Ingredients
Tea Base
- 1 cup water
- 1 black tea bag (or 1 tsp loose-leaf black tea)
- Orange peel of 1/2 orange (save some for garnish)
- 1 cinnamon stick
Sweetener & Flavor
- 2 tsp brown sugar (or to taste)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Dairy
- 1 cup whole milk (or your preferred milk)
Garnish
- Orange peel twist or orange slice for garnish
Instructions
- Boil water with spices: In a small saucepan, bring 1 cup of water to a boil along with the cinnamon stick and the orange peel from half an orange. Let it simmer gently for about 5 minutes to infuse the flavors.
- Brew the tea: Remove the cinnamon stick and orange peel strands, then add the black tea bag or loose-leaf black tea. Allow it to steep for 3-5 minutes depending on your desired tea strength.
- Add sweetener and vanilla: Remove the tea bag or strain the loose tea leaves. Stir in 2 teaspoons of brown sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Incorporate milk: Pour 1 cup of whole milk into the tea mixture and gently heat it over low heat until warm, but do not boil, to preserve the milk’s creaminess and prevent curdling.
- Serve: Pour the milk tea into a serving cup and garnish with an orange peel twist or an orange slice for a bright, fragrant finish. Enjoy warm.
Notes
- Use any milk substitute such as almond or oat milk to make a dairy-free version.
- Adjust sweetness according to taste, or use honey as a natural sweetener substitute.
- For a stronger cinnamon flavor, increase to 2 cinnamon sticks during boiling.
- Steeping time can be modified to make the tea lighter or stronger as preferred.
- This recipe is best served fresh and warm to enjoy the full aroma and flavor.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Fusion
