Okinawa Milk Tea

This milk tea makes the perfect cup of tea. Full of flavor not only from rich black tea, and creamy milk, but it features a star of sugars.  Kokuto sugar is a deeply flavorful sugar from Japan that tastes of molasses and caramel! 

I’ve been told I’m a milk tea fanatic and that may be true. There are so many different ways tea and milk are celebrated and enjoyed around the world. I’ve had countless cups and am still discovering more. Today, I want to give tribute to Japan where the star ingredient in this tea originated.

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What is it and why is it called Okinawa Milk tea?

In general, most of the ingredients in this luxurious milk tea are fairly common. Black tea combined with milk and sugar. So what makes this tea so special? It is the addition of Okinawa black sugar, also called kokuto sugar. A deeply rich brown sugar from Okinawa, an island of Japan. The name gives honor and meaning to where this lovely sugar is from. 

This tea can be made with or without boba. (Sometimes referred to as tapioca pearls) My main recipe is for a hot tea without boba, but if you are looking for a bubble tea, see the variation section below where I give instructions for adding boba and ice.

Description: My favorite way to enjoy this tea is hot. It is a smooth silky tea that is perfectly balanced between sweet and creamy. It does contain caffeine and makes for a wonderful morning cup, or an afternoon pick me up.

Okinawa Milk Tea Ingredients / What is it made of

This milk tea is made with only 4 basic ingredients.

• Kokuto Sugar – You will most likely find kokuto sugar only in a specialty supermarket or online. I purchased mine here. If you are not able to find kokuto sugar, you can substitute with sucanaut. In my opinion, it is the most similar sugar in taste.
• Milk – Use whatever is your favorite. If you like an extra creamy tea then go for a full fat milk or even half and half. I like to use a plant based milk of either almond or full fat oatmilk. 
• Tea – Chose a deep black tea such as English Breakfast, Assam, or even Earl Grey. I’ve tried several different black teas and like Assam and Earl Grey the best.
• Water – Fresh water is best for tea. I like to use filtered or spring water.

Health benefits

Some say that Okinawa sugar is a healthier sugar due to less processing and contains nutrients such as calcium, potassium, and iron.

How to Prepare Okinawa milk tea

Preparation for this tea is easy and straightforward. It contains only a few ingredients and doesn’t require any special tools. 

• Boil – Start by bringing water to a boil on the stovetop.
• Steep Tea – Add in tea, cover, and steep for 5 minutes. Strain out tea leaves.
• Stir in Sugar – Stir in sugar and dissolve.
• Add Milk – Measure in milk and stir.
• Serve – Pour into tea cup and enjoy!

Okinawa Milk Tea Recipe

Kitchen tools

• Small Saucepan
• Liquid Measuring Cup
• Measuring Spoons

Ingredients

• Black Tea
• Kokuto Sugar
• Milk
• Water

Instructions

1. Bring water to a boil on the stovetop.
2. Add in tea.
3. Cover and steep for 5 minutes.
4. Strain out tea.
5. Pour tea into a tea cup and stir in sugar.
6. Top with milk.
7. Enjoy!

Caffeine Content

There is caffeine in the tea recipe. Depending upon which black tea you chose, there will be approximately 47 mg of caffeine. 

The Difference between Hokkaido and Okinawa Milk Tea

The difference between Hokkaido and Okinawa milk teas is the featured ingredient. 

As we have discussed, Okinawa milk tea features kokuto sugar that is grown in Okinawa.

Hokkaido milk tea features wonderfully creamy milk from the cows of Hokkaido.

Okinawa vs Brown Sugar Milk Tea

Okinawa milk tea is different from Brown sugar milk tea. Kokuto black sugar is used in Okinawa milk tea and brown sugar is used in brown sugar milk tea. Both teas are named for the sugar that sweetens them and provides the original flavor.

Okinawa Milk Tea vs Wintermelon Milk Tea

Wintermelon is a gourd and is common in Chinese and Indian dishes. In wintermelon milk tea, wintermelon is made into a simple syrup and added to milk and tea. 

Review, Taste, and Flavor – Is it Good?

Kokuto sugar tastes similar to very dark brown sugar. It has a deep caramel flavor as well as molasses. The only other sugar I can think to compare it to is sucanat. I think it is very delicious and enjoy making this milk tea!

Variations / Okinawa Pearl Milk Tea

Another popular way to enjoy Okinawa milk tea is to add boba and pour tea over ice. You can do this yourself using the following instructions. You might want a tall cup for this edition. 

• Add freshly cooked boba to your cup.
• Scoop in a handful of ice (optional if you want hot tea)
• Pour Okinawa milk tea recipe above on top of boba.
• Enjoy! (Mostly people like to use an extra wide boba straw)

More Milk Tea Recipes You Might Like

• Lavender Milk Tea
• Assam Milk Tea
• Cinnamon Milk Tea
• Rose Milk Tea