I’m so excited to share this Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea Recipe with you because it’s one of those little delights that feels fancy but is super simple to pull off at home. The combination of fruity cherries with the classic citrusy bergamot notes in Earl Grey tea creates a comforting yet refreshing drink that works any time of the day.

I’ve found that this recipe shines when you want to treat yourself or impress guests without a ton of effort. Whether you sip it warm on a cozy afternoon or chill it over ice during warmer days, this Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea Recipe never fails to hit the spot and is definitely worth trying in your kitchen!

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Why This Recipe Works

Fresh Cherry Flavor: Simmering fresh cherries releases natural sweetness and vibrant flavor that pairs beautifully with Earl Grey tea.
Balanced Citrus Notes: The bergamot essence in Earl Grey adds a bright and floral counterpoint to the creamy milk and sweet cherries.
Versatile Preparation: You can enjoy this recipe hot or iced, making it perfect year-round and easy to customize.
Simple Ingredients, Big Impact: Minimal ingredients mean it’s accessible but still feels like a special treat.

A clear glass mug with a handle holds a layered drink with three distinct parts: a pinkish bottom layer, a light creamy middle layer, and a foamy white top layer. The top of the drink is decorated with bright red cherries, a brown star anise, and two dark brown cinnamon sticks sticking out. The mug sits on a white plate that has a few cherries and small pink flower petals scattered around. The background is a white marbled texture, soft and blurred, with more cherries and star anise visible. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The ingredients here aren’t just a list — each one plays its role in crafting the perfect Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea Recipe. Choosing quality tea and fresh cherries makes all the difference, and I’ll share some tips on what works best.

Earl Grey Tea: Look for a good quality loose leaf or tea bag with a strong bergamot aroma to shine through the milk and cherry flavors.
Water: Use filtered water if you can; since it’s the base for steeping, clean water makes your tea taste smoother.
Milk: I like oat milk for creaminess, but dairy or almond milk work beautifully too — pick what you love or what you have on hand.
Fresh Cherries: Freshness matters here—sweet, ripe cherries give natural sweetness and a vibrant color; pitted and halved is the way to go.
Vanilla Syrup: Adds a hint of warmth and sweetness — you can adjust how much you use depending on your taste.
Cinnamon Stick (optional): Just a touch of spice that adds complexity without overpowering the tea or cherries.
Ice (optional): For an iced version that’s refreshing and delicious on warmer days.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love how versatile this Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea Recipe is, and I often play around with it based on mood or season. Don’t be afraid to adjust sweetness or swap out the milk to suit your personal taste or dietary needs — that’s part of the fun!

More Cherry Depth: Sometimes I add a splash of cherry juice or a few more cherries for an even fruitier punch — it’s delightful!
Dairy-Free Options: Using coconut or oat milk gives a completely different creaminess that I’ve found guests really enjoy.
Spice Variations: When I want a little holiday flair, I toss in a pinch of cardamom or nutmeg alongside the cinnamon stick.
Sweetness Levels: Adjust the vanilla syrup amount or swap it for honey or maple syrup to suit your sweet tooth perfectly.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea Recipe

Step 1: Gently Simmer the Cherries

I start by placing pitted and halved fresh cherries into a small saucepan with just a couple tablespoons of water. I simmer them on low heat for about 3–5 minutes, gently mashing them as they soften to coax out their juicy sweetness. This step is where the cherry magic begins — take your time and enjoy the aroma filling your kitchen.

Step 2: Brew the Earl Grey Tea

While the cherries soften, I bring a cup of filtered water to a boil and steep the Earl Grey tea bag or loose leaf tea for 3–5 minutes depending on how strong I want it. Longer steeping means bolder flavor, but be careful not to overbrew or your tea might turn bitter.

Step 3: Warm Milk and Infuse Flavor

Next, I pour the milk into the saucepan with the softened cherries, heating it gently while stirring until it’s warm. Adding a cinnamon stick at this stage is optional, but it brings a lovely hint of spice that rounds out the flavors beautifully. Keep it low and slow so the milk doesn’t scorch — patience here pays off.

Step 4: Sweeten and Combine

Stir 1 to 2 teaspoons of vanilla syrup into the warm milk and cherry mixture, adjusting to your preferred sweetness. Then I strain this blend into the mug with the brewed tea, pressing down on the cherries to squeeze every bit of flavor in. Give it a good stir and get ready for that first sip!

Step 5: Serve Hot or Iced

If it’s a cool day, I love enjoying this milk tea hot right away, but on warmer days, I let it cool slightly and pour it over ice for a refreshing twist. A fresh cherry or pinch of cinnamon on top makes a pretty finishing touch.

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Pro Tips for Making Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea Recipe

Use Ripe Cherries: I always pick cherries that are deep red and firm to get the best sweetness and color in my tea.
Avoid Over-Steeping Tea: Overbrewing can make the tea bitter; 3–5 minutes is perfect for that balanced Earl Grey flavor.
Warm Milk Slowly: Heating milk gently ensures it doesn’t curdle and blends smoothly with the cherries and tea.
Adjust Sweetness Last: Adding vanilla syrup gradually helps you avoid making the drink too sweet — taste as you go!

How to Serve Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea Recipe

Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

I often top my milk tea with a fresh cherry or two for that pop of color and a little extra fruitiness. Sometimes, I sprinkle a pinch of ground cinnamon or even a twist of lemon zest to tie in the citrus notes beautifully.

Side Dishes

This tea pairs wonderfully with light treats like buttery shortbread cookies or almond biscotti. For a heartier snack, I like a slice of lemon pound cake or a simple scone to round out the experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I serve the tea in clear glass mugs so the rosy cherry color shows through — it’s such a great conversation starter! You can also float edible flowers on top or use fun reusable straws for iced versions to make it feel extra festive.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers, I pour the milk and cherry mixture into a sealed container and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. The tea itself tastes best freshly brewed, so I usually make that part fresh when serving again.

Freezing

This isn’t a recipe I recommend freezing since the milk and cherries can change texture when thawed. I’ve tried it before and found it’s better enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.

Reheating

To reheat, I do it gently on the stove over low heat, stirring often, to keep the milk from scorching or separating. Avoid the microwave if possible, but if you use it, go for short intervals and stir in between.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cherries for the Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea Recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen cherries work well in a pinch, just thaw them completely before simmering. The flavor might be slightly less vibrant than fresh cherries, but still delicious.
What milk alternatives work best in this milk tea?

I recommend oat milk for its creaminess and mild flavor, but almond, soy, or coconut milk are great alternatives depending on your preference or dietary needs.
Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes! Just substitute the dairy milk with a plant-based milk and use a vegan vanilla syrup or sweetener, and you’re good to go.
How long can I store the prepared milk and cherry mixture?

Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days for best flavor and safety. Reheat gently before mixing with freshly brewed tea.
Can I adjust the strength of the Earl Grey tea?

Definitely! Steep it for less time if you want a milder flavor or longer (up to 5 minutes) for a bolder, more robust tea in your Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea Recipe.

Final Thoughts

This Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea Recipe has quickly become one of my favorite comforting drinks because of its perfect balance of rich, fruity, and floral flavors. I encourage you to give it a try — it’s a simple way to elevate your tea time and maybe even discover a new cozy ritual you’ll look forward to. Trust me, once you taste it, you’ll want to make it again and again!