Vanilla Cinnamon Milk Tea: A Cozy, Aromatic Delight
There’s something irresistibly comforting about a warm, spiced drink that can easily become your go-to companion during chilly afternoons or quiet evenings at home. Vanilla and cinnamon, two timeless ingredients, come together in the most magical way in this Vanilla Cinnamon Milk Tea. The combination of sweet vanilla, aromatic cinnamon, and smooth, creamy milk creates a beverage that’s as soothing as it is delicious. Whether you enjoy it hot, with the steam rising from your cup on a cold day, or you prefer it chilled over ice for a refreshing treat, this drink is the perfect balance of comfort and delight. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring just a handful of ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen, and the results are nothing short of spectacular.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Boiling, Steeping
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 4 cinnamon sticks or 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 4 vanilla beans, split and scraped or 4 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 star anises (optional)
- 4 teaspoons loose-leaf black tea or 4 black tea bags (optional)
- Honey or other sweetener of choice (sugar or sugar substitute)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Cinnamon and Vanilla Infusion:
Start by bringing 2 cups of water to a boil in a small pot. The water serves as the base for your aromatic infusion. If you’re using cinnamon sticks and vanilla beans, drop both into the boiling water. For the vanilla beans, slice them lengthwise and scrape out the seeds before adding them to the pot. Add the seeds along with the empty pods. If you’re using star anise, this is the time to add it in as well. The star anise lends an extra layer of depth and warmth to the infusion. Once all the ingredients are in the pot, turn off the heat and cover the pot with a lid. The spices and vanilla will steep in the hot water for about 10 minutes, filling your kitchen with an inviting aroma. If you’re opting for ground cinnamon and vanilla extract, you can add them directly into the boiling water and skip the steeping process, as these ingredients will infuse the liquid quickly. Simply stir them in well and move on to the next step.
2. Brew the Black Tea (Optional):
If you’ve chosen to include black tea in your Vanilla Cinnamon Milk Tea, now’s the time to add it. After the cinnamon and vanilla infusion has steeped for 10 minutes, drop in your tea bags or loose-leaf black tea. Allow the tea to brew for about 3-5 minutes, depending on how strong you prefer the flavor. For a light, more delicate flavor, 3 minutes will suffice, while those who enjoy a bold, robust tea flavor can let it steep for 5 minutes or more. Be sure to taste it along the way, as the strength of your tea will influence the final balance of flavors in the drink.
3. Heat the Milk:
While your tea and spice infusion is brewing, you can heat the milk in a separate pot. The milk should be warmed through, but not boiling. Stir it gently to prevent it from burning or forming a skin on top. Once the milk is warm and ready, it will serve as the perfect creamy base to combine with the spiced infusion. You can use any type of milk that you prefer, whether it’s dairy milk or a plant-based alternative like almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk. Oat milk, in particular, adds a lovely creaminess that perfectly complements the rich flavors of cinnamon and vanilla.
4. Combine the Infusion and Milk:
Once the cinnamon-vanilla infusion has steeped and the milk is warm, it’s time to bring the two together. Strain the infusion through a fine mesh sieve into the warm milk. This will ensure that any solids, such as cinnamon sticks, vanilla pods, or tea leaves, are removed, leaving you with a smooth, flavorful liquid. You should be left with a beautiful, aromatic tea and milk mixture that’s perfectly balanced and ready for the next step.
5. Sweeten and Serve:
At this point, you can add your choice of sweetener. Honey adds a lovely, natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with the cinnamon and vanilla, but you could also use maple syrup, agave nectar, or even a sugar substitute like stevia if you prefer a low-sugar version. Stir the sweetener into the warm mixture until it’s fully dissolved, adjusting the sweetness to your liking. Now that your Vanilla Cinnamon Milk Tea is prepared, you have two serving options: you can serve it hot, with the steam rising from your cup and the rich aromas filling the air, or you can cool it down and pour it over ice for a refreshing twist. For an added touch, garnish your drink with a cinnamon stick, a sprinkle of ground cinnamon, or even a dollop of whipped cream if you want to make it extra indulgent.
Notes
- Milk: While traditional dairy milk works wonderfully in this recipe, you can easily swap it out for any plant-based milk of your choice. Almond milk, oat milk, and coconut milk are all excellent choices. Oat milk, in particular, creates a wonderfully creamy texture that mimics the richness of dairy milk. If you prefer a nutty flavor, almond milk can add a delightful twist, and coconut milk will infuse the tea with a subtle tropical essence.
- Sweetener: Honey is a popular choice for sweetening this beverage, but there are plenty of alternatives. Maple syrup offers a deep, earthy sweetness that complements the spices, while agave nectar is a mild and low-glycemic option. You can also experiment with stevia or monk fruit for a sugar-free option. The key is to adjust the sweetness to your personal preference, keeping in mind that the cinnamon and vanilla already provide a natural depth of flavor.
- Tea: While black tea adds richness and depth to the Vanilla Cinnamon Milk Tea, you can easily substitute it with other types of tea. Green tea offers a lighter, more delicate flavor that works well with the spices, while white tea provides a floral note that pairs beautifully with the vanilla. If you prefer to keep the drink caffeine-free, you can skip the tea altogether and focus purely on the cinnamon and vanilla infusion.
- Spices: If you want to experiment with the flavor profile, try adding a pinch of ground nutmeg, cardamom, or cloves. These spices pair beautifully with cinnamon and vanilla, adding an extra layer of warmth and complexity to the drink. A dash of ginger can also lend a bit of zing, creating a spiced chai-like flavor that’s perfect for those who enjoy a bit more heat in their drinks.