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Homemade Bubble Tea

Homemade Bubble Tea

The Crispy Chef
Learn how to make authentic bubble tea at home with this easy guide. Customize flavors, pick the best ingredients, and master the art of making delicious tapioca pearls. Enjoy a homemade drink that rivals your favorite cafe!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine Asian
Servings 2
Calories 180 kcal

Equipment

  • Large pot for boiling water and cooking tapioca pearls
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Fine-mesh strainer
  • Sharp kitchen knife
  • Cutting board
  • Electric kettle or stovetop tea kettle
  • Bubble tea shaker (optional)
  • Wide-mouth bubble tea straws
  • Digital kitchen scale (optional)
  • Tea infuser or brewing basket
  • Milk frother (optional)
  • Airtight containers for tapioca pearls
  • Glass jars with tight lids for tea leaves
  • Refrigerator-safe containers for prepared syrup

Ingredients
  

Tea Base:

  • 2 cups water
  • 2 black tea bags or green, oolong, or jasmine tea

Tapioca Pearls:

  • 1/2 cup tapioca pearls
  • 4 cups water for boiling
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar

Sweetener:

  • 2 tbsp simple syrup or honey, brown sugar syrup

Milk Options:

  • 1/2 cup whole milk or condensed milk, almond milk, oat milk, coconut milk

Flavor Enhancers (Optional):

  • 1 tbsp fruit syrup e.g., strawberry, mango
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions
 

  • Brew the Tea: Boil 2 cups of water and steep tea bags for 5 minutes. Remove tea bags and let the tea cool.
  • Prepare Tapioca Pearls: Boil 4 cups of water, add tapioca pearls, and cook for 15-20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  • Sweeten Tapioca Pearls: Drain cooked pearls, rinse with cold water, and soak in brown sugar for extra flavor.
  • Make the Sugar Syrup: Mix equal parts sugar and water in a small pan, heat until dissolved, then cool.
  • Assemble the Bubble Tea: In a shaker, combine brewed tea, milk, and sweetener. Shake well.
  • Serve: Add tapioca pearls to a glass, pour in the mixed tea, and stir. Use a wide straw and enjoy!

Notes

Adjust sweetness by adding more or less syrup.
Try different teas and milk alternatives to customize flavors.
Drink fresh for best taste; tapioca pearls harden if stored too long.

Nutrition

Calories: 180kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 3gFat: 4gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 30mgPotassium: 80mgFiber: 1gSugar: 18gVitamin A: 100IUVitamin C: 0.5mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 0.8mg
Keyword bubble tea, easy bubble tea recipe, homemade bubble tea, milk tea, tapioca pearls, boba tea
Tried this recipe?Mention @Thecrispycheff or tag #Thecrispychef!