Orange Cinnamon Milk Tea

Name: Orange Cinnamon Milk Tea
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: Makes approximately one serving
Cuisine: N/A
Ingredients: 1 cup water; orange peel from 1/2 orange; 1 cinnamon stick; 1 black tea bag (or 1 tsp loose-leaf black tea); 2 tsp brown sugar (to taste); 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup whole milk (or preferred milk)

Published: December 26, 2025

by Amelia

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Comforting Warmth: The combination of orange and cinnamon creates a soothing drink perfect for chilly days.
Quick and Easy: With just five simple steps, this recipe can be prepared in about 15 minutes.
Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it hot or iced, making it suitable for any season.
Rich Flavor Profile: The infusion of spices and vanilla adds depth to the classic milk tea experience.
Customizable Sweetness: Adjust the brown sugar to your preference, ensuring the perfect balance of sweetness.

Tools and Preparation

Preparing your Orange Cinnamon Milk Tea is simple with the right tools on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

Small saucepan
Strainer
Measuring spoons
Cup or mug
Whisk (optional for frothing)

Importance of Each Tool

Small saucepan: Essential for simmering the orange peel and cinnamon to create a flavorful infusion.
Strainer: Helps separate the solids from the liquid, ensuring a smooth tea experience.
Measuring spoons: Ensure accurate measurements for consistent flavor every time.

Ingredients

This Orange Cinnamon Milk Tea is a cozy drink made with black tea, fresh orange peel, cinnamon, vanilla, and milk. Perfect for relaxing or spicing up your tea routine!

For the Infusion

1 cup water
orange peel of 1/2 orange (save some for garnish)
1 cinnamon stick

For the Tea

1 black tea bag (or 1 tsp loose-leaf black tea)
2 tsp brown sugar (or to taste)
1 tsp vanilla extract

For Serving

1 cup whole milk (or your preferred milk)
orange peel twist or orange slice for garnish

How to Make Orange Cinnamon Milk Tea

Step 1: Make Orange Cinnamon Infusion

Heat 1 cup of water to a low boil in a small saucepan. Add the orange peel and cinnamon stick. Simmer for about 5 minutes to infuse their flavors into the water.

Step 2: Brew the Black Tea

Strain the orange cinnamon infusion into a cup. Add a black tea bag to the strained liquid. Steep for 3-5 minutes, allowing the tea to develop its rich flavor.

Step 3: Sweeten and Flavor

While the tea is still hot, stir in 2 teaspoons of brown sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. This step ensures that the sugar dissolves completely, blending perfectly with the other ingredients.

Step 4: Add Milk

Heat your choice of milk in another saucepan—be careful not to boil it! Once warmed, pour in the hot milk into your brewed tea mixture. If desired, froth the milk beforehand for a creamy texture.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

To finish off your Orange Cinnamon Milk Tea, add a twist of orange peel or a slice of orange on top as garnish. Sip slowly and enjoy this warm, fragrant beverage!

Step 6: Iced Version (Optional)

For a refreshing iced version, brew your tea as directed above but sweeten it while it’s hot. Once cooled down slightly, mix in cold milk and pour over ice for a delightful treat!

How to Serve Orange Cinnamon Milk Tea

Serving your Orange Cinnamon Milk Tea can enhance your tea-drinking experience. Here are some delightful ways to enjoy this cozy beverage.

Warm with a Twist

Orange Peel Garnish: Add a twist of fresh orange peel for an aromatic touch.
Cinnamon Stick: Use the cinnamon stick as a stirrer to infuse more flavor as you sip.

Iced Delight

Cooling Off: Pour your brewed tea over ice for a refreshing iced version, perfect for warmer days.
Fruit Garnish: Top with an orange slice or mixed berries for added color and flavor.

Pair with Snacks

Cookies or Biscotti: Enjoy with your favorite cookies or biscotti for a delightful treat.
Cheese Plate: Pair with a selection of cheeses and crackers for a savory contrast.

How to Perfect Orange Cinnamon Milk Tea

Achieving the perfect cup of Orange Cinnamon Milk Tea takes a bit of practice. Here are some helpful tips to elevate your drink.

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh orange peel and high-quality black tea will enhance the flavors significantly.
Control Your Sweetness: Start with less brown sugar and adjust according to your taste preference.
Don’t Overbrew the Tea: Steeping the black tea too long can make it bitter; stick to 3-5 minutes.
Heat Milk Carefully: Gently heat milk without boiling to maintain its creamy texture.
Experiment with Milk Types: Try different milk alternatives like almond or oat milk for varied flavors.

Best Side Dishes for Orange Cinnamon Milk Tea

Pairing side dishes with your Orange Cinnamon Milk Tea can create a well-rounded experience. Here are some delicious options to consider:

Almond Biscotti: Crunchy and nutty, these are perfect for dunking in your warm tea.
Spiced Muffins: Choose muffins flavored with cinnamon or nutmeg to complement the spices in your tea.
Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad can refresh your palate between sips of rich tea.
Cheese and Crackers: A simple cheese platter offers savory flavors that balance the sweetness of the tea.
Chocolate-Covered Pretzels: The sweet-salty combination pairs wonderfully with the warm spices.
Scones with Jam: Fluffy scones served with fruit jam provide a delightful contrast in textures and flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To make the perfect Orange Cinnamon Milk Tea, avoid these common pitfalls.

Bold ingredient measurement: Using incorrect measurements can ruin the balance of flavors. Always measure your ingredients accurately for the best results.
Bold boiling milk: Boiling the milk can change its taste and texture. Heat it gently until warm, but do not let it reach a boil.
Bold oversteeping tea: Steeping black tea for too long can result in bitterness. Aim for 3-5 minutes to achieve a balanced flavor.
Bold skipping garnishes: Garnishes enhance presentation and flavor. Don’t skip on adding an orange twist or slice for that extra touch.
Bold neglecting to taste: Not tasting your drink before serving can lead to a less satisfying experience. Adjust sweetness and flavors to your liking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container.
Consume within 2-3 days for best flavor.

Freezing Orange Cinnamon Milk Tea

Pour into ice cube trays for freezing.
Use within 1 month for optimal taste.

Reheating Orange Cinnamon Milk Tea

Oven: Preheat to 350°F and heat in an oven-safe container until warm.
Microwave: Heat in short bursts for about 30 seconds, stirring in between.
Stovetop: Gently reheat in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

What is Orange Cinnamon Milk Tea?

Orange Cinnamon Milk Tea is a cozy beverage made with black tea, orange peel, cinnamon, vanilla, and milk, creating a warm and fragrant drink.

Can I use different types of tea?

Absolutely! While black tea is traditional, you can experiment with green or herbal teas for unique flavors.

How can I customize my Orange Cinnamon Milk Tea?

You can add spices like nutmeg or cardamom or substitute different sweeteners like honey or maple syrup to suit your taste.

Is there a way to make this drink dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute whole milk with almond milk, oat milk, or any plant-based milk of your choice for a dairy-free option.

Final Thoughts

This Orange Cinnamon Milk Tea recipe offers warmth and comfort, making it perfect for any occasion. Its versatility allows you to adjust flavors and ingredients based on personal preference. Give it a try today!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card