I make this Royal Milk Tea as a creamy, comforting Japanese-style black tea latte prepared gently on the stovetop. It has a rich tea flavor balanced with smooth milk and just the right amount of sweetness. I love how simple ingredients come together to create a café-style drink right at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it feels both cozy and elegant at the same time. I only need a few pantry staples, and I can adjust the sweetness exactly how I like it. The stovetop method allows me to control the strength of the tea, making it bold enough to stand up to the milk without tasting watered down.
I also appreciate how versatile it is. I can enjoy it hot on a chilly afternoon or pour it over ice when I want something refreshing. The optional vanilla and pinch of salt add a subtle depth that makes it taste extra special without complicating the process.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
2 cups water
2 tablespoons loose leaf black tea (or 2 black tea bags)
1 cup whole milk
2 tablespoons sugar (adjust to taste)
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Pinch of salt (optional)
Directions
I start by bringing the water to a gentle boil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Once it begins to boil, I add the loose leaf black tea or tea bags and immediately reduce the heat to low. I let it simmer for about 2 to 3 minutes so the tea develops a strong, rich flavor.
Next, I pour in the milk and stir gently to combine. I keep the heat between low and medium and warm the mixture for another 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. I make sure not to let it boil, since boiling can affect the texture and taste.
I add the sugar and stir until it fully dissolves. I taste and adjust the sweetness if needed. If I am using loose leaf tea, I strain out the leaves after removing the saucepan from the heat.
Finally, I stir in the vanilla extract and a small pinch of salt if I want a deeper flavor. I pour the tea into mugs and serve it hot, or I let it cool and pour it over ice for a refreshing iced version.
Servings and timing
Servings: 2 servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Calories: Approximately 180 kcal per serving
Variations
I sometimes swap whole milk for oat milk or almond milk when I want a dairy-free version. I find that oat milk keeps the drink especially creamy.
When I want a stronger tea flavor, I let the tea simmer slightly longer before adding the milk. If I am in the mood for something indulgent, I replace part of the milk with half-and-half for an even richer texture.
For a flavored twist, I occasionally add a dash of cinnamon or a light sprinkle of matcha powder for a fusion-style drink.
Storage/Reheating
If I have leftovers, I store the Royal Milk Tea in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When I want to reheat it, I gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally and making sure it does not boil.
If I prefer it cold, I simply pour the chilled tea over fresh ice and stir well before serving.
Related Recipes:
FAQs
Can I use any type of black tea?
I usually use a strong black tea like Assam or English Breakfast because I find they hold up well against the milk. I avoid delicate teas since they can taste too mild once diluted.
Can I make this without sugar?
I sometimes skip the sugar or replace it with honey or another sweetener. I adjust the amount depending on how sweet I want the final drink to taste.
Why should I avoid boiling after adding milk?
I avoid boiling because I find it can change the flavor and sometimes create a slightly cooked taste. Gentle heating keeps the texture smooth and creamy.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
I often make it a few hours ahead and keep it in the refrigerator. I reheat it gently or serve it over ice when I am ready to drink it.
What makes Royal Milk Tea different from regular milk tea?
I find that Royal Milk Tea uses a higher ratio of milk to water, which gives it a richer and creamier texture compared to standard milk tea.
Conclusion
I love making Royal Milk Tea when I want something warm, smooth, and comforting without leaving the house. With just a handful of ingredients and a few simple steps, I can create a café-style drink that feels both indulgent and easy. Whether I serve it hot or iced, it always brings a little extra comfort to my day.
📖 Recipe:
Print
Royal Milk Tea
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy and comforting Japanese-style Royal Milk Tea made on the stovetop with strong black tea, whole milk, and just the right touch of sweetness for a rich café-style drink at home.
Ingredients
2 cups water
2 tablespoons loose leaf black tea (or 2 black tea bags)
1 cup whole milk
2 tablespoons sugar (adjust to taste)
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Pinch of salt (optional)
Instructions
- Bring the water to a gentle boil in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the loose leaf black tea or tea bags and immediately reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to develop a strong flavor.
- Pour in the milk and stir gently to combine. Keep the heat between low and medium and warm for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Do not let it boil.
- Add the sugar and stir until fully dissolved. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.
- Remove from heat and strain out tea leaves if using loose leaf tea.
- Stir in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt if desired.
- Serve hot in mugs, or let cool and pour over ice for an iced version.
Notes
Use strong black teas like Assam or English Breakfast for best flavor.
Avoid boiling after adding milk to maintain a smooth texture.
Substitute oat milk or almond milk for a dairy-free version.
For a richer drink, replace part of the milk with half-and-half.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheat gently.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Japanese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 85 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
