How to Make Hibiscus Milk Tea (Step-by-Step)
Hibiscus milk tea wasn’t something I set out to make; it began one afternoon when I caught myself staring at a cup of hibiscus tea and wondering, “Can you add milk to hibiscus tea?” I wasn’t sure because hibiscus tea is known for its acidity and may curdle easily.
Curiosity won. I warmed a little milk, poured it gently into the ruby-red brew, and watched the sharp tang mellow into something smoother. To my surprise, it worked, and I had created a homemade hibiscus tea latte, a kind of hibiscus latte that felt delicate, creamy, and just experimental enough to be exciting.
I spent the following weeks tinkering, adjusting steeping times, trying different milks, and balancing sweetness until I found what really worked. Along the way, I discovered exactly how to make hibiscus tea with milk without curdling, how to adapt it for iced versions, and how to bring out that perfect floral-cream harmony. Plus, I know exactly which spices work well when making hibiscus tea with milk.
So, pop the kettle on and let’s get started on making this hibiscus tea with milk recipe, two ways, hot or iced.
If you are a lover of making tea with milk, then read this ultimate guide next 👉 milk tea
The Unique Taste of Hibiscus Milk Tea and Spiced Variations
Hibiscus tea is more than just a vibrant red drink, it’s a delicious, refreshing beverage with a unique flavour and aroma. Known for its tangy, slightly sour taste with fruity notes, hibiscus offers the perfect balance between sweet and tart. When you transform it into a hibiscus milk tea or a creamy hibiscus tea latte, the bold flavours mellow into something smooth and comforting. Many tea lovers ask, “Can you add milk to hibiscus tea?” The answer is yes, absolutely you can! with the right method, you can enjoy the floral tang of hibiscus alongside the creaminess of dairy or plant-based milk.
Adding spices, including ginger and cinnamon, creates an even more complex profile. A cup of hibiscus tea with ginger and cinnamon combines bright, fruity tang with a warming kick. Ginger brings gentle heat, while cinnamon adds a cozy, aromatic depth, making this variation a perfect choice for a chilly day. You may prefer it as a hot hibiscus latte, a chilled hibiscus iced milk tea, or simply spiced hibiscus without milk, the result is always invigorating and soothing, a tea you can enjoy morning, afternoon, or evening.
👉 If you’re looking for inspiration, try these other hibiscus recipes:
Iced hibiscus tea: made with rum and aromatic spices for a bold, cooling drink.
Pimm’s and hibiscus cocktail: a refreshing mix with Pimm’s, fresh berries, and mint.
Hot and fresh hibiscus flower tea: steeped with lemon and ginger for a bright, warming cup.
Can You Add Milk to Hibiscus Tea?
Yes! You can enjoy hibiscus tea with milk, and the result is often called a hibiscus milk tea or hibiscus tea latte. The creamy texture of milk softens the naturally tangy, slightly sour notes of hibiscus, creating a smooth and velvety drink that feels both refreshing and indulgent. Think of it as a floral twist on a latte, a hibiscus latte with a vibrant red hue.
When paired with spices like ginger and cinnamon, the flavour profile becomes even more complex. The ginger adds a gentle kick, while cinnamon brings a cozy warmth, making hibiscus milk tea perfect for chilly mornings or relaxing afternoons. Whether you enjoy it hot or iced, hibiscus tea with milk is a unique and healthy alternative to traditional caffeinated drinks, offering antioxidants and a bold flavour in every sip.
👉 Read this next: Is it ok to add milk to green tea?
My Tips for Making Hibiscus Milk Tea
🌺 Tea colour: The natural colour of hibiscus is a deep ruby red with purple undertones. It only turns a bright pink when something acidic, such as lemon juice, is added. Because acidity can cause the milk to curdle, I wouldn’t recommend lemon juice when making hibiscus tea with milk. If you’d like a vibrant pink option without the added milk, try making my hibiscus tea recipe with honey, ginger, and lemon.
🌺 Milk: The beauty of hibiscus milk tea is its versatility. You can use traditional dairy milk for a classic creamy taste, or opt for non-dairy alternatives such as oat, almond or soya. Each one offers a slightly different flavour and texture in your hibiscus latte. Are you curious about plant-based options? Read more: the best non-dairy milk for tea.
🌺 Spices: Hibiscus works wonderfully with warming spices. A little ginger adds a gentle kick, while cinnamon provides a cosy depth. These extras can transform a simple cup into a fragrant hibiscus tea latte, but do leave them out if you’d prefer the pure floral tang.
🌺 Sweetener: As hibiscus is naturally tart, a sweetener helps to balance it. I like to use honey, especially wildflower honey, which brings a delicate floral note that complements hibiscus beautifully. Of course, sugar, agave or your preferred sweetener will work just as well.
