Vanilla Cinnamon Milk Tea (Cozy Café-Style Drink at Home)
This homemade Vanilla Cinnamon Milk Tea is warm, cozy, and gently sweet with comforting spice notes. Made with real vanilla and cinnamon, it’s a soothing drink you can enjoy hot on chilly days or iced when you want something refreshing but still comforting. Simple ingredients, quick prep, and café-style flavor—right at home.
Ingredients
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1 cup water
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½ cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
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1 cinnamon stick or ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
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1 vanilla bean, split and scraped or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 black tea bag or 1 teaspoon loose-leaf black tea (optional)
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1 teaspoon sugar, honey, or sweetener of choice
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1 star anise (optional, for garnish or extra flavor)
Instructions
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Boil the Water
In a small saucepan, bring 1 cup of water to a gentle boil. -
Add Cinnamon & Vanilla
Add the cinnamon stick and vanilla bean (or vanilla extract). Reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer gently. -
Steep the Spices
Allow the mixture to steep for about 10 minutes to fully release the flavors. -
Add Tea & Sweetener (Optional)
Strain the vanilla-cinnamon infusion into a mug. Add the black tea bag and steep for 3–5 minutes. Stir in sweetener if desired. -
Heat the Milk
Warm the milk in a separate container until hot but not boiling. Froth if desired. -
Combine & Serve
Pour the hot milk into the tea. Garnish with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon, a cinnamon stick, or star anise. Serve warm—or let cool and pour over ice.
Notes
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Stronger flavor: Simmer the cinnamon and vanilla longer before straining.
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No caffeine: Skip the black tea for a naturally caffeine-free drink.
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Extra creamy: Use whole milk, oat milk, or coconut milk.
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Iced version: Chill the tea, then serve over ice with cold milk.
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Sweeter touch: Add vanilla syrup or maple syrup instead of sugar.