Growing up, my grandma would always have a freshly brewed pot of fragrant Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea waiting for me when I’d visit on the weekends. The rich, aromatic blend of black tea, sweet cherries, and creamy milk instantly transported me to a cozy, comforting place. To this day, the mere scent of Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea ignites such vivid memories of those precious afternoons spent sipping tea and chatting with my grandma. It’s a recipe that’s truly embedded in my heart.
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Why This Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea
What makes this Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea recipe so special is the perfect balance of flavors and the unique technique I’ve developed over the years. By gently simmering the dried cherries with the tea and a touch of sweetener, the fruit’s natural sugars infuse the liquid with a beautifully rich, almost jam-like essence. And by using a combination of whole milk and half-and-half, the end result is an unbelievably creamy, indulgent tea that’s far beyond your average milk tea. This recipe yields 2 servings, so you can enjoy a cozy cup with a friend or save the second serving for later.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea, you’ll need:
- 2 Earl Grey tea bags
- 1 cup of water
- 1/2 cup of fresh cherries, pitted and muddled
- 1 cup of whole milk
- 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- Garnish: Fresh cherries and a sprig of lavender
Step-by-Step Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea Instructions
Preparing Your Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea
This recipe takes 15 minutes total – 5 minutes for prep and 10 minutes for cooking. You’ll need a medium saucepan and a strainer or fine-mesh sieve. Let’s get started!
1- In the saucepan, combine the Earl Grey tea bags, dried cherries, and honey or maple syrup. Pour in 2 cups of water and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
2- Let the tea and cherries steep for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cherries have softened and the liquid has developed a rich, cherry-infused flavor.
3- Remove the tea bags and discard them. Use a strainer or sieve to transfer the steeped cherries to a bowl, reserving the flavorful tea liquid in the saucepan.
4- To the reserved tea, add the whole milk and half-and-half. Whisk the mixture together until well combined and heated through, but not boiling.
5- Divide the Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea between 2 mugs or glasses, making sure to get an even distribution of the cherries.
6- Serve the Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea immediately, garnished with an extra cherry or a sprinkle of ground Earl Grey tea leaves, if desired.
Pro Tips for Success
For the best results, use high-quality Earl Grey tea and fresh, soft dried cherries. Be careful not to over-steep the tea, as it can become bitter. And don’t let the milk mixture boil, as that can cause it to curdle. With a little practice, you’ll be making this Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea like a pro in no time!
Serving and Storing Your Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea
Perfect Pairings for Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea
This Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea is the perfect cozy companion for a rainy afternoon, a cozy movie night, or an intimate catch-up with a friend. Each serving is 1 cup, so it’s the ideal amount to savor on its own. For a heartier pairing, try serving it alongside a flaky scone or a slice of lemon pound cake.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftover Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply transfer the desired amount to a saucepan and warm it over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. This recipe also lends itself well to meal prepping – you can make a full batch and portion it out into individual servings for an easy, indulgent tea break throughout the week.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea
Creative Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can try different variations of this Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea. For a citrusy twist, try adding a teaspoon of freshly grated orange zest. Or, for a holiday-inspired version, replace the dried cherries with cranberries and garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon. You can also experiment with different sweeteners, such as agave nectar or brown sugar.
Making Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea Diet-Friendly
To make this Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea more diet-friendly, you can use unsweetened almond milk or oat milk in place of the whole milk and half-and-half. For a sugar-free option, swap the honey or maple syrup for your preferred zero-calorie sweetener. Just keep in mind that these substitutions may slightly alter the flavor and texture of the final product.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use fresh cherries instead of dried?
A: Absolutely! If using fresh cherries, you may need to add a bit more sweetener to balance the tartness. Simmer the fresh cherries with the tea for a few extra minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Q: How many servings does this recipe make?
A: This recipe makes exactly 2 servings, with each serving being 1 cup.
Q: Can I make this Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea ahead of time?
A: Yes, this recipe lends itself well to meal prepping. You can make a full batch and store the individual servings in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat the desired amount when ready to enjoy.
Q: What if I don’t have half-and-half on hand?
A: If you don’t have half-and-half, you can use all whole milk or substitute with a combination of milk and heavy cream. The texture may be slightly different, but the flavor will still be delicious.
Q: How can I make this recipe if I don’t like tea?
A: If you’re not a fan of tea, you can try making a “Cherry Milk Tea” by omitting the Earl Grey tea bags and simply simmering the dried cherries and sweetener in milk. The end result will be a creamy, cherry-infused milk beverage.
Delightful Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea
- Total Time: 15
- Yield: 2 servings
Description
Indulge in the captivating flavors of this Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea, a soothing and creamy delight that can be crafted in just 5 minutes. Infused with the fragrant essence of earl grey tea and the sweet, juicy notes of fresh cherries, this irresistible beverage is perfect for cozy afternoons, elegant gatherings, or as a comforting pick-me-up.
Ingredients
– 2 Earl Grey tea bags
– 1 cup of water
– 1/2 cup of fresh cherries, pitted and muddled
– 1 cup of whole milk
– 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
– Garnish: Fresh cherries and a sprig of lavender
Instructions
1. 1. In a small saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Remove from heat and add the Earl Grey tea bags. Steep for 5 minutes.
2. 2. In a separate small bowl, muddle the fresh cherries using a muddler or the back of a spoon until they release their juices.
3. 3. Strain the Earl Grey tea and return the liquid to the saucepan. Add the muddled cherries, milk, sugar, and vanilla extract. Whisk to combine.
4. 4. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired temperature, about 3-5 minutes. Do not let it boil.
5. 5. Using a milk frother or a whisk, froth the milk mixture until it’s creamy and foamy.
6. 6. Pour the Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea into serving mugs or glasses. Garnish with fresh cherries and a sprig of lavender.
7. 7. Serve immediately and enjoy the soothing, indulgent flavors.
Notes
For a thicker, creamier texture, you can use half-and-half or heavy cream instead of whole milk. You can also adjust the amount of sugar to suit your personal taste preferences.
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 10
- Category: Dips, Boards & Drinks
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Fusion
Conclusion
Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea is a cozy, comforting treat that’s sure to become a new favorite. With its perfectly balanced flavors and rich, creamy texture, this recipe is guaranteed to transport you to a happy, nostalgic place, just like it does for me. I hope you’ll give it a try and let me know what you think! Don’t forget to share your creations on social media using the hashtag #CherryEarlGreyMilkTea. Enjoy!
