Which Tea Can You Put Milk In?

Tea is a beloved beverage enjoyed by millions around the world.

While some purists may argue that certain teas should be enjoyed without any additions, the reality is that many people enjoy adding a splash of milk to their tea. But not all teas are created equal when it comes to pairing with milk.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the teas that pair best with milk, the benefits of adding milk, and provide tips on how to perfectly prepare a milk-enhanced tea.

Whether you're a longtime tea drinker or just starting to explore the world of tea, this post will equip you with the knowledge to craft the perfect cup of milk tea.

What Teas Can You Put Milk In?

Not all teas are created equal when it comes to adding milk.

Some teas complement the creaminess and richness of milk, while others can become overpowered or clash with the dairy.

Here are some of the best teas to enjoy with a splash of milk:

1. Black Tea

Black tea is perhaps the most classic choice for adding milk.

The bold, robust flavor of black tea stands up well to the richness of milk, creating a smooth, comforting sip.

Some of the most popular black teas for milk include:

• English Breakfast
• Assam
• Darjeeling
• Ceylon

When adding milk to black tea, start with just a splash and adjust to your desired creaminess.

Milk can mellow out the astringency of black tea, so you may want to use a bit less milk if you prefer a stronger tea flavor.

2. Chai Tea

Chai tea, with its blend of aromatic spices like cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves, is practically made for milk.

The dairy helps to soften the intensity of the spices, creating a wonderfully balanced and soothing cup of chai. Chai tea lattes, made with steamed milk, are a hugely popular café beverage.

When preparing chai tea with milk, you can either steep the tea leaves directly in milk or brew the tea first and then add the milk.

Start with a 1:1 ratio of tea to milk and adjust to your taste preferences.

3. Oolong Tea

Oolong teas, which fall somewhere between the boldness of black tea and the delicacy of green tea, can also be delicious with milk. The natural creaminess of oolong pairs well with the richness of milk, creating a smooth, velvety cup of tea.

Some popular oolong teas to try with milk include:

• Tie Guan Yin
• Da Hong Pao
• Bai Hao Oolong

Start with a small amount of milk and work your way up to your desired creaminess.

Oolong's flavor is more delicate than black tea, so you don't want the milk to overpower the tea.

4. Rooibos Tea

Rooibos, also known as red bush tea, is a naturally caffeine-free herbal tea that also pairs wonderfully with milk.

Rooibos has a naturally sweet, slightly nutty flavor that is complemented by the creaminess of milk. Rooibos tea lattes, made with steamed milk, have become increasingly popular in recent years.

You can also simply brew rooibos tea and add a splash of milk for a comforting, caffeine-free treat.

5. Matcha Green Tea

While most green teas are best enjoyed without milk, the distinctive, umami-rich flavor of matcha green tea can actually be enhanced by the addition of milk.

The creaminess of the milk helps to smooth out matcha's sometimes-grassy or astringent notes. Try making a matcha latte by whisking high-quality matcha powder with hot water until frothy, then topping it off with steamed milk.

The result is a creamy, frothy, and flavorful green tea drink.

The Benefits of Adding Milk to Tea

Now that we've covered the best teas to enjoy with milk, let's explore some of the key benefits of this dynamic duo:

1. Enhanced Flavor Profile

As mentioned, the creaminess and richness of milk can help to mellow out the more intense or astringent qualities of certain teas.

This allows the more nuanced flavors to shine through, creating a more balanced and enjoyable drinking experience. The interaction between the milk and tea can also unlock new flavor notes that aren't present when the tea is enjoyed on its own. 

For example, the spices in a chai tea may become more pronounced when combined with milk.

2. Increased Nutritional Value

Milk is a great source of protein, calcium, vitamin D, and other essential nutrients.

When added to tea, these nutrients from the milk can complement the antioxidants and other beneficial compounds found in tea. This makes milk tea a more nutritious beverage choice compared to drinking tea plain or with sugar.

