Red Bean & Black Sesame Milk Tea

Millie Pham

This Red Bean & Black Sesame Milk Tea is smooth, earthy, and a little sweet—with a texture that’s both creamy and a bit chewy from the red beans on top. You blend up toasted black sesame seeds into a nutty milk tea base, then spoon in soft, sweet red beans at the end. It’s cozy and filling, but still refreshing when served cold. Perfect for anyone who loves a deeper, roasted flavor and wants something a little different from the usual boba lineup.

💛 Why I Love This Recipe

Red Bean & Black Sesame Milk Tea

I started making this when I was craving something more comforting than fruity teas. It’s nutty like peanut butter, naturally sweet, and feels like dessert and milk tea in one.

  • Deep, roasted black sesame flavor
  • Naturally sweet from red beans
  • Dairy-free if you want it to be
  • Unique texture with every sip
  • You can serve it warm or iced

🧋 Makes: 2 servings

⏱️ Ready in: 15 minutes

🛒 What You’ll Need

  • 2 tablespoons black sesame seeds, toasted
  • 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
  • ½ cup brewed black tea, cooled
  • 1–2 teaspoons honey or syrup (optional)
  • ¼ cup canned sweet red beans (azuki)
  • Ice cubes (clear)
a tall glass filled with creamy black sesame milk tea, pale grey in color with a scoop of shiny red beans on top

👩‍🍳 How to Make Red Bean & Black Sesame Milk Tea

Step 1: Toast the Black Sesame Seeds

Toast the black sesame seeds in a dry pan over low heat until fragrant.

black sesame seeds toasting in a small dry skillet, turning glossy and aromatic with a few starting to pop

Step 2: Blend the Sesame with Milk

Add toasted sesame seeds and milk to a blender. Blend until smooth and creamy.

blended black sesame and milk in a blender cup, turning into a smooth greyish mixture with tiny specks

Step 3: Strain the Mixture

Pour the sesame milk through a fine mesh strainer to remove any grainy bits.

grey sesame milk being strained into a clear jar, fine grains left behind in the strainer

Step 4: Mix with Black Tea and Sweetener

Combine the strained sesame milk with black tea and sweetener (if using). Stir well.

dark tea being poured into the creamy sesame milk, mixing into a smooth light grey color.

Step 5: Pour Over Ice and Top with Red Beans

Pour into a glass of ice and spoon sweet red beans over the top.

sesame milk tea being poured into a glass with clear ice cubes, then topped with glossy sweet red beans and a sprinkle of black sesame

🍪 What to Serve With

  • Mochi or rice cakes
  • Black sesame cookies
  • Butter crackers
  • Red bean buns
  • A scoop of matcha or vanilla ice cream

❓ FAQ

Does it taste like regular milk tea?
Not really—it’s more nutty and earthy. But still super creamy and smooth.

Can I skip the tea?
Yes! You can just do black sesame milk for a caffeine-free version.

Is it sweet enough without extra sugar?
If you’re using sweet red beans, you may not need more. Taste and adjust!

What kind of milk works best?
Oat milk and soy milk are great—they add creaminess without overpowering the sesame flavor.

Can I make it hot?
Absolutely. Just skip the ice and gently warm the mixture on the stove.

✨ That’s It!

Red Bean & Black Sesame Milk Tea is rich, cozy, and full of texture. Whether you’re a milk tea lover or just want something new and grounding, this one’s worth trying. Make it hot or iced—and don’t skip the red beans! 🖤🧋🍡

Hi there! I'm Millie Pham, a devoted brewer and tea lover at heart. As the founder of Bean Leaf Cup, my mission is to share my tea and coffee expertise with you all. I firmly believe that creating a fantastic cup of tea or coffee should be easy for everyone. No matter if you're already a coffee or tea expert or just beginning your journey, I'm here to help you navigate the world of brewing. Welcome aboard!