🍒 Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea

Introduction

I have to admit, I’m completely obsessed with this Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea. There’s something magical about the way the floral notes of Earl Grey intertwine with the deep, jammy sweetness of cherries—it feels fancy enough for an afternoon tea party, yet cozy enough for a quiet morning at home. Every sip feels like a soft, fragrant hug.

If you’ve never tried adding fruit to milk tea, this recipe is such a beautiful place to start. The cherries bring a tart-sweet pop that livens up the gentle bergamot aroma of Earl Grey, while milk (or your favorite non-dairy option) adds that creamy smoothness that makes every swallow feel indulgent.

What Makes This Recipe Special

This isn’t your average milk tea—it’s a little luxurious, a little nostalgic, and incredibly comforting. I first made this one summer when I had a handful of ripe cherries sitting in the fridge and a pot of Earl Grey steeping on the counter. On a whim, I blended them together with some honey and milk—and it was love at first sip.

What makes this drink stand out is its balance: the tangy cherries cut through the richness of the milk, while the bergamot adds an elegant, citrusy perfume. It’s both refreshing and soothing, perfect hot or iced, and feels like something you’d order at a boutique café (without the boutique price).

☕ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It’s beautifully aromatic. The Earl Grey adds a lovely floral-citrus scent that makes the whole kitchen smell divine.
• Sweet, creamy, and fruity. Cherries bring natural sweetness, balanced by the smoothness of milk and tea.
• Customizable for every season. Use fresh cherries in summer or frozen ones year-round—it’s delicious either way.
• Hot or iced—your choice. Enjoy it steaming on a rainy morning or chilled over ice on a sunny afternoon.
• Simple ingredients, big flavor. You probably already have everything you need in your pantry.

🧰 Tools You’ll Need

Here’s what I grab every time I make this:

• Small saucepan or kettle – for boiling water to steep the tea.
• Tea infuser or strainer – helps remove the loose tea leaves cleanly.
• Blender – to purée the cherries until smooth. (You can also use an immersion blender if that’s what you’ve got.)
• Fine mesh sieve – optional, but great for a smooth, pulp-free texture.
• Measuring cups and spoons – because precision helps balance the flavors.
• Glass or mug – depending on whether you’re making it iced or hot.

🍒 Ingredients

For 2 servings (about 16 oz total)

• 1 cup (240 ml) water
• 2 teaspoons loose-leaf Earl Grey tea (or 2 tea bags)
• ¾ cup (180 g) fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
• 1 tablespoon honey (or to taste — you can use maple syrup or sugar too)
• ½ cup (120 ml) milk – whole, oat, almond, or whatever you love
• A few ice cubes (optional, for iced version)

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Steep the tea

Bring 1 cup of water to a gentle boil. Add your Earl Grey tea and let it steep for 4–5 minutes. Don’t rush this part—this is where all that fragrant bergamot magic happens. Then, strain and set the tea aside to cool slightly.

2. Blend the cherries

In your blender, combine the cherries and honey. Blend until smooth. (If you’re using frozen cherries, you can thaw them slightly first to help them blend easily.)

Tip: Taste the puree here—it should be sweet but still have that lovely tartness. Adjust with a little extra honey if your cherries are on the sour side.

3. Combine the tea and cherry mixture

Pour the steeped tea into the blender with the cherry puree. Blend again for just a few seconds to fully mix.

If you want a silkier texture, strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a clean jug or bowl. It’s optional, but I like doing it for a smoother drink.

4. Add milk

Stir in the milk gently. You’ll see the colors swirl into this dreamy, blush-toned latte—honestly, it’s gorgeous.

5. Serve and enjoy

• For iced tea, pour over a glass filled with ice.
• For hot tea, warm the milk slightly before stirring it in, then serve in a cozy mug.

Take a deep breath, sip, and smile—you just made something beautiful.

🍽 Serving Ideas

• With whipped cream: A little dollop on top makes it extra indulgent.
• Dust with cinnamon or cocoa powder: Adds warmth and depth.
• Add tapioca pearls or jelly: If you’re a bubble tea fan, this turns it into a fancy café-style treat.
• Pair with scones or cookies: Earl Grey loves buttery baked goods.

🌈 Variations & Customizations

• Vanilla Cherry Earl Grey: Add ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract for a dessert-like touch.
• Vegan version: Use oat milk and maple syrup. It’s silky and naturally sweet.
• Extra fruity: Blend in a few raspberries or strawberries along with the cherries for more depth.
• Cold foam top: Froth a bit of milk with honey and spoon it on top—barista vibes at home.

🕒 Make-Ahead & Storage

• Tea Base: You can steep the Earl Grey and blend the cherry puree up to 2 days in advance. Store in the fridge in separate jars.
• Assembled Drink: Best enjoyed fresh, but you can refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just give it a good stir before drinking.
• No freezer? Freeze leftover cherry puree in an ice cube tray and pop one or two into future teas for an instant flavor upgrade.

💡 Pro Tips & Mistakes to Avoid

• Don’t over-steep the tea. More than 5 minutes can make it bitter.
• Use ripe cherries. Under-ripe ones can make the drink too tart.
• Cool your tea slightly before blending. Blending hot liquids can cause a messy, steamy explosion—no one wants that!
• Balance the sweetness. Remember, the milk and cherries both add natural sweetness, so start with less honey and taste as you go.
• Serve immediately for best flavor. The tea’s aroma fades a bit as it sits, so fresh is always best.

📋 Recipe Summary

• Yield: 2 servings (about 16 oz total)
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes

Nutrition (per serving):

Approx. 120 calories | 3g fat | 22g carbs | 2g protein | 17g sugar

💬 Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting about the ritual of making milk tea—watching the tea steep, blending the fruit, and taking that first fragrant sip. This Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea is my little treat-yourself moment on days that need a touch of calm and color.