There's something comforting about holding a cup of warm, creamy milk tea in our hands. Whether we enjoy it chilled on a hot day or hot on a rainy afternoon, milk tea hits the spot like no other.

But have you ever tried making it at home and felt like something was missing? Don't worry—today we're going to explore how to make a truly classic milk tea from scratch, with simple ingredients and easy tricks that really work.

The Basics: What Goes Into Milk Tea?

A great milk tea starts with just three essential parts:

• Strong black tea: Usually Assam or Ceylon.

• Milk: Fresh milk, evaporated milk, or even plant-based milk depending on your preference.

• Sweetener: White sugar, brown sugar, or syrup.

Here's what we recommend for one serving:

• 1 tea bag or 1 tablespoon loose black tea

• 200 ml boiling water

• 100 ml milk

• 1–2 teaspoons sugar (adjust to taste)

That's the classic foundation. Once we get this right, we can adjust flavors or toppings however we like later.

Step-by-Step: Brewing the Perfect Tea Base

The key to great milk tea is a strong tea base. Here's how we do it:

1. Boil water to 100°C (just boiling).

2. Add your tea leaves or tea bag into the hot water and steep for 5–7 minutes.

3. The longer the steep, the stronger the tea. But don't go over 10 minutes—it may become bitter.

4. Remove the tea leaves or bag and let the liquid cool slightly.

If you want a smoother flavor, strain it once more using a fine sieve or cheesecloth.

Blending in the Milk the Right Way

Now that the tea is ready, it's time to add the milk. If we want a classic taste like the ones from shops, go for evaporated milk or a mix of evaporated and fresh milk.

For one serving:

• Add 100 ml milk slowly into the brewed tea while stirring.

• Heat it together if serving warm.

• Or chill it with ice cubes if you prefer it cold.

Adjust the sweetness here. If you're adding brown sugar, stir it in while it's still warm so it melts properly.

Top Tips to Get It Just Right

• Use a strong tea base: Weak tea will taste bland once we add milk.

• Balance the milk and tea: A 2:1 tea-to-milk ratio often works best.

• Sweeten mindfully: Start light—too much sugar can overwhelm the flavor.

• Try a tea blend: Mixing Assam and Earl Grey gives both depth and aroma.

• Use chilled tea for iced versions: Never pour hot tea directly over ice—it dilutes the taste.

Optional Add-ins and Variations

Once we've mastered the classic, it's easy to get creative:

• Add tapioca pearls or grass jelly for texture.

• Try honey or maple syrup as natural sweeteners.

• Add a pinch of salt or vanilla for an extra twist.

• Try oat milk or soy milk for a lighter version.

We can even make a big batch, store it in the fridge, and enjoy it throughout the day.

Let's Enjoy It Together

Now that we've walked through the process, doesn't it feel much more doable? Making classic milk tea at home is not only simple—it's satisfying. We get to control the sweetness, creaminess, and even the type of tea. Plus, we save money and avoid unnecessary additives.

What's Your Favorite Way to Drink Milk Tea?

Do you prefer it hot or iced? More tea or more milk? Everyone has their own style when it comes to milk tea, and we'd love to hear yours. Try out this classic recipe and see how it fits your taste. Once you've nailed the base, the fun of customizing it begins!

Cheers to homemade comfort in a cup, Lykkers! Let's make milk tea magic anytime we want.