Coffee milk tea is a beverage combining brewed coffee, milk, and tea, offering a unique blend of flavors and caffeine for an energizing drink.
Coffee milk tea, known as “yuenyeung” in Cantonese, is a popular Hong Kong beverage that combines coffee, tea, milk, and sweeteners. This unique drink offers the best of both worlds for those who can’t decide between coffee or tea.
The Origins of Coffee Milk Tea
This distinctive drink originated in Hong Kong’s cha chaan tengs (local cafes) during the 1950s. The name “yuenyeung” refers to mandarin ducks, symbolizing harmony between two different elements – in this case, coffee and tea.
Cultural Significance
In Hong Kong culture, coffee milk tea holds a special place alongside other classic drinks like lemon tea and traditional milk tea. It represents the city’s fusion of Eastern and Western influences.
How to Make Coffee Milk Tea
The perfect coffee milk tea requires balancing strong brewed coffee with equally robust milk tea. Here’s the traditional method:
Ingredients
- Strong black tea (Earl Grey, Assam, or oolong recommended)
- Espresso or strong brewed coffee
- Milk (whole, evaporated, or plant-based alternatives)
- Sweetener (brown sugar, simple syrup, or condensed milk)
- Ice (for iced versions)
Preparation Steps
- Brew strong tea using 2 tea bags per ½ cup water
- Prepare espresso or strong coffee
- Combine equal parts tea and coffee
- Add milk and sweetener to taste
- Serve hot or over ice
Variations of Coffee Milk Tea
While the traditional version uses black tea, many variations exist:
Modern Twists
- Matcha coffee milk tea
- Hojicha latte version
- Chai-spiced coffee milk tea
International Adaptations
In Malaysia, it’s called “kopi cham,” while Starbucks has offered a “Yuen Yeung Frappuccino” version. Some cafes even create caffeine-free versions using alternatives like roasted barley tea.
Why Coffee Milk Tea Works
The combination creates a unique flavor profile where:
- The tea’s floral notes complement coffee’s richness
- Milk smooths out any bitterness
- Sweetener balances the bold flavors
Flavor Profile
Expect a creamy, slightly sweet beverage with complex layers of flavor – the tea’s aroma shines through while the coffee provides depth and body.
Caffeine Content
This drink packs a significant caffeine punch:
| Component | Caffeine Content |
|---|---|
| 1 cup black tea | 26mg |
| 2 shots espresso | 126mg |
| Total | 152mg |
For comparison, this is about 1.5 times the caffeine in a standard cup of coffee. Those sensitive to caffeine can use decaf versions of both coffee and tea.
Serving Suggestions
While delicious on its own, coffee milk tea can be enhanced with:
- Boba pearls
- Grass jelly
- A pinch of salt to enhance flavors
For equipment to make your own versions at home, consider a quality coffee maker or a powerful blender for iced variations.
Where to Find Coffee Milk Tea
While originally from Hong Kong, you can now find variations at:
- Asian cafes worldwide
- Specialty coffee shops
- Bubble tea stores
For more information on similar beverages, check out this detailed recipe or the Wikipedia page on its history.
