Oolong Milk Tea Recipe: How to Make Creamy Oolong Milk Tea at Home

If you love milk tea but want something more refined than typical black tea blends, oolong milk tea is a fantastic choice. Oolong tea sits between green and black tea in oxidation, giving it a smooth, floral flavor with a naturally creamy texture that pairs beautifully with milk.

This oolong milk tea recipe will show you how to make a rich and balanced cup at home using simple ingredients. Whether you prefer it hot or iced, oolong milk tea offers a comforting drink with layered flavor and gentle caffeine.

What Is Oolong Milk Tea?

Oolong milk tea is a beverage made by combining brewed oolong tea with milk and sweetener. The unique character of oolong tea creates a drink that is lighter than black milk tea but richer than green tea lattes.

Depending on the oolong variety used, the flavor can range from:

• Floral and creamy

• Toasty and nutty

• Smooth with subtle sweetness

Popular oolong varieties used for milk tea include Tieguanyin, Jin Xuan (Milk Oolong), and roasted oolong teas.

Ingredients

To make one serving of homemade oolong milk tea, you will need:

• 1 tablespoon loose leaf oolong tea (or 1 oolong tea bag)

• 1 cup hot water (about 195°F / 90°C)

• ½ cup milk (dairy or plant-based)

• 1–2 teaspoons sugar, honey, or syrup (optional)

• Ice cubes (optional for iced milk tea)

Best milk options:

• Whole milk (creamiest texture)

• Oat milk (naturally sweet)

• Almond milk (light and nutty)

• Coconut milk (rich tropical flavor)

How to Make Oolong Milk Tea

Step 1: Brew the Oolong Tea

Place the oolong tea leaves in a teapot or cup and pour hot water over them.

Let the tea steep for 3–5 minutes depending on how strong you want the flavor.

Strain the leaves and set the brewed tea aside.

Step 2: Heat the Milk

Warm the milk in a small saucepan over low heat or microwave for about 30 seconds.

For a café-style texture, you can also froth the milk using a handheld frother or whisk.

Step 3: Combine Tea and Milk

Pour the brewed oolong tea into a mug, then add the warm milk.

A good ratio is:

• 2 parts tea

• 1 part milk

Adjust based on your taste preference.

Step 4: Add Sweetener

Stir in sugar, honey, or simple syrup if desired. Many oolong teas already have natural sweetness, so start with a small amount.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the milk tea warm, or pour it over ice for a refreshing iced oolong milk tea.

Tips for the Best Oolong Milk Tea

Choose High-Quality Oolong Tea

The flavor of milk tea depends heavily on the tea used. Loose leaf oolong usually produces richer aroma and smoother flavor than tea bags.

Avoid Over-Steeping

Steeping oolong tea too long can cause bitterness. Stick to 3–5 minutes for balanced flavor.

Try Milk Oolong Tea

Milk oolong (Jin Xuan) naturally has buttery and creamy notes, making it perfect for milk tea.

Experiment with Sweeteners

Different sweeteners can change the flavor profile:

• Honey adds floral sweetness

• Brown sugar adds caramel notes

• Condensed milk adds richness

Iced Oolong Milk Tea Variation

For a refreshing summer version:

1. Brew oolong tea slightly stronger than usual.

2. Let the tea cool.

3. Fill a glass with ice.

4. Pour the tea over the ice.

5. Add milk and sweetener.

This creates a smooth, refreshing iced milk tea similar to popular café drinks.

Oolong Milk Tea With Boba (Bubble Tea)

To turn your drink into bubble tea:

1. Cook tapioca pearls according to package instructions.

2. Add pearls to the bottom of a glass.

3. Pour in iced oolong milk tea.

4. Stir and enjoy with a wide straw.

This variation creates a chewy, dessert-style milk tea loved in bubble tea shops.

Health Benefits of Oolong Milk Tea

Oolong tea contains several beneficial compounds including:

• Antioxidants that support overall health

• Moderate caffeine for gentle energy

• Polyphenols that may support metabolism

When made with moderate sweetener, oolong milk tea can be a lighter alternative to sugary coffee drinks.