Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this drink marries the classic bergamot flavor of Earl Grey with bright, slightly tart cherry sweetness. It feels nostalgic and indulgent, yet it’s simple to make. Whether I’m craving a cozy morning sip or a chilled afternoon refresher, this recipe hits the spot every time.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 Earl Grey tea bag (or 1 tsp loose-leaf Earl Grey)

• 1 cup water

• ½ cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)

• 4–5 fresh cherries, pitted and halved (or 2 Tbsp cherry syrup)

• 1–2 tsp vanilla syrup (or extract)

• 1 cinnamon stick (optional)

• Ice, if serving iced

directions

1. I simmer cherries with about 2 Tbsp water for 3–5 minutes, then gently mash to release juice.

2. Meanwhile, I brew the Earl Grey tea in 1 cup hot water for 3–5 minutes, then remove the bag (or strain loose leaf).

3. I pour milk into the saucepan with cherries (and the optional cinnamon stick), warming gently until milk is heated through.

4. I stir in vanilla syrup, adding more if I want extra sweetness.

5. I combine brewed tea and cherry‑milk mixture, pressing on cherries to extract flavor, then stir well.

6. For iced tea, I let it cool slightly and pour over ice. Hot? I serve immediately. I sometimes garnish with a cherry or sprinkle of cinnamon.

Servings and timing

• Yield: 1 serving

• Prep + Cook: ~10 minutes

• Total time: ~10 minutes

Variations

• Use store-bought cherry syrup instead of fresh cherries.

• I sometimes swap cherries for raspberries or strawberries for a fruitier twist.

• I use oat, almond, or coconut milk to suit dietary preferences and get different creaminess.

• Adding a dash of nutmeg or cardamom (instead of cinnamon) gives a cozy warm undertone.

storage/reheating

I prefer this tea fresh, but I keep any leftover cherry‑milk mixture in the fridge for up to 2 days. I reheat it gently or pour over ice. The brewed tea loses flavor if stored too long, so I make each cup fresh.

FAQs

Can I use syrup instead of fresh cherries?

Yes—using cherry syrup is a convenient shortcut, and it blends beautifully into the milk tea.

What if I don’t have Earl Grey tea?

You can use any strong black tea, but missing bergamot means losing that signature cosy floral note.

Is this dairy-free?

Absolutely! I use almond, oat, or coconut milk to make it vegan-friendly.

Can I skip the vanilla syrup?

Yes—I sometimes skip it and let the cherry juice sweeten the drink. The vanilla simply adds a richer flavor.

Hot or iced—which do you prefer?

I enjoy both: hot for chilly mornings, iced for summer afternoons—and it’s equally satisfying either way.

Conclusion

I love how Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea blends bright fruit and fragrant tea into something both elegant and comforting. It’s quick to prepare, endlessly adaptable, and always feels a little luxurious—perfect whenever I crave a cozy yet refreshing drink.