: Enjoy it hot to warm up on a chilly day or iced for a refreshing treat during warmer months.
- Health Benefits: Earl Grey tea is rich in antioxidants and known for its mood-enhancing properties, while cherries provide anti-inflammatory benefits, making this drink both pleasurable and beneficial.
- Elegant Twist on a Classic: This recipe offers a creative variation on traditional Earl Grey tea, perfect for those looking to explore new flavors.
- Aromatic Experience: The combination of bergamot and cherry aromas creates a soothing and inviting scent, enhancing the overall tea experience.
Ingredients
- 1 Earl Grey tea bag (or 1 teaspoon loose leaf Earl Grey tea)
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup milk (dairy, almond, oat, or your preferred type)
- 4-5 fresh cherries, pitted and halved
- 1-2 teaspoons vanilla syrup (adjust to taste)
- 1 cinnamon stick (optional)
- Ice (optional, for iced version)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Prepare the Cherries: In a small saucepan, combine the pitted and halved cherries with about 2 tablespoons of water. Simmer over low heat for 3-5 minutes until the cherries soften and release their juices. Gently mash the cherries to extract more flavor.
- Brew the Earl Grey 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 the hot water for 3-5 minutes, depending on your preferred strength. Remove the tea bag or strain the loose leaves.
- Heat the Milk: Add the milk to the saucepan with the softened cherries and warm gently, stirring occasionally. If desired, add the cinnamon stick to infuse a subtle spice flavor.
- Sweeten the Mixture: Stir in 1-2 teaspoons of vanilla syrup into the milk and cherry mixture, adjusting the sweetness to your liking.
- Combine Tea and Milk Mixture: Pour the brewed Earl Grey tea into a mug. Strain the warm milk and cherry mixture into the same mug, pressing on the cherries to release all the juice. Stir well to combine.
- Serve: For a hot beverage, serve immediately. For an iced version, allow the mixture to cool slightly, then pour it over ice in a glass.
- Garnish (Optional): Add a fresh cherry or a sprinkle of cinnamon on top for an extra touch.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields 1 serving.
- Preparation Time: Approximately 10 minutes.
Variations
- Use Cherry Preserves: Substitute fresh cherries with black cherry preserves for a richer, more intense cherry flavor.
- Iced Version: After brewing, let the tea cool and serve over ice for a refreshing summer drink.
- Creamier Option: Add a splash of heavy cream or top with whipped cream for extra richness.
- Cherry Foam Topping: Blend fresh cherries with a bit of milk and froth to create a light, airy cherry-flavored foam to top the tea.
- Adult Version: Include a small amount of cherry liqueur like Kirsch or Cherry Heering for a subtle, boozy kick.
Storage/Reheating
This tea is best enjoyed fresh. If you have leftovers, store the tea and milk mixture separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the milk mixture gently on the stove or in the microwave until warm, then combine with the chilled tea when ready to serve. For the iced version, keep the tea mixture refrigerated and pour over fresh ice when serving.
FAQs
1. Can I use dried cherries instead of fresh ones?
Yes, you can use dried cherries. Rehydrate them in warm water before simmering to soften and release their flavors.
2. Is it possible to make this tea vegan?
Absolutely. Use plant-based milk like almond, oat, or soy, and ensure that your vanilla syrup is vegan-friendly.
3. Can I prepare this tea in advance?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the tea and cherry mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently before adding milk.
4. What other sweeteners can I use besides vanilla syrup?
Honey, maple syrup, or simple syrup can be used as alternatives to vanilla syrup. Adjust the amount to taste.
5. Can I use a different type of tea?
Yes, English Breakfast or other black teas can be used, though the distinctive bergamot flavor of Earl Grey will be absent.
6. How can I make the tea stronger?
Use two tea bags or increase the steeping time to 5-7 minutes for a stronger tea flavor.
Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea is a luxurious blend of bergamot-infused Earl Grey tea, juicy cherries, and creamy milk. This tea offers a unique fusion of flavors, a perfect balance of fruity sweetness and citrusy notes, making it a delightful choice for tea enthusiasts. Enjoy this comforting drink hot or iced, tailored to any season.
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 (adjust to taste)
- 1 cinnamon stick (optional)
- Ice (optional, for iced version)
Instructions
- Prepare Cherries: Simmer cherries in 2 tbsp water over low heat for 3-5 minutes. Mash gently to release juices.
- Brew Tea: Steep Earl Grey tea in 1 cup boiling water for 3-5 minutes. Remove tea bag or strain leaves.
- Heat Milk: Add milk to the saucepan with cherries, warming gently. Add cinnamon stick if desired.
- Sweeten: Stir in vanilla syrup to taste.
- Combine: Strain milk mixture into the brewed tea, pressing cherries to extract juice. Stir well.
- Serve: Enjoy hot or iced. For iced tea, cool the mixture and pour over ice.
- Garnish: Optional – add a cherry or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Notes
- Substitute fresh cherries with cherry preserves for richer flavor.
- For a vegan option, use plant-based milk and vegan vanilla syrup.
- Store leftover tea and milk mixtures separately in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Beverages
- Method: Simmering and steeping
- Cuisine: Fusion