How to Make Bubble Tea: 23 Best Recipes
Bubble tea, also known as boba tea or pearls tea, is a popular Taiwanese beverage that has captured global attention for its unique taste, texture, and the playful experience of enjoying its chewy bubbles. Crafted from tea, milk, fruits, and tapioca pearls, this versatile drink offers endless flavor possibilities. In this post, you'll discover a curated collection of 23 delicious bubble tea recipes that provide detailed, step-by-step instructions for creating homemade boba tea. The recipes span from classic milk teas to inventive flavor twists, offering a range of DIY bubble tea flavors suited for both seasoned fans and newcomers alike.
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Get Your Bubble on and Get Creative in the Kitchen with These 23 Unique Bubble Tea Recipes
If you're looking for some refreshing and delicious bubble tea recipes to try at home, look no further than this collection of 23 amazing boba tea recipes!
7 Steps to Making Perfect Bubble Tea at Home
Use high-quality ingredients: The key to a delicious bubble tea is to use high-quality tea, fresh milk, and good quality sweeteners.
Brew the tea correctly: The brewing process can significantly affect the taste of your bubble tea. Make sure to follow the instructions for your chosen tea and brew it correctly.
Control the sweetness: It's essential to find the right balance between sweetness and flavor. Experiment with different types of sweeteners like honey, brown sugar, and sugar syrup to find the perfect sweetness level.
Use the right type of tapioca pearls: Choose tapioca pearls that are fresh and have a chewy texture. There is also the option for using popping boba and flavored boba pearls.
Add ice cubes: Adding ice cubes will not only cool down your drink but also prevent the pearls from clumping together.
Shake it up: Use a cocktail shaker or a sealed container to mix your bubble tea properly. As well as the boba-bubbles, bubble tea should also have a bubbly surface from being correctly mixed.
Get creative: Don't be afraid to experiment with new flavors and combinations to create your unique bubble tea recipe! Start with these 23 recipes!
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Download Your FREE Copy of 50 Milk Tea Recipes eBook
Sip on These 23 Irresistible Bubble Tea Recipes You Can Make at Home
If you love bubble tea, you'll be thrilled to know that it's possible to make it at home with these delicious bubble tea recipes. From classic milk tea recipes to fruity variations, this collection of 23 recipes has something for every bubble tea lover:
1. Strawberry Matcha Boba
Strawberry Matcha Boba by Teak & Thyme
If you're a fan of both earthy matcha green tea and sweet strawberries, you'll love this recipe for a refreshing and colorful Strawberry Matcha Boba. With its pretty layers of vibrant pink and green, it's not only delicious but also sure to brighten up your day!
2. Easy Taro Milk Tea
Easy Taro Milk Tea by The Oregon Dietitian
Have you ever tried Taro Boba, also known as Taro Bubble Tea? If you haven't, this easy recipe for Easy Taro Milk Tea is a great place to start. Made with creamy milk, taro powder, jasmine green tea and chewy tapioca pearls, it's a deliciously sweet and satisfying drink that you can easily make at home. This recipe has healthier options such as switching the sugar for coconut sugar or stevia and dairy free milk alternatives.
3. Earl Grey Bubble Tea
Earl Grey Bubble Tea by Teak & Thyme
Earl Grey Bubble Tea is a delicious twist on a classic tea flavor that you won't want to miss out on. With the perfect blend of creamy milk, fragrant Earl Grey tea, brown sugar, and chewy tapioca pearls, this recipe is easy to make and sure to become a new favorite!
4. Butterfly Blue Boba Milk Tea Recipe
Butterfly Blue Boba Milk Tea Recipe by Mama Likes to Cook
If you're looking for a fun and unique twist on bubble tea, this Butterfly Blue Boba Milk Tea Recipe is sure to impress. Made with natural butterfly pea flower tea, creamy milk, and chewy tapioca pearls, this recipe not only tastes great but also boasts a gorgeous blue color that's sure to catch everyone's attention!
5. Chocolate Milk Tea
Chocolate Milk Tea by Entirely Elizabeth
Looking for a decadent and comforting bubble tea recipe? Look no further than this Chocolate Milk Tea recipe! Made with just black tea, hot cocoa mix, and half and half, it's an easy and delicious treat that can be enjoyed hot or cold, with the option to add chewy boba for an extra burst of flavor and texture.
6. How to Make Thai Iced Tea
Boba Tea Recipe (How to Make Thai Bubble Tea) by The Forked Spoon
If you're a fan of Thai cuisine, you'll love this recipe for Thai Iced Tea, a sweet and creamy drink that's perfect for warm weather. And for an added twist, you can easily turn it into a delicious bubble tea by adding chewy boba pearls!
