Hokkaido Milk Tea (Easy & Delicious!)

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Hokkaido Milk Tea is a popular Japanese drink that’s creamy, rich, and absolutely delicious. It’s made with very simple ingredients, and only takes 5 minutes to make!

Milk tea is a popular drink found all over the world, specifically in Asian countries. When I visited Japan (specifically the Shibuya area), there were so many milk tea shops on every street, each one selling various types of milk tea. While these shops also sell other flavors like taro milk tea, Japanese matcha milk tea, and non-creamy fruit teas, I remember always being drawn back into ordering my favorite cup of Hokkaido milk tea from T Niseko Bubble Tea shop.

And now that we’re back in the US, we’ve had to learn to make our own!

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What is Milk Tea? 

In its most basic sense, milk tea can refer to any drink that contains tea and milk. What makes milk tea interesting depends on the way it’s prepared, which differs from country to country (or even shop to shop). This recipe is for a Japanese version of milk tea – the Hokkaido milk tea!

Fun Fact: Hokkaido milk tea is also called Royal milk tea or Nidashi milk tea!

What You Need to Make Hokkaido Milk Tea

• Black Tea – Unlike other types of milk teas, Hokkaido milk teas use a black tea base. Teas like English Breakfast tea, Oolong tea, Earl Grey tea, or Assam tea works great! You can use loose leaf tea or tea bags.
• Water – You’ll need 1 cup of purified water to brew the tea.
• Milk – Traditionally, Hokkaido milk tea is made with..hokkaido milk. But since that’s a bit harder to find here in the U.S., I recommend using whole milk or half & half in this recipe. Farm fresh milk tastes delicious here! The key is to use higher fat milks for an extra creamy milk tea.
• Sweetener – Hokkaido milk tea is usually sweetened with brown sugar syrup or honey. For a different take, you can also use maple syrup or even stevia!

Can I Make This Dairy-Free?

Absolutely! Just switch out the half and half with non-dairy creamer, extra creamy oat milk, cashew milk, or macadamia milk. Keep in mind that the flavors of nut milk will mildly change the flavor of your milk tea.

Can I Make This Without Sugar?

Yes, you can! Either omit the sweetener completely or opt for less refined sweeteners like honey or stevia. Keep in mind that this will change the flavor of your milk tea.

What Toppings Can I Add In?

This iconic milk tea can be easily made into bubble tea. You can drink it as is, or add your choice of toppings! Here are our favorites:

• boba (tapioca pearls)
• egg pudding
• jelly
• foam

Hokkaido Milk Tea Ingredients

• 1 cup water
• 1-2 bags black tea (I use this English Breakfast)
• 1/2 cup half & half or good quality milk
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar, adjust to taste

How to Make Hokkaido Milk Tea

1. In a small pot, bring water to boil and allow the tea to simmer for 5-10 minutes.
2. Add in the brown sugar and stir until dissolved.
3. Pour in the half and half. Stir to combine.
4. Turn off the heat, then pour the milk into a glass. Allow the drink to cool, then add in a few ice cubes. ENJOY!

Looking for More Easy Drinks Recipes?

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• Iced Cold Brew Latte (Healthy Starbucks Copycat)
• Berry Orange Banana Smoothie (GF, DF, V)
• Peanut Butter and Jelly Protein Smoothie (GF, DF, Vegan-Friendly)
• 5-Minute Cozy Gingerbread Latte (GF, DF, VG)
• Decadent Peppermint Sipping Chocolate (GF, DF, VG Options)
• Tropical Mermaid Blue Spirulina Smoothie Bowl 

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