Pin it
Vanilla Cinnamon Milk Tea is all about comfort in a cup. Soft vanilla notes blend with the gently warming spice of cinnamon for a drink you can sip curled up on the couch or pour over ice when you crave something cool and soothing. This recipe lets you control every detail from choosing your milk to dialing up the sweetness making it a joyful ritual year round.
I first put together this tea for a snowy afternoon when my kids needed something warm after sledding and now it is a staple every time we want to treat ourselves to something a little special.
Ingredients
- Water: use filtered water for the purest flavor base
- Milk: go for your favorite dairy or plant milk creamy oat milk is especially nice
- Cinnamon sticks or ground cinnamon: choose sticks for a deeper cozy aroma or use ground for a stronger quicker kick
- Vanilla beans or vanilla extract: use whole beans for an extra-beautiful fragrance vanilla extract is fast and convenient
- Star anise: this adds a gentle licorice note it is optional but worth it if you like a little complexity
- Loose-leaf black tea or tea bags: also optional these deepen the richness of the drink
- Honey or sweetener: local honey adds warmth but any sugar or sweetener works stir in to taste and balance the spice
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Boil the Water:
- Pour the water into a small pot and bring it to a gentle boil to make sure it is hot enough to infuse the spices and tea.
- Infuse the Spices:
- If using cinnamon sticks and vanilla beans add them to the boiling water then turn off the heat and cover with a lid. If you are using star anise drop it in now for extra depth. If using ground cinnamon and vanilla extract just stir them in and move to the next step.
- Steep for Flavor:
- Let the cinnamon and vanilla steep in the hot covered pot for about ten minutes. This time lets the spice oils fully soak into the water giving the milk tea its signature taste and aroma.
- Brew the Tea:
- If using black tea either loose or in bags add it to the pot and brew three to five minutes based on how strong you want your tea flavor. Remove tea bags or strain out loose tea once it is brewed to avoid bitterness.
- Warm the Milk:
- In a separate pot gently heat your milk of choice just until steaming but not boiling. Overheating can cause milk to separate so watch it closely.
- Strain and Combine:
- Pour the cinnamon and vanilla infused water through a fine mesh strainer directly into the pot with warm milk making sure to catch any spice pieces or tea leaves.
- Sweeten and Serve:
- Add honey or your choice of sweetener stir to blend and taste for balance. Serve hot for pure coziness or let it cool and pour over ice for a chilling twist.
Pin it
Cinnamon really comes alive in this drink and I always bring out my best cinnamon sticks for this recipe the smell alone takes me right back to my grandmother’s kitchen where spicy tea was a winter staple we always gathered around the table for seconds
Storage Tips
Leftovers will keep well in the fridge for up to two days. If making ahead let the milk tea cool to room temperature before transferring to a covered jar or bottle. When you are ready to enjoy stir well and reheat on the stove gently not to scorch the milk or pour over ice for a cold treat. I love making a double batch and saving some for iced tea later.
Ingredient Substitutions
If whole vanilla beans are hard to find good quality vanilla extract brings plenty of flavor. For a spicy twist add a pinch of ground cardamom or swap star anise with a clove. Coconut sugar works beautifully as a sweetener and you can use any black tea you like or herbal tea for a caffeine free version. The beauty of this drink is how much you can make it your own.
Pin it
Serving Suggestions
Top each mug with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or a little grated nutmeg for extra warmth. Served hot it pairs beautifully with shortbread or almond cookies. Poured over ice it is the perfect afternoon refresher. Sometimes I top mine with a splash of foamed milk or a spoonful of whipped cream when I want something a bit more decadent.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use ground cinnamon instead of cinnamon sticks?
Absolutely, ground cinnamon works well. Simply stir it directly into the water, and you'll get a similar aroma and flavor.
- → Is there a non-dairy milk that pairs best?
Almond and oat milks both blend well, adding creaminess without overpowering the spice notes.
- → How can I add extra flavor?
Try a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom, or even a splash of maple syrup for a unique twist.
- → What sweeteners can I use?
Honey, agave, sugar, or a preferred sugar substitute all work. Adjust to your taste preferences.
- → Can I make it iced?
Yes, simply let the mixture cool, add ice, and pour over to enjoy a refreshing cold drink.
- → How strong should I brew the tea?
Brew for 3-5 minutes depending on your desired strength. Adjust based on whether you prefer a milder or bolder flavor.