Smoky, creamy, and totally different—in the best way.
Hey, you’ve gotta try this.
If you love milk tea but want something a little bold, this Charcoal Milk Tea is it.
The roasted oolong gives it this deep, toasty flavor, and the activated charcoal adds a cool twist—kind of smoky, a little earthy, and super smooth.
Pour that sweet cream over the top, and it turns into this layered beauty that tastes just as amazing as it looks.
It’s chill, fancy-feeling, but secretly easy to make. Let’s do it!
What You’ll Need
- 2 tsp roasted oolong tea leaves (or 2 tea bags)
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 tsp activated charcoal powder (food-grade)
- 3 tbsp sweetened condensed milk
- 1/4 cup whole milk (or oat milk for dairy-free)
- 1/2 cup ice
Why I Love This Recipe
This is one of those drinks that feels like a treat. The first time I had a charcoal milk tea was at a tiny tea shop in L.A., and I was blown away. The look is so dramatic, but the flavor? Even better. It’s now my go-to when I want something cozy and cool.
What I love about it:
- That roasted oolong gives you deep, toasty flavor—like a campfire in a cup.
- The activated charcoal makes it look amazing and gives it that earthy vibe.
- Sweet cream pulls it all together so it’s bold but super smooth.
- It’s refreshing iced, but honestly, it’s great warm too.
How Many Servings:
Makes 1 serving
Total Time:
10 minutes
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
- Roasted oolong is partially oxidized, which gives it a rich, toasty profile without bitterness—perfect with creamy ingredients.
- Activated charcoal doesn’t add much flavor but changes the color and adds subtle earthy notes. It’s porous and absorbs flavor in a unique way, letting the oolong and cream shine through.
- Sweetened condensed milk blends better than sugar and gives that thick, creamy mouthfeel without needing extra steps.
Meal Plan Ideas
- Pair it with a bento-style lunch for something savory + sweet.
- Sip alongside an afternoon snack like mochi or a cookie.
- Serve as a fancy drink at your next brunch—super Instagrammable.
Common Mistakes
- Using too much charcoal. A little goes a long way—more than 1/4 tsp and it gets chalky.
- Skipping the straining step. You don’t want leaves or powder bits floating around.
- Not using roasted oolong. Regular oolong works, but it won’t have that deep, smoky taste.
- Adding cream too fast. Pour slowly to get those pretty swirls.
What to Serve With It
- Butter mochi
- Egg salad sandwich
- Japanese cheesecake
- Crispy tempura
- Black sesame cookies
Tools You’ll Need
- Small saucepan
- Fine mesh strainer
- Tall glass
- Spoon
- Measuring spoons and cup
- Small bowl for mixing cream
- Glass pitcher (optional, for serving)
Substitutions & Variations
- No oolong? Use strong black tea or genmaicha.
- Vegan version? Use oat milk and coconut condensed milk.
- Less sweet? Use just milk and a drizzle of honey instead of condensed milk.
- Hot version? Skip the ice and serve warm with frothed milk.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Brew the oolong ahead and keep in the fridge (up to 2 days).
- Mix the sweet cream ahead and store it covered.
How to Make Charcoal Milk Tea
Step 1: Brew the Tea
Boil 1 cup water. Add 2 tsp roasted oolong tea leaves (or 2 tea bags). Let steep 5 minutes.
Step 2: Strain and Add Charcoal
Strain tea into a glass. Stir in 1/4 tsp activated charcoal powder until fully dissolved.
Step 3: Mix the Cream
In a small bowl, mix 3 tbsp sweetened condensed milk with 1/4 cup whole milk until smooth.
Step 4: Assemble the Drink
Add 1/2 cup ice to a tall glass. Pour in the charcoal tea. Slowly pour in the sweet cream.
Leftovers & Storage
- Best served fresh, but you can refrigerate leftover tea for up to 2 days.
- Keep sweet cream in a sealed jar in the fridge for 3 days.
FAQ
Q: Is activated charcoal safe to drink?
Yes, in small amounts and if it’s food-grade. Just don’t overdo it or drink it every day.
Q: Can I make this without sweetened condensed milk?
Totally. Try honey + milk, or even just oat milk for a lighter option.
Q: Can I drink it hot?
Yes! Just skip the ice and warm the milk a bit before pouring it in.
Now You Try It
I really hope you give this Charcoal Milk Tea a shot. It’s something different, but in the best way. Cozy, bold, and just straight-up cool. If you make it, let me know how it turned out—drop a comment below and share your twist!