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Bubble Tea Recipe

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4.3 from 9 reviews

This classic Bubble Tea recipe brings the vibrant flavors of black tea combined with chewy tapioca pearls and creamy milk for a refreshing and satisfying beverage. Perfect for a fun afternoon treat or a unique homemade drink, this recipe guides you through steeping flavorful tea, cooking quick-cooking tapioca pearls, and assembling a deliciously sweetened milk tea experience.

Ingredients

Tea Base

  • 10 black tea bags
  • 6 cups boiled water
  • 4 tablespoons granulated sugar (or your choice of sweetener), plus more as needed

Tapioca Pearls (Boba)

  • 8.8 ounces (1 bag) quick-cooking tapioca pearls

Milk

  • Whole milk or half-and-half, plus more as needed

Instructions

  1. Prepare the tea: Bring 6 cups of water to just a boil. Remove from heat immediately, then add the tea bags and sugar to the hot water. Stir well to combine and allow the tea to steep until it cools to room temperature, releasing rich flavors from the tea bags while dissolving the sugar.
  2. Cook the tapioca pearls: About 15 minutes before serving, bring a small pot of water to a rolling boil. Add the quick-cooking tapioca pearls to the boiling water and stir immediately to prevent them from clumping. Let the pearls cook for 5 to 7 minutes, or until they float to the surface and achieve a chewy texture. Drain the pearls and rinse them under cold water to stop cooking. Transfer the boba to a clean bowl to keep them ready for assembling.
  3. Assemble the bubble tea: Distribute the cooked tapioca pearls evenly among four glasses and add ice cubes. Pour about 1 1/2 cups of the cooled black tea into each glass. Top each with 2 to 3 tablespoons of whole milk or half-and-half for a creamy finish. Stir well and taste; add additional sugar or sweetener if more sweetness is desired. Serve with wide bubble tea straws or long spoons for enjoying the pearls alongside the tea.

Notes

  • Steeping the tea until it reaches room temperature ensures a stronger and more balanced tea flavor without bitterness.
  • Quick-cooking tapioca pearls are used for convenience; traditional pearls require longer cooking times.
  • Adjust sweetness and milk levels according to personal preference for a customized drink.
  • Serve immediately after assembling for optimal texture of the boba pearls, as they can harden if left too long.

Find it online: https://cozyplatter.com/bubble-tea-recipe/