Are you a fan of milk tea? If you are, you might want to try Sakura Milk Tea. This is a popular drink in Japan made with milk, tea, and cherry blossom (sakura) syrup (or powder). It has a delicate floral flavor, ideal for those who enjoy a light drink.
Sakura milk tea is not only delicious but also visually appealing. The pink color of the drink comes from the cherry blossom syrup, made from the petals of cherry blossoms.
Keep reading if you want to learn more about this charming drink.
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What is Sakura Milk Tea?
Sakura milk tea is a delicious blend of milk tea and cherry blossom petals flavored syrup or powder.
Sakura, also known as cherry blossoms, is a flower that blooms in Japan during the spring season. During the season, many Japanese people gather to enjoy “hanami,” or cherry blossom viewing parties, where they admire the beautiful pink flowers and celebrate the arrival of spring. It symbolizes renewal and new beginnings and is highly regarded in the country’s culture.
In Tokyo and Kyoto, two of Japan’s most well-known cities, Sakura milk tea is a popular drink that can be found at many tea shops and cafes.
Japanese cuisine often uses Sakura petals to add a delicate floral flavor.
This milk tea steers black tea leaves in hot water and adds milk, sugar, and cherry blossom syrup or powder. The tea is then strained and served hot or cold. Some people also add boba or tapioca pearls to the drink to add a chewy texture.
Let me mention blends of black tea and sakura petals are available in the market. Also, dried sakura petals are sold. You can prepare your black tea-sakura blend. These can be used to prepare milk tea. However, many recipes call for syrup or powder to amplify the sakura flavor in the drink.
Ingredients of Sakura Milk Tea
When making Sakura milk tea, the ingredients you use are crucial. Here are the main ingredients you will need:
Tea Leaves
The drink’s base is typically black tea, but you can also use other types of tea, like oolong tea or hojicha (roasted tea). Some recipes even call for green and herbal tea.
Sakura Syrup or Powder
Sakura powder is created by carefully drying cherry blossom petals and then grinding them into a fine powder.
Sakura syrup is made by infusing cherry blossom petals in a simple syrup solution.
You should not have problems finding these products in a supermarket specializing in Asian products or online.
Sweeteners
You can use sugar, brown sugar, maple syrup, honey, or any other sweetener to sweeten. Some people prefer condensed milk to add sweetness and creaminess to the tea.
Please note Sakura powders or syrups may contain sugar. There may not be a need to use an additional sweetener when ordering or preparing the drink.
Milk and Cream
Whole milk is the most commonly used type, but you can also use milk powder or cream for a richer taste. You can also use non-dairy milk like almond or soy milk as a vegan option.
Additional Ingredients
Apart from the main ingredients, you can add other ingredients to enhance the flavor and texture of your sakura milk tea. Some popular choices include:
- Tapioca Pearls or Boba: These chewy pearls add a fun texture to the tea.
- Floral Aroma or Petals: Adding a few petals or a floral aroma can give your tea a unique and refreshing taste.
- Salt: A pinch of salt can balance the sweetness and add depth to the flavor.
- Jelly or Pudding: These add-ons can make your tea more dessert-like and fun.
The ingredients you choose will depend on your taste preferences and availability.
Preparation of Sakura Milk Tea
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon black tea leaves (or 1 black tea bag). You can use your preferred tea base.
- 1 cup hot water
- 1 tablespoon Sakura powder (or Sakura syrup)
- 1/4 cup hot water (for dissolving the Sakura powder)
- 1/2 cup milk (whole milk or a dairy-free alternative)
- 1-2 teaspoons honey or sweetener of your choice (adjust to taste)
- Ice cubes (optional)
- Cooked tapioca pearls (optional)
- Fresh cherry blossoms or edible dried cherry blossoms for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Brew the Black Tea
- Place the black tea leaves (or tea bag) in a teapot or a heatproof cup.
- Pour 1 cup of hot water over the tea leaves or tea bag.
- Steep the tea for 3-5 minutes or according to your preference for tea strength.
- Remove the tea leaves or strain the tea bag and let it cool to room temperature.
