Iced Milk Tea Recipe

Time30m

Serves2

Make Iced Milk Tea Recipe in just 30m. 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 3 cups of water to a rolling boil in a small saucepan or kettle over medium-high heat.
2
Steep tea
Remove from heat, add 3 tablespoons of black tea leaves (or 3 strong tea bags). Cover and let steep 4–6 minutes for a robust brew; steep longer (6–8 minutes) if you prefer very strong milk tea. Avoid excessive steeping beyond 8 minutes to prevent pronounced bitterness.
3
Sweeten while hot
Strain out the loose leaves or remove tea bags. While the tea is still hot, stir in 3 teaspoons of granulated sugar until fully dissolved. Taste and adjust sweetness if desired.
4
Cool quickly
Allow the sweetened tea to cool slightly at room temperature for 5 minutes, then transfer to a heatproof container and place in the refrigerator or an ice bath to chill for 10–15 minutes until cool but not ice-cold (this prevents excessive dilution when served).

5
Combine milks
In a measuring cup or small bowl, mix 1 cup whole milk with 1 tablespoon evaporated milk and 1 tablespoon sweetened condensed milk (if using). Stir until homogeneous. The evaporated milk adds body; the condensed milk increases sweetness and thickness—adjust or omit according to preference.
6
Chill milk
Place the milk mixture in the refrigerator while the tea cools so both components are cold at assembly.

7
Assemble iced milk tea
Fill two tall glasses with ice (about 1/2 cup per glass). Pour the chilled tea evenly into the glasses, filling about three-quarters full (approximately 3/4 cup tea per glass).
8
Add milk
Top each glass with the milk mixture, pouring gently to create a layered effect if desired (about 1/2 cup milk mixture per glass). Stir to combine if you prefer an even color and flavor.
9
Garnish and serve
Garnish with a mint sprig if desired. Serve immediately with a straw or long spoon. Taste and, if needed, add a small drizzle of condensed milk or a teaspoon of sugar to sweeten further.
10
Optional variation - shaken
For a frothier texture, combine chilled tea and milk mixture in a cocktail shaker with ice, shake vigorously for 10–15 seconds, then strain into the glass over fresh ice.