Classic Black Milk Tea Recipe

Time20m

Serves4

Make Classic Black Milk Tea Recipe in just 20m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

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Ingredients

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1
Boil water
Bring 4 cups of fresh cold water to a rolling boil in a saucepan or kettle.
2
Steep tea
If using loose tea: place 4 teaspoons of black tea in a heatproof teapot or a fine-mesh infuser. If using tea bags: add 4 tea bags. Pour the boiling water over the tea and allow to steep for 4 to 6 minutes depending on desired strength (4 minutes for medium, 6 minutes for strong).
3
Sweeten while hot
Remove the tea leaves or bags. While the tea is still hot, stir in 3 tablespoons granulated sugar until fully dissolved. Taste and adjust: add up to 1 additional tablespoon if you prefer it sweeter. Let the sweetened tea cool slightly for 5–10 minutes.

4
Combine milk and tea
Pour 1 cup of whole milk into a large heatproof measuring cup or pitcher. If using sweetened condensed milk for extra creaminess and sweetness, whisk in 2 teaspoons now until smooth.
5
Mix
Add 2 cups of the cooled sweetened tea to the milk and stir gently to combine. Reserve about 1 cup of tea if you prefer to serve a lighter-strength drink; adjust milk ratio as desired to reach your preferred color and creaminess.
6
Chill or serve over ice
If serving iced: fill a glass with about 1/2 cup ice, pour the black milk tea over the ice, and add additional ice to fill. If serving cold but not iced: refrigerate the combined tea and milk until chilled (about 30–45 minutes). For hot black milk tea: gently warm the milk before combining with hot tea and skip the ice.
7
Garnish and serve
Optionally sprinkle a tiny pinch (about 1/4 teaspoon) of finely crushed black tea leaves or tea dust on top for aroma and presentation. Serve immediately. Stir before drinking if separation occurs.