Boba Milk Tea Recipe

This homemade boba milk tea recipe is my absolute favorite because it combines the perfect balance of chewy, sweet tapioca pearls with the rich and smooth flavors of freshly brewed black tea. Plus, making it from scratch gives me that nostalgic DIY satisfaction, while letting me customize it just the way I love it, with a splash of almond milk for that creamy finish!

I love to create a superlative cup of Boba Milk Tea at home. It is an easy recipe with relatively few ingredients, and I adore the flavor combination of this drink.

The Boba Milk Tea I make contains black tea, sweetened with sugar, and a tad of honey. It would be criminal to not include the don’t-skimp-on-it milk in this recipe.

Whole milk, almond milk, or any nut milk of your choosing will do just fine. The ingredient that really counts in this drink is the black tapioca pearl.

No pearls? Then you should not call it Boba Milk Tea.

Boba Milk Tea Recipe Ingredients

• Black Tapioca Pearls: Primarily carbohydrates; provides chewy texture and sweetness.
• Black Tea: Contains antioxidants; boosts energy with caffeine content.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness; main carbohydrate source in drink.
• Honey: Natural sweetener; adds flavor and mild health benefits.
• Milk: Provides creaminess; source of calcium and protein.

Boba Milk Tea Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 cup black tapioca pearls
• 5-6 cups water (for cooking pearls)
• 4 cups water (for brewing tea)
• 3-4 black tea bags or 3-4 tablespoons loose black tea
• 1/2 cup sugar (for sweetening pearls)
• 1/2 cup honey (optional for sweetening drinks)
• 1 cup milk (whole, almond, or your choice of milk)
• Ice cubes

How to Make this Boba Milk Tea Recipe

1. In a large pot, bring 5-6 cups of water to a boil. Stir the tapioca pearls in gently to keep them from sticking. When the water reaches a rolling boil, add the pearls and boil for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, cover the pot and turn off the heat. Let the pot sit, covered, for another 30 minutes.

2. Rinse the c cooked tapioca pearls under cold water, and let them drain well. Then pour them into your serving dish.

3. In another pot, boil 4 cups of water. Take the pot off the heat and let the black tea bags or loose tea steep for 5-10 minutes, depending on how strong you want your tea.

4. Take out the tea bags or filter the tea leaves. Allow the brewed tea to reach room temperature before putting it in the fridge to chill.

5. In a tiny pot, boil 1/2 cup of water and dissolve 1/2 cup of sugar in it so that it becomes sugar syrup. Pour that syrup over the cooked tapioca balls and mix them well. Let that mixture soak for at least 10 minutes.

6. Stir the honey into the cold brewed tea until well combined.

7. Separate the sweetened tapioca pearls into serving glasses.

8. Put ice cubes in every glass for a treat that is sure to be nice and cold.

9. Chill the black tea and pour it over the tapioca pearls and ice in each glass.

10. Use milk of your choosing to top it. Stir this all together until it’s harmoniously unified, and then serve it up. This is your boba milk tea, made at home!

Boba Milk Tea Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Large pot
2. Medium pot
3. Small pot
4. Stirring spoon
5. Colander or sieve
6. Serving dish
7. Serving glasses
8. Measuring cups
9. Teaspoon or small spoon (for stirring)
10. Pitcher or large container (for chilling tea)
11. Tea strainer or tea infuser (if using loose tea)

FAQ

• Q: Can I use other types of tea instead of black tea?A: Yes, black tea can be switched out for green tea or oolong tea to get different flavor profiles.
• Q: How can I make the drink less sweet?Adjust the sugar and honey to your taste, or leave out the honey altogether for a version that’s not so sweet.
• Q: How do I store cooked tapioca pearls?A: Keep them in a sealed container in the fridge along with some sugar syrup or honey. The trick here is to keep them moist, because that’s what stops them from getting hard. They’re in there for the duration, so make your plans accordingly.
• Q: Can I use a sweetener other than sugar?A: Of course, you can use alternatives. They include agave syrup, maple syrup, or stevia. But don’t expect them to taste or feel the same.
• Q: How long does it take to cook the tapioca pearls?A: It usually takes around 10-15 minutes, but check the package directions since times may differ.
• Q: Is it necessary to use whole milk?A: Dietary alternatives work just fine in this recipe; you can just as easily use almond, soy, or oat milk. They work just as well in this equation. But feel free to use any milk you like.

Boba Milk Tea Recipe Substitutions and Variations

For black tapioca pearls: Replace with white tapioca pearls. The texture may differ slightly, but they are tasty. If you’re looking for something with no discernible flavor, astoundingly similar to black tapioca pearls, try agar jelly cubes. They are a fantastic substitute. And if that doesn’t sound good, eat your pearls as they are!
For black tea: You may substitute green tea or chai tea for a different flavor profile.
When it comes to sugar, think about using brown sugar, which brings a sweetness that is more caramel-like and has more depth.
To substitute for milk: Use coconut milk or oat milk for a dairy-free version.

Pro Tips

1. Optimize Tapioca Texture Ensure your tapioca pearls are perfectly chewy by testing them a few minutes before the cooking time ends. If you want them even softer, let them sit longer after boiling. The pearls should be translucent without any opaque centers.

2. Tea Strength and Flavor Control the strength of your tea by adjusting the steeping time. For a more complex flavor, consider adding a pinch of spices such as cinnamon or cardamom to the brewing tea.

3. Custom Sweetness Customize the sweetness to your preference. Start by adding half the recommended sugar syrup and adjust as needed. You can also experiment with different sweeteners like brown sugar syrup or agave for unique flavors.

4. Chill Thoroughly Make sure both the tea and the syrup-soaked pearls are adequately chilled before assembling the drink. This ensures your boba milk tea stays refreshing and cold even as the ice begins to melt.

5. Milk Variations Experiment with different types of milk for diverse flavors. Coconut milk can add a tropical twist, while oat milk provides a creamy, slightly nutty flavor.