Chinese Ginger Milk Tea Recipe: Authentic Hot Drink with Fresh Ginger

This Chinese-style Ginger Milk Tea is warm, refreshing, and reminiscent of the ginger milk pudding served in many Chinese restaurants. It’s simple to make and pairs perfectly with breakfast.

☕ About Ginger Milk Tea

Ginger milk tea is a comforting beverage made by steeping fresh ginger with tea, then finishing with milk and sweetener. Variations of ginger tea appear across Asia — in China, India, Malaysia — and in parts of the Middle East. The ginger adds a bright, spicy note that balances the richness of milk.

This version takes inspiration from Hong Kong–style milk tea by using evaporated milk and sweetened condensed milk instead of plain milk. The evaporated milk gives a concentrated, creamy flavor while condensed milk both sweetens and deepens the drink’s texture.

🧂 Ingredients

• Black tea bags or loose black tea (Ceylon works well for a strong, smooth cup).
• Fresh ginger, peeled and grated or finely minced — fresh ginger gives the best flavor and steeps quickly.
• Evaporated milk for a concentrated, creamy texture.
• Sweetened condensed milk to sweeten and enrich the tea; you can use sugar if preferred, but dissolve it while the tea is hot.
• Water for steeping.

🔪 Instructions

Step 1: Bring the water to a boil in a small pot. Remove from heat, add the tea and grated ginger, and steep for 10 minutes. If using sugar, add it now so it dissolves while the liquid is hot.

Step 2: Stir in evaporated milk and sweetened condensed milk to taste. Strain the tea into two serving cups. If you used tea bags, avoid squeezing them to prevent extra bitterness.

📋 Recipe

Chinese Ginger Milk Tea

A warm, lightly spiced milk tea inspired by Hong Kong–style milk tea. Creamy, slightly sweet, and comforting.

Prep Time: 0 mins

Cook Time: 10 mins

Total Time: 10 mins

Servings: 2 people

Calories: 152 kcal (estimate)

Ingredients

• 2 cups water
• 2 black tea bags (or 1 tbsp loose tea)
• 1 tablespoon grated or minced fresh ginger (peeled)
• ½ cup evaporated milk
• 2–3 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk (or sugar to taste)

Instructions

1. Bring water to a boil in a small pot. Remove from heat, add the tea and ginger, and steep for 10 minutes.
2. Stir in evaporated milk and sweetened condensed milk. Strain into two cups and serve. Avoid squeezing tea bags to keep bitterness low.

Notes

Make Ahead: The ginger tea can be prepared ahead and refrigerated for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave, then stir in evaporated milk and condensed milk before serving.

Nutrition

Nutrition values are estimates based on an ingredient database.

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