Butter Tea

Introduction

Butter tea is a rich, creamy beverage that turns strong black tea into a warming drink with the texture of melted butter stirred throughout. You steep the tea directly in milk, then blend in butter and salt for a drink that’s more substantial than regular tea and works as a breakfast beverage or afternoon pick-me-up.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Servings: 2

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon regular black tea leaves (preferably Nepalese or Indian)
• 3 cups whole milk (or 1½ cup half-and-half + 1½ cup water)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• Salt to taste

Instructions

1. Boil tea with milk for 2-10 minutes, depending upon the strength of tea desired
2. Strain into tea cups.
3. Add butter and salt. Stir thoroughly, ideally by carefully using a blender, and serve.

Variations

• Spiced version: Add a pinch of ground cardamom, cinnamon, or ginger to the milk before boiling for warmth and aromatic depth.
• Lighter texture: Replace some of the whole milk with water or broth to reduce richness while keeping the butter content the same.
• Honey sweetness: Stir in a teaspoon of honey after blending instead of relying solely on salt for balance.
• Alternative tea base: Swap black tea for oolong or strong green tea for a different flavor profile and slightly lighter body.

Tips for Success

• Use loose-leaf tea rather than tea bags for cleaner flavor and easier straining; fannings or dust from bags can cloud the drink.
• Start with 2 minutes of steeping and taste before extending to 10 minutes; oversteeping black tea with milk can turn it bitter.
• When blending, use a standard immersion blender on low speed and work carefully to avoid splashing hot liquid; the goal is to emulsify the butter, not to aerate the drink.
• Salt enhances the butter and mellows the tea’s tannins; start with ¼ teaspoon and adjust to your preference rather than skipping it entirely.

Storage and Reheating

FAQ

Can I make this without a blender?

Yes. Whisk the butter and salt into the hot tea vigorously for 1-2 minutes until the butter is mostly incorporated; the texture will be slightly less uniform but still creamy.

Why add salt to a sweet-leaning drink?

Salt balances the tannins in black tea and enhances the perception of butter without making the drink taste salty. Start with a small pinch and adjust to taste.

What black tea works best?

Nepalese or Indian black teas (Assam, Darjeeling, or Nepal black) have the body and flavor to stand up to milk and butter. Avoid delicate or floral teas, which will be overwhelmed.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

You can, but reduce the added salt to ⅛ teaspoon or less to avoid over-salting. Unsalted butter gives you better control over the final flavor.