Rose Milk Tea Recipe

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Creating Rose Milk Tea at home is a simple pleasure that feels like a treat to oneself. It’s a blend of traditions, marrying the timeless taste of tea with the romantic essence of roses. For me, it’s reminiscent of sun-drenched gardens and leisurely afternoons—it transports you to a state of bliss with its floral notes and silky texture.

How to make Rose Milk Tea

Rose milk tea is a fragrant and refreshing beverage that combines tea, milk and rose flavoring. It’s often made by brewing black tea and then adding milk, sugar, and rose syrup or rose water for a floral taste.

Ingredients for Rose Milk Tea:

• Tea Base: 1-2 teaspoons of black tea leaves or 1-2 tea bags (Ceylon or Assam work beautifully)
• Milk: 1 cup of milk (full-fat, almond, soy, or oat milk for a vegan option)
• Rose Flavor: 1 tablespoon of edible dried rose petals or a few fresh rosebuds (organic and pesticide-free), Alternatively, you can use 2 tablespoons of rose water or a few drops of rose extract to taste
• Sweetener: Honey, sugar, or your choice of sweetener to taste
• Tapioca Pearls (Optional): 1/4 cup of tapioca pearls (boba) per serving, Additional optional ingredients can include a sprinkle of rose petals for garnish or a touch of pink food coloring for a more vibrant color.

Instructions for Making Rose Milk Tea:

Prepare the Boba (if using):

1. Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the tapioca pearls and cook according to package instructions (usually around 20 minutes) until they are completely soft inside and chewy on the outside.
2. Once cooked, rinse the boba under cold water to stop the cooking process.
3. Sweeten your boba with a little honey or sugar syrup, and set aside in a bowl.

Brew the Tea:

1. Bring 1 cup of water to a boil, then add the black tea leaves or tea bag.
2. Lower the heat and allow the tea to simmer for 3-5 minutes, depending on how strong you like your tea.
3. Remove from heat, add the rose petals or rose water/extract, and let it steep for an additional 5 minutes to infuse the rose flavor.

Combining the Ingredients:

1. Strain the tea leaves and rose petals from the brew, ensuring a smooth tea base.
2. Mix in your sweetener of choice while the tea is still warm so it dissolves easily.
3. Allow the tea to cool to room temperature, or place it in the refrigerator if you prefer a cold drink.

Assemble the Drink:

1. If you prepared boba, scoop them into your serving glass.
2. Pour the rose-flavored tea over the boba.
3. Warm the milk slightly, then froth it using a milk frother if you prefer a foamy texture. For a cold drink, simply chill the milk without frothing.
4. Add the milk to your glass of tea and boba.
5. Stir gently to mix.

Garnish and Serve:

1. Top with a few rose petals for an elegant finish.
2. If you’re serving it cold, add some ice cubes to keep it chilled.

Tips for the Perfect Rose Milk Tea:

• Quality of Ingredients: Use high-quality tea leaves for the best flavor profile, and opt for organic roses to avoid any pesticides.
• Strength of Tea: Adjust the brewing time based on how robust you want your tea flavor to be, but do not over-brew as it can result in bitterness.
• Infusion of Rose: If using rose petals, ensure they are well-infused to get the desired floral taste without overpowering the tea.
• Balance of Flavors: Start with less rosewater or extract and sweetener, taste, and incrementally add more if needed. This way, you control the intensity of the rose flavor and sweetness.
• Creaminess: The choice of milk can affect how creamy the drink will be. Full-fat milk provides a richer texture, while nut or oat milk offers a lighter feel with different nutritional benefits.
• Consistency: If you don’t have a milk frother, you can shake the milk in a tightly sealed jar to create a frothy consistency.
• Customization: Feel free to adjust the amounts of milk, tea, and rose flavor to suit your personal taste. Rose milk tea is delightfully flexible, so have fun experimenting!

What to serve with

Rose Milk Tea is an elegant and aromatic beverage that can be served on its own or accompanied by various snacks and treats.

