Orange Cinnamon Milk Tea Recipe

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Nothing beats a cozy moment like savoring a warm cup of this delicious Orange Cinnamon Milk Tea Recipe. This comforting tea perfectly blends bright, zesty orange with fragrant cinnamon and smooth black tea, all rounded out by creamy milk and a hint of sweetness. It’s an inviting beverage that feels both indulgent and refreshing, making it a wonderful treat no matter the season.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a key role in creating the perfect balance of flavors, textures, and aromas. The simplicity of the components makes it easy to pull together, yet each one adds a unique touch that elevates the final tea to something truly special.

• Water: The base for extraction, it carries the vibrant flavors from the orange peel and cinnamon into the brew.
• Black tea bag or loose-leaf black tea: Provides the robust and earthy flavor that forms the core of the drink.
• Orange peel of 1/2 orange: Adds a bright citrusy note and natural oils that brighten the tea’s flavor and aroma.
• Cinnamon stick: Imparts warm, spicy undertones that complement the orange and black tea beautifully.
• Brown sugar: Offers a subtle caramel sweetness that balances the tartness of the orange and the spice of the cinnamon.
• Vanilla extract: Adds a smooth, fragrant depth that enhances the creaminess of the milk and enriches the tea.
• Whole milk (or preferred milk): Gives the tea its signature creamy texture, softening the spices and wrapping all the flavors together.
• Orange peel twist or orange slice: Perfect for garnish, reinforcing the citrus aroma while adding visual charm.

How to Make Orange Cinnamon Milk Tea Recipe

Step 1: Make the Orange Cinnamon Infusion

Start by gently heating one cup of water until it reaches a low boil. Toss in the freshly peeled orange peel along with a cinnamon stick, and let these infuse on a gentle simmer for about five minutes. This slow extraction draws out those beautiful citrus oils and spicy warmth, setting the stage for a deeply fragrant tea.

Step 2: Brew the Black Tea

Once your infusion is ready, strain it into your favorite cup to remove the solids. Add a black tea bag or loose-leaf tea and let it steep for 3 to 5 minutes. The strong, earthy black tea perfectly contrasts the bright orange and comforting cinnamon, creating a balanced flavor base.

Step 3: Sweeten and Add Vanilla

While the tea is still hot, stir in two teaspoons of brown sugar and a teaspoon of vanilla extract. This sweetens the tea just right and adds a velvety, aromatic finish that lifts the drink from ordinary to absolutely special.

Step 4: Add Your Milk

Warm your milk carefully until steaming but not boiling, then pour it into the tea. If you’re feeling fancy, froth the milk beforehand to give your tea a lovely, creamy foam that’s as delightful to look at as it is to sip.

Step 5: Garnish and Enjoy

Finally, top your tea with a twist of orange peel or a slice of orange for a pop of color and an extra burst of citrus aroma. Sit back and enjoy the cozy, layered flavors of your homemade Orange Cinnamon Milk Tea Recipe!

How to Serve Orange Cinnamon Milk Tea Recipe

Garnishes

The simplest garnishes make a big impact here: a neatly twisted strip of orange peel helps concentrate the zesty oils with each sip, while a thin slice of orange adds a pretty touch and subtle additional flavor. A small cinnamon stick as a stirrer also doubles as a garnish with inviting spice.

Side Dishes

This tea pairs wonderfully with lightly sweet or spiced baked goods like buttery shortbread, cinnamon sugar cookies, or an orange-glazed pound cake. These treats complement the tea’s warm spice and citrus brightness, making your teatime feel like a delightful celebration.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve your Orange Cinnamon Milk Tea Recipe in a clear glass mug to showcase the creamy, warm color. Add a cinnamon stick as a stirrer, and sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon powder on top of the frothy milk for an inviting finish. If serving iced, layer the drink over sparkling ice cubes made from brewed tea for extra pop.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftover tea, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Since milk tea can spoil quickly, it’s best enjoyed fresh but chilling the brewed tea base separately can help preserve the flavors until you’re ready to add milk and sweetness.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t ideal due to the milk content, as milk can separate and become grainy after thawing. If you want to freeze the tea, separate the brewed tea from the milk and sugar first. Freeze the plain tea and then blend fresh milk and sweetener when you reheat for best taste and texture.

