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how to make hong kong milk tea

Hong Kong Milk Tea

Before we delve into the delightful world of Hong Kong Milk Tea, let’s talk about what goes well with this beloved drink.This tea is a smooth, creamy companion to a variety of snacks and meals.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Drinks
Cuisine Hong Kong
Servings 4
Calories 140 kcal

Equipment

  •  Large Pitcher
  • Pot

Ingredients
  

  • 1⅓ cups evaporated milk 315 ml, or about ⅓ cup per serving
  • 10 tablespoons black tea leaves or fannings a mix of Ceylon Orange Pekoe, Lipton Black, Earl Grey, or your preferred blend works wonderfully
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract for a hint of warmth
  • 6 cups hot water 1.4L — this yields about 4½ cups of brewed tea
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk use ~1 teaspoon per serving; adjust to taste
  • A fine-mesh strainer optional: line with fine cheesecloth for a silky-smooth finish

Instructions
 

Step 1: Brew the Tea

  • Start by boiling your 6 cups of water in a pot. Once the water reaches a rolling boil, add the 10 tablespoons of black tea leaves. Let the tea steep for a good 5–7 minutes, depending on your personal taste preference. The longer it steeps, the stronger the flavor. After steeping, remove the leaves using a strainer.

Step 2: Mix in the Milk

  • In a separate large pitcher, pour in the 1⅓ cups of evaporated milk. The warmth of the brewed tea will blend beautifully with the milk. Pour the freshly brewed tea into the pitcher and mix thoroughly.

Step 3: Add Sweetness

  • Now, it’s time to sweeten things up. Start with 1 tablespoon of sweetened condensed milk and stir it into the tea mixture. Taste and adjust according to your sweetness preference. One teaspoon per cup is a good starting point.

Step 4: Strain for Smoothness

  • For that silky texture, strain your tea mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into individual cups or a larger serving pot. If you want to use cheesecloth for extra smoothness, feel free to do so.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

  • Serve your Hong Kong Milk Tea hot, and if you desire, you can add a splash of vanilla extract for an aromatic finish. Enjoy while it’s warm, and feel free to sip slowly to savor those rich flavors.

Notes

  • Use Quality Tea: The type of black tea impacts the flavor. Experiment with blends to find your perfect combination.
  • Steep Aggressively: Don’t shy away from longer steep times to get a rich flavor.
  • Creamy Finish: Evaporated milk is key for that Mumbai dish texture. Regular milk can dilute the creaminess.
  • Balance Sweetness: Start with less sweetened condensed milk and add more as needed. You can always add, but you can’t take away.
  • Hot is Best: While iced versions exist, nothing beats a hot cup of Hong Kong Milk Tea fresh from the pot.

Nutrition

Calories: 140kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 4gFat: 5gSugar: 10g
Keyword Hong Kong Milk Tea
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