Delicious Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea Hot or Iced Recipe

Dreamy Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea Hot Or Iced Recipe

My recent obsession with cherry earl grey milk tea started during a lazy weekend experiment in my kitchen.

Brewing this aromatic beverage became an instant revelation of unexpected flavor combinations.

Fragrant tea leaves mingle beautifully with sweet cherry notes, creating a sophisticated drink that feels both comforting and elegant.

Each sip promises a delightful balance between robust earl grey and gentle fruit undertones.

Seasonal cherries add a vibrant twist to the classic tea experience.

Cold or steaming hot, this recipe adapts perfectly to your mood and temperature preference.

You will absolutely fall in love with this simple yet extraordinary drink that brings gourmet cafe vibes right to your home.

Why Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea Is a Sweet Sip

  • Quick and Easy Brewing
  • Whip up this delightful cherry Earl Grey milk tea in just minutes, making it perfect for busy tea lovers seeking a fast and satisfying beverage.
  • Versatile Temperature Options
  • Switch between hot and cold versions effortlessly, allowing you to enjoy this refreshing drink year-round with minimal recipe adjustments.
  • Customizable Flavor Profile
  • Personalize your tea by experimenting with different milk types, sweetness levels, and optional vanilla extract to match your taste preferences.
  • Health-Conscious Indulgence
  • Craft a wholesome drink packed with antioxidants from Earl Grey tea and natural sweetness from fresh cherries, offering a nutritious alternative to processed beverages.

Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea Ingredients

Tea Base:
  • Earl Grey Tea Bags: Provides the classic bergamot-flavored black tea base with aromatic citrusy notes.
  • Water: The essential liquid for brewing tea, can be hot or cold depending on preparation method.
Fruit and Sweetener:
  • Fresh Cherries, Cherry Syrup: Adds natural sweetness and fruity flavor to the tea, creating a vibrant red color.
  • Honey or Sugar: Natural sweeteners that complement the cherry and tea flavors, can be adjusted to taste.
Milk and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Milk, Non-Dairy Milk: Adds creamy texture and softens the tea's intensity, full-fat milk recommended for richer taste.
  • Vanilla Extract: Optional ingredient that provides a subtle depth and warmth to the overall flavor profile.
  • Ice: Necessary for creating the iced version of the drink, helps chill and dilute the tea slightly.

Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea Mixing Instructions

Step 1: Steep Flavorful Tea Leaves

Select your preferred Earl Grey tea bags and prepare them based on your desired temperature.

For a steaming hot beverage, pour boiling water over the tea bags and let them steep for 3-5 minutes.

For a refreshing cold version, submerge tea bags in cool water and refrigerate for 2-3 hours until thoroughly chilled.

Step 2: Create Luscious Cherry Compote

In a small cooking pan, combine:
  • Fresh ripe cherries
  • Honey or sugar

Cook the mixture over medium heat, gently stirring every minute.

Allow cherries to break down and release their natural juices, creating a vibrant syrup.

Continue cooking for 5-7 minutes until the mixture reaches a rich, glossy consistency.

If using pre-made cherry syrup, skip this transformation process.

Step 3: Blend Tea and Cherry Essence

Remove tea bags from brewed liquid.

For hot tea, directly incorporate cherry compote into the tea, stirring thoroughly.

For iced tea, pour chilled tea over ice and gently mix in cherry syrup.

Step 4: Enhance with Creamy Texture

Introduce milk to your tea:
  • Whole milk
  • Oat milk
  • Alternative milk options

Add a delicate splash of vanilla extract for additional depth.

Stir until ingredients harmonize smoothly.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

For hot tea, transfer to a warm mug.

For iced version, fill glass with ice and pour tea mixture.

Optionally garnish with:
  • Fresh cherry clusters
  • Mint sprig
  • Lemon twist

Savor your delightful beverage immediately.

Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea Tips (Hot or Iced)

  • Choose ripe, deep-red cherries for the most vibrant flavor and natural sweetness in your milk tea.
  • Control tea strength by adjusting steeping time – shorter for milder flavor, longer for robust Earl Grey notes.
  • Experiment with different milk varieties like almond, soy, or coconut to create unique taste profiles and accommodate dietary preferences.
  • Adjust honey or sugar quantity to match personal taste, ensuring the cherry and tea flavors remain harmonious without overpowering each other.
  • When making iced tea, use cold brewing method for smoother, less bitter tea extraction and prepare syrup in advance for quicker assembly.

Cherry Earl Grey Tea That Keeps Its Aroma

  • Store leftover cherry Earl Grey milk tea in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Seal tightly to prevent flavor absorption from other foods.
  • Keep milk and tea components separately to maintain freshness and prevent milk from spoiling quickly.
  • Warm the tea slowly in a microwave or on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to prevent separation. Use medium-low heat to preserve the delicate tea and milk flavors.
  • For best taste, consume within 24 hours and give the tea a quick stir before serving to redistribute the cherry syrup and milk.

