Bubble tea Recipe – Asian Special
If you’ve ever craved the sweet, creamy fun of a Taiwanese drink, this Bubble Tea Recipe is for you. With milky tea infused with rich black tea, chewy pearls (boba), and your choice of sweetener, it’s a treat that brings café vibes right into your kitchen. Whether you stick with the classic version or try flavor variations like green tea or fruity syrup, this homemade boba drink is a delight for tea lovers and anyone wanting something playful and refreshing.
- Prep Time2 hr
- Cook Time10 min
- Total Time2 hr 10 min
Bubble tea Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup tapioca pearls
- 2 cups water (for cooking pearls)
- 1 cup brewed black tea, cooled
- 1/2 cup milk or dairy-free alternative
- 2-3 tablespoons sugar or sweetener (adjust to taste)
- Ice cubes (optional)
Cook Tapioca Pearls:
Cook Tapioca Pearls: Boil water in a pot. Add tapioca pearls and cook according to package instructions, usually for about 15 minutes. Stir occasionally. Once cooked, drain and rinse under cold water.
Sweeten Pearls:
Mix cooked pearls with a little sugar or honey if desired. Let them sit while you prepare the drink.
Prepare Tea:
Brew black tea and let it cool to room temperature.
Combine Ingredients:
In a glass, mix the cooled tea with milk and sweetener. Stir well.
Assemble Drink:
Add ice cubes if desired, then spoon in the sweetened tapioca pearls. Stir and serve with a wide straw.
Recipe Note:
Pearl Texture: Cook tapioca pearls until they’re chewy but not mushy. Overcooking can cause them to fall apart, while undercooking makes them hard in the center.
Tea Strength: Brew the tea strongly, especially if using milk, so the flavor isn’t diluted. Black tea is classic, but feel free to try oolong or green tea for lighter options.
Sweetener Options: Adjust sweetness to your taste—white sugar, brown sugar, honey, or flavored syrup all work. Adding the sweetener to the pearls while hot helps them absorb flavor.
Serving Tips: Serve with a wide straw to enjoy both the drink and the pearls. Add ice if you want a cold bubble tea, and mix the layers just before sipping.
Storage Guidelines: Best enjoyed fresh; tapioca pearls tend to harden as they cool. If preparing the drink ahead, store tea and milk separately from pearls, and combine them right before serving to preserve texture.
