Assam Milk Tea Recipe – How to Make the Perfect Cup

Taste the rich malty flavors of Assam black tea in this classic Assam milk tea recipe. Assam tea is a popular tea for adding milk and sugar. Learn how to make this delicious cup of Assam milk tea!

Assam Black Milk Tea

A popular black tea choice for many tea recipes, Assam tea is rich and creamy on its own and does not have as strong of astringent aftertaste as some black teas do. It is one of my favorites for a milk tea base.  Try it in rose milk tea as well as coconut milk tea.

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How to Make Assam Tea with Milk

• Boil Water – Add water and sweetened condensed milk to a small saucepan on the stovetop. Bring to a low boil.
• Brew Tea – Turn off the heat and add tea. (See ingredient variations for adding spices and vanilla) Cover and steep for 5 minutes.
• Strain – If using a tea bag, remove the tea bag squeezing out all the flavor from it. (I use this tea bag tong to protect my fingers from the heat.) Pour mixture through a stainless steel strainer into a tea cup.
• Enjoy!

Keep reading for more details on Assam Milk Tea and the full recipe!

What is Assam Tea?

Assam is a true tea from the plant variety Camellia sinensis var. assamica. It is grown in Assam, which is in northeastern India. Assam, India produces almost half of all the tea grown in India.

Assam is a black tea that is fully oxidized. It has a higher amount of caffeine than most black teas and is often used in breakfast blends such as Irish Breakfast tea and English Breakfast tea. 

Assam Tea will be a rich orangish-brown color when brewed.

This rich black tea from India is a delicious tea on its own but is often used as the base of milk tea as it is bold and strong, and holds up well when combined with milk and spices. In my opinion, it also has a less astringent taste than other black teas. It is sometimes said to have a lovely honey and malty flavor.

Assam black tea is a popular base for many bubble teas.

Assam tea may also boast some benefits to your health. It is full of antioxidants and studies suggest it may aid in heart, brain, and digestive health. Read more here.

What is Assam Milk Tea?

Milk tea is a general term that can encompass any tea that is combined with milk. Adding milk to tea adds a smooth creamy dimension. It is most popular with rich black teas and can be found in tea shops all over the world. Milk tea also often includes other ingredients such as sugar, spices, and even boba. 

Assam Bubble Tea

As mentioned before, Assam tea can be used to make bubble tea. You can make bubble tea by following this recipe and including those delicious tapioca pearls. (Fully cooked first!)

What does Assam Milk Tea taste like?

This tea is a luxuriously creamy tea. With deep complex flavors, creamy milk, and a touch of sugar make this tea a decadent treat.

Assam Milk Tea Taste

• Rich
• Creamy
• Enjoyable
• Luxurious

Why You Will Love this Recipe

• Easy to make
• Super Economical
• Customizable- Make it the way you like it!

Ingredients and Variations

• Assam Loose Leaf Tea or Assam Tea Bags – Chose your favorite high quality Assam tea.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk – I used coconut sweetened condensed milk for a dairy free alternative but you can chose what you like best.
• Water – Chose spring or filtered water for the best taste. Water plays an important roll in the flavor and aroma of tea. 
• Optional Spices – Assam black tea is a popular base for chai tea. Add warm spices to your milk tea such as cinnamon, nutmeg, coriander, cloves. (I use 1/4 teaspoon of each for 1 serving.)
• Optional Vanilla – Add 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla to your tea for more flavor.

How to Make Assam Milk Tea Recipe

Kitchen Tools

• Small Sauce Pan
• Measuring Cup and Spoons
• Small Mesh Strainer
• Tea Cup

Ingredients

• Assam Tea
• Sweetened Condensed Milk 
• Water
• Optional Ingredients

Step by Step Instructions

1. Add water and sweetened condensed milk to a small pot on the stovetop.
2. Bring to a boil.
3. Turn off heat and add tea. (Add optional ingredients if desired)
4. Cover and steep for 5 minutes)
5. Pour tea through strainer into tea cup.
6. Enjoy!

Recipe Notes

• Boil water to 205-210°
• Steeping only needs to last 2-3 minutes for a full-flavored cup.
• Unlike most loose-leaf teas which can be reused several times, Assam is best only being used once. As such, I often just use tea bags when making Assam tea.
• This tea is wonderful with additions such as sweet spices and vanilla.
• Use dairy-free sweetened condensed milk for an allergy-friendly option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Assam Milk Tea have Caffeine?

Assam tea might have one of the highest amounts of caffeine of the black teas. Although the caffeine levels will depend upon many factors including how it is grown, harvests, prepared, and how it is brewed.

Do you put milk in Assam tea?

Assam is a strong, rich, and complex tea. It is a great tea to add milk to. 

How to Brew Assam black tea?

To make Assam black tea, add tea to boiling water. Steep for 2-3 minutes. Strain out tea leaves, and enjoy!

More Milk Tea Recipes You May Enjoy

• Lavender Milk Tea
• Earl Grey Milk Tea
• Cinnamon Milk Tea
• Peppermint Tea Latte