Sips or Bites for Earl Grey Milk Tea

  • Sweet Cherry Pastry Companion: Serve alongside a light, buttery cherry scone or almond croissant to complement the tea's fruity and floral notes.
  • Nutty Cheese Balance: Select a creamy brie or mild goat cheese to offset the tea's sweetness and provide a rich, savory contrast.
  • Chocolate Intensity Enhancer: Add dark chocolate truffles or chocolate-covered cherries to amplify the deep, complex flavor profile of the Earl Grey and cherry combination.
  • Refreshing Palate Cleanser: Include a small plate of fresh lemon sorbet or mint-infused water to cleanse the palate between sips and highlight the tea's bright, aromatic qualities.

Earl Grey Milk Tea with Fruit Tweaks

  • Vegan Cherry Delight: Replace dairy milk with almond, coconut, or oat milk for a plant-based version. Use maple syrup instead of honey to maintain vegan standards.
  • Sugar-Free Cherry Comfort: Swap honey with stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Use fresh cherries or sugar-free cherry syrup to reduce overall sugar content.
  • Caffeine-Free Cherry Wellness: Substitute Earl Grey tea with rooibos or herbal chamomile tea. This variation offers a caffeine-free alternative while maintaining the fruity cherry essence.
  • Low-Calorie Cherry Refresh: Use unsweetened almond milk and fresh cherries. Reduce syrup quantity and opt for a light stevia-based sweetener to create a lighter, lower-calorie beverage.

FAQs

  • What does Earl Grey tea taste like?

Earl Grey is a black tea flavored with bergamot orange, giving it a distinctive citrusy and slightly floral taste that’s refreshing and aromatic.

  • Can I use different types of honey in this recipe?

Yes, you can use various honey types like wildflower, clover, or orange blossom honey. Each will add a slightly different subtle sweetness to the cherry syrup.

  • Is this recipe good for people who don't like strong tea flavors?

Absolutely! The cherry syrup and milk soften the tea’s intensity, creating a balanced and smooth drink that’s not overpowering. The sweetness helps mellow the tea’s robust flavor.

  • How can I make this recipe more diabetic-friendly?

Replace honey or sugar with a zero-calorie sweetener like stevia, and use a low-fat or plant-based milk alternative to reduce overall sugar and calorie content.

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Delicious Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea Hot or Iced Recipe

Delicious Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea Hot or Iced Recipe


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4.6 from 31 reviews

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 2 1x

Description

Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea blends fragrant bergamot with sweet cherries, creating a luxurious beverage that marries classic British tea culture with fruity sophistication. Smooth, refreshing sips invite you to savor this elegant drink that promises comfort and delightful flavor in every sip.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 cup hot or cold water
  • 2 Earl Grey tea bags
  • 1/2 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy like almond or oat milk)
  • 1/4 cup fresh cherries, pitted and chopped (or use cherry syrup for convenience)

Sweeteners:

  • 12 tablespoons honey or sugar, to taste

Additional Flavor:

  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Instructions

  1. Craft a robust Earl Grey tea base by steeping tea bags in water according to your preferred temperature setting – hot or cold brewing method.
  2. Create a luscious cherry essence by gently simmering fresh cherries with honey in a small saucepan, allowing the fruits to naturally dissolve and release their intense sweetness.
  3. Extract the tea bags from the brewing liquid, ensuring maximum flavor infusion has occurred during the steeping process.
  4. Carefully merge the vibrant cherry reduction with the prepared tea, whisking thoroughly to guarantee uniform flavor distribution.
  5. Introduce creamy dairy or plant-based milk into the aromatic tea mixture, selecting a variant that complements your desired texture and richness.
  6. Enhance the beverage’s complexity by incorporating a delicate splash of vanilla extract, which will harmonize the robust tea and fruity undertones.
  7. For a chilled presentation, fill a tall glass with crystalline ice cubes and carefully pour the cherry-infused tea mixture over them.
  8. For a warm rendition, transfer the concoction into a ceramic mug, allowing the inviting aroma to permeate the surrounding space.
  9. Optional: Garnish with fresh whole cherries or a verdant mint sprig to elevate the visual and sensory experience of your handcrafted beverage.
  10. Serve immediately, savoring the intricate layers of flavor in this elegantly crafted Earl Grey milk tea.

Notes

  • Experiment with different tea strengths by adjusting steeping time for personalized flavor intensity.
  • Select ripe, sweet cherries to enhance the natural fruity notes in the milk tea.
  • Consider using alternative sweeteners like maple syrup or agave for unique flavor profiles.
  • Opt for dairy-free milk alternatives like almond or coconut milk to create a vegan-friendly version of the drink.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes (for the cherry syrup)
  • Category: Tea
  • Method: Steeping
  • Cuisine: British

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2
  • Calories: 290
  • Sugar: 55 g
  • Sodium: 100 mg
  • Fat: 6 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 68 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 20 mg
Katherine Pierce

Katherine Pierce

Recipe Curator & Food Educator

Expertise

  • Curating diverse recipe collections
  • Educating on global culinary traditions
  • Developing informative food content

Education

Boston University Metropolitan College
Certificate Program in the Culinary Arts
Focus: French and international cuisine techniques, Hands-on culinary training with industry professionals, Food industry insights and operations


Katherine grew up believing every dish has a story. She studied the art of food at Boston University and explored the history behind it. She loves pulling easy recipes from every corner of the world and putting them at your fingertips.
When Katherine’s not writing or testing new flavors, she’s teaching cooking classes, baking colorful mooncakes, or dreaming up new ways to mix old favorites with new twists.

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