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This charming Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea blends the fancy bergamot hints of Earl Grey with tangy, plump cherries and smooth milk. You'll get a warming drink that feels both cozy and surprisingly different. Every gulp takes you through waves of taste - starting with zesty citrus and ending with a deep cherry flavor that sticks around in the nicest way.
When I was playing around with this drink, I found out that slightly heating the cherries brings out their sweetness and makes everything taste better together. Even my friend who normally turns up her nose at anything but plain tea couldn't help asking for another cup.
Key Ingredients
- Earl Grey Tea: Go for something really good with strong bergamot flavor. Loose leaves give the best taste, but fancy tea bags work fine too.
- Cherries: Pick fresh ones for that bright, real flavor. If you're using preserves, find ones without extra flavorings.
- Milk: Whole dairy milk makes it super creamy, but any non-dairy option works great too.
- Vanilla Syrup: Adds a touch of sweetness while making both the tea and cherry tastes pop. Store-bought or homemade will do the trick.
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Simple Instructions
- Getting Cherries Ready:
- For fresh cherries, take out the pits and cut them in half. Toss them in a small pot with water. Heat them up while smooshing them to get all the juice out. Strain and keep the liquid.
- Making Your Tea Base:
- Get fresh water to just boiling. Take it off the heat and wait half a minute. Put in your Earl Grey and let it sit for 4 minutes exactly. Take out the tea without squeezing it so it doesn't turn bitter.
- Fixing Up Your Milk:
- While your tea sits, slowly warm your milk in another pot. Don't let it get too hot - just warm is what you want. Mix in vanilla syrup and stir it all together. If you're using a cinnamon stick, let it hang out in there now.
- Putting It All Together:
- Pour your cherry juice into your cup first. Add your tea on top, going slowly. Last, pour in your warm milk mix. Give it all a gentle stir to mix the flavors.
My grandma got me into Earl Grey when I was little, and this drink always makes me think about spending time in her kitchen. She always told me that rushing tea was a bad idea - you gotta take your time with each step if you want it to turn out right.
Getting The Heat Right
Timing really matters for this drink. I've learned that waiting those 30 seconds after boiling before adding tea keeps it from getting that bitter taste. And warming the milk slowly means it stays nice and creamy without that weird skin forming on top.
Changing With The Seasons
During hot months, I switch to an iced version by making the tea twice as strong with two tea bags to make up for the ice melting. When it's cold outside, throwing in a cinnamon stick and a tiny bit of cardamom makes a super cozy version that warms you up perfectly.
After trying this recipe tons of different ways, I think it really brings together what's great about fancy Earl Grey and homey sweet cherries. Whether you're having friends over for tea or just taking a quiet break by yourself, this Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea gives you a little moment of joy with every sip.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Is it okay to use frozen cherries?
- Totally fine! You don’t even need to thaw them before cooking.
- → What’s the best non-dairy milk?
- Oat milk is super creamy, but you can use whatever you like.
- → How do I make it without sugar?
- Opt for a sugar-free vanilla syrup or skip sweeteners. The cherries add a natural sweetness!
- → How long does it keep?
- For the best taste, drink it fresh. You can chill it in the fridge for 24 hours max, then reheat or serve cold.
- → Can I replace fresh cherries with cherry syrup?
- You can, but fresh cherries taste way better and aren’t as sugary.