Description

This Iced Orange Cinnamon Milk Tea is a cozy yet refreshing beverage combining the robust flavor of black tea with the warm notes of cinnamon and bright citrusy hints of orange. Sweetened with brown sugar and enriched with vanilla and milk, it offers a perfect balance of spiced and creamy flavors, ideal for a soothing sip any time of the day.

Ingredients

Scale

Tea Base

1 cup water
1 black tea bag (robust variety recommended)
1 piece orange peel (from half an orange)
1 cinnamon stick

Sweeteners & Flavor Enhancers

1 tsp brown sugar (adjust according to taste)
1 tsp vanilla extract

Dairy

1 cup milk (dairy or dairy-free alternatives)

Garnish

1 orange peel twist or orange slice

Instructions

Boil Water: Pour 1 cup of water into a small pot and place it over medium-high heat. Bring the water to a vigorous boil, which should take about 3-5 minutes.
Add Orange Peel and Cinnamon: Once boiling, add the peel of half an orange and a cinnamon stick to the pot. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and let the mixture cook for 2-3 minutes to infuse the flavors.
Steep the Tea: Add 1 black tea bag (or 1 teaspoon of loose leaf black tea) into the simmering pot. Keep the heat low and allow the tea to steep for 3-5 minutes for a robust flavor.
Strain the Mixture: Remove the pot from heat and pour the tea mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a cup, discarding the solids such as orange peel and cinnamon stick.
Add Sugar and Vanilla: While the tea is still hot, stir in 1 teaspoon of brown sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until the sugar fully dissolves to enhance sweetness and aroma.
Add and Heat Milk: Pour in 1 cup of milk and gently heat the mixture on low for another 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to bring it to a boil to preserve the milk’s smooth texture.
Final Strain and Garnish: If desired, strain the tea again to remove any remaining solids. Garnish with a twist of orange peel or an orange slice before serving to add visual appeal and a zesty aroma.

Notes

You can use dairy-free milk alternatives such as almond, oat, or soy milk for a vegan version.
Adjust the amount of brown sugar based on your preferred sweetness level.
To serve iced, chill the tea mixture in the fridge and then pour over ice cubes.
Use fresh cinnamon sticks and fresh orange peel for the best flavor infusion.
Do not boil the milk to avoid curdling and to retain creaminess.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Beverage
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Tea

Keywords: iced milk tea, orange cinnamon tea, black tea recipe, cozy drink, refreshing beverage, homemade milk tea, spiced tea