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A collection of hand-drawn bubble tea illustrations featuring various flavors, toppings, and cup designs, showcasing colorful and creative boba tea varieties.

Oolong Milk Tea Taste: 5 Best Homemade Oolong Milk Tea

Written by: Camille Liu

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Time to read 8 min

Introduction

If you’re a tea lover, you’ve probably heard of oolong milk tea —a rich, aromatic, and slightly roasted milk tea that perfectly balances creaminess with the distinct oolong tea taste. But if you're wondering, "what does oolong milk tea taste like?", the answer is complex: it has a unique flavor that falls between green tea and black tea, offering a toasty, floral, and slightly sweet aftertaste when combined with milk.


While many people enjoy buying Oolong Milk Tea from bubble tea shops, making it at home is a healthier and more cost-effective alternative. Many commercial milk tea shops use non-dairy creamers, which contain artificial flavors, unhealthy fats, and additives. By making your own oolong milk tea at home, you get to control the ingredients, ensuring a natural, lower-calorie, and preservative-free drink.


In this article, we’ll explore what oolong milk tea tastes like , why homemade milk tea is healthier, and five delicious oolong milk tea recipes to try at home.

A close-up of a creamy and smooth cup of milk tea served in a beige ceramic cup with a matching saucer, creating a warm and comforting tea experience.
A top-down view of a cup of creamy milk tea in a black ceramic cup, placed on a rustic wooden table with delicate white flowers surrounding it, creating a cozy and inviting tea moment.

i. Why Homemade Oolong Milk Tea is Healthier Than Store-Bought

Many commercial milk tea shops use non-dairy creamers (also known as artificial creamers or powdered milk substitutes) to achieve a rich, creamy texture. However, these creamers often contain:

  • Hydrogenated oils (trans fats) – Linked to heart disease and high cholesterol.
  • Artificial flavors and stabilizers – Unnecessary chemical additives.
  • High sugar content – Many store-bought milk teas contain excessive added sugar.

By making your own oolong milk tea at home, you can:

  • Use real milk (dairy or plant-based alternatives like oat milk, almond milk, or soy milk).
  • Control your sugar level and use natural sweeteners like honey or stevia.
  • Enjoy the authentic oolong milk tea taste without artificial ingredients.
  • Reduce calories and make it a weight-friendly option.

Now that you know why homemade oolong milk tea is a better choice, let’s dive into five creative oolong milk tea recipes you can easily make at home!

"Homemade oolong milk tea isn’t just a drink; it’s a healthier choice. No artificial creamers, no hidden additives—just pure, authentic flavors brewed to perfection."

ii. 5 Creative Oolong Milk Tea Recipes

1. Classic Oolong Milk Tea

This is a traditional oolong milk tea recipe, delivering a smooth, creamy, and rich oolong milk tea taste with just the right balance of tea and milk.

A white ceramic cup filled with creamy milk tea, garnished with loose black tea leaves, placed on a rustic burlap cloth with dried tea leaves and white flowers nearby, evoking a warm and natural tea-drinking experience.

Recipe informations

Prep time

5 minutes

Cook time

10 minutes

Servings

1

Category

Smooth, creamy, slightly roasted

Ingredients

  • 5g oolong tea leaves (or 2 tea bags)
  • 30g sugar (adjust to taste)
  • 300ml water
  • 250ml whole milk

Instructions

  1. Heat a pan and add oolong tea leaves and sugar. Stir until the sugar melts and turns slightly caramelized.
  2. Pour in 300ml boiling water and let it simmer for 8 minutes (until reduced to about 200ml).
  3. Strain the tea, then mix in 250ml warm milk . Stir well and enjoy!

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT


☕ Aroma: Intense floral fragrance with hints of orchid and honey
☕ Taste: Smooth, roasted, with layers of caramelized sweetness, toasted nuts, and subtle fruit undertones
☕ Mouthfeel: Full-bodied with a long, lingering aftertaste

Unlike lighter oolongs, Shui Xian oolong has a more complex and warming taste, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate depth and richness in their tea.

2. Honey Oolong Milk Tea

For those who prefer natural sweetness, this version replaces sugar with honey, giving the milk tea a smooth and floral taste.

A cozy scene featuring a cup of warm milk tea on a ceramic saucer, accompanied by a small glass jar of golden honey, bathed in soft sunlight streaming through a window, creating a peaceful and inviting atmosphere.

