Description
Vanilla Cinnamon Milk Tea is a warm, aromatic beverage combining the rich flavors of black tea, cinnamon, and vanilla. This comforting drink is perfect for cozy mornings or afternoon relaxation, and can be served hot or iced with a touch of honey or your favorite sweetener.
Ingredients
Scale
Tea Base
- 2 cups Water
- 4 sticks Cinnamon (or 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon)
- 4 pieces Vanilla beans (split and scraped, or 4 teaspoons vanilla extract)
- 2 pieces Star anise (optional)
- 4 teaspoons Loose-leaf black tea (or 4 black tea bags)
Milk and Sweetener
- 2 cups Milk
- Honey or sweetener (to taste)
Instructions
- Boil the water: Bring 2 cups of water to a vigorous boil in a small pot over medium-high heat.
- Add spices and vanilla: Combine cinnamon sticks and split vanilla beans (or vanilla extract) and add them to the boiling water. Turn off the heat, cover the pot, and add star anise if using.
- Steep spices: Let the cinnamon, vanilla, and star anise steep in the covered pot for about 10 minutes to infuse the flavors into the water.
- Brew the tea: Add loose-leaf black tea or tea bags to the spiced infusion and steep for an additional 3–5 minutes, depending on desired strength.
- Warm the milk: In a separate pot, gently warm the 2 cups of milk over medium heat until hot but not boiling.
- Strain the infusion: Strain the cinnamon vanilla tea mixture through a fine mesh sieve into the warm milk to combine all flavors evenly.
- Sweeten and serve: Stir in honey or preferred sweetener to taste. Serve the vanilla cinnamon milk tea hot, or let it cool and serve over ice for a refreshing iced version. Optionally, sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon on top before serving.
Notes
- Using whole cinnamon sticks and real vanilla beans offers deeper flavor, but ground cinnamon and vanilla extract are convenient substitutes.
- Star anise is optional; it adds a subtle licorice note that complements the spices well.
- Adjust steeping times to preference — longer steeping results in a stronger spice and tea flavor.
- This recipe can be made dairy-free by substituting milk with almond, oat, or soy milk.
- For a vegan version, use plant-based milk and a vegan sweetener like maple syrup.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tea
Keywords: vanilla cinnamon milk tea, black tea recipe, spiced milk tea, homemade tea, warm beverages, cinnamon tea, vanilla tea
