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How to Make Bubble Tea at Home
Ever wondered how to whip up a delicious bubble tea in your own kitchen? With a handful of easy-to-find ingredients like black tea, tapioca pearls, and sugar you can make a creamy refreshing drink that stands up to the ones you buy at your favourite shop.
With bubble tea stores popping up on nearly every corner these days, it’s no surprise that the drink has become one of the most loved iced beverages around. But the beauty is that making it at home is not only possible – but also easy, affordable and endlessly customisable.
Whether you’re brand new to bubble tea or you’re already a regular, this recipe will guide you through making a delicious milk tea base from scratch. The good news is its simplicity, its not overly sweet and it comes together in no time.
What Is Bubble Tea?
Bubble tea is a tea-based drink from Taiwan, also known as milk tea, pearl tea, boba tea, tapioca tea or foam milk tea.
In the 80s, the drink was created by Ms Lin Hsiu Hui of Chun Shui Tang Tea Shop in Taichung. During a casual meeting, she popped a handful of sweet tapioca balls (fen yuan) into iced tea & what could have been an odd combination ended up sparking a global phenomenon.
Over the years, bubble tea has evolved into hundreds of different variations across China & beyond. Today you’ll find endless flavours, toppings & colours – from taro & mango to Thai tea & grass jelly. China remains the leader in bubble tea innovation, with everything from brown sugar boba to distinctive regional styles inspired by Hong Kong & Taiwan.
What Is Boba?
Boba is the chewy tapioca balls that sit at the bottom of a bubble tea. They’re made from tapioca starch which comes from the cassava root and boba is naturally gluten-free & has a neutral flavour. Its signature texture is what makes it so beloved & it’s used in both hot & cold drinks, including smoothies & milk teas.
What Is Bubble Tea Made Of?
Tea: For the real deal, strong loose leaf tea is the way to go. At Hey China, we reckon using Chinese black tea or Chinese oolong tea works best instead of standard English breakfast. These traditional teas give depth, a bit of boldness and a rich aroma that’s perfect for bubble tea.
Milk: Whole milk or half-and-half gives a lovely creamy finish, though alternatives like coconut, oat or soy milk also work just as well. Sweetened condensed milk is another popular choice for homemade bubble tea.
Sweetener: Sweeten it to your taste. You can use granulated sugar, brown sugar syrup, honey, maple syrup or simple syrup. The beauty of making bubble tea at home is you can have it just the way you like.
Ice: For a chilled drink. Use as much or as little as you like depending on how warm the tea is.
Tapioca Pearls: Use quick-cook tapioca pearls which are the most convenient option as they’re ready in just 5 – 10 minutes. But dont prep them too far in advance as they dry out within 1–2 hours and lose their lovely texture.
How to Make Bubble Tea
Step 1: Brew the Tea
Get about 6 cups of water boiling then take it off the heat. Add 4-5 black tea bags or 4 teaspoons of loose leaf tea. Stir in 4 tablespoons of sugar or brown sugar syrup (1 tablespoon per serving). Let the tea steep for 15-25 minutes then let it cool down to room temperature or chuck it in the fridge until chilled.
Step 2: Cook the Tapioca Pearls
15 minutes before serving get a small saucepan of water boiling. Add 1/2 cup of tapioca pearls and give them a bit of a stir to stop them sticking together. Cook for 5-7 minutes until they float & turn all chewy. Drain them & rinse them under cold water.
Step 3: Assemble the Drink
Split the cooked pearls between four big glasses. Add ice cubes. Pour in 1 to 1.5 cups of cooled black tea then top with 2-3 tablespoons of milk. Stir it up, taste it & if you want to add a bit more sweetness nows the time – serve with a straw & long spoon.
Tips and Tricks
- Tapioca pearls are a choking hazard so always serve with a straw & spoon.
- Best enjoyed on the day its made.
- If you want to chill it even more, give the milk, tea & ice a good shake in a cocktail shaker (without pearls) before assembling.
- Play around with other teas like jasmine, green tea, or Thai tea.
Bubble Tea Flavours to Try
Some of the most popular bubble tea combinations include:
- Honeydew
- Lychee
- Grass jelly
- Passionfruit
- Coffee
- Coconut
- Mango
- Strawberry
- Taro
Bubble Tea FAQs
Is bubble tea healthy?
Tea itself has its benefits, but bubble tea with sugary tapioca pearls is a treat & best enjoyed in moderation.
What are the bubbles in bubble tea?
The tapioca pearls you find in bubble tea are chewy little gems made from cassava starch – its no wonder theyre called ‘bubbles’
Where can I buy boba?
You can grab quick-cook tapioca pearls at your local Asian supermarket or online, they’re pretty widely available.
Is bubble tea gluten-free?
As long as the bubble tea is made with natural ingredients, then yes, it’s gluten-free. That said, if you do get it from a cafe or shop, always double-check to make sure they’re not using any dodgy flavoured powders or additives that might spoil the gluten-free magic.
Final Thoughts
Making bubble tea at home is an absolute blast, it’s budget-friendly and pretty simple too. All you need is a few ingredients and some basic gear and you’re good to go – you can knock up your own boba milk tea with as much sweetness, milk and ice as you like. If you want the most fragrant and authentic flavour, try using one of those traditional Chinese black teas or oolongs – trust me, it really does make a world of difference with every sip.
