Name: Royal Milk Tea Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients: 2-3 bags of black tea (Assam, Darjeeling, or English Breakfast) or 2-3 tablespoons loose leaf black tea; 1 cup fresh cold water; 1½ cups whole milk; 1-2 teaspoons sugar (adjust to taste)

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Introduction

If you’ve ever craved a drink that feels like a warm hug in a cup, then Royal Milk Tea is your new best friend. This delightfully rich, creamy, and slightly sweet beverage from Japan blends robust black tea with luscious whole milk, creating a smooth and comforting taste. It’s an easy yet indulgent treat to enjoy anytime.

A light beige ceramic cup filled with creamy light brown coffee topped with a smooth, slightly bubbly surface sits on a matching white ceramic saucer. The cup and saucer have a soft matte texture. Green plant leaves with glossy smooth surfaces surround the cup, creating a natural and fresh setting. The whole scene rests on a white marbled surface that adds a clean and elegant touch. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2-3 bags black tea or 2-3 tablespoons loose leaf (Assam, Darjeeling, or English Breakfast recommended)
1 cup water
1½ cups whole milk
1-2 teaspoons sugar (adjust to taste)

Instructions

Step 1: Bring 1 cup of water to a boil in a small saucepan. Add the black tea bags or loose leaf tea, then lower the heat to let the liquid simmer gently. Steep the tea for about 2 minutes to achieve a deep, full-bodied brew without bitterness.
Step 2: Slowly pour in the whole milk, stirring gently as it warms. Keep a close eye to prevent boiling over. Remove the pan from heat just before the mixture reaches a boil to preserve the creamy texture.
Step 3: Remove the tea bags or strain leaves, then add sugar to taste. Stir well to dissolve the sugar. Pour the Royal Milk Tea into your favorite mug and enjoy.

Tips & Variations

For a warm, spicy twist, sprinkle ground cinnamon or nutmeg on top before serving.
Add a few star anise pods while brewing for subtle aromatic notes.
Try infusing the milk with a vanilla bean during heating for a gentle flavor upgrade.
Serve iced with ice cubes and fresh mint for a refreshing summer version.
Pair the tea with buttery shortbread cookies or delicate Japanese castella cake for a classic tea time experience.

Storage

Royal Milk Tea is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Before reheating, stir gently to recombine any settled ingredients. Warm it slowly over low heat or use short bursts in the microwave, avoiding boiling to maintain creaminess. Freezing is not recommended as it may alter texture, but you can freeze small portions as ice cubes for use in smoothies or iced drinks.

How to Serve

A creamy light brown coffee drink fills a smooth, pale beige ceramic cup, sitting on a matching pale beige saucer. The coffee has a layer of foamy crema with tiny bubbles on top. The cup and saucer rest on a white marbled surface, with green leafy plants blurred softly in the background. The scene is warm and natural. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use different types of milk for Royal Milk Tea?

Absolutely! Whole milk provides the creamiest texture, but you can experiment with alternatives like oat, almond, or soy milk. Keep in mind these may slightly change the flavor and creaminess but will still be delicious.

Is Royal Milk Tea traditionally sweetened?

Yes, sugar or sweetener is commonly added to balance the strong tea and creamy milk. The amount depends on personal preference, ranging from lightly sweetened to more indulgent.