(Makes 2 servings | Ready in 15 minutes)
Let’s Make Something Delicious
This Cheese Foam Grape Milk Tea is a little fancy, a little fun, and a whole lot of yum. You’ve got this sweet, juicy grape tea as the base, creamy milk swirling in, and then that rich, whipped cheese foam on top? Game-changer. I first had something like this at a bubble tea shop and couldn’t stop thinking about it—so I had to make it at home. And let me tell you, it’s surprisingly easy.
It’s refreshing, creamy, and a little tangy all at once. Let’s get into it!
🍇 Why I Love This Recipe
This one’s a treat I love sharing with friends when I want something special but not complicated. Here’s why it’s on repeat in my kitchen:
- It tastes just like bubble tea shop drinks—without the price.
- You can customize the sweetness and flavor.
- That cheese foam? It’s creamy, salty, sweet magic.
- Grapes + tea is a combo more people need to try.
🧪 Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
- Grape juice + black tea makes a fruity, tannin-balanced tea base.
- Whipping cream cheese with cream and sugar creates a stable, fluffy foam that floats on top.
- The cold milk swirls in beautifully, mellowing the sharp grape flavors and tying it all together.
🍽 Meal Plan Ideas
- Make this as a midday pick-me-up instead of coffee.
- Serve it as a fun drink for brunch with friends.
- Pair it with a light salad or sandwich for a quick cafe-style lunch at home.
❗ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don’t over-whip the cheese foam. It should be soft and creamy, not stiff.
- Make sure your grape tea is cold before adding milk or ice, or it’ll separate.
- Use seedless grapes or strained juice to avoid pulp.
🍇 What You’ll Need
For the Grape Tea Base:
- 1 cup red seedless grapes, halved
- 1 black tea bag
- 1 cup hot water
- 2 tsp honey (adjust to taste)
- Ice cubes
For the Cheese Foam:
- 2 tbsp cream cheese, softened
- 3 tbsp heavy cream
- 1 tbsp milk
- 1 tbsp powdered sugar
- Pinch of salt
To Serve:
- ½ cup milk (whole or oat milk works great)
- Extra ice
🧠 Tools You’ll Need
- Small saucepan
- Fine mesh strainer
- Mixing bowl
- Hand mixer or whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Tall glasses
🔄 Substitutions & Variations
- Swap black tea with green or oolong for a different flavor.
- Use Concord grape juice if you don’t have fresh grapes.
- Add tapioca pearls or aloe cubes for bubble tea vibes.
- Lactose-free milk or coconut cream can replace dairy if needed.
⏱ Make-Ahead Tips
- Make the grape tea base ahead and store in the fridge up to 3 days.
- Cheese foam stays good in the fridge for 1 day—just re-whisk before using.
👩🍳 Let’s Make It!
1. Steep the tea
Steep the black tea bag in 1 cup of hot water for 3–5 minutes. Remove the tea bag and let it cool.
2. Make the grape juice
In a small saucepan, heat the halved grapes over medium heat, mashing with a spoon until juicy (about 5 minutes). Strain through a fine mesh sieve to remove skins. Let cool, then stir in honey.
3. Make the cheese foam
In a bowl, beat softened cream cheese, heavy cream, milk, powdered sugar, and a pinch of salt until light and fluffy (like soft whipped cream).
4. Mix the tea base
In a glass, add ice. Pour in equal parts cooled grape juice and black tea. Stir gently.
5. Add milk
Pour in about ¼ cup of cold milk per glass. Watch the dreamy swirls.
6. Top with cheese foam
Spoon a thick layer of cheese foam on top of the milk tea. Optional: dust with a pinch of grape powder or sugar on top.
🧊 Leftovers & Storage Tips
- Store any extra cheese foam in the fridge, covered, and re-whip if needed.
- Grape tea base can be kept in the fridge for 2–3 days.
- Don’t store fully made drinks—the foam sinks and the ice melts.
🤔 FAQ
Can I use bottled grape juice?
Yes, just make sure it’s 100% juice with no added sugar or flavorings.
Can I make this without tea?
Totally. Just skip the tea and use more grape juice for a sweet mocktail.
Is the cheese foam salty?
It’s lightly salty, sweet, and creamy—it balances out the sweet tea beautifully.
🍽 What to Serve With It
- Fruit tarts or mini cheesecakes
- Light sandwiches like cucumber or chicken salad
- Buttery croissants or scones
💬 Wrap-Up
There’s something really satisfying about making a fancy drink like this at home. Once you get the hang of the cheese foam (so easy!), you’ll want to put it on everything. I hope you love this as much as I do—if you try it, leave a comment and let me know how it turned out or if you have any questions!
Want another fun drink idea next?