Restaurants›Island Poke›Milk Tea Recipe

Milk Tea Recipe

Inspired by Island Poke

Time20m

Serves2

Make 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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Tea Base

2 cups water2 tbs black tea leaves (or strong black tea bags)2 tsp granulated sugar

Milk & Flavor

1 cups whole milk2 tbs evaporated milk (optional for creaminess)1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)1 tsp ground cinnamon or cardamom (optional)

To Serve

1 cups ice (if serving cold)0 to taste additional sweetener (to taste)

Method

Brew Tea

Bring water to a boil

Pour 2 cups of water into a small saucepan and bring to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.

Steep tea

Remove from heat, add 2 tablespoons black tea leaves (or 2 strong tea bags). Cover and steep for 4–5 minutes for strong flavor (5–6 minutes if you prefer very robust tea).

Strain

Strain out the loose leaves (or remove tea bags) into a heatproof container. Press gently on the tea bags or leaves to extract flavor but avoid excessive bitterness.

Sweeten hot tea

While the tea is still hot, stir in 2 teaspoons granulated sugar (adjust to taste) until fully dissolved.

Combine with Milk & Flavor

Heat milk (for hot milk tea)

In the same saucepan (or another small pot), warm 1 cup whole milk and 2 tablespoons evaporated milk over low-medium heat until just steaming but not boiling (about 2–3 minutes).

Add flavorings

Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon or a pinch of ground cardamom if using. Heat for another 30 seconds to infuse.

Combine tea and milk

Pour the hot, sweetened brewed tea into the warmed milk. Taste and adjust sweetness — add additional sweetener to taste if desired.

Serve hot (optional)

Pour into cups and serve immediately for traditional hot milk tea.

Make Iced Milk Tea (optional)

Chill tea

If you prefer iced milk tea, allow the brewed tea to cool for 10–15 minutes or place in the refrigerator for 20–30 minutes until cool.

Assemble iced drink

Fill serving glasses with ice (about 1 cup per glass). Combine cooled tea with cold milk (use the same proportions: 2 cups brewed tea to 1 cup milk) and stir. Add additional sweetener to taste. Optionally top with a splash of evaporated milk for creaminess.

Serve

Serve immediately with a straw or spoon to stir.