You’re not the only one who has ever slurped the milk at the bottom of their cereal bowl and thought, “This could be a whole drink.”

That’s exactly what this recipe is: cereal milk turned into a fun iced milk tea. It tastes sweet and creamy, with just the right amount of black tea.

Making it is a breeze, and you can change it up depending on what kind of cereal you want.

You can make the best iced tea ever with Frosted Flakes, Froot Loops, or Cinnamon Toast Crunch.

This is one of those feel-good drinks that’s fun to make and feels fancy without trying too hard. I initially prepared it on a lazy Saturday, and now it’s my favorite thing to drink while I watch TV or go through my phone.

Why you’ll love it:

• Brings back cozy cereal memories
• You get to choose your favorite cereal (hello, Cinnamon Toast Crunch!)
• It’s cheaper (and better) than bubble tea shops
• Simple to prepare with things you already have
• Looks super cute served over ice

Ingredients & Tools

Makes: 1 large serving

Prep time: 5 minutes
Steep time: 15 minutes total (10 for cereal milk, 5 for tea)

• 1 cup of Frosted Flakes (or any other cereal you like)
• 1 ¼ cups whole milk
• 1 black tea bag (or 1 tsp loose leaf black tea)
• 1–2 tsp honey or maple syrup (optional)
• ½ cup of hot water
• Ice for serving

Tools you’ll need:

• Small saucepan
• Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth
• Mug or bowl
• Spoon
• Glass or mason jar
• Measuring cups

Flavor Notes

• Cereal + milk = flavor magic: Soaking cereal in milk lets it absorb all the toasty, sugary flavors.
• Black tea gives it more flavor: The tannins in tea balance out the sweetness of the milk and cereal.
• Ice chills & blends: Pouring over ice makes it crisp and refreshing, perfect for sipping.

Instructions

1. Put one cup of Frosted Flakes in a bowl. Add 1 ¼ cups whole milk. Let it sit for 10 minutes so the milk gets the flavor.
   
2. Strain the mixture using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a clean bowl or measuring cup. To get all the milk out of the cereal, gently press it.
3. In a mug or small bowl, steep 1 black tea bag in ½ cup hot water for 5 minutes. Take the bag out and let it cool down a bit.
4. If you like it sweeter, add 1–2 teaspoons of honey or maple syrup to the tea while it is still warm.
5. In a tall glass, add ice. Pour in the cooled black tea, then the cereal milk. Gently stir.

Tips & Variations

• Use a cereal that’s naturally sweet – less need for added sugar.
• If you don’t want the ice to melt too quickly, chill the tea first.
• Press down on the cereal when straining to get all that flavor out.
• If you like strong tea flavor, use 2 tea bags.
• Add whipped cream or a few pieces of cereal on top for an extra treat.

Substitutions:

• Milk: Use oat, almond, or soy milk if dairy-free.
• Cereal: Any cereal works—try Fruity Pebbles, Cap’n Crunch, or Cocoa Puffs.
• Tea: Try Earl Grey or green tea for a twist.
• Sweetener: Agave, maple syrup, or simple syrup.

Make Ahead & Storage

• You can make the cereal milk the night before and keep it in the fridge (just shake it before using).
• Make the tea ahead of time and put it in the fridge. This will keep your drink cold without watering it down.
• You can keep any extra cereal milk or tea in the fridge for up to two days.
• Don’t store it mixed with ice—it’ll get watery.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• If you leave cereal out for too long, it will grow mushy and taste stale.
• Using too much sweetener: The cereal already has sugar.
• Mixing tea and milk while tea is hot: Can curdle the milk—let it cool first.

Serving Suggestions

• A warm cinnamon roll
• Toast with peanut butter and banana
• A bowl of fresh berries
• A side of cookies if you want to treat yourself

Meal Pairings:

• Breakfast Treat: With a granola bar or yogurt
• Afternoon Pick-Me-Up: Eat with a muffin or sandwich
• Dessert Drink: Instead of coffee, serve this after dinner.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use decaf tea?

Yes! Use decaf black tea for the same flavor without caffeine.

Does this go well with cereal that isn’t sweet?

It’s better with sweet cereal, but you can add sweetener to balance it out.

Can I mix it into a smoothie?

Sure! Just skip the ice and blend everything with a frozen banana.

Final Thoughts

Cereal milk tea is comfort in a cup with a fun little twist. It’s one of those drinks you make once and then start craving all the time. Try it with your favorite cereal, mix things up, and make it your own. If you give it a try, let me know how it turned out in the comments or ask me anything!

Want me to turn this into a bubble tea version next?