🌺 Make it iced: Fancy an iced hibiscus latte? There are two easy ways to do it. Either brew your hibiscus, chill it in the fridge, and then top up with cold milk, or make a stronger infusion and pour it directly over ice before adding milk. Both methods create a refreshing twist on classic hibiscus milk tea.
🌺 Simple syrup: If you’re making an iced version, I recommend sweetening with simple syrup, or adding honey/agave while the tea is still hot. This ensures the sweetener dissolves properly and avoids any grainy texture in your chilled drink.
🌺 Toppings: For a little indulgence, top your hibiscus tea latte with whipped cream. If you’re dairy-free, coconut whipped cream makes a wonderful alternative and pairs perfectly with the floral sharpness of hibiscus.
How to Avoid Curdling When Adding Milk to Hibiscus Tea
One of the most common questions people ask me is: “Can you add milk to hibiscus tea?” The answer is yes! But you will need to take a few simple steps to stop the milk from curdling. Because hibiscus is naturally acidic, it needs a little extra care when combining it with dairy or plant-based milk. Here’s how to make hibiscus tea with milk without it curdling:
🌺 Warm the milk first: Gently heat your milk (dairy or non-dairy) before adding it to the tea. Warm milk blends more smoothly and is less likely to separate.
🌺 Add gradually: Instead of pouring all the milk in at once, slowly drizzle it into your hibiscus tea while stirring. This gradual mixing helps balance the acidity.
🌺 Avoid lemon or acidic add-ins: Ingredients such as lemon juice will make the tea brighter in colour but will also increase acidity, causing curdling. Skip the lemon when making hibiscus milk tea.
🌺 Brew strong but not overpowering: Steep your hibiscus petals well, but avoid making the tea overly concentrated. A balanced brew is easier to pair with milk.
🌺 Experiment with non-dairy options: Oat milk, almond milk, and coconut milk can sometimes hold up better than dairy, especially in iced versions.
Flavour Variations for Hibiscus Milk Tea
One of the best things about hibiscus milk tea is how easily it can be customised. Experiment with these add-ins to create your own signature hibiscus latte. Whether floral, sweet, or spicy, each variation adds a new dimension to this vibrant drink:
🌺 Hibiscus Rose Milk Tea: Add a few drops of rose water or rose syrup to your brewed hibiscus for a fragrant, floral infusion. The delicate rose pairs perfectly with the tangy hibiscus and creamy milk.
🌺 Hibiscus Vanilla Latte: Stir in a splash of vanilla extract or a drizzle of vanilla syrup before adding your milk. The vanilla smooths out the tartness, turning your tea into a warming hibiscus vanilla latte.
🌺 Spiced Hibiscus Milk Tea: For cosy evenings, try adding cardamom, nutmeg, or allspice (apple pie spice works great too). These warming spices turn your cup into a comforting spiced hibiscus milk tea with layers of flavour.
🌺 Matcha Whipped Cream Topping: For a fun twist, top your latte with whipped cream mixed or dusted with matcha powder. The green tea flavour adds earthy notes that contrast wonderfully with hibiscus’ fruity tang. Try a spiced and iced version topped with my pumpkin cream cold foam!
How to Make Hibiscus Tea with Milk (Hibiscus Milk Tea Recipe)
If you’ve ever wondered how to make hibiscus tea with milk, this simple step-by-step recipe shows you how to turn tart hibiscus petals into a creamy, comforting hibiscus milk tea. Whether you call it a hibiscus latte or a floral twist on a classic milk tea, this recipe is easy, delicious, and can be enjoyed hot or iced.
Ingredients (Serves 2)
4 fresh hibiscus flowers (or 2 teaspoons dried hibiscus petals)
1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
1-inch piece fresh ginger
1 cinnamon stick
2–4 teaspoons sweetener (honey, agave, or maple syrup)
Whipped cream (optional)
Ground cinnamon for dusting (optional)
Method
Prepare the hibiscus petals: Remove the leaves, stems, and pollen. Wash the petals well to get rid of pollen and any stray bugs.
Brew the hibiscus tea: Add 1 cup (8 fl oz) of freshly boiled water to a teapot, French press, or heat-safe jug. Add the hibiscus petals, ginger, and cinnamon, then cover with a lid or plate to lock in the flavours and natural oils. Steep for 10-15 minutes. If you are using dried herb, you can reduce the steeping time to 5-10 minutes, depending on your taste preference.
Strain and sweeten: Strain the tea into two mugs. Stir in your sweetener of choice while the tea is still hot so it dissolves fully.
Froth the milk: Heat your milk on the hob or in the microwave. For a latte-style finish, use a handheld frother, milk steamer, or shake it vigorously in a sealed jar until frothy.
Assemble your hibiscus latte: Slowly, top up each mug of hibiscus tea with the warm milk. Add whipped cream and a dusting of cinnamon for an indulgent hibiscus tea latte.
