Homemade Bubble Tea with Tapioca Pearls
Bubble Tea
Sweet and creamy bubble tea with chewy tapioca pearls. A refreshing Asian beverage you can make at home in minutes.
Nutrition (per serving)
Bubble tea, also known as boba tea, is a beloved beverage that originated in Taiwan in the 1980s. It's the perfect balance of sweet, creamy, and refreshing—with those irresistible chewy tapioca pearls that make every sip an adventure. What started as a trendy drink in Asian tea shops has become a global sensation, and for good reason. Once you try making it at home, you'll never look back.
The magic of bubble tea lies in its simplicity and customization. You can adjust the sweetness, the strength of the tea, and even add different flavors to make it your own. Whether you prefer it classic with black tea and milk, or you want to experiment with fruit flavors, this recipe gives you the foundation to create your perfect cup. The tapioca pearls are surprisingly easy to prepare, and they stay chewy for hours.
Ingredients
- Tapioca pearls (boba):1/2 cup
- Water:6 cups
- Black tea bags:2 pieces
- Whole milk:1/2 cup
- Sweetened condensed milk:3 tbsp
- Brown sugar syrup:2 tbsp
- Ice cubes:1 cup
Instructions
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Bring 3 cups of water to a boil in a pot. Add the tapioca pearls and stir occasionally for about 30 minutes until they turn from white to translucent with a small white center.
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Drain the cooked pearls and rinse with cold water. Set aside.
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In a separate pot, bring 3 cups of water to a boil. Add the tea bags, remove from heat, and let steep for 3-5 minutes depending on how strong you like your tea. Remove the tea bags and let the tea cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 10 minutes.
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In two tall glasses, divide the cooked tapioca pearls evenly.
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Pour the chilled tea into each glass, filling it about two-thirds full.
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Add 1/4 cup of whole milk to each glass, then 1.5 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk.
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Add 1 tablespoon of brown sugar syrup to each glass and stir well.
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Fill each glass with ice cubes and stir.
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Serve immediately with a wide boba straw so you can sip the pearls easily.
Tips & Notes
- Don't skip rinsing the cooked pearls with cold water—it stops them from sticking together and keeps them perfectly chewy.
- Brown sugar syrup is essential for authentic bubble tea. Make it by dissolving 1 cup brown sugar in 1/2 cup hot water, then let it cool before using.
- You can prepare the pearls and tea ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- For a lighter version, use evaporated milk instead of condensed milk, or try coconut milk for a tropical twist.
- A wide boba straw is really worth having—it's specifically designed to let those pearls slide right through.
