Wintermelon Black Milk Tea is a refreshing and unique beverage that combines the sweet, caramel-like flavor of wintermelon with the robust taste of black tea and the creamy texture of milk. Follow this step-by-step guide to make this delightful drink at home.
Ingredients:
- 1 wintermelon (about 1-2 lbs)
- 4 cups of water
- 1 cup of sugar (adjust to taste)
- 2 black tea bags or 2 tablespoons of loose black tea
- 1 cup of milk (whole milk, almond milk, or any milk of your choice)
- Ice cubes
- Optional: Tapioca pearls (boba)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Wintermelon Syrup
- Peel and Chop the Wintermelon: Peel the wintermelon and remove the seeds. Cut the flesh into small cubes.
- Cook the Wintermelon: In a large pot, combine the wintermelon cubes with 4 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 30-40 minutes, or until the wintermelon becomes translucent and soft.
- Blend the Wintermelon: Use a blender or an immersion blender to puree the cooked wintermelon until smooth. If you prefer a smoother syrup, you can strain the mixture through a fine sieve.
- Sweeten the Syrup: Return the wintermelon puree to the pot. Add 1 cup of sugar (or to taste) and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture thickens slightly. This should take about 10-15 minutes. Let the syrup cool to room temperature.
Step 2: Brew the Black Tea
- Boil Water: Bring 2 cups of water to a boil.
- Steep the Tea: Pour the boiling water over the black tea bags or loose tea in a teapot or heatproof pitcher. Let the tea steep for 5-7 minutes for a strong brew. Remove the tea bags or strain the loose tea leaves.
Step 3: Assemble the Drink
- Mix the Tea and Syrup: In a large pitcher, combine the brewed black tea with the wintermelon syrup. Adjust the sweetness by adding more syrup or sugar if needed.
- Add Milk: Pour in 1 cup of milk and stir well to combine. For a creamier texture, you can use more milk or even half-and-half.
- Serve: Fill a glass with ice cubes. Pour the Wintermelon Black Milk Tea over the ice. If you like, add cooked tapioca pearls (boba) to the glass before adding the tea.
Step 4: Enjoy!
Stir the drink well and enjoy your homemade Wintermelon Black Milk Tea!
Tips:
- Adjust Sweetness: Taste the wintermelon syrup and adjust the amount of sugar to your preference.
- Tea Strength: Adjust the steeping time of the black tea to control the strength of the tea flavor.
- Storage: Store any leftover wintermelon syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Enjoy making and sipping on your homemade Wintermelon Black Milk Tea! It’s a perfect blend of flavors for a refreshing treat.