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); Peel of half an orange (reserve some for garnish); 1 cinnamon stick; 2 tsp brown sugar (or to taste); 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup whole milk (or preferred milk)

Published: January 1, 2026

by Victoria

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Comforting Flavor: The combination of orange and cinnamon creates a warm, inviting taste that’s perfect for any season.
Quick and Easy: With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can enjoy this delicious tea in under 15 minutes.
Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it warm for a cozy evening or iced for a refreshing summer drink.
Healthy Twist: Made with natural ingredients, this milk tea is a healthier alternative to many sugary drinks.
Customizable Sweetness: You can adjust the sugar level to suit your taste, making it perfect for everyone.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make your cooking experience smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Small saucepan
Strainer
Cup or mug
Spoon for stirring
Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

Small saucepan: Ideal for simmering the orange peel and cinnamon to release their flavors effectively.
Strainer: Ensures you have a smooth tea without floating bits of orange peel or cinnamon stick.

Ingredients

This Orange Cinnamon Milk Tea is a cozy drink made with black tea, fresh orange peel, cinnamon, vanilla, and milk. Perfect for relaxing or spicing up your tea routine!

For the 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 & 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: Make Orange Cinnamon Infusion

Heat 1 cup of water to a low boil in a small saucepan. Add the orange peel and cinnamon stick. Simmer for about 5 minutes until the flavors infuse.

Step 2: Brew the Black Tea

Strain the orange cinnamon infusion into a cup. Add a black tea bag and steep it for 3-5 minutes to achieve your desired strength.

Step 3: Sweeten and Flavor

While the tea is still hot, stir in the brown sugar and vanilla extract until completely dissolved.

Step 4: Add Milk

Gently heat your milk without boiling it. Then pour the hot milk into your brewed tea mixture. If you like, froth the milk beforehand for added texture.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Finish off by adding an orange peel twist or slice as garnish. Now you can enjoy your warm, fragrant Orange Cinnamon Milk Tea!

Step 6: Iced Version (Optional)

For an iced version, brew your tea as instructed but let it cool down after sweetening. Pour cold milk over ice and then add the brewed tea for a refreshing twist!

How to Serve Orange Cinnamon Milk Tea

Serving Orange Cinnamon Milk Tea can elevate your cozy drink experience. Here are some delightful suggestions to enhance your tea time.

For a Cozy Morning

Pair with Toast: Enjoy your tea with a slice of buttered toast or jam for a comforting breakfast.
Accompany with Muffins: A warm muffin, especially orange or cinnamon flavored, complements the tea’s warmth.

Afternoon Delight

Serve with Biscotti: The crunchy texture of biscotti makes for a perfect dip into your warm tea.
Enjoy with Scones: Freshly baked scones topped with clotted cream or jam pair beautifully with this milk tea.

Evening Relaxation

Include Dark Chocolate: A piece of dark chocolate can contrast nicely with the sweet and spicy notes of the tea.
Add Cheese Platter: A few slices of mild cheese can balance the flavors and make for an elegant pairing.

How to Perfect Orange Cinnamon Milk Tea

Perfecting your Orange Cinnamon Milk Tea is simple with these handy tips.

Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh orange peel and high-quality black tea for the best flavor.
Control Sugar Levels: Adjust the amount of brown sugar based on your taste; start small and add more if needed.
Experiment with Milk Types: Try different types of milk such as almond or oat for a unique twist on this classic drink.
Froth Your Milk: Frothing adds a delightful texture that enhances the overall experience of sipping your tea.
Garnish Creatively: Use different garnishes like star anise or a sprinkle of nutmeg for added aromatic appeal.

Best Side Dishes for Orange Cinnamon Milk Tea

Pairing side dishes with your Orange Cinnamon Milk Tea can create a delightful dining experience. Here are some great options.

Cinnamon Rolls: Soft, gooey rolls drizzled in icing that echo the flavors in your tea.
Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of citrus fruits brings brightness and balance to the warm drink.
Nut Cookies: Crunchy cookies made with walnuts or almonds add texture and nutty notes that complement the tea.
Yogurt Parfait: Layered yogurt with granola and fruit provides a light, refreshing contrast to the richness of the milk tea.
Savory Crackers: Lightly salted crackers can provide a nice crunch and savory balance to the sweetness of the drink.
Chocolate Chip Cookies: Classic cookies that offer sweetness and chocolatey goodness, perfect for dunking!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Orange Cinnamon Milk Tea can be simple, but avoid these common pitfalls for the best results.

Using stale tea: Old tea bags or loose leaves can result in a flat flavor. Always use fresh black tea for a vibrant taste.
Skipping the infusion step: Failing to simmer the orange peel and cinnamon stick means missing out on rich flavors. Take the time to infuse for a cozy drink.
Not adjusting sweetness: Adding too little or too much sugar can ruin your tea. Taste as you go and adjust to your liking.
Boiling the milk: Heating milk too high can cause it to scorch. Warm it gently to maintain its creamy texture.
Forgetting garnish: Skipping the orange twist or slice misses an opportunity for added aroma and presentation. Always garnish before serving.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Make sure the tea has cooled completely before sealing it.

Freezing Orange Cinnamon Milk Tea

Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 1 month.
Leave some space at the top of each container as liquids expand when frozen.

Reheating Orange Cinnamon Milk Tea

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm in an oven-safe dish for about 10-15 minutes.
Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe mug for 30-second intervals, stirring between until hot.
Stovetop: Warm over low heat in a saucepan, stirring gently until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Orange Cinnamon Milk Tea?

Orange Cinnamon Milk Tea is a cozy drink made with black tea, orange peel, cinnamon, vanilla, and milk. It’s perfect for relaxing moments.

How can I customize my Orange Cinnamon Milk Tea?

Feel free to adjust ingredients! Use different types of milk or add sweeteners like honey or maple syrup for a unique twist.

Can I make this drink iced?

Yes! Brew the tea, sweeten it, then combine with cold milk and pour over ice for a refreshing summer version of Orange Cinnamon Milk Tea.

Is this tea suitable for kids?

Absolutely! This drink is kid-friendly and can be enjoyed by all ages. Just adjust the sugar level according to preference.

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

The total time is just 15 minutes from start to finish, making it a quick and satisfying treat!

Final Thoughts

This Orange Cinnamon Milk Tea is not only delicious but also versatile enough for any occasion. Whether you enjoy it warm on a chilly day or iced during summer, it’s guaranteed to please. Experiment with flavors and toppings to make it your own!

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