Milk tea is a beloved drink worldwide, combining the richness of tea with creamy milk for a smooth and satisfying experience. But did you know that the choice of tea determines the flavor and quality of your milk tea?

In this guide, we’ll explore the best teas for milk tea, including Black, Oolong, and Green teas. We’ll also introduce you to the best tea varieties, answer common questions, and share an easy roasted Oolong milk tea recipe.

What Tea Is Best for Milk Tea?

The best teas for milk tea are strong, aromatic teas that can hold their flavor when combined with milk. These include:

• Black Tea: Robust and malty, perfect for classic milk teas.
• Oolong Tea: Rich and smooth, offering a fragrant, balanced flavor.
• Pu’er Tea: Earthy, deep flavors that pair surprisingly well with milk.
• Green Tea: Light and fresh, ideal for flavored or matcha milk teas.

 

Best Oolong Teas for Milk Tea

Oolong teas are aromatic, complex, and versatile for milk tea:

• Da Hong Pao (Big Red Robe): A roasted, full-bodied tea with deep, rich flavors that pair beautifully with milk.
• Tie Guan Yin (Iron Goddess): Smooth, floral, and refreshing, perfect for a lighter milk tea.
• Ya Shi Xiang (Duck Shit Aroma): A unique variety of Fenghuang Dancong Oolong, with natural floral and honey notes.

Tip: Osmanthus Oolong also works well in milk tea for a subtle floral touch, but it belongs to "Huacha" or Tiaoweicha (scented/blended teas).

 

Best Black Teas for Milk Tea

Black teas are bold and full-bodied, making them ideal for creamy milk tea:

• Lapsang Souchong: Known for its smoky, rich flavor that pairs beautifully with milk.
• Qihong (Keemun Black Tea): Smooth, mellow, and slightly fruity—perfect for a balanced milk tea.
• Yunnan Black Tea (Dian Hong): Rich, malty, and slightly sweet, a favorite for premium milk teas.

Best Green Teas for Milk Tea

Green teas can create a lighter milk tea with a refreshing twist:

• Longjing (Dragon Well): Fresh and nutty, Longjing works surprisingly well with milk for a delicate, clean flavor.
• Jasmine Green Tea: Floral and soothing, best for a lightly sweetened milk tea.

Note: Jasmine Green Tea is a "Huacha", or scented tea, which adds aromatic depth to milk teas.

 

Can Pu’er Tea Be Used for Milk Tea?

Yes! Pu’er tea—both Raw (Sheng) and Ripe (Shou)—is becoming a trendy base for milk tea:

• Sheng Pu’er (Raw): Light, slightly floral, and fresh—this tea makes an elegant, unique milk tea. Brands in Yunnan are innovating with Sheng Pu’er milk teas to highlight its refreshing complexity.
• Ripe Pu’er (Shou): Earthy, mellow, and deep, Ripe Pu’er pairs beautifully with creamy milk, creating a rich, satisfying drink similar to a mocha or hot chocolate experience.

If you’re looking for something new and bold, try Pu’er as your milk tea base!

 

Is White Tea a Good Choice for Milk Tea?

While white tea is rarely used for milk tea due to its delicate nature, adventurous drinkers can still try it:

• Silver Needle or Bai Mu Dan: These teas are light and subtle, so the milk may overpower their natural sweetness.

If you want to experiment, use less milk to retain the tea’s gentle flavor. However, for stronger milk teas, Oolong, Black, or Pu’er teas are better choices.

 

What Tea Bags Are Best for Milk Tea? Can You Use Lipton?

• Whole-Leaf Tea Bags: Opt for whole-leaf tea bags (like Xea Tea’s premium tag bags) to get the full, authentic flavor of loose-leaf tea.
• Regular Tea Bags (e.g., Lipton): While Lipton is convenient, it contains fine tea dust, resulting in a weaker, less flavorful milk tea.

For the best experience, whole-leaf teas are always the superior choice.

Roasted Oolong Milk Tea Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 tsp Da Hong Pao Oolong Tea (or any roasted Oolong)
• 1 cup hot water (90-95°C)
• 1/2 cup whole milk (or oat/almond milk for dairy-free)
• 1-2 tsp honey or sugar (optional)
• Ice cubes (optional for iced milk tea)

Instructions:

1. Brew the Da Hong Pao tea in hot water for 3-5 minutes.
2. Strain the tea into a cup.
3. Add milk and stir well. Sweeten to taste.
4. For iced milk tea, let the tea cool and pour over ice.

 

 

Enjoy your smooth, creamy Roasted Oolong Milk Tea!

The key to a perfect milk tea lies in the choice of tea:

• Black teas like Lapsang Souchong and Dianhong for bold, classic flavors.
• Oolong teas like Da Hong Pao and Tie Guan Yin for balanced and aromatic notes.
• Pu’er teas (Sheng and Ripe) for a unique, rich twist on milk tea.
• Green teas like Longjing or Jasmine for a lighter, refreshing milk tea.

For a richer, more authentic experience, choose whole-leaf teas over regular tea bags—they deliver deeper flavors and higher quality.

Ready to create your perfect cup? Explore our premium Oolong, Black, and Pu’er Teas and start your milk tea journey today!

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