Traditional milk tea, a comforting beverage enjoyed across cultures for centuries, holds a special place in many hearts. Its simple yet deeply satisfying combination of brewed tea and milk has evolved into countless variations, each with its own unique character and regional flair. From the strong, robust brews of Assam to the delicate floral notes of Earl Grey, the foundation of this beloved drink lies in the quality of the tea itself. The addition of milk, whether creamy whole milk or lighter alternatives, transforms the experience, adding a luscious richness that complements the tea's inherent flavor profile. The perfect balance of tea strength and milk sweetness is a matter of personal preference, a journey of experimentation leading to a truly personalized cup.
This timeless beverage, enjoyed hot or cold, offers a delightful escape from the everyday. To guide you on your own journey to creating the perfect cup of traditional milk tea, we'll walk you through a step-by-step process, ensuring a delicious and authentic result every time. Let’s begin crafting your own perfect brew!
Tools Needed
- Pot
- Sieve
- Coconut milk squeezer or towel
- Colander
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowls
- Molds for jelly
- Sharp knife
- Spatula
- Bottles (330ml)
- Straws
- Spoons
- Glasses
Ingredients
- Cream powder: 150g
- Black tea: 100g
- White sugar: 250g
- Condensed milk: 500g
- Water: 3 liters
- Jelly powder: 1 packet (10g)
- Lime juice: 150ml
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Brew the Tea and Prepare the Sweetened Base
- Boil 3 liters of water in a pot.
- Add 100g of black tea to the boiling water, stir, cover, and let it steep for 20 minutes.
- Strain the tea leaves, reserving the tea liquid.
- Add 250g of sugar to the strained tea.
- Add 500g of condensed milk (380ml from a can + 120ml more) to the tea mixture, and stir well.
Step 2. Make the Creamy Milk and Prepare the Jelly
- In a separate bowl, combine cream powder with a little bit of the tea mixture until dissolved then add all the milk and stir well.
- Mix 80g of sugar and a packet of jelly powder (10g). Gradually add 800ml of water while stirring to prevent lumps.
- Add 150ml of lime juice to the jelly mixture, then cook on low heat for 5 minutes until thickened, stirring frequently.
- Pour the warm jelly mixture into molds, allowing it to set.
- Once set, cut the jelly into small cubes using a sharp knife.
Step 3. Chill and Assemble
- Chill the milk tea in ice water.
- Fill bottles with the chilled milk tea, add jelly cubes (and optional brown sugar pearls).
Step 4. Serve
- Serve chilled with ice.
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Tips
- Use a sharp knife to cut the jelly to prevent pushing it around.
- Use a large-mouth bottle to easily add jelly cubes.
- Store leftover milk tea in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use different types of tea for Vietnamese milk tea?
Yes! While black tea is traditional, you can experiment with other strong teas like Earl Grey or English Breakfast. Just adjust sweetness to your liking.
2. What kind of milk is best?
Sweetened condensed milk is key for that authentic, creamy richness. However, you can use regular milk with added sugar if you prefer a less sweet version.
Making authentic Vietnamese milk tea at home is easier than you think! With just a few simple ingredients and this easy-to-follow guide, you can enjoy this delicious drink anytime. Now grab your favorite mug and enjoy your freshly brewed, perfectly sweet Vietnamese milk tea!