2. Dissolve the Sakura Powder
- In a separate small bowl, add 1 tablespoon of Sakura powder.
- Pour 1/4 cup of hot water over the Sakura powder.
- Stir vigorously until the Sakura powder is completely dissolved. You should have a vibrant pink Sakura concentrate.
- Skip this step if using Sakura syrup.
3. Prepare the Sakura Milk Tea
- If you prefer iced tea, fill your serving glass with ice cubes.
- Combine the brewed black tea and Sakura concentrate (or Sakura syrup) in the serving glass.
- Add honey or your preferred sweetener to the mixture, adjusting the sweetness to your taste.
- Stir well to ensure the Sakura concentrate and sweetener are fully incorporated.
- Pour in 1/2 cup of milk (or your milk substitute) and stir again until well combined.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your single-serving Sakura milk tea!
Add a line of Sakura syrup or a dust of Sakura powder on top for a decorative touch. Or you can top it with edible Sakura petals. Customize your drink by changing the proportion of ingredients or adding your preferred toppings, like boba pearls or jelly.
Variations of Sakura Milk Tea
There are several variations of sakura milk tea, each with its unique twist. Here are three popular variations to try:
Sakura Latte
A Sakura latte is made with espresso, steamed milk, and sakura syrup, or powder. The combination of ingredients creates a rich and bold flavor that is perfect for coffee lovers who want to try something new. The result is a delicious drink that’s perfect for a chilly day.
In some cases, the espresso is replaced by black tea.
And there are other versions where tea or coffee are not included. In this case, the ingredients are steamed milk, sakura syrup or powder, and a touch of vanilla syrup.
Hokkaido Sakura Milk Tea
Hokkaido sakura milk tea is a unique variation made with Hokkaido milk, known for its creamy and rich flavor. The milk is mixed with tea, sakura flavors, and a touch of honey to create a sweet and indulgent drink perfect for dessert. It’s often served cold, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.
Buying Recommendations
You have a several options if you want to buy the ingredients to prepare sakura milk tea at home.
- Asian Grocery Stores: These grocery stores often carry a variety of teas, including Japanese teas. They may also carry sakura-flavored products.
- Specialty Tea Shops: These shops often have a wide selection of teas worldwide, including rare and hard-to-find varieties. These are great places to find black tea and sakura blends.
- Online Tea Shops: Many online tea shops specialize in Japanese teas. These shops often have a more comprehensive selection than in a local grocery store. Some popular online tea shops include Adagio Teas, Teavana, and Harney & Sons.
- Online Retailers: One of the easiest ways to buy ingredients for milk tea is through online retailers. Many websites, including Amazon, eBay, and specialty tea shops, sell these. When buying online, check the seller’s reviews and ratings to ensure you get a quality product.
If you are thinking about buying ingredients online, please take into consideration the following recommendations:
Floral Elixir Co. – All Natural FLOWER Syrup
Sakura Japanese Loose Leaf Black Tea
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the ingredients in Sakura milk tea?
Sakura milk tea is made with a combination of black tea, milk, and cherry blossom flavoring. The cherry blossom flavoring is made from the petals of the sakura flower and adds a subtle floral note to the tea.
How do I make my own Sakura milk tea at home?
To make your homemade Sakura milk tea, brew a cup of black tea and add a few drops of cherry blossom flavoring. Then, add milk to taste and stir well. You can also add sweetener if desired.
What are some popular brands that offer Sakura milk tea?
Some popular brands that offer this milk tea flavor include Chatime, Koi, and Gong Cha. These brands offer a variety of milk tea flavors and can be found in many Asian countries.
Can Sakura milk tea be served hot or cold?
Depending on your preference, Sakura milk tea can be served both hot and cold. In the summer, many people enjoy the drink over ice, while in the winter, it can be served hot to warm you up.
What is the difference between Sakura milk tea and regular milk tea?
The main difference between sakura and regular milk tea is the addition of cherry blossom flavoring. This gives Sakura milk tea a unique floral note that traditional milk tea does not have. This milk tea is often pink, while regular milk tea is typically brown.
Sakura milk tea is so delicious! I hope this article encourages you to try or prepare it at home.
Have you tried this milk tea?
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