Recipe informations

Prep time

6 minutes

Cook time

10 minutes

Servings

1

Category

Floral, naturally sweet, light

Ingredients:

  • 5g oolong tea leaves
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 300ml water
  • 250ml whole milk or oat milk

Instructions:

  1. In a pan over medium heat, add 5g of oolong tea leaves and 1 tbsp of honey. Stir until the honey lightly caramelizes and coats the tea leaves, releasing a fragrant aroma.
  2. Pour in 300ml boiling water and simmer for 8 minutes, reducing the liquid to about 200ml.
  3. Strain the tea and mix with 250ml warm milk until well combined.
  4. Serve warm or with ice for a refreshing version.

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT


🍋 Aroma: Bright, tropical mango with delicate floral and honey undertones
🍑 Taste: Smooth oolong richness balanced with the juicy sweetness of mango
🌿 Mouthfeel: Refreshing, crisp, and naturally sweet with a silky finish

The natural creaminess of oolong tea enhances the luscious mango notes, making this tea both fruity and sophisticated —perfect for those who love a balance of earthy depth and vibrant flavor.

3. Brown Sugar Oolong Milk Tea

If you love brown sugar boba, this recipe will give you that deep, caramelized sweetness.

brown sugar milk tea

Recipe informations

Prep time

6 minutes

Cook time

10 minutes

Servings

1

Category

Deep, caramelized, rich

Ingredients:

  • 5g oolong tea leaves
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 300ml water
  • 250ml milk (whole milk or coconut milk)

Instructions:

  1. In a pan over medium heat, add 5g oolong tea leaves and 2 tbsp brown sugar. Stir until the sugar melts and starts bubbling, forming a thick caramel coating on the tea leaves.
  2. Pour in 300ml boiling water and let it simmer for 8 minutes, reducing the liquid to about 200ml.
  3. Strain the tea and mix with 250ml warm milk, stirring well.
  4. Enjoy it warm or chill and serve over ice for a classic brown sugar iced milk tea.

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT


🍍 Aroma: Fresh passionfruit with floral and honeyed undertones
🍋 Taste: A balanced blend of tangy passionfruit, creamy oolong, and a hint of natural sweetness
🌿 Mouthfeel: Smooth, slightly tart, and refreshing with a crisp finish

The floral and slightly roasted notes of oolong complement the tropical tartness of passionfruit, creating a vibrant, well-rounded taste that lingers beautifully on the palate.

4. Coconut Oolong Milk Tea

A tropical twist on oolong milk tea, this recipe uses coconut milk for a naturally sweet and creamy flavor.

A refreshing glass of coconut milk tea with loose black tea leaves, surrounded by a halved coconut, tropical flowers, and tea leaves, evoking a rich and creamy tropical tea experience.

Recipe informations

Prep time

6 minutes

Cook time

12 minutes

Servings

1

Category

Creamy, tropical, slightly nutty

Ingredients:

  • 5g oolong tea leaves
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 300ml water
  • 250ml milk (whole milk or coconut milk)

Instructions:

  1. In a pan over medium heat, add 5g of oolong tea leaves and 1 tbsp of coconut sugar or brown sugar. Stir until the sugar caramelizes and coats the tea leaves.
  2. Pour in 300ml boiling water and simmer for 8 minutes, reducing the tea to about 200ml.
  3. Strain the tea and mix with 200ml of coconut milk, stirring until fully combined.
  4. Serve warm or over ice for a tropical oolong milk tea experience.

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT


🔥 Aroma: Bold, smoky, reminiscent of campfire and pinewood
☕ Taste: Smooth, malty, and robust with deep smoky notes and subtle sweetness
🌿 Mouthfeel: Full-bodied with a lingering warmth and earthy finish

The longer oxidation and pinewood smoking process give Lapsang Souchong its signature smoky character, balanced by a rich, slightly sweet maltiness that makes it both bold and smooth.

5. Matcha Oolong Milk Tea

This oolong-matcha blend offers the best of both worlds for a caffeine boost and extra antioxidants.

A cozy glass cup of matcha latte with frothy milk, topped with a sprinkle of matcha powder, served on a wooden tray alongside a small spoon of honey and delicate dried flowers, creating a warm and inviting tea moment.

