Start by slicing the vanilla bean in half lengthwise and carefully scraping the seeds into a small saucepan. Add the entire pod as well.

Pour 1 cup of water into the saucepan and bring it to a gentle boil over medium heat. Once bubbling, turn off the heat and let the vanilla bean steep for about 2-3 minutes.

Add 1 tea bag or 1 teaspoon of loose-leaf black tea to the steeped vanilla water. Cover and let steep for precisely 5 minutes.

Remove the tea bag or strain out the loose tea and the vanilla pod. Stir in sugar to taste, starting with 1 teaspoon.

In a separate pot, gently warm 1/4 cup of milk over low heat until steaming but not boiling.

Pour the warm, frothed milk over your brewed tea, stirring gently to combine.