The protein from the milk can also help to slow the absorption of caffeine, providing a more sustained energy boost.

3. Improved Mouthfeel

The addition of milk can create a luscious, creamy mouthfeel that enhances the overall drinking experience.

This is particularly true for teas that have a naturally drying or astringent quality, like black tea.

The milk helps to coat the palate and provide a smooth, velvety texture.

4. Comfort and Indulgence

There's just something inherently comforting and indulgent about a warm cup of milk tea.

The creaminess and richness evoke feelings of nostalgia and coziness, making it the perfect beverage for a rainy day or a moment of relaxation. Milk tea can also feel more decadent and special compared to drinking tea plain.

It's a simple way to elevate your tea-drinking experience and turn it into a true treat.

How to Make the Perfect Milk Tea?

Now that we've covered the benefits of adding milk to tea, let's dive into the best practices for preparing a delicious milk tea:

1. Choose the Right Milk

Not all milks are created equal when it comes to tea.

The type of milk you use can greatly impact the final flavor and texture of your milk tea.

Here are some of the best milk options to consider:

• Whole Cow's Milk - The high fat content of whole milk provides a rich, creamy mouthfeel that pairs beautifully with black teas and chai. It's a classic choice for milk tea.
• Almond Milk - For a dairy-free option, unsweetened almond milk can work well, especially with green teas or herbal infusions. It has a light, nutty flavor.
• Oat Milk - Another plant-based milk that's become increasingly popular, oat milk has a naturally creamy texture that can stand up to strong black teas.
• Soy Milk - Soy milk is a good option for those looking to add protein to their tea. It has a slightly beany flavor that may clash with delicate teas.

Avoid low-fat or skim milks, as they won't provide the same creamy mouthfeel.

And be cautious of flavored or sweetened milks, as they can overwhelm the natural tea flavors.

2. Brew the Tea Properly

To ensure your milk tea turns out perfectly, it's important to brew the tea properly first.

Follow the recommended steeping time and water temperature for your specific tea variety. This will ensure the tea is fully extracted and has developed its optimal flavor profile.

Once the tea is brewed, let it cool for a minute or two before adding the milk.

This will prevent the milk from curdling or scalding.

You can also try adding the milk while the tea is still hot, as the temperature difference can create a nice foamy texture.

3. Adjust the Milk-to-Tea Ratio

The perfect milk-to-tea ratio is largely a matter of personal preference.

Start with a 1:1 ratio of milk to tea and adjust from there. Some tea drinkers prefer a more milk-forward beverage, while others want the tea flavor to shine through.

You may also want to experiment with adding the milk at different stages - some people prefer to add milk before the tea is brewed, while others add it after.

Pay attention to how this impacts the final flavor and texture.

4. Consider Sweeteners and Spices

While milk tea is delicious on its own, you can also experiment with adding a touch of sweetener or spices to enhance the flavor.

A small amount of honey, sugar, or vanilla extract can help balance out any bitterness or astringency.

For chai tea, try adding a sprinkle of ground cinnamon, cardamom, or ginger.

With matcha lattes, a dusting of cinnamon or a drizzle of honey can be a nice touch.

5. Froth the Milk (Optional)

For an extra-indulgent milk tea experience, you can try frothing or steaming the milk before adding it to the tea.

This creates a rich, creamy foam that adds a luxurious mouthfeel.

You can use a milk frother, handheld milk frother, or even just a whisk to aerate the milk.

Just be sure not to overheat it, as that can cause the milk to curdle.

Conclusion

Milk tea is a beloved beverage around the world, offering a comforting, creamy, and flavorful drinking experience.

By understanding which teas pair best with milk, the benefits of this dynamic duo, and the best practices for preparation, you can craft the perfect cup of milk tea every time.

Whether you're a longtime tea lover or just starting to explore the world of milk tea, this guide has equipped you with the knowledge to take your tea game to the next level.

So go ahead, grab a mug, and start experimenting with different teas, milks, and flavor combinations.

Your perfect milk tea awaits!