Flavored Milk Tea Recipe

Brew the tea

Bring 4 cups of water to a near boil (about 200°F / 93°C). Remove from heat and add 4 teaspoons of loose leaf green or black tea (or 4 tea bags). Steep green tea 2–3 minutes or black tea 3–5 minutes depending on desired strength. Avoid over-steeping to prevent bitterness.

Strain the tea leaves or remove tea bags and stir in 2 tablespoons granulated sugar while the tea is hot so it dissolves completely. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed. Set brewed tea aside to cool to room temperature (about 15–20 minutes) or chill in the refrigerator for 10–15 minutes for cold service.

In a small pitcher, combine 1 cup half-and-half or whole milk with 2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk (optional for richer texture). Stir until uniform. Keep chilled until assembly. If you prefer a lighter milk tea, omit the condensed milk and use milk or a non-dairy creamer to taste.

Select one or a combination of the flavored syrups/purees listed. For purees, if using fresh fruit, blend and strain if you prefer a smooth texture. Measure 2 tablespoons of each chosen flavor per 1 serving. If combining flavors, total flavoring should be about 2–3 tablespoons per cup of finished drink to avoid overpowering the tea.

If using thicker purees, dilute with 1–2 teaspoons of warm brewed tea to loosen before adding to the main batch so they incorporate smoothly.

Fill a 16-ounce glass with 1 cup of cooled brewed tea (about half the glass). Add 2–3 tablespoons of your chosen flavoring(s). Stir vigorously until the flavoring is fully incorporated.

Add 1/2 cup of the chilled milk mixture to the flavored tea and stir to combine. Taste and adjust sweetness or flavor (add up to 1 tablespoon more syrup or 1–2 teaspoons sugar if desired).

Add ice cubes to fill the glass if serving cold. If using tapioca pearls, spoon 1/4 to 1/2 cup cooked pearls into the glass before pouring the tea. Garnish with fresh fruit slices matching the flavor, if desired.

Serve immediately with a wide straw for bubble pearls or a stirrer. For hot service: omit ice, warm the milk mixture slightly (do not boil), combine with hot brewed tea and flavoring, then serve in a preheated cup.