In a small saucepan, combine 4-5 pitted and halved fresh cherries with 2 tablespoons of water and simmer over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until softened.

While cherries are cooking, bring 1 cup of filtered water to a boil, remove from heat, and let cool for 30 seconds. Steep Earl Grey tea in hot water for 3-5 minutes, then remove tea bag/strain leaves.

Lower heat, add 1 cup of gently warmed milk to the cherry mixture, optionally adding a cinnamon stick. Stir well to combine.

Drizzle 1-2 teaspoons of vanilla syrup into the milk-cherry mixture, stirring to incorporate the sweet flavor.

Pour brewed Earl Grey tea into a mug halfway, then strain the milk-cherry mixture over it.

Enjoy immediately while warm, or let cool and serve over ice for an iced version. Garnish as desired.