Name: Vanilla Jasmine Milk Tea: A Delicious & Easy Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 1 serving
Ingredients: 8 cups filtered water; 1 cup loose leaf jasmine green tea (high quality recommended); 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup filtered water; 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise and seeds scraped (or 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract); 1/2 cup jasmine tea concentrate (adjust to taste); 2-3 tablespoons vanilla syrup (adjust to taste); 1 cup milk of your choice (dairy, almond, oat, soy – all work well!); Ice cubes; Optional: Whipped cream, extra vanilla bean seeds for garnish

Vanilla Jasmine Milk Tea: Prepare to be transported to a tranquil tea garden with every sip of this fragrant and comforting beverage! Have you ever craved a drink that's both soothing and subtly sweet, a delightful escape from the everyday hustle? This recipe is your answer.

Jasmine tea, with its delicate floral aroma, has been cherished in Chinese culture for centuries. It's often associated with relaxation and mental clarity, making it the perfect base for a calming milk tea. The addition of vanilla elevates this classic drink to a new level of indulgence. Vanilla's warm, comforting notes perfectly complement the jasmine's floral character, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that dance on your palate.

What makes Vanilla Jasmine Milk Tea so irresistible? It's the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The smooth, creamy milk, the fragrant jasmine, and the sweet vanilla create a symphony of sensations. It's also incredibly easy to make at home, requiring just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort. Whether you're looking for a cozy drink to enjoy on a chilly evening or a refreshing pick-me-up on a warm day, this tea is sure to become a new favorite. So, let's brew up a batch and experience the magic for ourselves!

Ingredients:

For the Jasmine Tea Concentrate:

8 cups filtered water
1 cup loose leaf jasmine green tea (high quality is recommended!)

For the Vanilla Syrup:

1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup filtered water
1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise and seeds scraped (or 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract)

For Assembling the Milk Tea (per serving):

1/2 cup jasmine tea concentrate (adjust to taste)
2-3 tablespoons vanilla syrup (adjust to taste)
1 cup milk of your choice (dairy, almond, oat, soy – all work well!)
Ice cubes
Optional: Whipped cream, extra vanilla bean seeds for garnish

Preparing the Jasmine Tea Concentrate:

Heat the Water: In a large pot, bring the 8 cups of filtered water to a near boil. You want it hot, but not a rolling boil, as boiling water can scorch the tea leaves and make the tea bitter. Aim for around 175°F (80°C). If you don't have a thermometer, look for small bubbles forming at the bottom of the pot.
Steep the Tea: Remove the pot from the heat. Add the 1 cup of loose leaf jasmine green tea to the hot water. You can use a tea infuser, a large tea bag, or simply add the leaves directly to the pot. If you add the leaves directly, you'll need to strain the tea later.
Steeping Time is Key: Let the tea steep for 3-5 minutes. I find that 4 minutes is the sweet spot for a strong, flavorful jasmine tea without bitterness. Steeping it for too long will result in a bitter taste, so keep an eye on the time!
Strain the Tea: If you added the tea leaves directly to the pot, strain the tea through a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth or a coffee filter. This will remove all the tea leaves and ensure a smooth concentrate. If you used an infuser or tea bag, simply remove it from the pot.
Cool and Store: Allow the jasmine tea concentrate to cool completely to room temperature. Once cooled, transfer it to an airtight container (like a glass jar or pitcher) and store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This concentrate is your base, and having it ready to go makes assembling the milk tea a breeze!

Making the Vanilla Syrup:

Combine Ingredients: In a small saucepan, combine the 1 cup of granulated sugar and 1 cup of filtered water. If you're using a vanilla bean, split it lengthwise and scrape out the seeds. Add both the seeds and the pod to the saucepan. If you're using vanilla extract, hold off on adding it until the syrup has cooled.
Simmer and Stir: Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until the sugar dissolves completely. Once the sugar is dissolved, bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Simmer to Thicken: Reduce the heat to low and let the syrup simmer gently for about 10-15 minutes, or until it has slightly thickened. It should coat the back of a spoon. Be careful not to overcook it, as it will thicken more as it cools.
Remove from Heat and Add Vanilla Extract (if using): Remove the saucepan from the heat. If you're using vanilla extract, stir it in now. If you used a vanilla bean, remove the pod. You can rinse and dry the pod and store it in a jar of sugar to infuse it with vanilla flavor!
Cool and Store: Allow the vanilla syrup to cool completely to room temperature. Once cooled, transfer it to an airtight container (like a glass jar or bottle) and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Homemade vanilla syrup is so much better than store-bought, and it's incredibly versatile!

