This Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea is a soothing blend of black tea, ripe cherries, warm spices, and creamy milk.
Whether you sip it hot for a cozy moment or pour it over ice for a refreshing twist, it’s a naturally sweet and delightfully floral drink perfect for tea lovers.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Naturally fruity from simmered fresh cherries
Comfortingly floral thanks to aromatic Earl Grey
Customizable – make it hot or iced
Dairy-free friendly with almond or oat milk
No refined sugar if you use homemade or clean vanilla syrup
Ingredient Highlights
Earl Grey tea – black tea with bergamot oil for citrusy depth
Fresh cherries – simmered for a juicy natural sweetness
Milk of choice – any kind works; almond or oat give a nice creamy base
Vanilla syrup – brings a lovely warmth and smooth sweetness
Cinnamon stick (optional) – adds cozy spice notes
Ice – great for turning it into a summer-friendly cold drink
Pro Tips Before You Start
Use very ripe cherries for maximum natural sweetness.
Want extra richness? Try this with oat milk or full-fat dairy.
Adjust the vanilla syrup to taste – especially if your cherries are sweet.
For stronger tea flavor, steep longer or use two tea bags.
If making an iced version, let all components cool first before combining.
How to Make Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea
Step 1 – Simmer the Cherries
In a small saucepan, add the halved fresh cherries with a splash of water.
Simmer over medium heat until they soften and begin to break down, releasing their sweet juice.
Step 2 – Brew the Tea
Steep the Earl Grey tea bag (or loose leaf tea) in freshly boiled water for 3–5 minutes, depending on your desired strength.
Step 3 – Infuse the Milk
While the tea brews, pour your milk of choice into the saucepan with the softened cherries.
Add a cinnamon stick if using. Warm gently over low heat until infused, but do not boil.
Step 4 – Sweeten the Blend
Stir in the vanilla syrup and mix well.
Taste and adjust sweetness as needed.
Step 5 – Combine & Strain
Pour the brewed tea into a large mug or glass.
Strain the cherry-infused milk mixture directly into the mug, pressing the cherries with a spoon to release all the juice.
Step 6 – Serve Hot or Iced
Enjoy your Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea warm, or let it cool and pour over a glass filled with ice.
Step 7 – Garnish & Enjoy
Add a fresh cherry on top or a sprinkle of cinnamon for a special finishing touch.
What to Serve It With
A slice of vanilla pound cake or lemon loaf
Almond scones or cherry almond muffins
Light brunch dishes like yogurt bowls or fruit toast
Pair with shortbread cookies for an elegant afternoon tea
Variations & Substitutions
No cherries? Use strawberries, raspberries, or frozen cherries
No vanilla syrup? Sub honey, maple syrup, or agave
No cinnamon? Try a pinch of cardamom or ginger for warmth
Vegan version? Use plant milk and vegan-friendly sweetener
Make it creamy with coconut milk or half-and-half
Storage & Leftovers
Fridge: Store leftover tea and milk mixture separately for up to 2 days.
Iced Prep Tip: Chill everything before pouring over ice to avoid dilution.
Reheat: For hot tea, gently rewarm the milk mixture and combine fresh with hot tea.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cherries?
Yes! Just thaw them before simmering so they break down properly.
Can I make this caffeine-free?
Use decaf Earl Grey or a caffeine-free black tea blend with bergamot.
What’s the best milk to use?
Oat milk is wonderfully creamy, but almond, whole milk, or soy all work well.
Can I make it ahead of time?
You can prep the cherry milk and brewed tea in advance, then combine when ready to serve.
Do I have to strain it?
Yes, straining helps remove cherry skins and pieces for a smoother finish.
How do I make this sweeter?
Add extra syrup or sweetener after tasting the final blend.
Is this good cold?
Absolutely—it’s like a fruity iced tea latte with floral notes.
Final Thoughts
I love how this Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea feels indulgent yet light—like a cozy café drink you can make at home with just a few ingredients.
It’s perfect for unwinding in the evening or adding something special to your brunch table.
Try it once, and it’ll become your go-to floral tea latte with a cherry twist!
Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea
Ingredients
- 1 Earl Grey tea bag or 1 tsp loose leaf
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup milk any kind
- 4 –5 fresh cherries pitted and halved
- 1 –2 tsp vanilla syrup
- 1 cinnamon stick optional
- Ice optional, for iced version
Instructions
- Simmer cherries in a small saucepan until softened.
- Steep tea in hot water for 3–5 minutes.
- Add milk and cinnamon to cherries and warm gently.
- Stir in vanilla syrup and mix.
- Pour brewed tea into a mug.
- Strain the milk-cherry mix over tea, pressing to extract juice.
- See full steps with tips & photos → https://wimpysdiner.net/cherry-earl-grey-milk-tea/
Notes
- Feel free to swap vanilla syrup for honey or maple syrup.
- Use coconut or oat milk for a dairy-free version—coconut adds an extra tropical note!
- Leftover cherry-infused milk can be refrigerated and used in coffee or cereal within 24 hours.
