Kraken’s Ink: Halloween Blue Bubble Tea Recipe
When I first dreamt up a spooky Halloween bubble tea, I pictured something that Ursula herself might sip while plotting her next sea spell, mysterious and dramatic. That’s how this Kraken bubble tea came to life: a mesmerising blue bubble tea swirling with creamy milk, chewy brown sugar pearls, and crowned with a layer of black cocoa whipped cream.
This isn’t your everyday boba, it’s a potion straight from the deep. Inspired by the legendary sea creature and the villainous charm of the sea witch, this Halloween boba recipe combines the natural magic of butterfly pea flowers with the richness of cocoa to create a drink that looks like it’s brewed from the ocean floor. It’s spooky, indulgent, and ever so slightly theatrical, perfect for Halloween parties, cosy movie nights, or when you fancy channelling your inner Ursula.
So grab your whisk, summon your inner sea witch, and whip up your very own kraken bubble tea, a hauntingly beautiful drink that’s equal parts eerie and enchanting!
More Halloween Bubble Tea Recipes
If you’ve fallen under the spell of the Kraken Bubble Tea, you’ll love exploring the rest of my Halloween boba teas. Try the shimmering green witch’s brew bubble tea, a mystical matcha potion worthy of any coven; or dare to sip the creepy-yet-delicious zombie brains bubble tea, complete with a gory jelly brain! For something a little more fun, channel your favourite gothic duo with the Wednesday and Enid bubble teas, one dark and moody, the other pastel and playful, perfectly capturing their contrasting charms. Each one is frightfully good fun to make, and guaranteed to bring a little Halloween magic to your kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
🐙 It’s hauntingly beautiful. With its swirling shades of ocean blue and black cocoa, this Kraken Bubble Tea looks like something Ursula herself might conjure. Every glass feels like a little piece of Halloween magic.
🐙 It tastes as good as it looks. The gentle floral notes of butterfly pea flower tea blend perfectly with the creamy milk, rich black cocoa syrup, and chewy brown sugar pearls. It’s indulgent but balanced.
🐙 It’s pure fun to make. Between brewing the blue tea, whipping the black cream, and decorating with wobbly jelly octopuses, this recipe feels like a creative kitchen project, ideal for spooky season.
🐙 It’s crowd-pleasing and customisable. You can make it dairy-free, extra chocolatey, or add edible glitter for a bewitching glow. Perfect for Halloween parties, themed gatherings, or even a quiet night in with a film.
🐙 It’s a show-stopper. This Halloween boba recipe photographs lovely and will steal the spotlight on Pinterest, Instagram, or your Halloween dessert table.
If you are a bubble tea fanatic, continue reading with this 👉 bubble tea guide
Ingredients for this Blue Bubble Tea
Butterfly pea flowers (or tea bags): These magical petals brew into a deep ocean-blue tea with a subtle, earthy flavour, gentle and slightly floral. They bring the mesmerising blue hue that makes this drink so enchanting.
Milk or coconut milk: Milk adds creaminess, while coconut milk gives a richer, more tropical touch. Either creates a smooth contrast against the floral tea, softening the flavours and enhancing the colour swirl.
Black cocoa syrup: Made from black cocoa powder, this syrup adds a deep, bittersweet chocolate note and that dramatic “inky” effect. It gives the bubble tea its signature dark edge, rich, slightly roasted, and perfectly spooky.
Brown sugar tapioca pearls: These chewy pearls add a warm, caramel sweetness that balances the light, floral tea. Their glossy, dark finish looks mysterious in the glass, like treasures from the deep.
Black cocoa whipped cream: A decadent topping that’s light, creamy, and chocolatey with a whisper of bitterness. It turns your drink into a dessert-worthy indulgence and gives that “sea foam” effect to your Kraken creation.
Jelly (octopus-shaped): Fun, wobbly, and sweet, a playful finishing touch. Use blue jelly in octopus shapes (using a silicone mold) for a true under-the-sea Halloween twist!
Ice cubes: They keep your blue bubble tea chilled and help create the layered ombré effect as the milk and tea swirl together, like a storm brewing under the waves.
