Description
Royal Milk Tea is a comforting Japanese beverage that blends rich black tea with creamy whole milk and a touch of sweetness, creating a smooth, velvety drink perfect for any time of day. Its simple ingredients and gentle simmering process deliver a warm, indulgent experience akin to a cozy hug in a cup.
Ingredients
Scale
Tea Base
- 2–3 bags of black tea (Assam, Darjeeling, or English Breakfast) or 2-3 tablespoons loose leaf black tea
- 1 cup fresh cold water
Milk and Sweetener
- 1½ cups whole milk
- 1–2 teaspoons sugar (adjust to taste)
Instructions
- Brew the Black Tea: Bring 1 cup of water to a boil in a small saucepan. Add the black tea bags or loose leaf tea to the boiling water, then reduce the heat so the liquid simmers gently. Let it steep for about 2 minutes to extract a deep, full-bodied flavor without bitterness.
- Add the Milk: Slowly pour in 1½ cups of whole milk, stirring gently as the milk warms and blends with the tea. Heat carefully to just before boiling, then remove the pan from heat to preserve the creamy texture and smooth flavor.
- Sweeten and Serve: Remove the tea bags or strain the loose leaves, then add sugar starting with 1 teaspoon, adjusting to your preference. Stir to dissolve the sugar. Pour the Royal Milk Tea into your favorite mug and enjoy immediately.
Notes
- Use robust teas like Assam, Darjeeling, or English Breakfast for best flavor.
- Do not let the milk mixture boil to prevent curdling and preserve creaminess.
- Try garnishing with a sprinkle of cinnamon, nutmeg, or a star anise pod during brewing for aromatic notes.
- Pairs well with buttery shortbread cookies, Japanese castella cake, or fresh fruit like apples and pears.
- Royal Milk Tea can be served iced by chilling and adding ice cubes with a sprig of mint.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours; reheat gently without boiling.
- Avoid freezing the whole drink to prevent texture separation; alternatively, freeze as ice cubes for smoothies or iced drinks.
- Milk alternatives such as oat, almond, or soy milk can be used but may alter flavor and creaminess.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Japanese
Keywords: Royal Milk Tea, Japanese milk tea, black tea with milk, creamy tea, warm beverages