How to Make Hibiscus Tea with Milk (Iced Hibiscus Latte Recipe)
On warm days, nothing beats a refreshing iced hibiscus milk tea. This cold version of the classic hibiscus latte keeps the vibrant floral flavour of hibiscus while adding the creamy smoothness of milk. It’s quick to make, naturally caffeine-free, and looks stunning served over ice.
Ingredients (Serves 2)
4 fresh hibiscus flowers (or 2 teaspoons dried hibiscus petals)
1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
1-inch piece of fresh ginger (optional, for a spiced version)
1 cinnamon stick (optional)
2–4 teaspoons simple syrup (or dissolve honey/agave while hot)
Ice cubes
Cold foam/whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon (optional topping)
Method
Brew a concentrated hibiscus tea: Add the hibiscus petals, ginger, and cinnamon (if using) to a teapot or heat-safe jug. Pour over 1 cup (8 fl oz) of freshly boiled water, cover, and steep for 10-15 minutes. If using dried hibiscus flowers, infuse for 5-10 minutes. Strain the liquid and allow it to cool slightly.
Sweeten the tea: Stir in simple syrup, honey, or agave while the tea is still warm so the sweetener dissolves completely.
Chill or quick-cool:
Option A: Place the tea in the fridge until cold.
Option B (if short on time): Brew a stronger concentrate using less water, then pour it directly over a tall glass of ice.Add the milk: Fill two glasses with ice and pour in the cooled hibiscus tea. Top up with cold milk of your choice, pouring slowly for a pretty layered effect.
Garnish and serve: Finish with whipped cream and a dusting of cinnamon for an indulgent hibiscus iced latte. Stir before drinking and enjoy!
Hibiscus Milk Tea Recipe (Hot & Iced Latte)
Ingredients (Serves 2)
- 4 fresh hibiscus flowers (or 2 tsp dried petals)
- 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger (optional)
- 1 cinnamon stick (optional)
- 2–4 tsp sweetener (honey, agave, maple syrup, or simple syrup)
- Ice cubes (for iced version)
- Whipped cream / cold foam and cinnamon dust (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Brew hibiscus tea: Add hibiscus petals, ginger, and cinnamon to a teapot or jug. Pour over 1 cup (8 fl oz) boiling water. Cover and steep 10–15 mins (5–10 mins if using dried petals). Strain.
- Sweeten: Stir in sweetener while the tea is still warm so it dissolves fully.
- For Hot Hibiscus Latte: Heat and froth the milk, then top up the tea with warm milk. Garnish with whipped cream and cinnamon if desired.
- For Iced Hibiscus Latte: Cool the tea (or pour a stronger brew over ice). Fill glasses with ice, add hibiscus tea, then top with cold milk. Garnish with whipped cream or cold foam and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Find the full recipe here: Hibiscus Milk Tea Recipe
FAQs About Hibiscus Milk Tea
1. Can you add milk to hibiscus tea without it curdling?
Yes! To stop curdling, warm your milk first and add it slowly to the hibiscus tea. Avoid lemon or other acidic add-ins, as they increase the chance of separation.
2. What does hibiscus milk tea taste like?
Hibiscus milk tea has a tangy, fruity flavour balanced by the smooth creaminess of milk. The result is a drink that’s both refreshing and comforting, similar to a floral latte.
3. Does hibiscus milk tea contain caffeine?
No, hibiscus is naturally caffeine-free, making hibiscus tea with milk a great alternative to coffee or black tea lattes that can be enjoyed anytime.
4. Can I make iced hibiscus milk tea?
Absolutely! Brew a stronger hibiscus concentrate, let it cool, and pour it over ice before topping with cold milk. This is often called an iced hibiscus latte.
5. Which milk works best for hibiscus tea?
Dairy milk, oat milk, almond milk, and coconut milk all work well. Oat milk gives a creamy texture, while coconut milk adds a tropical note to hibiscus milk tea.
6. Is hibiscus milk tea healthy?
Yes! Hibiscus is rich in antioxidants and vitamin C. Combined with milk or non-dairy alternatives, it can be both nutritious and delicious. (Always check with your doctor if you have health concerns.)
7. Can I sweeten hibiscus tea with milk?
Yes! Honey, agave, or simple syrup are popular choices. Sweeten the hibiscus while it’s still warm so your sweetener dissolves properly.
8. How do you make a hibiscus tea latte at home?
Steep hibiscus petals in hot water with spices, sweeten to taste, and then top with frothed milk for a creamy hibiscus tea latte.
9. Can I use fresh hibiscus flowers for milk tea?
Yes! Simply remove the stems, leaves, and pollen, then wash the petals before brewing. Dried hibiscus petals also work beautifully.
10. What are the best flavour variations for hibiscus milk tea?
Try adding rose water for hibiscus rose milk tea, vanilla extract for a hibiscus vanilla latte, or warming spices like cardamom and nutmeg for a spiced hibiscus milk tea.
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It is important to note that any health advice provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet, exercise routine, or overall health. The information provided is not a substitute for professional medical advice.