Oolong Milk Tea Guide: Flavor, Ingredients, and How to Make It at Home
HHAuthor:Nationally certified senior tea appraiser Xu Jiahua
Thinking about making a delicious cup of oolong milk tea on your own? Our guide will help you master it in no time.Let’s start by getting to know oolong milk tea a little better.
What Is Oolong Milk Tea?
Oolong milk tea is a delicious drink made by combining freshly brewed oolong tea with milk,
sweetener, and optional toppings like tapioca pearls.
This beverage blends the smooth, creamy texture of milk with the rich and complex flavors of oolong tea, creating a drink that is both comforting and refreshing.
What Does Oolong Milk Tea Taste Like？
The taste of oolong milk tea changes with the type of oolong used. Below are two well-loved varieties:
Milk Oolong Tea: Creamy,floral and a refreshing aftertaste
Lightly fermented oolong tea (such as Tieguanyin or High Mountain Oolong) is used to preserve the tea's natural freshness and floral aroma.The addition of milk or milk powder blends the tea and milk aromas, resulting in a smooth and mellow taste.
Roasted Oolong Milk Tea: Rich creamy aroma and nutty flavor
Deeply roasted oolong tea (such as Wuyi Rock Tea or Dong Ding Oolong) is used, resulting in a stronger tea flavor with nutty or caramel notes.Combined with milk, the tea has a richer, more intense aroma.
In simple terms, lightly fermented oolongs offer a gentle, floral flavor, while darkly roasted oolongs bring a rich, bold, and nutty taste. The way the tea is processed creates these distinct flavors and textures.
If you want to learn more about oolong tea flavors, you can also read our “Oolong Tea Flavor Guide”.
Oolong Milk Tea Ingredients
To make authentic oolong milk tea, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients:
Oolong tea leaves
Compared to tea bags,Loose-leaf oolong gives the better flavor and aroma.You can choose
according to your preference:
For example, floral oolongs like Tieguanyin and Phoenix Dancong have a light, fragrant, and refreshing taste.
Or roasted oolongs like Wuyi Rock Tea and Dongding Oolong have a rich, nutty flavor and a mellow taste.
Milk or plant-based alternatives
Dairy Options: Whole milk gives a creamy, rich texture, while low-fat milk produces a lighter drink.
Plant-Based Options: Oat milk, almond milk, or soy milk are excellent alternatives, adding subtle flavors and a smooth mouthfeel.
Sweetener
Choose according to your taste preference:
- Honey：adds natural sweetness with floral undertones.
- Sugar or Syrup：classic choices that dissolve easily and blend well with milk.
- Brown sugar or flavored syrups： for a caramelized or dessert-like twist.
Toppings (Optional)
Depending on your taste, you can choose to add some toppings—or keep it simple.
- Tapioca Pearls (Boba)- Chewy and fun, the classic topping.
- Pudding -Soft, silky, and adds extra richness.
- Grass Jelly-A lighter, refreshing topping.
Recommended DoFo Oolong Teas Leaves for Oolong Milk Tea
When making oolong milk tea, the type of oolong you choose matters. Here are some DoFo Tea picks, each with its own unique flavor and charm:
Dong Ding Oolong
Smooth and slightly roasted with a nutty aroma. It pairs beautifully with milk, giving your drink a balanced, toasty sweetness. This tea is a great choice if you want a comforting cup that’s rich but not overpowering.Now for some fresh Dongding oolong.
Wuyi Rock Oolong
Famous for its mineral-rich "rock rhyme" flavor. The robust, smoky, and complex taste shines through the creaminess of milk, perfect for those who love bold flavors. Its depth lingers pleasantly on the palate, making each sip more satisfying.Take this "Rock Rhythm" home now.
Tie Guan Yin (Iron Goddess)
A floral, aromatic oolong with a naturally sweet aftertaste. When blended with milk, it creates a delicate, creamy cup that feels light yet flavorful. It’s especially appealing for those who enjoy a soothing tea that’s both refreshing and fragrant.Try its delicious flavor now!
Phoenix Dancong Tea
Known for its fruity and honey-like notes. Adding milk softens its intensity while keeping the tea’s unique fragrance alive—ideal if you like a slightly exotic twist.