7. HK Milk Tea Bubble Tea
HK Milk Tea Bubble Tea by Sift & Simmer
If you're a fan of bold, rich tea flavors, you won't want to miss this recipe for HK Milk Tea Bubble Tea. Made with strong black tea, creamy condensed milk, and hand-rolled tapioca pearls, it's a deliciously satisfying drink that's easy to make at home, even without the net straining method of traditional Hong Kong Milk Tea.
8. Easy Vegan Bubble Tea
Easy Vegan Bubble Tea by Plant Based on a Budget
If you're a vegan or looking to cut back on dairy, this recipe for Easy Vegan Bubble Tea is a must-try! Made with all-natural ingredients like black tea and plant-based creamer, and sweetened with agave or your sweetener of choice, it's a delicious and guilt-free treat that's perfect for any time of day.
9. Oolong Milk Tea
Oolong Milk Tea by Thyme for Flavor
Looking for a new twist on traditional bubble tea? Try making Oolong Milk Tea at home! This bubble tea recipe features delicious and unique oolong tea, milk, brown sugar, and boba pearls for a unique and satisfying drink experience.
10. Passion Fruit Boba
Passion Fruit Boba by Balance with Jess
Looking for a refreshing and tropical twist to your bubble tea? Try this Passion Fruit Boba recipe made with real passion fruit puree, black tea, half and half, and chewy boba pearls. Don't forget the sugary syrup made with a mix of white sugar, brown sugar, and honey for a burst of sweetness!
11. Matcha Milk Tea
Matcha Milk Tea by Entirely Elizabeth
If you are a fan of both matcha green tea and bubbly boba tea, then you'll love this recipe for Matcha Milk Tea! Made with creamy milk, fragrant matcha tea powder, and chewy tapioca pearls, it's a deliciously refreshing drink that's perfect for any time of day.
12. Strawberry Milk Tea (with Hibiscus)
Strawberry Milk Tea by Moon and Spoon and Yum
If you're in the mood for a sweet and fruity drink, this recipe for Strawberry Milk Tea is sure to hit the spot! Made with a beautiful and tart hibiscus tea base, sweet strawberry syrup, and chewy boba pearls, it's a deliciously refreshing drink that's perfect for warm weather or any time you're craving something sweet.
13. Jasmine Milk Tea
Jasmine Milk Tea by Thyme for Flavor
Looking for a refreshing and floral bubble tea flavor? Try making Jasmine Milk Tea, also known as jasmine bubble tea, with floral jasmine green tea, creamy milk, and chewy tapioca pearls. It's a delightful drink that will transport you to a peaceful oasis with every sip!
14. Instant Pot Bubble Tea
Instant Pot Iced Boba Tea by Two Sleevers
Looking for an easy and convenient way to make boba tea at home? This recipe for Iced Boba Tea made in an Instant Pot is the perfect solution! With just a few simple ingredients and the help of your trusty Instant Pot, you can have a delicious and refreshing boba tea in no time.
15. Real Taro Milk Bubble Tea
Real Taro Milk Bubble Tea by Sift & Simmer
If you're a taro fan, you'll love this recipe for Real Taro Milk Bubble Tea! Unlike some recipes that use powdered taro, this recipe calls for cooked and mashed taro for a more authentic and natural flavor. With creamy milk and chewy tapioca pearls, it's a deliciously satisfying drink that's perfect for any time of day.
16. Classic Bubble Tea Recipe
How to Make Bubble Tea by The Forked Spoon
Looking for a refreshing and fun drink? Look no further than bubble tea, the classic Taiwanese iced tea that's sure to satisfy your taste buds. This Bubble Tea Recipe is made with black tea, sugar, milk, and chewy tapioca pearls, this drink is the perfect balance of sweet and refreshing.
17. Chocolate Bubble Tea
Chocolate Bubble Tea by Healthy Life Trainer
Here's another delicious chocolate bubble tea recipe! This Chocolate Bubble Tea is made with natural ingredients including black tea, cocoa powder, and vanilla bean paste, and topped with chewy boba pearls, it's a rich and indulgent treat you won't be able to resist. You have the option to add as much sugar and whipped cream as you like!
18. Coco-Inspired Egg Custard Bubble Tea
Coco-Inspired Egg Custard Bubble Tea by Sift & Simmer
Looking for a new and interesting bubble tea recipe to try at home? Why not give this Coco-inspired Egg Custard Bubble Tea a try? Inspired by CoCo Fresh Tea's 3 Guys Bubble Tea, this recipe features the classic flavor of Hong Kong milk tea, paired with creamy egg custard, chewy tapioca pearls, and a fun jelly topping!
