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
