Tibetan Butter Tea with Salted Yak Butter and Black Tea

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-04-28 · Updated 2026-04-28

A traditional Tibetan beverage combining strong black tea with salted yak butter and a pinch of salt for a warming, creamy drink. This Asian-inspired recipe, ready in about 20 minutes, brings together black tea leaves, water, unsalted butter for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 150 calories and feeds 4, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp black tea leaves
• 4 cups water
• 3 tbsp (substitute for yak butter) unsalted butter
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup (optional) milk

Bar tools worth buying for drinks like this → Best Bar Tools for 2026: Shakers, Jiggers & Strainers Worth Buying

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring 4 cups water to a rolling boil in a saucepan. Add 2 tbsp black tea leaves and boil vigorously for 10 minutes to extract a strong brew.
2. Step 2: Strain the tea leaves and pour the hot tea into a large bowl or traditional churner. Add 3 tbsp unsalted butter and 1/2 tsp salt.
3. Step 3: Using a hand-held churner or whisk, vigorously churn the tea and butter mixture for 2-3 minutes until it emulsifies into a creamy, frothy consistency.
4. Step 4: Optionally stir in 1/2 cup milk to temper the strong flavor, then serve warm in small cups.