Sweets and Desserts:

• Macarons: These delicate French pastries come in various flavors and colors that can beautifully complement the floral notes of rose in the tea.
• Scones: Serve classic or rose-infused scones with clotted cream and jam for a delightful afternoon tea experience.
• Shortbread Cookies: Buttery shortbread cookies can be a simple and lovely pairing with the complex flavors of rose milk tea.
• Cake: A slice of light and airy sponge cake or a decadent rose-flavored cake can be the perfect sweet treat to serve with your tea.
• Fruit Tarts: Tarts with fresh fruits can add a refreshing and tangy contrast to the creamy and floral tea.

Savory Options:

• Finger Sandwiches: Traditional cucumber, egg salad, or smoked salmon sandwiches cut into small portions are excellent for a more filling accompaniment.
• Quiche: Small slices of quiche, whether classic Lorraine, spinach, or mushroom, can balance your tea with some savory heft.
• Cheese and Crackers: A platter of various cheeses and artisan crackers can be a good way to counterbalance the sweetness of the tea.

Cultural Pairings:

• Indian Snacks: Since milk tea is a staple in Indian culture, pairing it with snacks like samosas or pakoras can be appealing.
• Middle Eastern Sweets: Given rose water’s popularity in Middle Eastern cuisine, serving the tea alongside baklava or Turkish delight can be an immersive experience.
• Asian Sweets: Pairing your Rose Milk Tea with mochi, red bean buns, or rice cakes can be a nod to the tea’s prominence in Asian cultures where floral teas are enjoyed.

Health-Conscious Pairings:

• Yogurt Parfait: A parfait with layers of yogurt, granola, and fresh fruit offers a healthy and refreshing counterpoint to the indulgent tea.
• Nuts and Dried Fruits: A mix of almonds, pistachios, and dried fruits like dates or apricots can provide a nourishing snack to accompany your tea.

Ingredients Substitutes

If you’re in the mood to make your own Rose Milk Tea but find yourself missing a few ingredients or needing substitutes due to dietary restrictions or preferences, there are several alternatives you can use.

Rose Flavor

Primary Ingredient: Typically, rose flavor in Rose Milk Tea is imparted using rose petals or rose buds. If these are hard to find, here are some alternatives:

• Rose Water: A few drops of rose water can substitute for rose petals as it delivers a concentrated rose flavor.
• Rose Syrup: This is sweeter than rose water and can add both flavor and sweetness. Since it’s quite potent, you should use it sparingly.
• Rose Essence: Similar to rose water but even more concentrated, only a small amount is needed.
• Hibiscus Flowers: While distinctly different, hibiscus can impart a similar floral note and a beautiful red color.

Tea Base

Primary Ingredient: Black or green tea is typically used.

Black Tea Alternatives:

• Oolong Tea: This can provide a depth of flavor similar to black tea but with a lighter finish.
• Rooibos Tea: A great caffeine-free alternative that is rich and flavorful.
• Herbal Teas: Chamomile or jasmine tea can also be used for their floral notes, though the flavor profile will be different.

Green Tea Alternatives:

• White Tea: Lighter and subtler in flavor, complementing the gentle rose notes.
• Matcha: This could give a vibrant green color and a rich earthiness that contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the rose.

Milk

Primary Ingredient: Typically, cow’s milk is used.

Plant-Based Alternatives:

• Almond Milk: Light and with a hint of nuttiness, it doesn’t overpower the rose.
• Coconut Milk: Adds a tropical richness and is very creamy.
• Oat Milk: Thick and creamy, it offers a mild flavor that doesn’t compete with the rose.
• Soy Milk: Another neutral option that blends well without adding any distinctive flavor.
• Lactose-Free Milk: A good option for those who are lactose intolerant but still want the creamy texture of traditional cow’s milk.

Sweetener

Primary Ingredient: Sugar or honey is used.

Alternatives:

• Agave Syrup: A vegan option that dissolves easily in both cold and hot drinks.
• Maple Syrup: Adds a distinctive, aromatic flavor that pairs well with rose.
• Stevia: A no-calorie sweetener ideal for those watching their sugar intake. Stevia is much sweeter than sugar, so it should be added sparingly.
• Monk Fruit Sweetener: Another no-calorie option that does not impact blood sugar levels.

Final Thoughts

By following these steps and tips, you’ll be making a gorgeous and soothing cup of Rose Milk Tea that’s as enjoyable to look at as it is to drink.

More Milk Tea Recipes:

• Brown Sugar Milk Tea Recipe