Orange Cinnamon Milk Tea

Name: Orange Cinnamon Milk Tea
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup water; 1 black tea bag (or 1 tsp loose-leaf black tea); orange peel from 1/2 orange; 1 cinnamon stick; 2 tsp brown sugar (or to taste); 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup whole milk (or your preferred milk); orange peel twist or slice for garnish

Published: January 8, 2026

by Simon

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this tea can be prepared in just 15 minutes.
Flavorful Combination: The blend of orange, cinnamon, and vanilla creates a warm, aromatic drink that comforts the soul.
Versatile Enjoyment: Whether served hot or iced, this milk tea is perfect for any time of the year.
Customizable Sweetness: Adjust the sweetness with brown sugar according to your taste preference.
Healthy Alternative: Made with natural ingredients, it’s a great way to indulge in a sweet drink without guilt.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start making your Orange Cinnamon Milk Tea, gather the necessary tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Small saucepan
Strainer or sieve
Measuring cups and spoons
Cup or mug

Importance of Each Tool

Small saucepan: Essential for heating water and infusing flavors from the orange peel and cinnamon stick.
Strainer or sieve: Helps to separate the infused liquid from solids, ensuring a smooth tea experience.
Measuring cups and spoons: Guarantees accurate ingredient portions for consistent flavor each time.
Cup or mug: A comfortable vessel for enjoying your warm beverage or serving it over ice.

Ingredients

This Orange Cinnamon Milk Tea is packed with flavor using fresh ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Tea Base

1 cup water
1 black tea bag (or 1 tsp loose-leaf black tea)
orange peel of 1/2 orange (save some for garnish)
1 cinnamon stick

For Sweetening and Flavoring

2 tsp brown sugar (or to taste)
1 tsp vanilla extract

For Creaminess

1 cup whole milk (or your preferred milk)
orange peel twist or orange slice for garnish

How to Make Orange Cinnamon Milk Tea

Step 1: Prepare the Orange Cinnamon Infusion

Heat 1 cup of water in a small saucepan until it reaches a low boil.
– Add the orange peel and cinnamon stick.
– Let it simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 2: Brew the Black Tea

Strain the orange cinnamon infusion into a cup.
– Add one black tea bag to the strained liquid.
– Steep for 3-5 minutes, depending on how strong you prefer your tea.

Step 3: Sweeten and Flavor

While the tea is still hot, stir in:
– 2 teaspoons of brown sugar (adjust based on your sweetness preference).
– 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until fully dissolved.

Step 4: Add Milk

In another saucepan, heat 1 cup of milk gently (avoid boiling).
– Pour the hot milk into your brewed tea mixture.
– If desired, froth the milk before adding it for an extra creamy texture.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Finish by garnishing with:
– A twist of orange peel or an orange slice on top of your drink.
Enjoy your warm, fragrant Orange Cinnamon Milk Tea!

Step 6: Iced Version (Optional)

For those warmer days:
– Brew the tea as instructed above but let it cool after sweetening.
– Add cold milk when ready to serve over ice for a refreshing treat!

How to Serve Orange Cinnamon Milk Tea

Serving your Orange Cinnamon Milk Tea can elevate the experience and make it even more enjoyable. Here are some creative serving suggestions that will enhance the cozy flavors of this delightful drink.

With a Twist of Citrus

Use a fresh orange peel twist as a garnish for added aroma and flavor.
Consider adding an orange slice on the rim of your cup for an eye-catching presentation.

Accompanied by Sweet Treats

Pair with shortbread cookies for a buttery contrast that complements the tea’s warmth.
Serve alongside spiced muffins, which enhance the cinnamon notes in your drink.

As an Iced Refreshment

Prepare an iced version by letting brewed tea cool down before adding cold milk and ice for a refreshing summer treat.
Garnish with mint leaves for a cool, herbal twist.