Reheating

When reheating leftover Orange Cinnamon Milk Tea Recipe, warm it gently over low heat to prevent curdling of the milk. Stir frequently and avoid boiling—slow and steady heat helps keep the creamy texture intact and preserves the delicate balance of flavors.

FAQs

Can I use different types of tea?

Absolutely! While black tea provides a strong, classic base, you can experiment with green or oolong teas for a lighter or more floral profile. Each will bring a unique twist to your Orange Cinnamon Milk Tea Recipe.

Is this recipe suitable for vegan diets?

Yes, just swap out the whole milk for your favorite plant-based milk like almond, oat, or soy. Keep in mind these milks slightly change the texture and flavor but still create a lovely, creamy tea experience.

How can I make an iced version?

To enjoy this tea cold, brew and sweeten it as usual, then add cold milk and let it cool completely. Pour it over a glass filled with ice cubes and garnish with fresh orange slices for a refreshing warm-weather treat.

What’s the secret to a perfectly sweetened tea?

Taste as you go! Start with two teaspoons of brown sugar and adjust to your preference. Because the flavors are layered, balancing sweetness with the citrus and spice ensures the tea never feels too cloying or dull.

Can I prepare the infusion in advance?

Yes, you can make the orange cinnamon infusion up to a day ahead and refrigerate it. Just warm it up before brewing your black tea, which saves time while preserving all the bright, spicy flavors that make this tea so memorable.

Final Thoughts

Once you try this Orange Cinnamon Milk Tea Recipe, I promise it will become your go-to comfort drink for days when you want something warm, cozy, and a little bit special. Its fragrant layers of cinnamon, orange, and creamy milk offer a perfect hug in a cup—definitely worth making and sharing with the people you love.

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Orange Cinnamon Milk Tea Recipe

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A warm, fragrant Orange Cinnamon Milk Tea combining the zesty brightness of orange peel, the spicy warmth of cinnamon, and the rich smoothness of black tea and milk. Perfectly sweetened with brown sugar and enhanced with vanilla extract, this cozy drink can be enjoyed hot or iced for a comforting treat any time of day.

• Author: Paula
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 1 serving
• Category: Beverage
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Infusion Ingredients

• 1 cup water
• Orange peel of 1/2 orange (save some for garnish)
• 1 cinnamon stick

Tea

• 1 black tea bag or 1 tsp loose-leaf black tea

Sweetening and Flavoring

• 2 tsp brown sugar (or to taste)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Milk

• 1 cup whole milk (or your preferred milk)

Garnish

• Orange peel twist or orange slice for garnish

Instructions

1. Make orange cinnamon infusion: Heat 1 cup of water to a low boil in a small saucepan. Add the orange peel and cinnamon stick and simmer gently for about 5 minutes to infuse the flavors accurately into the water.
2. Brew the black tea: Strain the orange cinnamon infusion into a cup, then add the black tea bag or loose-leaf tea. Steep for 3 to 5 minutes until the tea reaches your preferred strength.
3. Sweeten and flavor: While the tea is still hot, stir in the brown sugar and vanilla extract so the sugar dissolves completely, melding the sweet and aromatic notes together.
4. Add milk: Heat the milk until warm but not boiling. Pour the hot milk into the tea mixture. Optionally, froth the milk before adding for a creamy texture.
5. Garnish and serve: Add a twist of orange peel or a slice of orange as a garnish, enhancing the citrus aroma and visual appeal, then enjoy your flavorful Orange Cinnamon Milk Tea hot.
6. Optional iced version: For a refreshing twist, brew the tea and sweeten it as directed, then mix with cold milk. Let it cool, pour over ice, and serve chilled.

Notes

• You can substitute whole milk with any plant-based milk like almond, oat, or soy for a dairy-free option.
• Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of brown sugar to suit your taste.
• Steeping the orange peel and cinnamon gently prevents bitterness and brings out the best flavors.
• Use fresh orange peel rather than dried for a brighter citrus flavor.
• Frothing milk is optional but adds a delightful creamy texture.