Chef Mitchell preparing Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea
👨‍🍳 Expert Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 10+ Years Experience ⏰ 1000+ Recipes Created 🍽️ Culinary School Graduate

❤️ My Recipe Story

"I discovered the idea of Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea during a summer trip to a tea house. The combination of floral Earl Grey and sweet cherries intrigued me, and I knew I had to recreate it at home. After several experiments, I perfected this recipe, balancing the flavors to create a refreshing drink that celebrates the best of both ingredients. Now, it’s a favorite in my household, especially on warm days."

With over a decade of experience in fusion cuisine, Chef Mitchell has a passion for blending traditional recipes with modern twists. Specializing in beverages, he enjoys creating unique drinks that surprise and delight. His expertise ensures that every recipe is not only delicious but also approachable for home cooks.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Delicious Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea served on a plate

Why This Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea Recipe Works

This Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea recipe stands out because it harmoniously blends the floral notes of Earl Grey tea with the tart sweetness of cherries. The addition of milk adds a creamy texture that complements the flavors beautifully. Using fresh ingredients enhances the taste and creates a vibrant color that’s visually appealing.

The technique of blending the cherry mixture and brewing the tea separately allows for a rich and balanced flavor profile. The cooling process ensures that the tea is refreshing, making it ideal for warm weather. This recipe is easy to follow, making it accessible for anyone looking to enjoy a unique beverage.

💡 Professional Tip

For an elevated flavor, consider adding a splash of almond extract in addition to vanilla. This will enhance the nutty notes and provide a deeper complexity. Always taste and adjust the sweetness to your preference before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can prepare the Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea in advance. It's best to chill it in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving. However, avoid adding ice until just before serving to prevent dilution. The flavors will meld beautifully if left to sit in the fridge, making it even more delicious.

You can use almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk as substitutes for dairy milk. Each alternative brings its own unique flavor profile, so choose one that matches your taste preferences. Unsweetened options are best if you want to control the sweetness of your drink.

You can tell the Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea is done when the flavors have melded together, and the tea is chilled. Tasting the mixture before serving is a great way to ensure it's balanced and to see if it needs any adjustments in sweetness or flavor.

Freezing Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea is not recommended as it may alter the texture and flavor once thawed. However, you can freeze the cherry mixture separately and blend it again with freshly brewed tea when you're ready to enjoy it.

Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea pairs wonderfully with light snacks such as scones, macarons, or fruit tarts. The fruity and floral flavors complement these treats without overwhelming them.

Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea will last in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. Make sure to store it in an airtight container to preserve its freshness and flavor. Shake well before serving, as ingredients may settle.

Absolutely! You can prepare the tea and cherry mixture a day in advance. Just remember to keep it in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve. This makes it a convenient option for parties or gatherings.

If you prefer to enjoy your Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea warm, gently reheat it on the stove over low heat. Avoid boiling to maintain the flavor and texture. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating before serving.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Too Sweet

Problem: The Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea tastes overly sweet.

Solution: To balance out the sweetness, you can add a splash of lemon juice or additional brewed tea. This will help cut through the sugar and enhance the overall flavor.

✅

Not Creamy Enough

Problem: The milk tea lacks the desired creaminess.

Solution: If your Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea isn't creamy enough, consider adding more milk or a richer alternative like coconut cream. Adjust to your preferred consistency.

✅

Oversteeped Tea

Problem: The tea has a bitter taste due to over steeping.

Prevention: To prevent bitterness, always steep your tea according to the recommended time. If it does become bitter, adding a bit of sugar can help balance the flavor.

✅

Too Tart

Problem: The Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea is too tart for your taste.

Recovery: If the drink is too tart, you can add a little more sweetener or milk to balance the flavors. Taste as you go to achieve your desired level of sweetness.

✅

Weak Flavor

Problem: The flavor is too weak and not pronounced.

