I often make Earl Grey Milk Tea at home when I want a mild, comforting drink with a light citrus scent. The bergamot in the tea gives it a gentle aroma, and adding milk softens the flavor and makes it feel smooth. I first started making it when I had few ingredients and wanted a quick warm drink during the afternoon.

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Earl Grey Milk Tea is easy to prepare and fits well into busy days, since it comes together in just a few minutes. It blends black tea, milk, and a subtle citrus note into a soft, balanced drink that works for breakfast, a short break, or alongside a light snack. It can be enjoyed hot or cold and made at home without any special tools. If you want a drink to go with a small hot meal, try it with a dish like the Amish hamburger steak bake for a plain, home style match.

Why make this recipe

Earl Grey Milk Tea is quick to make and fits easily into a busy day. You only need water, tea, milk, and a small amount of sugar, and the tea brews in just a few minutes. The flavor stays mild and balanced, making it a simple treat without much effort or cost.

Earl Grey Milk Tea also works well for slow mornings or short breaks, since the sweetness and milk can be adjusted to taste. Any type of milk can be used, and the recipe scales easily whether you’re making one cup or several. It’s a dependable drink that’s easy to repeat and adapt.

How to make Earl Grey Milk Tea

To make Earl Grey Milk Tea, start by brewing the tea strong, since it provides the main flavor of the drink. Warm the milk separately so it blends smoothly, then combine the tea and milk. Taste and add sugar or a touch of vanilla if desired, adjusting the balance to suit your preference.

Earl Grey Milk Tea can be served hot or cold depending on your mood. For an iced version, let the tea cool and pour it over ice before adding milk. For a richer cup, add a little heavy cream, or use more tea and less milk if you prefer a lighter milk flavor. For a dairy free cup, use almond or oat milk. For a cold version, you can look at other cold tea ideas like the cold tea methods and use the same steps with ice.

Ingredients

2 Earl Grey tea bags (or 2 teaspoons loose leaf tea)
2 cups water
1-2 tbsp sugar (adjust to taste)
1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
1/2 cup whole milk (or milk of choice, such as almond, oat, or coconut milk)
1/4 cup heavy cream (optional, for extra creaminess)

For the best Earl Grey Milk Tea, use real Earl Grey tea to get the signature bergamot flavor, whether from loose leaf or tea bags. Heat the water until hot but not boiling to avoid bitterness. Sweetener is optional and can be adjusted using sugar, honey, or syrup, while vanilla can be added for a soft background note if desired.

Earl Grey Milk Tea can be made with the milk of your choice depending on how rich you want the drink. Whole milk creates a fuller cup, plant-based milks slightly change the flavor, and heavy cream adds extra richness. Skipping cream keeps the drink light. These ingredients are easy to keep on hand, make about two cups, and scale up or down easily.

Directions

To make Earl Grey Milk Tea, brew the tea in hot water for three to five minutes, covering the cup or pot to keep the aroma in. Taste at three minutes and steep a little longer if needed. While the tea brews, gently warm the milk over low heat, stirring so it heats evenly and does not boil. Add cream at this stage if you want a richer drink.

Once the tea is ready, remove the tea bags or strain the leaves and pour it into a cup or pot. Slowly add the warm milk and stir, then mix in sugar or vanilla until dissolved, adjusting to taste. Earl Grey Milk Tea can also be served iced by cooling the tea first and adding ice and cold milk, or finished with frothed milk for a soft, creamy top.

How to serve Earl Grey Milk Tea

Serve hot in a mug or teacup. Use a wide cup to enjoy the scent. Serve with a small spoon. Add a cookie or a plain biscuit on the side for a simple snack. For cold serving, pour over ice in a tall glass. Stir well so the milk mixes with the tea. A straw works well for iced cups. If you want a small meal match, try a light plate like rice and simple salad or a small hot dish. For a casual plate, serve the drink with a light meal such as the cilantro lime steak bowls or a plain sandwich. Keep the drink simple. Do not add many extras that hide the bergamot flavor. A thin slice of lemon is not needed, but a small vanilla cookie can work.

How to store Earl Grey Milk Tea

Store Earl Grey Milk Tea in the refrigerator in a sealed container, such as a jar with a lid or a closed bottle. For the best taste, use it within two to three days, as the milk can change the flavor over time. If making a larger batch, pour single servings into smaller containers and keep them well chilled.

Earl Grey Milk Tea should not be frozen once milk is added, since freezing can affect the texture and cause separation. If you need to freeze ahead, freeze only the plain brewed tea and add fresh milk after thawing. Always check the smell before drinking, and label containers with the date so you know when it was made.

Tips to make Earl Grey Milk Tea

For the best Earl Grey Milk Tea, use good-quality Earl Grey tea to highlight the bergamot flavor and steep it for the right amount of time. Brewing too briefly can make the tea weak, while steeping too long can cause bitterness. Warm the milk gently without boiling, as overheated milk can change the taste. Stir sugar into the hot tea so it dissolves fully and blends smoothly.

Earl Grey Milk Tea is easy to adjust by changing the balance of tea and milk to suit your taste. Use more tea for a stronger cup or less milk to highlight the tea flavor. When making an iced version, brew the tea slightly stronger so it holds up as the ice melts. If the drink feels too thin, add a small splash of cream, or balance a rich cup with more hot tea.

Variation

Earl Grey Milk Tea can be customized with small ingredient swaps to match your taste. Oat milk creates a smooth, mild cup, almond milk adds a light nutty note, and coconut milk brings gentle sweetness. Honey or maple syrup can replace sugar for a different style of sweetness, while a drop of vanilla or a pinch of cinnamon adds extra depth.

For a richer version of Earl Grey Milk Tea, add a small splash of heavy cream. To turn it into a bubble tea–style drink, keep it cold and add cooked tapioca pearls. A tiny amount of dried lavender can add a floral note, but it should be used sparingly. The recipe works best when you test one change at a time to find your favorite balance.

FAQs

Q: Can I use other black tea instead of Earl Grey? A: Yes. You can use a plain black tea. It will not have the bergamot scent. You can add a drop of citrus oil if you want a similar note.

Q: Can I make this drink without dairy? A: Yes. Use almond, oat, or coconut milk. Heat them the same way. The taste will change with each milk.

Q: How long does the drink last in the fridge? A: Keep it in a sealed jar. Use within two to three days. Taste before you drink it.

Q: Can I make a cold version? A: Yes. Let the tea cool and pour over ice. Use a bit more tea if you want strong flavor after the ice melts.

Q: Is heavy cream needed? A: No. Heavy cream is optional. It makes the drink richer. Use it only if you want a thicker cup.

Conclusion

Earl Grey Milk Tea is a simple, comforting drink that blends smooth black tea, gentle citrus notes, and creamy milk into a balanced cup. With easy ingredients and quick steps, it fits well into busy days while still feeling calm and familiar. Easy to adjust and enjoyable hot or cold, this drink is a reliable choice for anyone who wants a warm, soothing tea made at home. For a bubble tea take on this drink, you can read a simple home style recipe at Earl Grey Bubble Tea – Teak & Thyme. For a long guide on variations and steps, see the detailed walk through at Ultimate Guide For Making Earl Grey Milk Tea (Bubble Tea) At International Desserts Blog.