I’m absolutely obsessed with this bubble tea recipe because it perfectly balances the rich, robust flavor of black tea with the creamy smoothness of milk, creating a delightful treat that feels both indulgent and refreshing. Plus, making boba at home not only saves money but also lets me customize the sweetness and flavors exactly to my liking, so it’s always just right.
I’m passionate about making invigorating beverages at home, and my DIY bubble tea is no exception. The chewy black tapioca pearls in this drink combine with the potent flavor of black tea (served chilled, of course) to make an unforgettable combo.
I think milk adds just the right amount of creamy goodness, and a simple syrup makes it sweet without going over the top.
Ingredients
Chewy textured black tapioca pearls equal fun; they’re mostly carbs for energy.
Black Tea, Brewed: Abundant in antioxidants; gives a gentle boost of caffeine.
Cow’s milk or plant milk: A rich texture; an excellent source of calcium and protein.
Syrup Simple: Has a sweetening effect; modulate to your preferred taste and caloric requirements.
Cubes of ice: Chill the beverage; revive and rehydrate on scorching summer days.
Ingredient Quantities
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- 1 cup black tapioca pearls
- 8 cups water
- 3 cups brewed black tea, chilled
- 1 cup milk or non-dairy milk
- 1/4 cup simple syrup or sweetener of choice
- Ice cubes
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Instructions
1. Put 8 cups of water in a big pot and heat them to boiling.
2. Introduce the black tapioca pearls to the boiling water and stir gently to maintain separation of the pearls.
3. Prepare the tapioca pearls as directed on the package, usually 5 minutes for quick-cooking pearls, or as long as 25 minutes for traditional pearls.
4. When finished cooking, take the pot off of the heat. Let the pearls rest for a final 5 minutes.
5. The cooked pearls should be drained and rinsed in cold water to stop the cooking process.
6. Place the tapioca pearls in a bowl and combine them with simple syrup or your preferred sweetener. Allow the mixture to steep for no less than 10 minutes.
7. Fill a glass with ice cubes to prepare the bubble tea.
8. Pour 3/4 cup of brewed black tea into the glass.
9. Add 1/4 cup of milk or non-dairy milk to the tea.
10. Put a suitable quantity of sweetened tapioca pearls in the glass. Stir well, and enjoy your handcrafted bubble tea!
Equipment Needed
1. Large pot
2. Stirring spoon
3. Measuring cups
4. Strainer or colander
5. Bowl
6. Spoon
7. Glass or cup
8. Ice cube tray or access to ice cubes
FAQ
- Q: Can I use different flavors of tea?A: Yes, green tea and oolong tea can be used for various flavors in bubble tea.
- Q: How do I cook the tapioca pearls?A: To prepare the pearls, bring 8 cups of water to a boil, add the pearls, and simmer for roughly 5 minutes, or follow the package instructions, and cook until the pearls are tender.
- Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?A: The tea and the tapioca pearls can be prepared beforehand; however, for the best bubble tea experience, assemble the drink right before serving.
- Q: How can I adjust the sweetness?A: Adjust the amount of simple syrup or your sweetener of choice to suit your taste preferences.
- Q: Is there a non-dairy option?You can substitute with any kind of non-dairy milk, including almond and coconut milks.
- Q: How should I store leftover tapioca pearls?A: Place cooked tapioca in syrup (half simple syrup, half water) in the fridge, where it will remain good for up to 24 hours. When you want to use it, reheat by simmering briefly in boiling water.
Substitutions and Variations
Tapioca pearls that are black in color:
Tapioca pearls, white
Cubes of jelly made from agar
Black tea:
Green tea contains polyphenols, which are powerful antioxidants. These polyphenols, especially catechins, are effective in combating oxidative stress and inflammation. Green tea not only provides antioxidants but also improves the experience of bone health by attenuating the process of osteoclastogenesis.
Oolong Tea
Dairy milk or non-dairy milk:
Coconut milk
Almond milk
Syrup or sweetener:
Honey
Maple syrup.
Frozen droplets of water:
Ice that has been crushed
Ice cubes with flavor
Pro Tips
1. Pearl Consistency: To achieve the perfect chewiness, monitor the cooking time for the tapioca pearls and test a few as they cook. Different brands may require slight adjustments in boiling time for optimal texture.
2. Tea Infusion: For a more robust flavor, consider steeping the black tea longer than usual, or brew it with more tea leaves. This can help the tea flavor stand out against the milk and sweetened pearls.
3. Cold Tea: Ensure the brewed black tea is thoroughly chilled before combining it with the milk and ice. You can prepare it in advance and store it in the refrigerator, which helps prevent the ice from diluting the drink too quickly.
4. Simple Syrup Variation: Customize your simple syrup by infusing it with flavors like vanilla, ginger, or honey. This adds an extra layer of complexity and a personal touch to the bubble tea.
5. Layering Technique: When assembling the bubble tea, pour the tea over the ice cubes first before adding milk, allowing for a visually appealing layered effect. This can enhance the presentation, especially with transparent glasses.
Homemade Bubble Tea Recipe
My favorite Homemade Bubble Tea Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Large pot
2. Stirring spoon
3. Measuring cups
4. Strainer or colander
5. Bowl
6. Spoon
7. Glass or cup
8. Ice cube tray or access to ice cubes
Ingredients:
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- 1 cup black tapioca pearls
- 8 cups water
- 3 cups brewed black tea, chilled
- 1 cup milk or non-dairy milk
- 1/4 cup simple syrup or sweetener of choice
- Ice cubes
“`
Instructions:
1. Put 8 cups of water in a big pot and heat them to boiling.
2. Introduce the black tapioca pearls to the boiling water and stir gently to maintain separation of the pearls.
3. Prepare the tapioca pearls as directed on the package, usually 5 minutes for quick-cooking pearls, or as long as 25 minutes for traditional pearls.
4. When finished cooking, take the pot off of the heat. Let the pearls rest for a final 5 minutes.
5. The cooked pearls should be drained and rinsed in cold water to stop the cooking process.
6. Place the tapioca pearls in a bowl and combine them with simple syrup or your preferred sweetener. Allow the mixture to steep for no less than 10 minutes.
7. Fill a glass with ice cubes to prepare the bubble tea.
8. Pour 3/4 cup of brewed black tea into the glass.
9. Add 1/4 cup of milk or non-dairy milk to the tea.
10. Put a suitable quantity of sweetened tapioca pearls in the glass. Stir well, and enjoy your handcrafted bubble tea!