19. Strawberry Milk Tea (Two Ways!)
Strawberry Milk Tea by Entirely Elizabeth
Looking for a delicious and refreshing drink for your next summer gathering? Try out this easy and versatile recipe for Strawberry Milk Tea! Made with your choice of black or green tea and served hot or iced, this drink can be enjoyed with or without the added chewy texture of boba pearls.
20. Homemade Tapioca Pearls aka Boba Pearls
Homemade Tapioca Pearls aka Boba Pearls by Damn, Spicy!
Are you tired of using store-bought tapioca pearls for your bubble tea? Why not try making your own Homemade Tapioca Pearls, also known as boba pearls? With just two ingredients and under 30 minutes, you can have freshly made boba pearls to use in all your favorite bubble tea recipes!
21. Chai-Coconut Milk Boba Popsicles
Chai-Coconut Milk Boba Popsicles by Boulder Locavore
Looking for a fun and refreshing way to enjoy boba tea during the summer months? These Chai Coconut Milk Boba Popsicles are the perfect treat! Made with ready-made boba, creamy coconut milk, and chai tea concentrate, they're easy to make and packed with delicious flavor. Perfect for cooling down on a hot day!
22. Brown Sugar Boba Ice Cream Bars
Brown Sugar Boba Ice Cream Bars by The Oregon Dietitian
If you're a fan of boba tea and ice cream, you'll love these Brown Sugar Boba Ice Cream Bars! Made with vegan, gluten-free ingredients like creamy coconut milk and chewy mochi pearls made from glutinous rice flour, these bars are the perfect sweet treat. With a delicious brown sugar milk tea flavor and a fun mochi-boba twist, they're sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them!
23. Vegan Boba Cake
Vegan Boba Cake by Rainbow Nourishments
Looking for a fun and impressive dessert that's both vegan and delicious? This Vegan Boba Cake is the perfect choice! Made with black tea, dairy-free milk, brown sugar, and chewy tapioca pearls, it's a unique and flavorful treat that's sure to impress your friends and family. Serve with lots of bubble tea or hot cups of tea for a heavenly afternoon treat!
Making Bubble Tea FAQs
1. What are the essential ingredients for homemade bubble tea?
The basic ingredients for homemade bubble tea include brewed tea (black, green, oolong or herbal), a milk or non-dairy alternative, a sweetener such as honey, brown sugar, or syrup, and tapioca pearls (boba). You can also add fruit flavors, jelly toppings, or popping boba for a unique fun twist.
2. How do I make chewy tapioca pearls for bubble tea?
To make chewy tapioca pearls, boil water and add the dried tapioca pearls. Stir gently and let them cook until they float, then simmer for 15-20 minutes. Afterward, let them sit in the hot water for another 10-15 minutes before draining and soaking them in a sugar or honey syrup to enhance flavor.
3. Can I make bubble tea without tapioca pearls?
Yes! If you prefer a different texture, you can replace tapioca pearls with alternatives such as fruit jelly, chia seeds, basil seeds, or popping boba. Many DIY bubble tea recipes use ingredients like aloe vera cubes, coconut jelly, or grass jelly for a fun variation.
4. What’s the best way to sweeten homemade boba tea?
You can sweeten bubble tea using honey, brown sugar syrup, simple syrup, condensed milk, or fun flavored syrups such as vanilla or caramel. If you prefer a natural option, try using maple syrup or agave nectar for a healthier touch.
5. How do I make a dairy-free or vegan bubble tea at home?
To make a vegan bubble tea, swap dairy milk for plant-based alternatives including almond, oat, soy, or coconut milk. Ensure your tapioca pearls are free from gelatin, and use a natural sweetener like agave or maple syrup instead of honey. Many fruit-based bubble tea recipes are naturally dairy-free!
Explore the Endless Possibilities of Boba!
Now you have 23 bubble tea recipes to explore, helping you master the art of making bubble tea at home. If you are craving a classic milk tea, homemade boba tea, or unique flavors like taro, matcha, and chocolate, you have a recipe for every taste. Want to take your DIY bubble tea flavors to the next level? Try crafting your own homemade boba pearls or cooling off with refreshing boba popsicles. With these homemade boba tea recipes, you can enjoy fresh, natural ingredients while creating your favorite bubble tea drinks at home from scratch. Get creative in the kitchen and start experimenting with new flavors today!
