Orange Cinnamon Milk Tea – The Perfect Cozy Treat! (Hot or Iced)

It was one of those mornings where everything seemed to go off track. I woke up late, accidentally spilled coffee on my favorite blouse, and missed the bus on my way to an important meeting. By the time I finally made it home, I was feeling completely drained.

I just knew I needed something comforting, something soothing to bring a little peace to the day. I reached for some oranges and cinnamon—two ingredients that always seem to lift my spirits—and thought, why not? What happened next was pure magic!

This Orange Cinnamon Milk Tea turned my stressful day into a cozy escape. It’s now my go-to whenever I need a moment of calm.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

• Warm and cozy: The blend of black tea, cinnamon, and milk creates a comforting, soothing drink perfect for relaxing or unwinding.
• Citrus and spice harmony: The refreshing orange peel combined with the warmth of cinnamon offers a unique flavor balance that’s both invigorating and calming.
• Aromatic experience: The combination of citrus, cinnamon, and vanilla fills your kitchen with a delightful aroma while brewing.
• Boosts your mood: The comforting spices and subtle sweetness can uplift your spirits and provide a moment of calm in a busy day.
• Perfect for gatherings: This tea’s unique flavor makes it a conversation starter, and it’s great to serve at brunches, afternoon teas, or cozy get-togethers.

Ingredients

When making Orange Cinnamon Milk Tea, each ingredient plays a key role in creating the perfect balance of flavors.

Start with a good-quality black tea, as it forms the base of this recipe. Whether you use a tea bag or loose-leaf, choose a tea that’s rich and robust, since its flavor will need to stand up to the milk and spices.

The orange peel adds a bright, citrusy note that contrasts beautifully with the warmth of the cinnamon. It’s best to use fresh, organic oranges if you can, as you’ll be using the peel. Be sure to wash the orange thoroughly to remove any wax or pesticides.

A cinnamon stick provides a deep, woody warmth that complements the orange and tea. Whole cinnamon sticks are preferable to ground cinnamon for this recipe, as they release their flavor gradually and don’t make the tea cloudy.

Brown sugar brings a gentle sweetness that pairs well with the spices. It’s softer and less intense than white sugar, adding a caramel-like richness. Adjust the amount to your liking, but even just a small amount enhances the flavors beautifully.

A splash of vanilla extract ties everything together, adding a subtle, creamy note that rounds out the spices and citrus.

Finally, use whole milk for the creamiest texture, but any milk alternative will work if you prefer dairy-free options. When serving, a twist of orange peel or a slice of orange not only adds a lovely garnish but also reinforces the fresh citrus aroma that makes this tea so special.

Ingredients for making one serving of Orange Cinnamon Milk Tea:

• 1 cup of water
• 1 black tea bag (or 1 tsp loose leaf black tea)
• Peel of 1/2 orange (save some for garnish)
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 tsp brown sugar (or to taste)
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup milk (or your preferred milk)
• Orange peel twist or orange slice for garnish

How To Make an Orange Cinnamon Milk Tea

Instructions for making an Orange Cinnamon Milk Tea:

1. Boil water: In a small pot, bring 1 cup of water to a boil.
2. Add orange peel and cinnamon: Once the water is boiling, add the orange peel and the cinnamon stick. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to infuse the flavors.
3. Brew the black tea: Add the black tea bag (or loose leaf tea) to the pot. Steep for 3-5 minutes, depending on how strong you like your tea. Remove the tea bag afterward.
4. Sweeten and flavor: Stir in the brown sugar and vanilla extract while the tea is still hot, so the sugar dissolves completely.
5. Add milk: Pour in the milk and allow the tea to gently heat for another 2-3 minutes. Do not let it boil.
6. Strain and serve: Strain the tea into your cup, removing the cinnamon stick and orange peel.
7. Garnish: Add a twist of orange peel or a slice of orange to garnish, and enjoy your warm, fragrant Orange Cinnamon Milk Tea!

Iced Orange Cinnamon Milk Tea

To make an iced version of the Orange Cinnamon Milk Tea, first follow the recipe to brew the tea with orange peel and cinnamon. Allow the brewed tea to cool to room temperature after preparation.

Once cooled, refrigerate the tea until it’s fully chilled. To serve, fill a glass with ice cubes and pour the chilled tea over the ice. For an extra touch, add a twist of orange peel or a slice of orange for garnish.

Enjoy your refreshing iced Orange Cinnamon Milk Tea!

Recommendations & Alternatives

• Add extra spices: Try adding a pinch of nutmeg, cardamom, or cloves to give the tea even more depth and complexity.
• Dairy-free option: Use almond, oat, or coconut milk instead of regular milk for a creamy, plant-based version.
• Cinnamon syrup: For a sweeter, more intense cinnamon flavor, use homemade or store-bought cinnamon syrup instead of a cinnamon stick.
• Tea latte foam: Froth the milk before adding it to create a light, foamy top, turning the tea into a latte-style drink that feels extra indulgent.
• Chocolate-orange fusion: Melt a small square of dark chocolate into the hot tea for a luxurious chocolate-orange combination with a hint of spice.