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How to Make Bubble Tea at Home
Ever wondered how to make bubble tea right at home? This guide covers everything you need to know to create creamy, refreshing, and simple bubble tea using easy-to-find ingredients like black tea, tapioca pearls, and sugar.
With bubble tea shops on nearly every street corner, it’s become one of the most popular iced beverages. But making bubble tea at home is not only possible—it’s easy, affordable, and customisable.
Whether you’re new to bubble tea or already love drinking it, this recipe will help you craft delicious bubble milk tea from scratch. The version here isn’t overly sweet, uses basic ingredients, and comes together quickly.
What Is Bubble Tea?
Bubble tea is a tea-based drink originating from Taiwan, often known by other names like milk tea, pearl tea, boba tea, tapioca tea, or foam milk tea.
Invented in the 1980s, the credit is widely believed to go to Ms. Lin Hsiu Hui of Chun Shui Tang Tea Shop in Taichung, where she casually added sweet tapioca balls (fen yuan) into iced tea during a meeting. The result sparked an international craze.
In the decades since, bubble tea has evolved into hundreds of variations across whole China and beyond. Today, there are countless flavours, toppings, and colours—from taro to mango, Thai tea to grass jelly. China continues to lead innovation with more flavour diversity and styles than anywhere else, including popular brown sugar bubble tea and regional favourites from Hong Kong.
What Is Boba?
Boba refers to the chewy tapioca balls found at the bottom of bubble tea. Made from tapioca starch (from the cassava root), boba is naturally gluten-free and flavourless. Loved for its chewy texture, it’s commonly used in hot and cold drinks, including smoothies and milk tea.
What Is Bubble Tea Made Of?
Tea: For authentic flavour, use strong loose leaf tea. At Hey China, we recommend our Chinese black tea or Chinese oolong tea instead of standard English breakfast. These traditional teas offer boldness, depth, and a rich aroma ideal for bubble tea.
Milk: Whole milk or half-and-half adds the best creaminess. Dairy alternatives like full-fat coconut milk, oat milk, or soy milk work well too. Sweetened condensed milk is also popular in homemade bubble tea.
Sweetener: Adjust sugar levels to your taste. Use granulated sugar, brown sugar syrup, honey, maple syrup, or simple syrup. Making bubble tea at home allows you to control sweetness.
Ice: Essential for cold bubble tea. The amount depends on how much your tea has cooled.
Tapioca Pearls: Use quick-cook tapioca pearls for convenience—they’re ready in 5 to 10 minutes. Don’t prepare them too early as they dry out and lose texture after 1–2 hours.
How to Make Bubble Tea
Step 1: Brew the Tea
Bring about 6 cups of water to a boil, then remove from 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 and cool to room temperature. Let it cool or refrigerate if needed.
Step 2: Cook the Tapioca Pearls
About 15 minutes before serving, bring a small saucepan of water to a boil. Add 1/2 cup of tapioca pearls and stir to prevent sticking. Cook for 5–7 minutes until they float and turn chewy. Drain and rinse under cold water.
Step 3: Assemble the Drink
Divide the cooked tapioca pearls between four large glasses. Add ice cubes to each. Pour in 1 to 1.5 cups of cooled black tea, then top with 2–3 tablespoons of milk. Stir and taste. Add more sweetener if needed. Serve with fat straws and long spoons.
Tips and Tricks
- Tapioca pearls can be a choking hazard, especially for children. Always serve with a straw and long spoon.
- Drink it fresh—bubble tea is best enjoyed the same day.
- For extra cold tea, shake the milk, tea, and ice (without pearls) in a cocktail shaker before pouring.
- Try different types of tea 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?
While tea can offer some health benefits, bubble tea made with sugary tapioca balls is more of a treat. Enjoy in moderation.
What are the bubbles in bubble tea?
The bubbles are chewy tapioca pearls made from cassava starch.
Where can I buy boba?
Quick-cook boba is available in Asian supermarkets and online retailers.
Is bubble tea gluten-free?
Yes, if made with natural ingredients. Always double-check for flavoured powders or additives when ordering.
Final Thoughts
Making bubble tea at home is fun, cost-effective, and super easy. With just a few ingredients and tools, you can make boba milk tea with your choice of milk and ice. Don’t forget to upgrade your recipe with traditional Chinese black tea or oolong tea for a stronger flavour and a more authentic experience.
