Oolong Tea Latte Recipe

If you’re looking for a creamy tea latte to make at home that is simple and delicious, why not try this flavorful oolong tea latte? Made with oolong tea, honey, topped with a cloud of steamed milk, and garnished with a sprinkle of cinnamon, this oolong tea latte recipe is full of complex flavor, while still super easy to make!

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I love a cozy latte. It’s easy for me to get into a rut and use the same type of tea over and over again. English Breakfast or Earl Grey tea are usually my go-to, but one that never fails with delicious flavor is Oolong Tea!

What is an Oolong Latte?

An Oolong Latte is a tea latte made with oolong tea. Oolong tea has a robust flavor and is a cozy drink when served hot, but it can also be poured over ice for a refreshing afternoon pick-me-up!

What is Oolong?

Oolong tea is celebrated for its diverse range of flavors, which can vary from sweet and floral to dark and bold depending on how long it is allowed to oxidize. Oolong is a true tea from the plant Camellia sinensis along with all true teas such as green tea and black tea. But Oolong possesses a unique complexity that distinguishes it from both black and green teas. Its crafting involves the delicate process of withering the leaves before a careful sequence of curling and twisting gives them their distinct shape. The oxidative process ranges from 10% to 80%, making every variety of Oolong a unique experience. It is also renowned for its rich array of health benefits. It is a testament to the beauty of tradition and the art of tea-making. (source)

What Does Oolong Tea Taste Like? 

As a semi-fermented tea, Oolong offers a unique blend of flavors. Its taste can range from light and floral to dark and full-bodied, depending on the type of Oolong used. However, it generally has a smooth, slightly sweet taste with hints of earthy and floral notes.

Why You Will Love This Oolong Tea Latte

• Quick and Easy to Make
• Only 4 Main Ingredients
• Oolong tea has a complex delicious flavor
• Perfectly sweetened with Honey
• Customizable

Ingredients

• Oolong Tea – I used a loose-leaf tea to make this latte. I love how it looks when it is steeping and I think the flavor is better as well. However, you can use any type of oolong that is your favorite!
• Honey – Honey is the perfect sweetener for this recipe. It compliments the tea and adds its own flavor as well.
• Milk – Choose any type of milk you like best. My favorite is full-fat oat milk, but dairy milk as well as any plant-based milk should work well. 
• Water – Not to be overlooked, water plays a part in tea making both in taste and aromatics. I like to use fresh filtered water when making tea.
• Ground Cinnamon – (optional) Garnish your latte with a dash of cinnamon. Not only does it add a bit of interest but flavor as well!

How to Make an Oolong Tea Latte

Helpful Kitchen Supplies

• A Teapot or Infuser: For steeping the tea leaves. 
• A Milk Frother: To achieve that creamy, frothy top layer in your latte.
• A Saucepan: For heating the milk.
• A Teaspoon: To measure out the perfect amount of Oolong tea.
• A Cup or Glass: To serve your delightful Oolong Tea Latte.
• A Thermometer (optional): To ensure the milk is heated to the right temperature.
• A Timer: To ensure the tea is brewed for the optimal amount of time.

Oolong Latte recipe

Prepare the Oolong Tea: Add loose tea to an infuser and place into a heat-safe container. Pour over boiling water and steep for 5 minutes.

Heat the Milk: Next, heat up your milk to about 150°F.

Froth the Milk: If you have a milk frother, use it to create a soft, creamy froth. If you don’t have a frother, a simple hack is to pour your hot milk into a jar with a lid, making sure it’s not more than halfway full. Secure the lid tightly and shake the jar vigorously for a few seconds until the milk is frothy.

Combine and Serve: Strain out tea leaves and pour Oolong tea into a serving cup. Stir in honey and top with milk. Add a dash of cinnamon at the end. The Oolong Tea Latte is best enjoyed while hot.

Enjoy: Savor the creamy, robust flavors of your homemade Oolong Tea Latte. Whether you’re enjoying it as part of your morning routine or a relaxing nightly ritual, this beverage is sure to provide comfort and tranquility.

Recipe Tips

• Choosing Your Oolong: There are numerous varieties of Oolong tea, each with its own unique flavor profile. Experiment with different types to find your perfect match. Generally, loose-leaf tea will have more flavor than tea bags.
• Brewing Time: Oolong tea needs time to unlock its full flavor potential. Ensure you brew it for the recommended 3-5 minutes.
• Milk Choices: While whole milk gives a rich and creamy texture, using dairy alternatives like almond, soy, or oat milk can offer a different taste experience.
• Sweetness Level: Adjust the sweetness to your liking. While honey is a classic choice, you can experiment with other sweeteners like agave nectar or stevia.

Why Oolong Tea Latte?

An Oolong Tea Latte is more than just a beverage. It’s a comforting ritual, a moment of mindfulness, and a celebration of the delicate art of tea-making. It also harnesses the numerous health benefits of Oolong tea. Moreover, the versatility of Oolong allows for a wide spectrum of flavor profiles, from light and floral to dark and full-bodied.

Your homemade Oolong Tea Latte isn’t just a drink; it’s a journey of flavor that starts from the leaf and ends in your cup. It’s about embracing a tradition that spans continents and centuries, all within the cozy comfort of your home. So, brew a cup today, and savor the moment as the warmth fills you, the flavors entice you, and the aroma transports you to the tranquil tea gardens of East Asia.

FAQs

What Does Oolong Milk Taste Like? 

Oolong Milk Tea, also known as Bubble Tea or Boba Tea, is a popular variation of Oolong tea that originated in Taiwan. It is made using brewed Oolong tea mixed with milk and sweetened with honey or sugar. The milk adds a creamy element to the robust flavors of Oolong, creating a smooth and indulgent beverage. Find the recipe here.

How to Make an Iced Oolong Tea Latte? 

To make an iced Oolong Tea Latte, follow the above recipe but let the tea and milk cool before combining. Pour the frothy milk over ice in a glass, then add the cooled tea and stir gently. You can also add some honey syrup or flavored syrups for extra sweetness and flavor.

Is Oolong High in Caffeine? 

As Oolong tea is partially oxidized, it contains less caffeine than black tea but more than green tea. On average, a cup of Oolong tea contains about 35 mg of caffeine. (source)

How Long Does Oolong Tea Last? 

Properly stored loose-leaf Oolong can last up to 2 years, while Oolong tea bags can last up to a year. After that, the tea may start to lose its flavor and aroma. It’s best to consume Oolong within this time frame for optimal taste.

Where Can I Buy Oolong Tea? 

You can purchase high-quality loose-leaf Oolong tea from specialty tea shops, and online retailers. It’s also available in some grocery stores and convenience stores. Just make sure to check the expiration date before purchasing.

More Tea Latte Recipes

• Taro Latte Recipe
• Blue Matcha Latte
• Dirty Chai Latte
• Chamomile Tea Latte
• Iced Dirty Matcha Latte
• Thai Tea Latte

I hope you enjoy this tea recipe. Leave a comment below with your favorite tea latte!