If you love floral tea blends and fruity beverages with a creamy finish, Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea (Hot or Iced) is about to become your new favorite drink. This homemade milk tea recipe combines the bold citrusy notes of Earl Grey tea with sweet, slightly tart cherries and smooth milk for a beautifully balanced cup that works year-round. Whether you’re craving something cozy on a chilly evening or a refreshing iced drink in warmer weather, this cherry Earl Grey milk tea delivers comfort and elegance in every sip.

In this detailed guide, you’ll learn how to make cherry milk tea from scratch, how to customize it to your taste, and how to serve it hot or iced. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about creating the perfect homemade milk tea.

What Makes Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea Special?

At the heart of this recipe is Earl Grey tea, a classic black tea blend flavored with oil of bergamot. Traditionally associated with British tea culture and popularized in the 19th century, Earl Grey tea is known for its distinctive citrus aroma and refined flavor profile. When paired with sweet cherries and creamy milk, the result is surprisingly harmonious.

The floral citrus notes from bergamot complement the juicy brightness of cherries. Milk softens the tannins in the tea, creating a velvety texture. The final drink feels both luxurious and refreshing.

Unlike store-bought versions that often rely on artificial syrups, this cherry milk tea uses real cherries or a simple homemade cherry syrup for natural flavor and vibrant color.

Why You’ll Love This Earl Grey Milk Tea Recipe

Easy to make at home with simple ingredients
Customizable sweetness and creaminess
Perfect hot or iced
Naturally beautiful ruby-pink hue
No artificial flavors required

Whether you’re new to homemade milk tea or already a tea lover, this recipe is approachable yet impressive.

Ingredients

2 cups water
2 Earl Grey tea bags (or 2 teaspoons loose-leaf Earl Grey tea)
1 cup fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
2–3 tablespoons sugar or honey (adjust to taste)
1 cup whole milk (or oat/almond milk for dairy-free option)
½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Ice cubes (for iced version)

How to Make Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea

Step 1: Prepare the Cherry Syrup

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine cherries and sugar with 2 tablespoons of water. Cook for 5–7 minutes, gently mashing the cherries as they soften. Simmer until the mixture thickens slightly and turns syrupy.

Strain through a fine mesh sieve to remove solids if you prefer a smooth texture, or leave lightly pulpy for extra fruitiness. Set aside.

Step 2: Brew the Earl Grey Tea

Bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Remove from heat and add the Earl Grey tea bags. Steep for 4–5 minutes for a balanced strength.

Avoid over-steeping, as black tea can become bitter. Remove tea bags and allow the tea to cool slightly.

Step 3: Combine Cherry and Tea

Stir 2–3 tablespoons of cherry syrup into the brewed tea. Adjust sweetness as desired. Add vanilla extract if using.

Step 4: Add Milk

For hot milk tea: Warm the milk gently and stir it into the tea mixture.

For iced milk tea: Let the tea cool completely, fill a glass with ice cubes, pour the tea over ice, and then add cold milk on top for a beautiful layered look.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Stir before drinking and garnish with fresh cherries or a lemon twist for a sophisticated finish.

Hot vs. Iced: Which Should You Choose?

Hot Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea

Ideal for cooler months, the hot version highlights the comforting floral notes of Earl Grey. The warmth intensifies the aroma, making each sip soothing and cozy.

Iced Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea

The iced version is vibrant and refreshing. Ice slightly dilutes the tea, creating a lighter, thirst-quenching beverage perfect for summer afternoons.

Both versions use the same base recipe — the only difference is temperature and ice.

Tips for the Perfect Homemade Milk Tea

1. Choose Quality Tea

High-quality Earl Grey tea makes a noticeable difference. Look for blends with natural bergamot oil rather than artificial flavoring.

2. Adjust Sweetness Gradually

Start with less sugar and add more if needed. Cherries vary in sweetness.

3. Use Fresh Cherries When Possible

Fresh cherries provide brighter flavor, but frozen work well year-round.

4. Experiment with Milk Options

Whole milk creates richness, while oat milk adds subtle sweetness. Almond milk gives a lighter texture.

5. Control Brew Time

Four to five minutes is ideal for black tea. Longer steeping can cause bitterness.

Flavor Variations

Cherry Vanilla Milk Tea

Add extra vanilla extract for a dessert-like flavor.

Cherry Lavender Earl Grey

Infuse a pinch of dried lavender into the tea while steeping for floral complexity.

Sparkling Cherry Milk Tea

Top iced tea with sparkling water before adding milk for a fizzy twist.

Honey Cherry Version

Replace sugar with honey for a deeper sweetness and smoother finish.

Cultural Context & Fun Facts

Earl Grey tea is believed to be named after Charles Grey, the 2nd Earl Grey and British Prime Minister in the 1830s. The addition of bergamot oil was said to balance the flavor of water with high mineral content.

Milk tea itself has many global variations — from British tea with milk to Taiwanese bubble tea. This cherry Earl Grey milk tea recipe blends classic British-inspired tea culture with modern café-style creativity.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with buttery shortbread cookies
Serve alongside vanilla cake
Enjoy as an afternoon pick-me-up
Offer at brunch gatherings
Present in clear glasses to showcase the layered effect

For entertaining, prepare the cherry syrup ahead of time and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Storage Tips

Store cherry syrup in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Brewed tea can be refrigerated for 2 days.
Always add milk fresh before serving for best texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use bottled cherry syrup?

Yes, but homemade syrup tastes fresher and avoids artificial flavors.

Can I make this caffeine-free?

Use decaffeinated Earl Grey tea.

Can I turn this into bubble tea?

Absolutely. Add cooked tapioca pearls to the iced version for texture.

Final Thoughts

Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea (Hot or Iced) is more than just a beverage — it’s a refined yet comforting drink that feels café-worthy but is easy to make at home. With its balance of floral bergamot, sweet cherries, and creamy milk, this recipe offers a unique twist on traditional milk tea.

Whether you’re curling up with a hot mug on a rainy afternoon or enjoying a chilled glass in the sunshine, this homemade milk tea is guaranteed to impress.