In a small saucepan, combine a cup of pitted cherries with ½ cup of fresh water. Bring to a gentle simmer for about 3-5 minutes, mashing gently with a fork. Add a cinnamon stick and steep for another 5 minutes.

While the cherry mixture simmers, boil another ½ cup of water. Remove from heat and steep the Earl Grey tea bag or loose leaf tea for 3-5 minutes.

Return to the saucepan with cherries and add 1 cup of your chosen milk. Heat over low, stirring gently until warmed through (about 2-3 minutes).

Mix in 1-2 teaspoons of vanilla syrup after removing from heat, adjusting sweetness as desired.

Pour the brewed Earl Grey tea into a cup, then strain the creamy milk and cherry mixture over the tea, pressing gently on the cherries.

Consider topping with frothed milk or a sprinkle of cinnamon, and serve immediately, hot or iced.