Bubble Tea Recipe: Taiwanese Milk Tea
Discover the sweet and refreshing world of Taiwanese cuisine with this Bubble Tea recipe. Bubble tea, also known as boba or pearl milk tea, combines creamy tea with chewy tapioca pearls. This drink can be customized with various flavors and toppings, making it the perfect treat for any occasion.
Ingredients for Bubble Tea
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup tapioca pearls (boba), uncooked
- 1 cup black tea (or any tea of your choice), brewed and chilled
- 1 cup milk or milk alternative (such as almond, soy, or oat milk)
- 2-3 tablespoons sugar syrup or sweetener of choice
- Ice cubes
Optional Flavor Additions
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Fruit syrups (strawberry, mango, lychee, etc.)
Tapioca Pearl (Boba) Cooking Directions
- Prepare Tapioca Pearls: In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add the tapioca pearls and stir to prevent sticking.
- Cook Pearls: Let the pearls boil for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally until they reach your preferred texture. For a chewy texture, cook for 25 minutes.
- Soak in Sugar Syrup: Drain and rinse pearls in cold water, then soak in sugar syrup or honey to add sweetness.
Step-by-Step Directions for Making Bubble Tea
- Brew the Tea: Brew a strong black tea, green tea, or any preferred tea and let it chill in the refrigerator.
- Mix the Tea and Milk: In a glass, combine 1 cup of chilled tea, 1 cup of milk, and sugar syrup. Adjust sweetness as desired.
- Flavor Options: For a unique twist, add vanilla extract, honey, or fruit syrups. Stir well to combine.
Making the Bubble Tea
- Add Tapioca Pearls: In a tall glass, place a generous scoop of cooked tapioca pearls.
- Pour the Milk Tea: Pour the milk tea mixture over the pearls.
- Add Ice and Serve: Add ice cubes for a refreshing chill, then insert a wide straw and enjoy!
Cooking Variations
Fruit Bubble Tea:
Replace black tea with fruit juice or syrup for a refreshing twist. Strawberry, mango, and lychee are popular flavors.
Matcha Bubble Tea:
Swap black tea for matcha powder for a green tea-based drink with an earthy flavor.
Brown Sugar Boba:
For a caramelized flavor, cook tapioca pearls in a brown sugar syrup, creating a rich “tiger-striped” effect in the glass.
Dipping Sauce (Optional Sweet Syrup)
Combine 1 tablespoon sugar with 1 tablespoon water and a few drops of vanilla extract. Stir until sugar dissolves, then drizzle over the drink before serving for an extra touch of sweetness.
The Story Behind
Bubble tea has become a beloved drink worldwide since its origin in Taiwan in the 1980s. Created by adding tapioca pearls to sweet milk tea, bubble tea offers an enjoyable texture that’s both satisfying and unique. Today, bubble tea is a staple in cafes globally, with new flavors and toppings constantly emerging. Bubble tea, with its fun chewy pearls and endless customization options, provides a playful yet delicious way to enjoy a refreshing drink that appeals to people of all ages.