Vanilla Cinnamon Milk Tea!

Vanilla Cinnamon Milk Tea

This Vanilla Cinnamon Milk Tea is a comforting and aromatic drink that blends the creamy sweetness of vanilla, the warmth of cinnamon, and the richness of black tea. It’s perfect for chilly mornings or as a cozy afternoon pick-me-up. You can make it hot or iced, depending on your preference.

Ingredients:

For the Tea:

• 1 black tea bag (or 1-2 tsp loose-leaf tea)

• 1 cup water

• 1/2 cup milk (or your choice of dairy-free milk such as almond, oat, or coconut milk)

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (plus a pinch for garnish)

• 1-2 tsp honey, sugar, or maple syrup (to taste)

Instructions:

1. Brew the Tea:
   In a small pot, bring 1 cup of water to a boil. Once boiling, add the black tea bag (or loose-leaf tea) and steep for 3-5 minutes. For a stronger flavor, steep a little longer.

2. Prepare the Milk Mixture:
   While the tea is brewing, heat the milk in a separate small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the vanilla extract and ground cinnamon. Heat gently, stirring occasionally, until the milk is hot and frothy, but not boiling.

3. Sweeten the Tea:
   Once your tea is brewed, remove the tea bag and add 1-2 teaspoons of honey, sugar, or maple syrup (or to taste). Stir well to dissolve the sweetener.

4. Combine the Tea and Milk:
   Pour the brewed tea into a mug. Slowly add the cinnamon-vanilla milk mixture to the tea, stirring gently to combine.

5. Garnish and Serve:
   Sprinkle a tiny pinch of ground cinnamon on top for an extra hint of flavor and a cozy presentation.

6. Optional Iced Version:
   To make an iced vanilla cinnamon milk tea, let the brewed tea cool, then pour it over a glass filled with ice. Add the vanilla-cinnamon milk and stir to combine. Garnish with a cinnamon stick or a sprinkle of cinnamon on top.

Q&A:

Q: Can I use green tea instead of black tea?
A: Yes, you can use green tea if you prefer. Keep in mind that green tea has a lighter flavor than black tea, so the overall taste will be more delicate.

Q: Can I make this drink dairy-free?
A: Absolutely! You can easily make this recipe dairy-free by substituting the regular milk with your favorite plant-based milk, like oat milk, almond milk, or coconut milk.

Q: Can I make this iced drink in advance?
A: Yes, you can brew the tea ahead of time, let it cool, and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, pour it over ice and add the vanilla-cinnamon milk.

Q: How can I make it sweeter?
A: Adjust the sweetness to your liking by adding more honey, maple syrup, or sugar. You could also try a flavored syrup (like vanilla syrup) for an extra boost of sweetness.

Q: What type of tea works best for this recipe?
A: Strong black teas like Assam, Darjeeling, or English Breakfast work really well. They hold up to the milk and spices, giving you a rich flavor that complements the vanilla and cinnamon.

Tips for Success:

• Frothy Milk: For an extra frothy texture, use a milk frother, or whisk the milk vigorously while heating to create foam.

• Cinnamon Stick: For a more intense cinnamon flavor, you can steep a cinnamon stick in the hot water with the tea bag while brewing.

• Spices: You can also experiment with other spices, like nutmeg or cloves, for a more complex flavor.

• Vegan Option: Use a plant-based sweetener (like agave or coconut sugar) and a dairy-free milk alternative to make it vegan.