Smoky, creamy, and totally different—in the best way.
Hey, you’ve gotta try this.
Charcoal Milk Tea is the drink for you if you like milk tea but want something a little bolder.
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.
When you pour that sweet cream on top, it becomes this beautiful layered dessert that tastes as good as it looks.
It feels fancy and cool, but it’s actually easy to make. Let’s do it!
How Many Servings & Time
Makes 1 serving
Total Time: Ten minutes
Things You’ll Need
- Small saucepan
- Strainer with fine mesh
- Long glass
- Spoon
- Measuring spoons and cup
- A little bowl for mixing cream
- Glass pitcher (optional, for serving)
What You’ll Need
- ◯ 2 tsp roasted oolong tea leaves (or 2 tea bags)
- ◯ 1 cup water
- ◯ 1/4 teaspoon of 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
How to Make Tea with Charcoal
Step 1: Make 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 together.
In a small bowl, mix 3 tbsp sweetened condensed milk with 1/4 cup whole milk until smooth.
Step 4: Put the drink together
Add 1/2 cup ice to a tall glass. Add the tea made with charcoal. Slowly pour in the sweet cream.
Mistakes That Happen Often
- 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.
- Putting in cream too quickly. Pour slowly to get those pretty swirls.
Substitutions & Variations
- No oolong? Use strong black tea or genmaicha.
- Vegan version? Use coconut condensed milk and oat milk.
- Less sweet? Use just milk and a drizzle of honey instead of condensed milk.
- Do you want the hot version? Skip the ice and serve warm with frothed milk.
How to Prepare Ahead of Time
- Brew the oolong ahead and keep in the fridge (up to 2 days).
- Mix the sweet cream ahead and store it covered.
Storing and using leftovers
- 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.
What to Serve With It
- Butter mochi
- Egg salad sandwich
- Cheesecake from Japan
- Tempura that is crispy
- Cookies with black sesame
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.
Quick Science: Why This Recipe Works
Partially oxidized, roasted oolong has a rich, toasted flavor that isn’t bitter. It’s great with creamy foods.
Activated charcoal doesn’t change the taste much, but it does change the color and add a little bit of an earthy flavor. It has holes in it that let the oolong and cream shine through in a special way.
Sweetened condensed milk mixes better than sugar and delivers the same rich, creamy feeling without any extra work.
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 gives it an earthy look and makes it look great.
- Sweet cream ties everything together, making it bold but very smooth.
- It’s refreshing iced, but honestly, it’s great warm too.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is it safe to drink activated charcoal?
Yes, but only in small amounts and if it’s safe to eat. Don’t drink it every day or too much, though.
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?
Sure! Just skip the ice and warm the milk up a little bit before you pour it in.
Now You Give It a Shot
I really hope you try this Charcoal Milk Tea. It’s different, but in a good way. Cozy, bold, and just straight-up cool. Let me know how it turned out if you make it. Leave a comment below and tell me what you did differently.
