Ingredients:

  • 2 cups Water (filtered)
  • 4 Black Tea Bags (or 2 Tbsp loose leaf Assam or Ceylon)
  • 1 cup Whole Milk (or preferred milk)
  • 2 – 4 Tablespoons Granulated Sugar (adjust to taste)
  • 2 large Cinnamon Sticks
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
  • Pinch of Salt

Instructions:

  1. Steep the Tea: Bring the water to a rolling boil in the saucepan. Remove from heat immediately. Add the black tea bags/leaves and steep for 5–7 minutes (do not steep longer, or it gets bitter!). Remove and discard the tea.
  2. Infuse the Milk Base: Return the steeped tea liquid to the saucepan. Add the milk, sugar, cinnamon sticks, vanilla extract, and salt.
  3. Simmer Gently: Heat the milk mixture over medium-low heat. Bring it just up to a gentle simmer—do not boil rapidly. Stir occasionally until the sugar is fully dissolved (about 5 minutes).
  4. Rest and Deepen Flavour: Remove the saucepan from the heat, cover it loosely, and allow the cinnamon and vanilla to infuse for an additional 5 minutes.
  5. Strain and Serve: Remove and discard the cinnamon sticks. Use a fine-mesh sieve to strain the mixture into two tall serving mugs or glasses.
  6. Final Touch (Optional): Froth the milk tea mixture lightly using a whisk if you desire a slight foam on top. Serve immediately while hot.