Assembling the Vanilla Jasmine Milk Tea:

Prepare Your Glass: Fill a tall glass with ice cubes. The amount of ice you use will depend on your preference, but I usually fill the glass about halfway.
Add Jasmine Tea Concentrate: Pour 1/2 cup of the prepared jasmine tea concentrate over the ice. You can adjust the amount of concentrate to your liking. If you prefer a stronger tea flavor, add a little more. If you prefer a milder flavor, add a little less.
Sweeten with Vanilla Syrup: Add 2-3 tablespoons of the vanilla syrup to the glass. Again, adjust the amount to your taste. I like my milk tea on the sweeter side, so I usually go for 3 tablespoons.
Add Milk: Pour 1 cup of your milk of choice over the ice, tea concentrate, and vanilla syrup. I've tried this recipe with dairy milk, almond milk, oat milk, and soy milk, and they all work beautifully. Choose your favorite!
Stir Well: Use a long spoon or straw to stir the milk tea thoroughly until all the ingredients are well combined. This ensures that the vanilla syrup is evenly distributed and that the tea and milk are properly mixed.
Taste and Adjust: Take a sip of your milk tea and adjust the sweetness or tea strength to your liking. If it's not sweet enough, add a little more vanilla syrup. If it's not strong enough, add a little more jasmine tea concentrate.
Optional Garnish: If you're feeling fancy, top your milk tea with whipped cream and a sprinkle of vanilla bean seeds. This adds a touch of elegance and makes it feel like a special treat.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve your Vanilla Jasmine Milk Tea immediately and enjoy! It's the perfect refreshing and flavorful drink for any time of day.

Tips and Variations:

Adjusting Sweetness: The amount of vanilla syrup you use is entirely up to you. Start with 2 tablespoons and add more to taste. Remember that the sweetness of the milk you use can also affect the overall sweetness of the drink.
Using Different Teas: While this recipe is specifically for jasmine green tea, you can experiment with other types of tea. Earl Grey, black tea, or even herbal teas would all be delicious with vanilla syrup.
Making it Vegan: To make this recipe vegan, simply use a plant-based milk like almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk.
Adding Boba: For a classic bubble tea experience, add cooked tapioca pearls (boba) to your milk tea. You can find boba at most Asian grocery stores.
Iced or Hot: While this recipe is written for iced milk tea, you can easily make it hot. Simply heat the milk and tea concentrate together and stir in the vanilla syrup.
Vanilla Bean Paste: If you don't have a vanilla bean, you can use vanilla bean paste instead. Use about 1 teaspoon of vanilla bean paste in place of the vanilla bean and seeds.
Make a Large Batch: You can easily make a large batch of this milk tea by scaling up the recipe. Just be sure to store the tea concentrate and vanilla syrup separately until you're ready to assemble the drinks.
Experiment with Flavors: Try adding other flavors to your milk tea, such as lavender, rose, or cardamom. A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg would also be delicious.
Use a Shaker: For a perfectly blended milk tea, combine all the ingredients in a shaker with ice and shake well before pouring into a glass.

Enjoy your homemade Vanilla Jasmine Milk Tea! I hope you love it as much as I do. It's a delightful and customizable drink that's perfect for any occasion.

Conclusion:

This Vanilla Jasmine Milk Tea isn't just a drink; it's an experience. The delicate floral notes of jasmine, the comforting warmth of milk, and the sweet whisper of vanilla combine to create a truly unforgettable beverage. I genuinely believe this recipe is a must-try for anyone seeking a moment of tranquility and a delicious escape from the everyday. It's simple enough for a quick afternoon treat, yet elegant enough to serve to guests. Why is it a must-try? Because it's more than just the sum of its parts. The jasmine tea provides a subtle caffeine boost without the jitters, making it a perfect alternative to coffee. The vanilla adds a touch of sweetness that complements the floral notes beautifully, and the milk creates a creamy, comforting texture that soothes the soul. It's a harmonious blend of flavors that will leave you feeling refreshed and relaxed. Plus, it's incredibly versatile!

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

Don't be afraid to experiment! While I love this recipe as is, there are countless ways to customize it to your liking. * Iced Vanilla Jasmine Milk Tea: For a refreshing summer treat, simply brew the tea as directed, let it cool completely, and then pour it over ice. You can even blend it with ice for a delicious and creamy iced tea smoothie. * Honey Sweetened: If you prefer a more natural sweetener, replace the sugar with honey or agave nectar. Start with a small amount and add more to taste. * Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon, cardamom, or ginger to the tea while it's brewing for a warm and spicy twist. * Dairy-Free Delight: Substitute the milk with your favorite non-dairy alternative, such as almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk. Each will impart a slightly different flavor profile, so experiment to find your favorite. Coconut milk adds a particularly rich and creamy texture. * Brown Sugar Boba: For an extra special treat, add some cooked brown sugar boba to the bottom of your glass before pouring in the tea. This will transform your Vanilla Jasmine Milk Tea into a decadent and satisfying dessert. * Lavender Infusion: Add a few dried lavender buds to the tea while it's brewing for an even more floral and aromatic experience. Be careful not to add too much, as lavender can be overpowering. * Vanilla Bean Paste: For a more intense vanilla flavor, use vanilla bean paste instead of vanilla extract. A small amount goes a long way! I've personally tried all of these variations, and each one offers a unique and delightful experience. The possibilities are truly endless! I truly believe that this Vanilla Jasmine Milk Tea recipe will become a staple in your home. It's a simple yet sophisticated beverage that's perfect for any occasion. I've poured my heart into perfecting this recipe, and I'm so excited for you to try it. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, brew a pot of tea, and prepare to be transported to a world of floral aromas and creamy sweetness. I'm confident that you'll love this recipe as much as I do. And most importantly, I want to hear about your experience! Did you try any of the variations? Did you make any adjustments to the recipe? What did you think of the flavor? Please share your thoughts and photos in the comments below. I can't wait to see what you create! Happy brewing!