Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup Water
- 2 Black Tea Bags (or 2 teaspoons loose leaf tea)
- 1/2 cup Milk (dairy or non-dairy, chilled)
- 2 tablespoons Honey or Granulated Sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 whole Cinnamon Stick
- 1/2 teaspoon Fresh Orange Zest
- 1 Orange Slice (for garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small saucepan, combine the water, cinnamon stick, and orange zest. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then immediately remove the saucepan from the heat source.
- Step 2: Add the black tea bags (or loose leaves) to the hot liquid. Steep for 5 to 7 minutes, depending on desired strength, ensuring a rich, dark brew is created.
- Step 3: Remove the tea bags and cinnamon stick. Pour the tea base through a fine-mesh sieve into a heatproof container to strain out all pieces of orange zest.
- Step 4: While the tea is still warm, stir in the honey or sugar until it is completely dissolved. Allow the tea base to cool to room temperature, or chill quickly in the refrigerator if making iced tea.
- Step 5: Fill a serving glass with ice (for iced tea) or use a mug (for hot tea). Pour the cooled orange cinnamon tea base into the glass, then top with the 1/2 cup of milk. Stir gently and garnish with an orange slice before serving.
Notes
- Store the strained tea concentrate in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, adding the fresh milk only when ready to consume.
- If serving this beverage hot, gently reheat the prepared tea base until steaming, then pour into your mug before topping with chilled or slightly warmed milk.
- For a gourmet touch, enhance the presentation by running the rim of the glass with an orange slice before adding the tea, or dusting the top with a pinch of ground cinnamon.
- Chef's Tip: Use only the bright orange peel when zesting, taking care to avoid the bitter white pith which can negatively impact the delicate flavor of the tea base.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American