Fig Vanilla Milk Tea

This Fig Vanilla Milk Tea is warm, comforting, and has that soft, naturally sweet flavor that dried figs are perfect for. You just simmer chopped figs in strong black tea, strain it, then mix it with creamy vanilla milk. It’s rich, not too sweet, and totally different from your usual bubble tea or chai. You can serve it hot or iced, and it feels fancy without being fussy.

💛 Why I Love This Recipe

a clear glass mug filled with fig vanilla milk tea, golden brown in color with a creamy layer on top and a few fig specks visible

I came up with this when I had dried figs sitting in the pantry and wanted something warm that wasn’t just another latte. It tastes like fall, even if you’re sipping it in summer.

Only a handful of ingredients
Naturally sweet from the figs
Vanilla makes it extra cozy
Ready in 15 minutes
Great warm or over ice

🧋 Makes: 2 servings

⏱️ Ready in: 15 minutes

🛒 What You’ll Need

2 black tea bags or 2 teaspoons loose black tea
4 dried figs, chopped
1 ½ cups water
1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or vanilla syrup)
1–2 teaspoons honey or sweetener (optional)

ingredients for fig vanilla milk tea: chopped dried figs on a small white plate, black tea in a tiny white dish, water in a clear glass jar, milk in a second clear glass jar, vanilla extract on a small white plate, and honey on another small white plate

👩‍🍳 How to Make Fig Vanilla Milk Tea

Step 1: Simmer Figs and Black Tea

In a small saucepan, bring water, chopped figs, and black tea to a simmer. Let it cook for about 5–6 minutes.

chopped dried figs and black tea steeping in simmering water in a small saucepan, dark tea color developing and figs softening

Step 2: Strain the Mixture

Pour the fig-tea mixture through a fine mesh strainer to remove solids. You’ll be left with fig-infused tea.

tea and softened figs being strained through a mesh sieve into a clear jar, deep amber liquid dripping through while fig pieces remain

Step 3: Heat Milk and Vanilla

In the same pot or a clean one, gently heat milk and vanilla (plus sweetener if using) until warm.

milk and vanilla being gently heated in a saucepan, tiny bubbles forming at the edges, with a warm creamy tone

Step 4: Combine and Stir

Mix the strained fig tea with the warm vanilla milk and stir well.

fig tea being poured into a mug of warm vanilla milk, blending into a smooth golden brown drink

Step 5: Serve Hot or Iced

Serve hot right away or pour over ice for a chilled version.

fig vanilla milk tea being poured over clear ice cubes in a glass, creating creamy swirls in the golden tea.

🍪 What to Serve With

Almond biscotti
Shortbread or butter cookies
A fig and honey scone
Toast with cream cheese and jam
A slice of banana bread or spice loaf

❓ FAQ

Can I use fresh figs?
You can! Just chop them finely. Dried figs have a more concentrated flavor, though.

Is it sweet?
Not overly. Add honey or syrup to taste—it’s naturally sweet from the figs.

Can I use other types of tea?
Yes! Earl Grey or chai work well too, but black tea keeps it simple and rich.

Does it work iced?
Absolutely. Just chill the fig tea and milk, then pour over ice.

Can I make it ahead?
Yes—store the fig tea and milk separately and mix before serving.

✨ That’s It!

This Fig Vanilla Milk Tea is cozy, creamy, and just a little fancy. It’s perfect when you want something sweet but not sugary, warm but not heavy. Give it a try and tag me if you do—I’d love to hear what you think! 🧋🍂