Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea Recipe

If you’re anything like me and adore the delicate floral notes of Earl Grey tea, adding a cherry twist takes it to a whole new level. This Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea Recipe is one of those delightful drinks that feels cozy yet refreshing at the same time—perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up or a quiet evening treat. The natural tartness of fresh cherries balances the citrusy bergamot in the tea, while the creamy milk smooths everything out beautifully.

What makes this Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea Recipe extra special is how it captures the essence of spring and summer fruit without overwhelming the classic tea flavors. Whether you enjoy it warm during a chilly moment or iced on a sunny day, it’s an inviting drink that feels a little fancy but is so simple to make. Believe me, after trying this, you won’t want to go back to plain Earl Grey!

this …

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea Recipe relies on a handful of quality ingredients that combine beautifully to create its signature flavor. Picking ripe fresh cherries and good-quality Earl Grey tea really makes a noticeable difference in taste.

• Earl Grey tea: Its bergamot flavor adds a fragrant citrus note that pairs naturally with fruitiness.
• Water: Essential for brewing the tea and softening the cherries.
• Milk: I often use whole milk for creaminess, but almond or oat milk work great too if you want a dairy-free option.
• Fresh cherries: They bring a lovely tart-sweetness and vibrant color.
• Vanilla syrup: Adds smooth sweetness and enhances the cherry flavor without overpowering.
• Cinnamon stick (optional): A subtle spice that warms the flavor profile when desired.
• Ice (optional): For when you want to enjoy this tea cold and refreshing.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love how flexible this Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea Recipe is—you can truly make it your own. Whether you like it sweeter, spicier, or with a different milk base, don’t hesitate to experiment until it feels like your perfect cup.

• Vanilla-Free: Sometimes I skip the vanilla syrup and add a little honey instead for a different sweetness that still complements the cherries.
• Spiced Version: Adding a pinch of ground cinnamon and nutmeg can make this feel like a cozy fall treat.
• Dairy-Free: Oat milk gives a lovely thickness and subtle sweetness without dairy.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea Recipe

Step 1: Simmer the cherries gently

Start by placing the fresh cherries and a couple of tablespoons of water in a small saucepan over low heat. Simmer for about 3 to 5 minutes until the cherries soften and release their juices. Use a spoon or a small masher to gently crush them, which helps bring out even more cherry flavor. Be patient here; low and slow is key so the cherries don’t burn or dry out.

Step 2: Brew your Earl Grey tea

Meanwhile, bring one cup of water to a boil and steep your Earl Grey tea bag or loose leaf tea for 3 to 5 minutes depending on your taste. I usually aim for 4 minutes to get a lovely, robust flavor without bitterness. Remove the tea bag or strain the leaves once it’s done.

Step 3: Warm the milk with cherries

Pour your choice of milk into the saucepan with the softened cherries. Heat gently, stirring occasionally, until the milk is warmed through but not boiling—about 3 minutes. If you’re using the cinnamon stick, toss it in now to infuse a subtle spice. This step invites the milk to soak up all that cherry goodness.

Step 4: Sweeten and combine

Stir in 1 to 2 teaspoons of vanilla syrup, adjusting to your sweetness preference. Then pour the freshly brewed Earl Grey tea into your favorite mug. Strain the warm milk and cherry mixture directly into the tea, pressing gently on the cherries to extract as much juice as you can. Give it a good stir to blend all the flavors. If you want iced tea, let it cool before adding ice.

Step 5: Garnish and enjoy

For an extra touch, I love to drop in a fresh cherry or sprinkle a little cinnamon on top—it makes the presentation feel extra special. Then, just sit back and savor your creation!

How to Serve Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with a fresh cherry perched on the rim of the cup or a light dusting of cinnamon for a comforting aroma. Occasionally, I try adding a thin slice of lemon or even an edible flower for a fun, elegant look. These little touches really elevate the experience if you’re serving guests.

Side Dishes

This tea pairs wonderfully with lightly sweet treats like shortbread cookies or almond biscotti. For a more substantial snack, I love a buttery scone or a slice of vanilla pound cake. The fruity notes of the tea complement many pastries without overpowering.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, I sometimes serve my Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea Recipe in glass mugs layered with crushed cherries and ice, topped with a sprig of fresh mint. Another cute idea is freezing cherries in ice cubes and using them in the iced version—it looks and tastes amazing as the ice melts!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, store the milk and cherry mixture separate from the brewed tea in airtight containers in the fridge. This keeps flavors fresh and allows you to mix a fresh cup whenever you want without losing that vibrant cherry taste.

Freezing

Freezing this milk tea isn’t ideal because the milk can separate and the texture might change. However, you can freeze cherry syrup or puree separately and then add it freshly to your brewed tea when you want a quick fix.

Reheating

When reheating, warm the milk and cherry mixture gently on the stovetop or in the microwave in short bursts to avoid curdling. Combine it with fresh brewed tea if possible for the best flavor and texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea Recipe holds a special place in my routine because it’s a lovely way to make tea feel like a little celebration, even on an ordinary day. Once you try it, I’m sure you’ll find yourself craving that cherry and bergamot combo as much as I do. Honestly, it’s such an easy recipe to pull together, yet it has that cozy, comforting vibe you want from your favorite teatime ritual. So go ahead, treat yourself to a cup—you deserve it!

Print