This variety adds a playful complexity to your milk tea, making it stand out from the ordinary.Experience the uniqueness of this Dancong tea now!
No matter which DoFo oolong you choose, each one brings its own special character to your milk tea, making every cup a deliciously unique experience.
How to Make Oolong Milk Tea at Home？
Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to help you brew a delicious cup of oolong milk tea right in your own kitchen.
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
Having all your ingredients ready before brewing makes the process smooth and enjoyable. For one serving (about 300ml) of oolong milk tea, you’ll need:
- 2–3 grams (about 1 teaspoon) oolong tea leaves.
- 120–150ml hot water– For brewing the tea base.
- 120–150ml milk or plant-based alternative– Whole milk for creaminess, or oat/almond/soy milk for a lighter twist.
- 1–2 teaspoons sweetener.
Optional Toppings (prepare in advance):
- Tapioca pearls (2–3 tablespoons) – Cook them in boiling water until soft and chewy, then set aside.
- Pudding or grass jelly (2–3 tablespoons) – Cut into small cubes and chill until ready.
Step 2: Brew the Oolong Tea
Heat water to around 85-95C(185-203F), depending on the oolong variety.Use about 2-3 grams of tea leaves per cup and steep for 1-3 minutes.
Strain the leaves and pour the brewed tea into your favorite mug.
Step 3: Add Milk and Sweetener
Warm the milk gently (do not boil), then froth it（ if you want a creamy café-style texture）.Pour the warm milk into the brewed tea at a ratio of about 1:1 or adjust according to taste.
Stir in your preferred sweetener until fully dissolved.It is important not to add too much sugar.
The [World Health Organization (WHO)] suggests keeping daily sugar intake under 10% of your total calories, and ideally around 25g (about 6 teaspoons). This will provide more health benefits.
Step 4: Add Toppings
Choose your preferred toppings: tapioca pearls, pudding, or grass jelly (approximately 2-3 tablespoons) and place in the bottom of the cup.
Step 5:Serve It
Give it a good stir, take a sip, and enjoy your creamy oolong milk tea. Add some ice if you’re in the mood for a chilled treat.
Tips for the Perfect Oolong Milk Tea
Simple tips for brewing a perfect cup of oolong milk tea:
Use quality tea leaves
The better the tea, the better the flavor. Look for fresh, whole leaves with a vibrant color and strong aroma, which are signs of high-grade oolong.
Good-quality tea brings out rich, layered flavors and a smooth, lingering finish that makes each sip more enjoyable.Choosing high-quality tea is the first step to a truly satisfying cup of tea.
Mind the water temperature
Too hot and your tea turns bitter, too cold and it tastes flat. Aim for 85–95°C (185–203°F), depending on the oolong variety. Pour gently and watch the aroma—this is part of the tea experience.
Experiment with ratios
Like it creamier? Add more milk. Prefer a stronger tea base? Steep a little longer.
Don’t be afraid to tweak the sweetener, milk, or tea strength until it matches your taste perfectly.
Try different oolongs
From floral Tie Guan Yin to toasty Dong Ding, each oolong gives a whole new personality to your milk tea. Exploring different types can turn a simple drink into a small adventure of flavors and aromas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is oolong milk tea high in caffeine?
No, oolong milk tea has a moderate amount of caffeine. It’s enough to give you a gentle energy boost and improve focus, but won’t leave you feeling jittery like strong coffee.
Is milk oolong tea healthy?
Yes, it’s considered healthy when enjoyed in moderation. Oolong tea is packed with antioxidants that may support digestion and metabolism, while the milk adds a bit of protein and calcium for extra nourishment.
ls it better to drink oolong tea in the morning or at night?
It’s best enjoyed in the morning or early afternoon. The mild caffeine can help wake you up and keep you alert, but drinking it too late may affect sleep if you’re sensitive to caffeine.
Get Some Fresh DoFo Oolong for Your Milk Tea Today
DoFo Tea is premium quality, with a naturally rich flavor. Whether enjoyed on its own or brewed with oolong milk tea, it's truly captivating. Experience its wonders today with a cup of DoFo oolong tea.
