Black Milk Tea: What It Is, Benefits & How to Make It
liujiehangAuthor:Nationally certified senior tea appraiser Xu Jiahua
Black milk tea is one of the most popular tea drinks in the world. From traditional afternoon tea to modern bubble tea shops, its smooth taste and creamy texture make it a favorite across cultures.
But what exactly is black milk tea? Why is it so loved? And how can you make it at home with the right ingredients? This guide covers its origins, health benefits, recipes, and the best teas to use.
What Is Black Milk Tea?
Black milk tea is simply black tea brewed and mixed with milk. It can be served hot or iced, sweetened or unsweetened, and sometimes enhanced with flavors like honey, caramel, or spices.
Originating from Asia and the UK, black milk tea has now evolved into many versions, including the globally famous bubble tea (boba). The milk softens the bold flavors of black tea, creating a rich and balanced drink that appeals to both tea lovers and coffee drinkers.
Is black milk tea good for you? Benefits of Black Milk Tea
Many people drink black milk tea for taste, but it also comes with health perks. Let’s explore some of the main benefits:
Antioxidants and Heart Health
Research published in Molecular Evidences of Health Benefits of Drinking Black Tea shows that black tea is rich in polyphenols and flavonoids, which function as antioxidants and may improve endothelial and vascular health.Drinking black tea has also been linked to better LDL cholesterol control and blood flow.Adding milk may slightly reduce antioxidant absorption, but the benefits remain substantial.
Energy Boost
Black tea contains caffeine, though usually less than coffee. This gives you alertness and focus without the intense jitters. Combined with milk, it delivers a smoother energy lift.
Soothes Digestion
Warm milk tea can feel comforting on the stomach. For some, the combination of tea and milk may reduce acidity compared to drinking tea alone.
If you choose lactose-free or plant-based milk, it can be even easier to digest.
How to Make Black Milk Tea
Making black milk tea at home is simple. With quality tea leaves and a few ingredients, you can recreate a café-style drink.
Step 1: Black Milk Tea Recipe – Get everything ready
Start with whole-leaf black tea for richer flavor and smoother texture. Choose your milk—dairy for creaminess or plant-based for a lighter twist. Add a sweetener such as sugar, honey, or brown sugar, and prepare optional toppings like boba pearls or spices. With these basics prepared, you’re ready to brew your black milk tea.
Step 2: Brew at the Right Strength
Steep your tea for 3–5 minutes, depending on the variety.
Assam works best with a strong brew, while Darjeeling or Ceylon may need a lighter steep to keep floral notes intact. Avoid over-steeping, which can make the tea taste bitter.
Step 3: Add Milk (Dairy or Plant-Based)
Traditionally, dairy milk is used, but almond, oat, or soy milk also make great plant-based alternatives. They add creaminess and unique flavor notes without overpowering the tea.
Step 4: Sweeten to Taste
Add sugar, honey, or syrup according to your preference. For a modern twist, try adding brown sugar syrup to make your own black sugar milk tea at home.
Pro Tips for Making Black Milk Tea Taste Better
Use Fresh, Filtered Water
Water quality shapes the tea’s taste. Filtered water brings out a smoother, cleaner flavor.
Control Brewing Time and Temperature
3–5 minutes of steeping is ideal. Too hot or too long creates bitterness and hides the tea’s natural aroma.
Balance Tea, Milk, and Sweetness
Keep a good ratio so the milk doesn’t overpower the tea. Sweetness should enhance, not cover, the flavor.
Experiment with Spices or Toppings
Try adding cinnamon, cardamom, or black sugar pearls for a unique twist.
Plant-Based Alternatives
Plant-based milks like oat, almond, and soy offer variety for those who are vegan or lactose-intolerant.
Each adds a distinct character: oat milk is creamy, almond milk has a nutty profile, and soy milk delivers a rich body.
Choose High-Quality Black Tea Leaves
Good tea leaves set the foundation for flavor. Choosing whole-leaf black tea instead of dust or fannings gives more depth, smoother taste, and natural fragrance. High-quality tea makes every cup of milk tea richer and more enjoyable.
Best Black Tea for Milk Tea – Dofo Tea Selection
To make the perfect cup, choosing the right black tea is key. Different teas bring different layers of flavor and texture to milk tea. Here are some popular options:
Assam
Bold, malty, and strong, Assam is often considered the classic base for milk tea. Its deep amber liquor and brisk character hold up well against milk and sugar, creating a hearty, comforting drink.
It’s a go-to choice for those who love a traditional, full-strength milk tea.
Ceylon
Crisp, citrusy, and refreshing, Ceylon black tea makes an excellent choice for iced milk tea. Its bright flavors stay lively even when chilled, and when blended with milk, it strikes a pleasant balance between richness and freshness.
Jin Jun Mei
This highly prized Chinese black tea is handpicked from tender buds. It has a delicate natural sweetness, layered with honey-like notes and a smooth finish.
When paired with milk, Jin Jun Mei creates an elegant and balanced cup, perfect for those who prefer a refined taste.
Shop here : Jin Jun Mei
Lapsang Souchong
Known as one of the oldest black teas in the world, Lapsang Souchong stands out with its distinctive smoky aroma. The flavor is bold, full-bodied, and slightly piney.
When combined with milk, the smokiness softens into a rich, creamy depth, making it a favorite for tea drinkers who enjoy complex and robust flavors.
Shop here : Lapsang Souchong
Dofo Tea selects and offers these high-quality teas directly from their origin, ensuring freshness and authenticity in every cup.
FAQs
Does black milk tea have caffeine?
Yes. Black tea naturally contains caffeine, though usually less than coffee. One cup may have 40–70 mg depending on the type and brewing time.
Learn more here: Does Black Tea Have Caffeine?.
What is black milk tea made of?
It’s made of brewed black tea, milk (dairy or plant-based), and optional sweetener like sugar or honey.
What is Black Sugar Milk Tea?
This popular variation uses caramelized brown sugar syrup to sweeten milk tea. It has a richer, dessert-like flavor and pairs well with chewy tapioca pearls.
Make Black Milk Tea at Home with Dofo Tea’s Premium Black Tea
Whether you prefer the sweetness of Jin Jun Mei or the strength of Lapsang Souchong, Dofo Tea has the right tea for your perfect cup. Explore our collection today and craft a milk tea that’s fresh, authentic, and full of flavor.
