Bourbon Milk Tea

This milk tea is great, whether you add bourbon or not. It’s milky, caramelly, light, and sweet like it should be. But it’s not overpoweringly sweet, so if you’re one of those people who shies away from milk tea because of all the sugar, give this one a try. The oaky bourbon adds a depth that very much complements the sweet milk, making it a great dessert cocktail or a great Sunday afternoon sipper.

SERVINGS

4

PREP TIME

10 min

+ 3-4 hr cooling time

COOK TIME

30 min

Ingredients

  • 6
    cups whole milk
  • 12
    Red Rose black tea bags
  • 1
    cup packed dark brown sugar
  • ½
    cup water
  • Ice
  • 8
    ounces bourbon

Directions

  1. 1

    To make the milk tea: In a medium saucepan, warm the milk over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until frothy and steaming but not simmering. Remove from heat and add the tea bags. Steep for 10 minutes. Remove the tea bags and cool in the fridge until cold, about 3 to 4 hours.

  2. 2

    In a small saucepan, bring the brown sugar and water to a boil over high heat. Reduce and simmer for 10 minutes, until thickened. Remove from heat and cool for 10 minutes.

  3. 3

    To make the cocktail: Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice. Add 1 ½ cups milk tea and 2 ounces bourbon and shake.

  4. 4

    Drizzle the brown sugar syrup along the sides of a Collins glass, to taste. Strain the milk tea into the glass.

  5. 5

    Repeat steps 3 to 4 to make the remaining 3 drinks. Swirl to combine the ingredients and enjoy!