How to Make Traditional Yuenyeung Coffee at Home

In many Chinese teahouses and diners—especially in Hong Kong—you’ll find a drink that bridges two worlds: half coffee, half tea, equally strong and soothing. This isn’t a latte with a fancy name. It’s yuenyeung , a balanced blend inspired by the famous duck dish and based on a decades-old formula. If you’ve ever wanted to recreate that familiar, comforting flavor at home without guesswork, here’s exactly how.

To make traditional yuenyeung coffee, you need just 60ml of espresso, two black tea bags, 100ml of hot water, and optional sugar syrup. That’s the core formula used across Hong Kong. You can serve it hot or over ice—the method stays the same.

What Is Yuenyeung Coffee?

Yuenyeung coffee is a classic Hong Kong drink that mixes equal parts freshly brewed black tea and espresso. The name comes from the mandarin duck—a symbol of lifelong partnership in Chinese culture—reflecting how the two liquids complement each other. Unlike a flavored latte or a simple coffee with milk, yuenyeung is a true blend of two distinct beverages: a robust, bitter espresso and a smooth, tannic black tea. Traditionally, it’s sweetened slightly, though the amount is up to you. The combination creates a drink that’s both energizing and mild, balancing the stimulation of caffeine with the comforting warmth of tea. It works year-round and can be served either hot or over ice.

What You’ll Need to Make Yuenyeung Coffee

You don’t need a fully stocked café setup to make authentic yuenyeung. The basic ingredients and tools are simple and widely available:

• 60ml of espresso (a single or double shot, depending on your machine)
• 2 black tea bags (standard black tea, not herbal or flavored)
• 100ml of hot water (not boiling, ideally around 90–95°C)
• Sugar syrup or plain sugar to taste (optional)
• Ice cubes (if making iced yuenyeung)

These are the exact quantities used in the traditional recipe that originated in Hong Kong. No special coffee beans are required—any standard espresso roast will do. Likewise, any basic black tea bag will work, though stronger black teas like Ceylon or Assam will give a bolder result.

How to Make Yuenyeung Coffee (Step by Step)

Follow these steps to create a well-balanced cup of yuenyeung coffee that tastes like the original:

1. Brew the tea: Place two black tea bags in a cup or small pitcher. Pour 100ml of hot water (approximately 90–95°C) over them. Let the tea steep for about 3–5 minutes, or until it reaches your desired strength. Then, remove the tea bags.
2. Add sweetener (optional): Stir in sugar syrup or granulated sugar to taste while the tea is still warm. The original recipe suggests “” (an appropriate amount of sugar water)—adjust to your preference.
3. Pour the espresso: Slowly pour 60ml of freshly brewed espresso over the tea. Do this gently to preserve the layers—or stir it together right away, depending on whether you prefer a blended or marbled drink.

That’s it. The entire process takes less than 10 minutes and uses everyday ingredients. The drink is naturally balanced between the bitterness of the espresso and the astringency of the tea, smoothed out slightly by the sugar if added.

Making Iced Yuenyeung Coffee

Yuenyeung works beautifully cold, just like the traditional version. To make it iced:

1. Follow steps 1 and 2 above to prepare the tea and add sugar if using.
2. Let the tea cool to room temperature (or chill it in the fridge briefly).
3. Pour the tea into a glass with ice cubes.
4. Slowly pour 60ml of espresso over the ice and tea. You can stir it together or enjoy it layered.

The magazine notes that yuenyeung symbolizes endurance through both “ice and snow” and “fire and passion”—a fitting metaphor for enjoying it year-round, hot or iced. For an extra touch of richness, some drinkers add a dash of condensed milk or a spoonful of sweetened creamer, though this isn’t part of the original recipe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of tea for yuenyeung?

Yes, but traditional yuenyeung uses basic black tea—typically a strong, brisk black tea like Ceylon or Assam. Avoid herbal, green, or flavored teas, as they won’t provide the right astringency or body to balance the espresso. The tea should be bold enough to stand up to the coffee.

Do I have to use espresso? Can I use drip coffee instead?

The original recipe calls for 60ml of espresso, which provides a rich, concentrated coffee flavor. Drip coffee is much more diluted and may result in a weaker-tasting drink. If you don’t have an espresso machine, you can use a stovetop Moka pot or AeroPress to get a similar strength and volume.

How sweet should yuenyeung coffee be?

The original recipe simply says “” (suitable amount of sugar water). That means the sweetness is up to personal taste. Start with 1–2 teaspoons of sugar syrup or granulated sugar, then adjust as needed. Some people prefer it unsweetened, especially if drinking it iced with cream.

Is yuenyeung coffee the same as a coffee with milk or a latte?

No. Yuenyeung is not a latte, cappuccino, or coffee with milk. It’s a 50/50 mixture of brewed black tea and espresso. There’s no steamed milk or milk foam involved. The flavor comes from the blend of tannins from the tea and the bitterness of the coffee, often smoothed slightly with sugar.

Can I make yuenyeung ahead of time?

You can brew the tea and espresso separately and store them in the fridge, but for the best flavor, it’s ideal to mix them just before serving. The tea can become bitter if left too long, and the espresso may lose its crema and freshness. If making iced yuenyeung, you can pre-brew the tea and chill it, then combine with chilled espresso when ready.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Yuenyeung Coffee

For the espresso portion of yuenyeung, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Classic Blend—an approachable, well-rounded espresso with chocolate and caramel notes that complements the black tea. If you want something with more body, their Commercial Blend offers a bold, nutty profile that stands up well in a mixed drink. Both blends are designed for consistency and pair nicely with the tannins in black tea. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.