There’s something magical about wrapping your hands around a warm mug on a chilly morning, especially when it’s filled with the comforting aroma of orange and cinnamon. My Orange Cinnamon Milk Tea Latte became my little winter ritual almost by accident—one quiet Texas morning when I found myself with leftover orange peels from baking and a craving for something cozy. As the citrusy steam mingled with the earthy cinnamon scent, I took my first sip and instantly knew I’d stumbled onto something special. It’s like sunshine and a warm hug in a cup—the perfect balance of bright orange zest and toasty cinnamon spice that makes even the coldest mornings feel inviting.
Why You’ll Love This Orange Cinnamon Milk Tea Latte
Trust me, once you try this drink, you’ll be making it all winter long. Here’s why it’s become my go-to cozy beverage:
- Instant comfort in a cup – That first whiff of orange peel and cinnamon steaming from your mug feels like wrapping yourself in a warm blanket
- Simple yet special – With just a few pantry staples, you can create something that tastes like it came from a fancy café
- Your way, every time – Love it extra sweet? Add honey. Prefer it dairy-free? Almond milk works beautifully. It’s endlessly adaptable
- Perfect hot or cold – While I adore it steaming on chilly mornings, it’s just as refreshing iced for those warmer winter afternoons
Seriously, this latte is like a little moment of calm in your day – and isn’t that what we all need more of?
Ingredients for Orange Cinnamon Milk Tea Latte
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this cozy drink – I promise it’s all simple stuff you probably already have! The magic happens when these basic ingredients come together:
- For the infusion: 1 cup water, orange peel from ½ orange (save a pretty twist for garnish!), 1 cinnamon stick (or ½ tsp ground cinnamon in a pinch)
- For the tea: 1 black tea bag (or 1 tsp loose-leaf – I love Earl Grey for this!)
- To sweeten: 2 tsp brown sugar (or honey/maple syrup to taste)
- For creaminess: 1 cup whole milk (my favorite for richness, but almond or oat milk works great too – see my reset lemonade for more dairy-free ideas)
- Secret flavor boost: 1 tsp vanilla extract (trust me, it makes all the difference!)
That’s it! Just seven simple ingredients that transform into something magical. Now let’s make some tea magic happen…
How to Make Orange Cinnamon Milk Tea Latte
Okay, let’s make some magic happen! This is where those simple ingredients transform into something truly special. Follow these steps, and in about 15 minutes, you’ll be sipping pure comfort:
- Make the orange cinnamon infusion: In a small saucepan, heat 1 cup of water just until it starts bubbling at the edges. Add your orange peel and cinnamon stick (don’t skip my pro tip below!), then let it simmer gently for about 5 minutes. Your kitchen will start smelling amazing – that’s how you know it’s working!
- Brew the black tea: Strain that gorgeous orange-cinnamon water into your favorite mug (I like to use a fine mesh strainer to catch any bits). Drop in your tea bag and let it steep for 3-5 minutes – longer if you like it stronger.
- Sweeten and flavor: While the tea’s still hot, stir in your brown sugar and that secret vanilla extract. The heat helps everything dissolve and blend perfectly. Taste and adjust – I sometimes add an extra teaspoon of sugar if I’m craving something sweeter.
- Add the milk: Heat your milk in the same saucepan (no need to wash it – extra flavor bonus!) until it’s steaming but not boiling. Pour it right into your tea. If you’re feeling fancy, you can froth it first – I use a simple handheld frother, but even whisking vigorously works!
- Garnish and enjoy: Top with that saved orange peel twist or a slice of orange if you’re feeling fancy. Sometimes I’ll add another tiny cinnamon stick just for looks. Then find your coziest spot and savor every sip!
See? Easy peasy! This recipe is so forgiving – if you want to make a bigger batch for friends, just double everything. It pairs beautifully with my apple cinnamon overnight oats for a complete cozy breakfast.
Pro Tip for the Perfect Infusion
Before adding your cinnamon stick to the water, give it a gentle crush with the back of a spoon or a rolling pin. This cracks it just enough to release more of those warm, spicy oils – making your tea extra flavorful without being overpowering.
Customizing Your Orange Cinnamon Milk Tea Latte
One of my favorite things about this recipe is how easily you can make it your own! Here are some simple ways to tweak it to your taste:
- Sweetener swap: Try honey or maple syrup instead of brown sugar – they add such a lovely depth of flavor
- Spice it up: A tiny pinch of nutmeg or cardamom takes the warmth to another level
- Dairy-free delight: Almond, oat, or coconut milk work beautifully – just make sure to heat gently as they can separate
- Iced version: Let the tea cool completely, then pour over ice with cold milk for a refreshing summer drink
- Extra citrusy: Add a splash of fresh orange juice if you want more zing!