Prevention: Strengthen the flavor by adding more brewed tea or a concentrated cherry juice. This will enhance the overall taste and make it more enjoyable.

✅

Flavor Balance

Too Sweet: If the tea is too sweet, add a little lemon juice or more brewed tea to cut the sweetness.

Too Salty: If the drink is too salty, consider diluting it with more milk or water to balance the flavors.

Bland: If the flavor is bland, add more cherry juice or a hint of vanilla to enhance the taste.

Fresh ingredients for Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea

Essential Ingredients for Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea

The key ingredients for Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea include high-quality Earl Grey tea, fresh cherries, and creamy milk. Each component plays a vital role in achieving the perfect balance of flavor. The tea provides aromatic notes while the cherries add a delightful sweetness.

Using fresh, ripe cherries ensures the best flavor in your drink. Look for cherries that are bright and firm to the touch. For the tea, opt for loose leaf or high-quality tea bags to elevate your beverage experience.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Earl Grey Tea: Choose a high-quality Earl Grey tea for the best flavor. Look for blends that use real bergamot oil for that authentic citrus aroma. Steeping it for the right amount of time will ensure a perfect brew.
  • Cherries: Fresh, in-season cherries will give your milk tea the best flavor. When selecting cherries, choose those that are plump and have a deep red color. If fresh cherries aren't available, frozen cherries can be a good substitute.
  • Milk: For a rich and creamy texture, opt for whole milk or a high-fat plant-based milk like coconut or almond milk. Adjust the quantity according to your desired creaminess.
Cooking process for Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

Making Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea is a straightforward process that involves brewing the tea, blending the cherry mixture, and combining the two. It’s best to follow the steps sequentially to ensure that each flavor is properly balanced. The cooling time is essential to achieving a refreshing drink.

To achieve perfect results, taste the mixture before serving to ensure it meets your flavor expectations. Adjustments can easily be made to suit personal preferences. The key is to enjoy the process and have fun with the flavors.

Key Technique for Perfect Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea

The most important technique in this recipe is properly brewing the Earl Grey tea. Steeping it for the right amount of time extracts the aromatic oils without introducing bitterness. Allowing it to cool before mixing with the other ingredients enhances the overall flavor profile, making it a refreshing delight.

Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea

Prep 15 min
Cook 45 min
Serves 6 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter
    Room temperature

For the Sauce

  • 2 cups brewed Earl Grey tea
    Brewed and cooled
  • 1 cup cherry juice
    Pure cherry juice
  • 1 cup milk
    Or plant-based alternative
  • 1 tablespoon honey
    Or sweetener of choice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    For flavor
  • 1/2 cup fresh cherries
    Pitted and halved
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
    For brightness
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried lavender
    Optional

Instructions

  1. Brew the Tea

    Boil water and steep the Earl Grey tea bags for about 5 minutes. Remove the tea bags and let it cool.

  2. Prepare Cherry Mixture

    In a blender, combine cherry juice, fresh cherries, honey, lemon juice, and dried lavender. Blend until smooth.

  3. Combine Ingredients

    In a pitcher, mix the brewed tea, cherry mixture, milk, and vanilla extract. Stir well to combine.

  4. Chill the Tea

    Refrigerate the mixture for at least 30 minutes to chill thoroughly.

  5. Serve Over Ice

    Fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the chilled Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea over them.

  6. Add Garnish

    Top with whipped cream if desired, and garnish with fresh mint leaves.

  7. Enjoy!

    Serve immediately and enjoy your refreshing Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea!

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage Tips

To store Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea, keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to shake it well before serving, as the ingredients may separate over time.

Serving Suggestions

Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea is best served chilled over ice. For an added touch, consider pairing it with light pastries or fruit-based desserts. This enhances the refreshing experience of the drink.

Recipe Variations

For a different twist, try adding a splash of almond milk or a hint of mint for a refreshing flavor. You can also experiment with other fruit juices, like raspberry or pomegranate, to create your unique version of this tea.