Milk tea is one of those perfectly lovely things that bring a feeling of comfort the moment you see it. So, from the traditional English style tea to the Indian chai, to the new-fangled Taiwanese bubble milk tea, there is indeed variety for everyone out there in the milk tea world. By using a few ingredients and some simple techniques, you could easily replicate your best type of milk tea, all the while without bothering to go out to the café or tea shop. Here in this guide, we are going to take a look at the basic type of milk tea, its preparation and finally a list of recipes that will turn you into a milk tea aficionado in your own kitchen.
Learn to Make Milk Tea at Home Easily
1. Classic British Milk Tea
Great Britain boasts of a significant consumption of tea and among the favoured types is milk tea. It is just a simple but classy drink that one can enjoy in the morning with coffee or during the tea break in the afternoon.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoons loose black tea or 1 black tea bag
- 1/4 cup milk (whole milk, plant-based milk, or your preference)
- Sweetener to taste (sugar, honey, or any sweetener of your choice)
Instructions:
- Heat 1 cup of water in a saucepan or kettle up to boiling point.
- Pour your tea leaves or tea bag into boiling water and let it brew for 3-5minutes for strong tea brewing time.
- Meanwhile, heat your milk in another saucepan since it is not supposed to be boiled in the mixture.
- It may be steamed or can be placed in warm water to warm it until it is hot but not simmering.
- When the tea is ready, pour it into the cup and, if you have used loose tea, please filter the leaves off, or if using a tea bag, please discard the bag. Place the tea into the cup.
- Pour the warmed milk into the tea and stir well. Served hot and best eaten with biscuits or pastries.
2. Hong Kong Milk Tea
Pantyhose tea originating in Hong Kong is, in fact, much darker and thicker as it is made from condensed milk instead of regular milk. Caramel is usually prepared with either evaporated or condensed milk and has a smooth creamy consistency.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons black tea (Ceylon or Lipton)
- 1 ½ cups water
- ¼ cup evaporated milk or condensed milk
- Sugar to taste
Instructions:
- Place the water to a boil and add the black tea leaves. (Simmer for 5-7 minutes for a strong brew).
- Stir the tea in a cup. (Stir it well so it mix well)
- Add evaporated or condensed milk.
NOTE:- If you are using evaporated milk, you can add sugar for taste; but if you will be using condensed milk, no extra sweetener is needed.
- Stir it well, serve when it hot, or cool it down with ice if needed.
3. Indian Masala Chai
Masala chai is a milky, spiced tea that is popular in India. This one is black tea brewed with spices thus making it both warm and invigorating. It is best served warm for a cup of tea on a cool afternoon or to accompany a tasty tidbit.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons loose black tea or 2 tea bags
- 1-inch piece ginger (grated)
- 2-3 cardamom pods (crushed)
- 1 small cinnamon stick
- 2-3 cloves
- 1 star anise (optional)
- 1-2 tablespoons sugar (or to taste)
Instructions:
- In a saucepan, bring the water to boil with a grated ginger, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and star anise (if you care to use).
- This is done by bringing the spices to a simmer and allowing them to heat in boiling water for about 5 minutes to release their flavors.
- Pour the tea leaves or tea bags (Well) to the saucepan and let brew for another 2-3 minutes.
- Pour in the milk and allow it to boil and once it has boiled, lower heat and allow it to cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Filter the chai into cups, add sugar as per the requirement, and mix it well.
- Hot can be eaten along with other savory foods such as samosas or even biscuits.
4. Thai Iced Tea
Thai iced tea is a traditional beverage that most Thai restaurants offer and it is a sweet, creamy and fragrant drink made from milk tea. It is famous for the orange color and the correct proportion of tea base and sweetened condensed milk. This cold tea is perfect for the summer or whenever one needs to quench his or her thirst.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoons Thai tea mix or loose black tea
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- ¼ cup condensed milk
- ¼ cup evaporated milk
- Ice cubes
Instructions:
- Bring water to a boil and add the Thai tea mix or black tea. Boil for 3-5 minutes, then strain the tea into a glass.
- Stir in sugar while the tea is still hot, ensuring it dissolves completely.
- Allow the tea to cool down for a few minutes.
- Fill a glass with ice cubes, pour the brewed tea over the ice, and top with condensed milk and evaporated milk.
- Stir gently and serve with a straw. Thai iced tea is best enjoyed cold.
5. Taiwanese Bubble Tea (Boba Tea)
Boba is an amusing milk tea commonly called a bubble tea which was invented in Taiwan. This topped with chewy tapioca pearls that makes it fun to drink and the milk tea base can be prepared in different flavors. Be it the basic black milk tea or a tropical fruit-flavored bubble tea, it is great both as a kids and adults’ beverage.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoons loose black tea or 1 tea bag
- ½ cup milk (whole milk, almond milk, or your choice)
- 2 tablespoons sugar (or to taste)
- ¼ cup tapioca pearls (boba)
- Ice cubes
Instructions:
- Start by preparing the tapioca pearls: bring water to a boil and add the pearls. Cook according to package instructions (usually 5-10 minutes), then drain and rinse them under cold water.
- Brew the black tea by boiling water and steeping the tea for 3-5 minutes. Once brewed, strain the tea leaves or remove the tea bag.
- Add sugar to the hot tea and stir until dissolved. Let the tea cool down.
- In a glass, add the cooked tapioca pearls and fill with ice cubes.
- Pour the cooled tea over the pearls, then top off with milk. Stir well, and enjoy your homemade bubble tea with a wide straw.
6. Matcha Milk Tea
Matcha milk tea is a similar product which contains powdered green tea, the beverage has a green shade and a rather different taste. While matcha has a slightly bitter flavor it complements creaminess of the milk as well as minimal sweetness. This is especially ideal for those who love matcha, as this will make them excited to get out of their chairs, mix the green tea and enjoy it.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoons matcha powder
- 2 tablespoons hot water
- 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1-2 tablespoons sugar or honey
- Ice cubes (for iced version)
Instructions:
- In a small bowl, whisk the matcha powder with the hot water until it forms a smooth paste without any lumps.
- Warm your milk in a saucepan or microwave, then add sugar or honey and stir until dissolved.
- Add the matcha paste to the milk and whisk until well combined. For a cold version, let the tea cool and pour it over ice cubes.
- Serve hot or cold, depending on your preference.
Tips for Making the Best Milk Tea at Home
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh tea leaves or high-quality tea bags for the best flavor. If you're using spices like in masala chai, freshly ground spices offer a more vibrant and aromatic result.
- Experiment with Sweeteners: You can use sugar, honey, or even flavored syrups like vanilla or caramel. Adjust sweetness to your personal taste.
- Get Creative with Milk: While whole milk is traditional in most recipes, you can experiment with different types of milk like almond, oat, or coconut milk to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
- Play with Flavors: Add a twist to your milk tea by experimenting with flavored teas like Earl Grey, jasmine, or rooibos. You can also add a dash of vanilla extract or cinnamon for extra warmth.
Conclusion
For most people, making milk tea at home is quite appealing, simple and the best part is it allows you to make changes to suit your taste buds. The types of tea range from the ordinary British milk tea to the exotic bubble tea and much more, meaning that you can try a new flavor each and every day. If you wish to have a warm cup of milk tea in winter or a chilled glass of milk tea in summer, there’s always a recipe for you.
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