Oolong Milk Tea

Name: Oolong Milk Tea
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 1 servings
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 12 oz dark muscovado or brown sugar; 12 oz water; 10 g loose leaf oolong tea; 16 oz water; 1 tbsp half-and-half; 1 tbsp sweetened condensed milk; 2/3 cup(s) oolong tea, see above; ice, as needed; 1 tbsp milk mixture, see above; 1 tbsp brown sugar syrup, see above

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Oolong milk tea is a creamy, lightly sweet Chinese tea drink made by combining steeped oolong leaves with a milk-and-condensed-milk mixture and homemade brown sugar syrup. It delivers the health benefits of oolong—antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals—in an approachable, cafe-style format.

🌍Chinese 🏷️Oolong milk tea recipe

Total

20 min

Servings

1

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From Cozymeal · by Chef Melissa

Instructions

1
Prepare the brown sugar syrup. In a small saucepan over medium heat, add the brown sugar and water Cook until the sugar dissolves and the syrup reduces slightly, 5–7 minutes. Set aside.
2
Prepare the oolong tea. Place 10 grams of loose leaf oolong tea into a teabag.
3
In a medium pan over medium heat, combine the water and the oolong tea bag. Bring the tea to a boil. Remove the pan from the heat and set it aside to steep for 30 minutes.
4
Make the milk mixture. In a small bowl or liquid measuring cup, whisk together the half-and-half and sweetened condensed milk until combined.
5
Assemble the oolong milk tea. Fill a tall glass with ⅔ cup of oolong tea. Top with ice.
6
Add one tablespoon of the milk mixture and one tablespoon of brown sugar syrup. (See notes 1.)
7
Stir with an extra-wide straw and serve. Sip and enjoy!

Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Steep the oolong tea for the full 30 minutes after removing from heat to maximize flavor extraction and antioxidant content.
Whisk the half-and-half and condensed milk together until fully combined for a smooth, uniform milk mixture.
Use an extra-wide straw when serving to help draw up the brown sugar syrup settled at the bottom of the glass.
Let the brown sugar syrup cool before adding to the tea to prevent curdling the milk mixture.

Substitutions

Half-and-half → heavy cream or whole milk (will be slightly less rich)
Sweetened condensed milk → evaporated milk plus 1 tsp sugar per tablespoon (less sweet, use to taste)
Loose leaf oolong → high-quality oolong tea bags (same 30-minute steep time applies)

Storage & make-ahead

Store the brown sugar syrup and milk mixture separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Brew fresh oolong tea or chill brewed tea and reassemble with ice before serving.

Equipment

small saucepan · teabag or infuser · medium pan · small bowl or liquid measuring cup · extra-wide straw

Common Questions

How long does oolong tea need to steep?

Steep the oolong tea bag in boiling water for 30 minutes, then remove from heat and set aside. This full steep time extracts the full flavor and benefits of the leaves.

Can I make oolong milk tea ahead of time?

Yes. Prepare the brown sugar syrup and milk mixture up to 3 days in advance and refrigerate separately. Brew the oolong tea fresh or chill it; assemble with ice just before serving.