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 (reserve some for garnish); 1 cinnamon stick; 2 tsp brown sugar (adjust to taste); 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup whole milk (or preferred milk); Orange peel twist or slice for garnish

Published: December 28, 2025

by Amelia

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Comforting Warmth: The rich spices and creamy texture create a cozy feeling, perfect for chilly evenings.
Quick to Prepare: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can enjoy this delicious drink without fuss.
Flavorful Twist: The addition of orange and cinnamon brings a refreshing change to your regular tea routine.
Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it hot for warmth or iced for a refreshing treat during warmer days.
Customizable Ingredients: Adjust sweetness or try different milk options to suit your taste preferences.

Tools and Preparation

To craft the perfect cup of Orange Cinnamon Milk Tea, having the right tools on hand is essential. These tools help streamline the process and enhance your overall experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Saucepan
Strainer
Measuring spoons
Cup

Importance of Each Tool

Saucepan: This is crucial for heating water and infusing flavors from the orange peel and cinnamon.
Strainer: Helps separate the infused liquid from solid ingredients, ensuring a smooth tea.
Measuring spoons: Ensures accurate measurements for ingredients, leading to perfectly balanced flavors.
Cup: A sturdy cup is necessary for steeping the tea and enjoying your final creation.

Ingredients

This Orange Cinnamon Milk Tea recipe features simple yet flavorful ingredients.

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

Follow these simple steps to create your own comforting cup of Orange Cinnamon Milk Tea.

Step 1: Make Orange Cinnamon Infusion

Heat 1 cup of water in a small saucepan over low heat until it reaches a gentle boil. Add the orange peel and cinnamon stick, allowing it to simmer for about 5 minutes. This step helps release the wonderful flavors into the water.

Step 2: Brew the Black Tea

After infusing, strain the orange cinnamon mixture into a cup using a strainer. Add a black tea bag to this infusion and steep it for 3-5 minutes, depending on how strong you like your tea.

Step 3: Sweeten and Flavor

While the tea is still hot, stir in 2 teaspoons of brown sugar along with vanilla extract. Mix well until the sugar fully dissolves into the warm liquid.

Step 4: Add Milk

Gently heat your milk in another saucepan but do not let it boil. Once warmed through, pour it into your prepared tea mixture. For an extra touch, consider frothing the milk before adding it.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

To finish off your drink, add an artistic twist of orange peel or place an orange slice on top as garnish. Enjoy sipping this warm, fragrant Orange Cinnamon Milk Tea!

Step 6: Iced Version Option

For those warm days, brew the tea as instructed above but allow it to cool down after sweetening. Combine with cold milk over ice for a refreshing iced version!

How to Serve Orange Cinnamon Milk Tea

Orange Cinnamon Milk Tea is not just a delightful drink; it can also be a centerpiece for various occasions. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet evening at home or hosting friends, here are some ways to serve this cozy beverage.

For a Relaxing Evening

Cozy Setting: Serve in your favorite mug while curled up with a good book or movie.
Blanket and Pillows: Create a comfortable atmosphere with soft pillows and blankets for extra warmth.

During Gatherings

Tea Station: Set up a tea station where guests can customize their Orange Cinnamon Milk Tea with additional spices or sweeteners.
Pair with Desserts: Offer small treats like cookies or pastries for guests to enjoy alongside their tea.

For Special Occasions

Holiday Treat: Present the tea in elegant cups during holiday gatherings to add a festive touch.
Garnish Creatively: Use decorative orange slices or cinnamon sticks as garnishes for an appealing presentation.

How to Perfect Orange Cinnamon Milk Tea

Perfecting your Orange Cinnamon Milk Tea can elevate your experience. Here are some tips to help you brew the best cup possible.

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh orange peel and whole spices enhance the flavor significantly compared to dried alternatives.
Control Water Temperature: Ensure your water is at the right temperature—just below boiling—to avoid bitter tea.
Experiment with Sweetness: Adjust the amount of brown sugar based on your taste preferences; honey or agave syrup are great alternatives too.
Milk Variation: Feel free to try different types of milk, such as almond or oat milk, for unique flavors and textures.
Froth for Creaminess: If you like a frothy texture, use a milk frother to create foam before adding it to your tea.
Chill for Iced Version: For an iced treat, brew the tea ahead of time and chill it before serving over ice.

Best Side Dishes for Orange Cinnamon Milk Tea

Pairing side dishes with your Orange Cinnamon Milk Tea can enhance your overall experience. Here are some delicious options that complement this warm drink perfectly.

Spiced Cookies: These sweet treats with cinnamon and nutmeg pair wonderfully with the warm flavors of the tea.
Citrus Muffins: Light and fluffy muffins infused with orange zest will echo the citrus notes in your tea.
Nutty Granola Bars: Chewy granola bars packed with nuts provide a satisfying crunch alongside your soothing drink.
Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits balances the warmth of the tea while adding brightness.
Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses that won’t overpower the flavors, offering savory contrasts to the sweetness of the tea.
Chocolate Covered Almonds: The rich chocolate complements the spice in your drink while providing a delightful crunch.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Orange Cinnamon Milk Tea can be a delightful experience, but some common mistakes can hinder your results.

Bold flavoring: Using too much or too little cinnamon can overpower the tea. Adjust to your taste for balance.
Incorrect steeping time: Steeping the black tea for too long can lead to bitterness. Aim for 3-5 minutes for the perfect brew.
Overheating milk: Boiling the milk can change its texture and flavor. Heat it gently to avoid curdling.
Skipping garnishes: Not adding an orange peel twist or slice may result in a less aromatic drink. Garnishes enhance both flavor and presentation.
Neglecting sweetness: Forgetting to taste and adjust the sugar can leave your tea bland. Always taste and sweeten according to your preference.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container.
Consume within 2 days for optimal freshness.

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 to 350°F (175°C), place in an oven-safe container, and heat until warm.
Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe cup for 30-60 seconds, stirring halfway through.
Stovetop: Warm over low heat in a saucepan, stirring until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Orange Cinnamon Milk Tea.

What type of tea is best for Orange Cinnamon Milk Tea?

Black tea works best due to its robust flavor that complements the orange and cinnamon beautifully.

Can I use other types of milk in this recipe?

Yes! You can use almond milk, oat milk, or any other plant-based milk as a substitute for whole milk.

How can I customize my Orange Cinnamon Milk Tea?

Experiment with different spices like nutmeg or cardamom, or add honey instead of brown sugar for a unique twist.

Is there a caffeine-free version of this tea?

You can use herbal tea as a base instead of black tea to create a caffeine-free version of Orange Cinnamon Milk Tea.

Final Thoughts

Orange Cinnamon Milk Tea is not only soothing but also versatile. You can customize it with various spices or sweeteners based on your preferences. Enjoy this cozy drink anytime you need warmth or comfort!

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