Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea (Hot or Iced)
If you love the delicate floral aroma of Earl Grey tea and the sweet-tart pop of cherries, this Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea is about to become your new obsession. Elegant yet comforting, lightly fruity yet deeply aromatic, this homemade milk tea recipe blends bold black tea infused with bergamot and rich cherry syrup for a café-style drink you can enjoy hot or iced.
The magic of this drink starts with Earl Grey tea — a classic black tea scented with bergamot orange oil. Its citrusy floral notes pair beautifully with the natural sweetness of cherries, creating a drink that feels sophisticated but incredibly easy to make at home.
Whether you’re craving a cozy afternoon latte or a refreshing iced pick-me-up, this cherry Earl Grey milk tea delivers comfort and elegance in every sip.
Why You’ll Love This Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea
This isn’t your average milk tea. Here’s what makes it special:
- Balanced flavor: Floral bergamot meets sweet-tart cherry.
- Customizable: Enjoy it hot, iced, dairy-free, or lightly sweetened.
- Naturally beautiful color with a soft blush hue.
- Budget-friendly alternative to coffee shop tea lattes.
- Perfect for spring and summer, yet cozy enough for winter.
If you’ve ever ordered an Earl Grey latte (sometimes called a London Fog), think of this as its fruit-forward cousin — brighter, more playful, and just as comforting.
Ingredients
For the Cherry Syrup:
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/3 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
For the Milk Tea:
- 2 cups water
- 2 Earl Grey tea bags (or 2 teaspoons loose leaf)
- 1/2–3/4 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 2–3 tablespoons cherry syrup (or to taste)
- Ice cubes (for iced version)
Optional:
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Lemon zest for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Cherry Syrup
- In a small saucepan, combine cherries, water, and sugar.
- Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cherries soften and release juice.
- Lightly mash cherries with the back of a spoon.
- Strain mixture through a fine sieve into a jar. Let cool completely.
Step 2: Brew the Earl Grey
- Bring 2 cups of water to a boil.
- Remove from heat and steep Earl Grey tea for 4–5 minutes.
- Remove tea bags or strain loose leaves.
Step 3: Assemble Hot Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea
- Pour brewed tea into a mug.
- Stir in 2–3 tablespoons cherry syrup.
- Add warmed milk and optional vanilla.
- Stir gently and garnish with lemon zest or fresh cherry.
Step 4: Assemble Iced Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea
- Fill a tall glass with ice cubes.
- Add cherry syrup.
- Pour cooled brewed tea over ice.
- Top with cold milk.
- Stir gently for a beautiful layered effect.
Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Simmer cherries, water, and sugar for 8–10 minutes. Strain and cool.
- Steep Earl Grey tea in hot water for 4–5 minutes.
- Stir cherry syrup into tea.
- Add milk and serve hot or over ice.
Notes
The Flavor Profile Explained
Earl Grey tea contains bergamot, a fragrant citrus fruit that gives the tea its signature aroma. The floral-citrus brightness complements cherries naturally, enhancing their sweetness while adding complexity.
Milk softens the tea’s tannins, creating a creamy texture without overpowering the delicate flavors. The result? A floral tea latte that’s smooth, lightly fruity, and utterly comforting.
Choosing the Right Cherries
Fresh cherries provide the brightest flavor when in season. Sweet varieties create a dessert-like drink, while tart cherries add refreshing acidity.
If cherries aren’t in season, frozen work beautifully — they’re picked at peak ripeness and retain strong flavor.
Dairy-Free & Sweetener Options
This homemade milk tea recipe adapts easily:
- Use oat milk for extra creaminess.
- Almond milk keeps it light and nutty.
- Coconut milk adds richness.
- Substitute honey or maple syrup for sugar in the cherry syrup.
Adjust sweetness gradually. Start with less syrup and increase as desired.
Hot vs. Iced: Which Is Better?
Both versions have their charm.
Hot Version:
- Cozy and aromatic.
- Perfect for chilly mornings.
- Ideal for slow afternoons with a book.
Iced Version:
- Refreshing and vibrant.
- Beautiful layered appearance.
- Great for warm weather and entertaining.
There’s no wrong choice — just different moods.
Tips for the Perfect Earl Grey Cherry Latte
- Don’t over-steep the tea; bitterness can overpower the cherries.
- Let the syrup cool before adding to iced tea to prevent melting ice too quickly.
- For stronger flavor, brew tea slightly more concentrated.
- Store cherry syrup in the refrigerator up to one week.
Make It Café-Style
For a frothy top layer, use a milk frother before pouring milk into the hot version. For iced tea, gently pour milk over the back of a spoon for layered presentation.
You can even add a light dusting of cocoa powder or crushed dried rose petals for an elegant twist.
Nutritional Notes
Compared to sugary café drinks, this version:
- Contains no artificial flavorings.
- Allows full control over sugar content.
- Can be made lower-calorie with unsweetened milk.
- Provides antioxidants from black tea.
It’s indulgent yet balanced.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use bottled cherry syrup?
Yes, but homemade delivers fresher flavor.
Can I prepare it ahead?
Brew tea and syrup in advance, then assemble when ready.
Can I make it caffeine-free?
Use decaffeinated Earl Grey.
Final Thoughts
Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea is proof that simple ingredients can create something truly special. Floral bergamot, sweet cherries, and creamy milk blend into a drink that feels luxurious without being complicated.
Whether you sip it steaming hot on a quiet morning or pour it over ice on a sunny afternoon, this cherry Earl Grey latte offers a moment of calm and creativity in every glass.
Once you try it, you may never look at plain milk tea the same way again.
