Japanese Royal Milk Tea: What It Is and How to Make It

Royal milk tea, a beverage loved by many, has been gaining popularity around the globe. But what exactly is it? In this article, we’ll explore the origin, taste, and variations of royal milk tea, as well as provide you with a recipe to make your own perfect cup.

Tea with milk

What is Royal Milk Tea?

Royal milk tea is a delightful blend of black tea and milk, typically made using either Assam, Darjeeling, or Ceylon tea leaves. It is a popular beverage in Japan and has a strong, rich flavor and a creamy texture due to the addition of milk and sugar. It is usually served hot, although it can also be enjoyed as a cold, refreshing drink during warmer months.

What Does Royal Milk Tea Taste Like?

Royal milk tea boasts a rich and creamy taste, resulting from the careful balance of black tea and milk. The tea leaves used in royal milk tea are often stronger and more robust than those in traditional British or Hong Kong milk teas, giving it a distinctive flavor profile. The added sugar enhances the tea’s natural sweetness, creating a harmonious and indulgent taste that appeals to tea enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

The Difference Between Japanese Royal Milk Tea, British Tea with Milk, and Hong Kong Milk Tea

While all three beverages involve black tea and milk, there are subtle differences that set them apart:

Japanese Royal Milk Tea

This luxurious drink is known for its strong, rich taste and creamy texture. It is typically made using Assam, Darjeeling, or Ceylon tea leaves and is sweetened with sugar. In Japan, it is often served hot, but can also be enjoyed cold.

British Tea with Milk

A staple in British households, this tea is typically made using black tea leaves such as English Breakfast or Earl Grey. The tea is brewed strong, with milk and sugar added according to individual preferences. The resulting taste is smooth and comforting, with a slightly less intense flavor compared to royal milk tea.

Hong Kong Milk Tea

Originating in Hong Kong, this tea is made by brewing a blend of black tea leaves with evaporated or condensed milk. The tea is strained through a fine mesh or cloth to create a smooth, velvety texture. The taste is rich and sweet, with a unique flavor profile that sets it apart from Japanese royal milk tea and British tea with milk.

How to Make the Perfect Cup of Royal Milk Tea

Now that you’re familiar with the different types of milk tea, let’s dive into the process of making a delicious cup of royal milk tea at home.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup water
  • 2 black tea bags (Assam, Darjeeling, or Ceylon)
  • 1 cup milk (whole milk is recommended for a creamier taste)
  • 2 tablespoons sugar (or to taste)

Instructions

  1. In a small saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, remove from heat and add the tea bags. Allow the tea to steep for 3-5 minutes, depending on your desired strength.
  2. While the tea is steeping, heat the milk in a separate saucepan over low heat. Be careful not to let the milk boil or scald.
  3. Remove the tea bags from the water and add the sugar, stirring until dissolved. Gradually pour the hot milk into the tea, stirring to combine.
  4. Pour the royal milk tea into cups or mugs, and serve immediately. If desired, garnish with a cinnamon stick or a dash of nutmeg.

And there you have it – a simple recipe for making your own cup of royal milk tea at home. Once you’ve mastered the basics, feel free to experiment with different tea blends and sweeteners to create your own unique royal milk tea experience.

Popular Royal Milk Tea Variations

Though traditional royal milk tea is a delightful treat on its own, there are many variations that allow you to put your own spin on this classic beverage. Here are a few popular adaptations to consider:

Chai Royal Milk Tea

For a more aromatic and spiced version, use a chai tea blend instead of the black tea bags. The warming spices in chai, such as cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom, will add a touch of complexity to your royal milk tea.

Matcha Royal Milk Tea

For a green tea twist, whisk matcha powder into the hot milk before combining it with the black tea. The addition of matcha will impart a vibrant green hue and a slightly earthy, sweet flavor to your royal milk tea.

Iced Royal Milk Tea

Transform your hot royal milk tea into a refreshing, cold beverage by simply chilling it in the refrigerator for a couple of hours, or pouring it over ice. This iced version is perfect for sipping on hot summer days.

Vegan Royal Milk Tea

To make a vegan-friendly version of royal milk tea, simply swap out the whole milk for a plant-based alternative such as almond, soy, or oat milk. Be sure to choose a milk with a rich and creamy texture to maintain the luxurious mouthfeel of traditional royal milk tea.

What Are the Differences Between Okinawa Milk Tea and Hokkaido Milk Tea?

Okinawa Milk Tea and Hokkaido Milk Tea differ in their primary flavors and regional influences.

Hokkaido Milk Tea is known for its rich, creamy flavor, using high-quality milk from Hokkaido, a region renowned for its dairy products. It often incorporates strong black tea.

On the other hand, Okinawa Milk Tea, also known as Okinawa Pearl Milk Tea or Bubble Tea, is characterized by its sweet, caramel-like flavor due to the use of brown sugar, which is a specialty of Okinawa. It typically uses a base of oolong or jasmine tea.

Final Thoughts

With the increasing popularity of royal milk tea, many cafes and restaurants worldwide now offer this delightful beverage on their menus. You can find ready-to-drink bottled versions in grocery stores and specialty tea shops, as well as instant royal milk tea powder for a quick and convenient cup at home.

Whether you’re enjoying it as a warm, comforting treat or a refreshing iced drink, royal milk tea is a delicious and versatile beverage that’s sure to please your taste buds. By understanding its origins and variations, and learning how to make your own perfect cup, you can fully appreciate the rich, indulgent experience that is royal milk tea.

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