The best part? No matter how you change it up, that comforting orange-cinnamon magic always shines through. Have fun experimenting!
Serving Suggestions for Orange Cinnamon Milk Tea Latte
Oh, this latte deserves to be the star of your coziest moments! I love curling up with mine on lazy weekend mornings, preferably with a warm cinnamon roll on the side – the way the sweet icing melts into each sip is pure magic. But really, any simple cookie or pastry works beautifully. Shortbread biscuits? Perfect. A slice of banana bread? Heavenly. Even just a good book and your favorite blanket make the perfect pairing.
For special occasions, I’ll garnish with an extra twist of orange peel and maybe a fresh cinnamon stick – it makes the whole experience feel extra luxurious. And if you’re serving guests, try floating a thin orange slice on top – it’s such a pretty touch that always gets compliments!
Nutritional Information for Orange Cinnamon Milk Tea Latte
Now, I’m no nutritionist, but I know we all like to have a general idea of what we’re sipping on! Keep in mind these values are estimates and will change based on your exact ingredients – especially if you use different milks or sweeteners. For one cozy cup made with whole milk and brown sugar, you’re looking at about:
- 150 calories – Just right for a comforting treat
- 12g sugar – Mostly from the natural lactose in milk and your added sweetener
- 5g fat – That’s what makes it so creamy and satisfying!
Remember, this is meant to be a little indulgence – not health food, but certainly better for you than most coffee shop drinks! And honestly? Some mornings are worth every delicious calorie.
FAQs About Orange Cinnamon Milk Tea Latte
I get asked about this cozy drink all the time – here are the answers to the most common questions that pop up in my kitchen and inbox!
Can I use ground cinnamon instead of a cinnamon stick?
Absolutely! I do this all the time when I’m out of sticks. Just use about ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon instead – any more might make it too powdery. The flavor will be slightly stronger, so start with less and add more to taste.
How should I store leftovers?
If you somehow don’t finish your latte (no judgment if you do!), pop it in the fridge for up to a day. The milk might separate a bit, but just give it a good stir when you reheat it gently on the stove. I don’t recommend keeping it longer than that though – fresh is always best!
Can I make this caffeine-free?
Of course! Just swap the black tea for your favorite herbal tea. Rooibos is my go-to – it has that same rich depth that pairs beautifully with the orange and cinnamon. Chamomile would be lovely too for an extra relaxing version.
What if I don’t have fresh orange peel?
No worries! A ½ teaspoon of dried orange peel works in a pinch, or you can skip it and just add a tiny splash of orange extract at the end. It won’t be quite the same, but still delicious. Though I promise fresh peel makes all the difference if you can swing it!
Can I make a big batch for a crowd?
You bet! Just multiply everything by however many servings you need. I like to keep the infused tea warm in a slow cooker and let everyone add their own milk and sweetener to taste. It makes the whole house smell incredible too!
Print
Orange Cinnamon Milk Tea Latte
- Total Time: 15 min
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A warm and fragrant milk tea infused with orange peel and cinnamon, perfect for cozy moments.
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1 black tea bag (or 1 tsp loose-leaf black tea)
- orange peel of 1/2 orange (save some for garnish)
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 tsp brown sugar (or to taste)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk (or your preferred milk)
- orange peel twist or orange slice for garnish
Instructions
- Make orange cinnamon infusion: Heat 1 cup of water to a low boil in a small saucepan. Add the orange peel and cinnamon stick and simmer for about 5 minutes to infuse the flavors.
- Brew the black tea: Strain the orange cinnamon infusion into a cup and add a black tea bag. Steep for 3-5 minutes.
- Sweeten and flavor: Stir in the brown sugar and vanilla extract while the tea is still hot, so the sugar dissolves completely.
- Add milk: Heat milk (don’t boil) and then pour in the hot milk. You can also froth the milk if you want.
- Garnish and serve: Add a twist of orange peel or a slice of orange to garnish, and enjoy your warm, fragrant Orange Cinnamon Milk Tea!
Notes
- For the iced version, brew the tea and sweeten it, add cold milk, and let it cool down. Then pour over ice for a refreshing treat!
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 10 min
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: International
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Orange Cinnamon Milk Tea Latte, cozy drinks, hot drinks aesthetic, healthy hot drinks, hot latte recipe, winter drinks