In a saucepan, add the water.
Also add the milk and black tea powder or black tea leaves (if using tea bags, do not add now).
Also add the brown sugar, mix well and heat the mixture.
Make sure to stir the contents often, as you heat the milk tea mixture or the milk may burn at the bottom of the saucepan.
Once the mixture is heated well and about to boil, turn off the heat and filter the tea through a fine mesh strainer (be very careful as the tea is hot), to a mug or tea cup.
If necessary, you may filter the tea a couple times more (this may be needed if you are using tea powder).
(If you are using tea bags, place the tea bags in the heated milk and brown sugar mixture and let it steep for about 4 to 5 minutes and then discard the used tea bags. If needed you may reheat the tea again. As you know, filtering the tea is not needed if you are using tea bags)
If you used skim milk (which is not recommended) or if you think the cremy flavor is not enough, you can also add about two tablespoons of heavy cream and stir in to combine with the milk tea.
If you desire more sweetness, feel free to add more brown sugar and stir well to dissolve in the hot milk tea.
Serve hot and enjoy the delicious hokkaido milk tea sweetened with brown sugar!