Classic Milk Tea Recipe

Inspired by Go Dim Sum

Time15m

Serves2

Make Classic Milk Tea Recipe in just 15m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

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Ingredients

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1
Bring water to a boil
Pour 480 ml water into a small saucepan or kettle and bring to a rolling boil.
2
Steep the tea
Remove from heat and add 2 tbs loose black tea (or 4 tea bags). Let steep 5–7 minutes for a strong, robust brew. If you prefer slightly milder tea, steep 4–5 minutes. Stir once right after adding the tea to saturate leaves/bags.
3
Strain
Strain the tea through a fine-mesh sieve into a heatproof container or pitcher, pressing gently on the leaves to extract flavor if using loose leaf. Discard leaves or tea bags.

4
Sweeten while hot
While the tea is still hot, add 1 tbs granulated sugar and 2 tbs sweetened condensed milk. Stir vigorously until the sugar and condensed milk are fully dissolved and evenly incorporated. Tasting now lets you adjust sweetness if desired (add up to 1 tbs more sugar, if needed).
5
Add milk
Pour in 120 ml whole milk and stir to combine. If serving hot, you can gently reheat the mixture on low for 30–60 seconds—do not boil. If serving iced, allow the tea to cool slightly (5–10 minutes) before proceeding to the next step to avoid excessive dilution from melting ice.

6
For iced milk tea
Fill two glasses with about 1 cup of ice (total, divided between glasses). Pour the milk tea evenly over the ice, stir briefly to chill and integrate, then serve immediately with a straw.
7
For hot milk tea
Ladle the warmed milk tea into two warmed cups. Serve immediately. If you want a frothier top, give the prepared milk a quick whisk or shake in a tightly sealed jar before combining.