Recipe informations

Prep time

6 minutes

Cook time

12 minutes

Servings

1

Category

Earthy, umami-rich, energizing

Ingredients:

  • 5g oolong tea leaves
  • ½ tsp matcha powder
  • 300ml water
  • 250ml milk (almond or oat milk works well)
  • 1 tbsp honey

Instructions:

  1. In a pan over medium heat, add 5g of oolong tea leaves and 1 tbsp of white sugar. Stir until the sugar caramelizes and coats the tea leaves, releasing their aroma.
  2. Pour in 300ml boiling water and let it simmer for 8 minutes, reducing the tea to about 200ml.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk ½ tsp matcha powder with a small amount of warm water until smooth.
  4. Strain the oolong tea and mix it with the matcha, then add 250ml warm milk and stir well.
  5. Serve warm or iced for a refreshing matcha oolong fusion.

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT


🌼 Aroma: Sweet, floral osmanthus fragrance with hints of honey
☕ Taste: Bold black tea with natural malty depth, softened by subtle fruity and floral notes
🌿 Mouthfeel: Smooth, full-bodied, and naturally sweet with a lingering floral finish

The natural honeyed sweetness of osmanthus enhances the robust character of black tea, making this a comforting yet refreshing choice for tea lovers.

iii. What Does Oolong Milk Tea Taste Like?

A rustic ceramic bowl filled with creamy milk tea, surrounded by loose black tea leaves and pieces of rock sugar on a wooden surface, evoking a traditional and comforting tea experience.

If you’ve never tried oolong milk tea , you might be wondering, "wat does oolong milk tea taste like?" The answer depends on the type of oolong tea used and the sweeteners or milk added.

  • Wuyi Rock Oolong (Da Hong Pao, Shui Xian) – Has a roasted, smoky, and deep flavor with hints of caramel and minerals.
  • Tieguanyin Oolong – Floral and creamy with orchid and honey undertones.
  • Bai Hao Oolong (Oriental Beauty) – Naturally sweet with peach, honey, and fruity flavors.

When paired with milk and sweeteners, the oolong milk tea taste becomes smooth, nutty, slightly floral, and incredibly satisfying.

A rustic ceramic mug filled with warm, creamy milk tea, garnished with a sprinkle of spices, placed on a wooden coaster with dried flowers and cinnamon sticks nearby, creating a cozy and aromatic tea experience.
A speckled ceramic mug filled with creamy milk tea, dusted with cinnamon, placed on a wooden coaster beside a glass jar of golden honey and a honey dipper, creating a warm and inviting tea moment.

In this recipe

Final Thoughts: Why You Should Make Oolong Milk Tea at Home

Now that you know what oolong milk tea tastes like and how easy it is to make at home, why not try one of these five creative recipes? By making oolong milk tea yourself, you can:

  • Enjoy pure, authentic tea flavors without artificial creamers.
  • Reduce your sugar intake and use natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup.
  • Customize the milk type and tea strength to your personal preference.
  • Save money compared to buying from bubble tea shops.

Whether you love classic oolong milk tea, brown sugar boba, or coconut-infused blends, these homemade recipes offer a healthier, tastier, and more natural alternative to store-bought milk teas.

Try making your own oolong milk tea today and experience its rich, complex, and creamy taste like never before!

Camille

The Author : Camille Liu

Camille comes from an extended tea-making family, which has passed on their knowledge from generation to generation. At Red Rock Tea House, our story continues through Camille. She has been cultivating tea at her family farm for over 100 years! This heritage continues today at our company! 

Frequently Asked Questions

What does oolong milk tea taste like?

Oolong milk tea has a smooth, creamy texture with a unique balance of toasty, floral, and slightly sweet flavors. Depending on he type of oolong tea used, it can have roasted, nutty, caramel-like notes (Wuyi Rock Oolong) or fresh, floral, and creamy hints (Tieguanyin Oolong). The addition of milk enhances its natural sweetness, making it a rich and satisfying drink.

Is oolong milk tea better than black milk tea?

It depends on your taste preference. Oolong milk tea offers a more complex flavor with floral and toasty notes, whereas black milk tea is usually bold, malty, and robust. Oolong tea also contains less caffeine than black tea, making it a great option for those who want a balanced energy boost without the jitters.

Can I use plant-based milk in oolong milk tea?

Yes! Oolong milk tea pairs well with various dairy and plant-based milks. Oat milk, almond milk, coconut milk, and soy milk all work well and can add their own unique flavors to the tea.

Does oolong milk tea contain caffeine?

Yes, but the caffeine content is lower than that of black tea and coffee. Oolong tea provides a gentle energy boost without the strong caffeine crash that coffee might cause. It’s a great option for those who want a moderate caffeine intake without feeling jittery.

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