In a Cozy Setting

Enjoy your Orange Cinnamon Milk Tea by a warm fire, wrapped in a blanket for the ultimate cozy experience.
Create a tea party atmosphere with friends by serving this drink in beautiful teacups alongside various snacks.

How to Perfect Orange Cinnamon Milk Tea

Perfecting your Orange Cinnamon Milk Tea is about balancing flavors and achieving the right texture. Here are some tips to ensure every cup is just right.

Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh orange peel and high-quality black tea to enhance flavor depth.
Control Temperature: Heat milk gently without boiling to maintain creaminess while avoiding curdling.
Experiment with Sweetness: Adjust brown sugar levels based on personal preference; honey or maple syrup can be great alternatives too.
Froth Your Milk: Frothing adds a luxurious texture to your tea, making it feel more like a café-style beverage.
Add Spices: Consider incorporating nutmeg or cloves along with cinnamon for additional layers of flavor.
Garnish Creatively: Play around with different garnishes such as whipped cream or edible flowers for visual appeal.

Best Side Dishes for Orange Cinnamon Milk Tea

Pairing side dishes with your Orange Cinnamon Milk Tea can enhance its flavors and create a delightful experience. Here are some excellent options to consider.

Scones: Fluffy and buttery, scones are perfect for pairing. Try them with clotted cream or jam on the side.
Cinnamon Rolls: Soft, sweet, and gooey, cinnamon rolls echo the spice notes in your tea beautifully.
Fruit Tart: A light fruit tart adds sweetness and freshness that contrasts well with the warm spices of the tea.
Granola Bars: Chewy granola bars provide a healthy crunch that complements the smooth texture of milk tea.
Chocolate Biscotti: This crunchy treat offers a rich chocolate flavor that pairs wonderfully with the citrus notes in your drink.
Apple Chips: Crispy apple chips add natural sweetness and crunch, enhancing the overall tasting experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Orange Cinnamon Milk Tea can be simple, but avoiding common mistakes will enhance your experience. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

Bold ingredient choices: Using low-quality tea can lead to a bland drink. Always choose high-quality black tea for the best flavor.
Bold infusing time: Infusing orange peel and cinnamon for too long can make the tea bitter. Stick to the recommended 5 minutes for optimal flavor without bitterness.
Bold milk temperature: Using boiling milk can ruin the creamy texture. Heat the milk gently, avoiding a boil, to maintain its smoothness.
Bold sweetening method: Adding sugar after cooling can leave it undissolved. Always sweeten while the tea is hot for a uniform sweetness.
Bold garnishing options: Skipping the garnish may lessen the visual appeal. A twist of orange peel or slice adds not just beauty but also extra fragrance.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container.
Keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Freezing Orange Cinnamon Milk Tea

Pour into ice cube trays or freezer-safe containers.
Can be frozen for up to 1 month.

Reheating Orange Cinnamon Milk Tea

Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and place in an oven-safe container until warm.
Microwave: Heat in short increments of 30 seconds, stirring in between until warmed through.
Stovetop: Gently heat on low, stirring occasionally until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Orange Cinnamon Milk Tea:

What is Orange Cinnamon Milk Tea?

Orange Cinnamon Milk Tea is a cozy drink combining black tea, orange peel, cinnamon, and milk, perfect for relaxation.

How do I customize my Orange Cinnamon Milk Tea?

You can adjust sweetness with different sugars or add spices like nutmeg or ginger for extra flavor.

Can I make this tea iced?

Yes! Brew the tea as normal, let it cool, and then serve over ice with cold milk.

How long does it take to make Orange Cinnamon Milk Tea?

The total time is approximately 15 minutes from start to finish.

Final Thoughts

This delicious Orange Cinnamon Milk Tea is not only comforting but also versatile. You can easily customize it to suit your taste by adjusting sweetness or trying different milk alternatives. We encourage you to give this recipe a try; it’s perfect for any time of day!

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