Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea Recipe

Hey friend, if you’re a tea lover looking to try something a little different, you’ve got to check out this Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea Recipe. It’s the perfect blend of floral Earl Grey tea with the juicy sweetness of fresh cherries, all wrapped up in creamy milk. I first stumbled upon this combo during a cozy afternoon, and honestly, it quickly became one of my favorites for a refreshing twist on traditional milk tea.

This Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea Recipe works wonders whether you want a comforting warm drink or a cool iced treat. The cherries bring that subtle fruity burst while the vanilla syrup adds just the right hint of sweetness, without overpowering the bergamot notes in the tea. Trust me, once you make it at home, you’ll want to share this gem with everyone you know.

this …

Ingredients & Why They Work

The ingredients in this Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea Recipe are simple but carefully chosen to create a delicate balance. Fresh cherries bring natural sweetness and color, while the vanilla syrup adds depth without overpowering the Earl Grey’s distinctive citrusy aroma.

• Earl Grey tea: The star here, known for its fragrant bergamot notes that add a citrusy, floral essence perfect for pairing with fruit.
• Fresh cherries: Using fresh fruit is a game changer—you get natural sweetness and a lovely fruity punch compared to syrups or jams.
• Milk: Whether you use dairy or plant-based milk, it adds creaminess that softens the tea and melds flavors.
• Vanilla syrup: Enhances sweetness and layers in a warm vanilla aroma that brings everything together.
• Cinnamon stick (optional): Adds a subtle spiced warmth that’s perfect if you want a cozy touch.
• Ice (optional): For making a refreshing iced version that’s just as dreamy on hot days.

Make It Your Way

I love how flexible this Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea Recipe is. Depending on what you have on hand and your mood, you can easily tweak it to fit your taste or dietary needs — and I encourage you to play around!

• Variation: When I’m feeling adventurous, I swap out vanilla syrup for honey or maple syrup for a more rustic sweetness.
• Dairy-free: Using oat or almond milk not only keeps it vegan, but also adds subtle nutty notes that complement the tea.
• Extra fruity: You can add a handful of frozen cherries for a bolder fruit flavor, especially if fresh ones are out of season.
• Spiced twist: Toss in a star anise or a clove alongside the cinnamon stick for extra warmth and complexity.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea Recipe

Step 1: Simmer the Cherries to Release Flavor

Start by adding your pitted and halved fresh cherries to a small saucepan with about 2 tablespoons of water. Let them simmer gently on low heat for 3-5 minutes until they soften and start to release their juice. I like to gently mash them with a wooden spoon here — it helps coax out more of that luscious cherry flavor without breaking things apart too much.

Step 2: Brew Your Earl Grey Tea

While the cherries do their thing, boil 1 cup of water and steep your Earl Grey tea bag or loose leaf tea for 3-5 minutes. The longer you steep, the stronger the bergamot flavor will be, so keep that in mind depending on how bold you want your tea character. Once brewed, remove the tea bag or strain your leaves to keep your drink smooth.

Step 3: Warm the Milk and Cherry Mix

Next, pour your milk right into the saucepan with those softened cherries and heat gently on low to medium, stirring now and then until the milk is warmed through. This blends the cherry juice into the milk beautifully. If you want that cozy hint of spice, toss in a cinnamon stick here and let it infuse as it warms.

Step 4: Sweeten and Combine

Add 1-2 teaspoons of vanilla syrup to your warm milk and cherry mixture — adjust it according to how sweet you like your tea. Then pour the brewed Earl Grey tea into your favorite mug, and strain the milk and cherry mixture over the top. Press the cherries a little with your spoon to squeeze out every last bit of juicy flavor. Give it all a good stir, and your tea is ready!

Step 5: Serve Hot or Iced

If you’re drinking it hot (my usual), serve immediately with a fresh cherry or cinnamon sprinkle on top for a pretty finish. If you’re craving something cooler, let the tea cool slightly and then pour it over ice for a refreshing iced milk tea experience.

How to Serve Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea Recipe

Garnishes

I like to garnish with a fresh cherry perched on the rim or gently floating on top. Sometimes a light dusting of ground cinnamon or a tiny vanilla bean pod makes it look fancy and adds aroma for my guests, but simple works beautifully too!

Side Dishes

This tea pairs wonderfully with buttery shortbread cookies or delicate almond biscotti. For a more substantial snack, try it with soft scones or a slice of lemon loaf cake – the citrus notes in those complement the Earl Grey beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special brunch, I’ve served this Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea Recipe in clear glass mugs so you can see the beautiful rosy tint from the cherries. Adding edible flowers or placing a cinnamon stick vertically inside the cup creates a conversation starter! On hot days, layering with ice cubes and a sprig of fresh mint gives a stunning look and a refreshing twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any tea left over, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. I find that the flavor stays lovely for a day, but the milk can separate slightly, so just give it a good stir or a quick reheat before drinking again.

Freezing

Freezing this milk tea isn’t my usual go-to because milk and fresh cherries can change texture after thawing. If you do freeze, expect the texture to be a bit different; it’s better enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave at a medium setting to prevent scalding the milk. Stir often and watch carefully so you don’t lose those delicate cherry flavors or get uneven heat.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea Recipe has been a delightful discovery in my kitchen, offering a unique twist on classic milk tea with a burst of fresh, fruity flavor. I love how adaptable and simple it is, so whether you’re craving something warm and comforting or a refreshing iced drink, it’s got you covered. Give it a try—you’ll enjoy the cozy, elegant flavors, and might just find a new favorite way to enjoy your tea breaks.

Print