To make something more traditional, try this recipe 👉 classic bubble tea recipe
How to Make Black Cocoa Syrup (for Swirling and Drizzling)
This rich, glossy syrup creates that signature “ink” look in your kraken’s bubble tea, dark, dramatic, and slightly bittersweet:
🖤 Ingredients (makes about 1 cup)
½ cup black cocoa powder
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup water
1 tsp vanilla extract (optional, for warmth)
Pinch of salt (enhances the chocolate flavour)
🖤 Instructions
Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan, and whisk constantly over medium heat until smooth and glossy, about 3–5 minutes.
Simmer gently for 1–2 minutes, then remove from heat.
Allow to cool slightly, then pour into a jar or squeeze bottle. Store in the fridge for up to two weeks, it will thicken slightly as it cools.
🖤 Tips
For the classic swirl-down effect: Use the syrup as soon as it’s cooled but still pourable. Drizzle it slowly inside your glass and rotate as you pour, the syrup should run gently down the sides, creating elegant “ink trails.”
For a thicker, more dramatic look (for party photos): Whisk in 1–2 tbsp powdered icing sugar or simmer for an extra minute. This makes the syrup more viscous so that it clings to the rim and holds bold streaks, perfect for Halloween photos or displays.
How to Make the Black Cocoa Whipped Cream Topping
This rich, dark whipped cream adds a velvety finish to your kraken’s ink bubble tea, soft, chocolatey, and perfectly spooky. It’s what gives the drink that luscious “sea foam” effect on top of the blue tea.
🖤 Ingredients
1 cup double cream (or heavy cream)
6 tablespoons black cocoa powder
½ cup powdered icing sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
🖤 Instructions
Place your mixing bowl and whisk (or electric beaters) in the fridge for 10–15 minutes. Cold equipment helps the cream whip faster and hold its shape.
Add the double cream, black cocoa powder, icing sugar, and vanilla extract to the chilled bowl. Beat on medium speed until the mixture thickens and soft peaks form, it should be smooth and airy, not stiff. The black cocoa will give it a dramatic, dark-chocolate colour.
Add a little extra icing sugar if you prefer it sweeter, or a dash more black cocoa for a deeper colour.
🖤 Tips:
Use plant-based whipping cream or coconut cream for a dairy-free option
Keep the whipped cream chilled until ready to serve, and use it within 24 hours for the best texture.
How to Make the Octopus Jelly Shapes
These wobbly little octopuses make the perfect finishing touch for your blue bubble tea, playful, spooky, and surprisingly easy to make!
🦑Prepare the gelatin mixture: In a small saucepan, combine your chosen blue/purple (or fav colour) jelly or gelatin mix with water according to package instructions. Stir until dissolved.
🦑 Prepare the mold: Use a clean, dry silicone octopus mold. Silicone usually releases jelly easily, so you don’t need to spray it; removal should be easy.
🦑 Chill until set: Pour the jelly mixture into the mold and refrigerate for at least 2–3 hours, or until firm.
🦑 Unmold carefully: Gently press the bottom of the mold to release the jelly octopus. If it sticks, dip the mold briefly in warm water to loosen.
🦑 For glossy jellies: Lightly brush the finished pieces with a touch of honey or sugar syrup before placing them on your drink.
How to Make the Butterfly Pea Flower Milk Tea
The secret to a beautiful blue bubble tea lies in how you brew your butterfly pea flower tea. This caffeine-free herbal tea has a naturally vivid blue hue and a gentle, earthy flavour that pairs perfectly with milk, coconut milk, or your favourite plant-based alternative (I like to use coconut milk for this recipe)
💙 For loose flowers: Measure 3-4 teaspoons of loose leaf per one cup of hot water. Allow to steep for 5-10 minutes, strain, and set aside to cool.
💙 For tea bags: Use 2 tea bags per one cup of hot water. Allow to steep for 5-10 minutes, strain, and set aside to cool.
💙 Turning it into butterfly pea milk tea: Once your tea has cooled, you can assemble your Halloween blue bubble tea!
💙 Brewing Tips: Avoid boiling the flowers as it can dull the colour, and for a darker blue brew, add more dried petals while steeping.
To read more about beautiful flower tea, read this 👉 guide to butterfly pea flower tea
Assembling Your Halloween Blue Bubble Tea
Now that all the components are ready (blue tea, boba pearls, drizzle, whipped cream, and jelly octopus) it’s time to bring the magic together! Follow these simple steps to create your very own Halloween blue bubble tea masterpiece:
1. Start with the black cocoa drizzle: Take your chilled glass and slowly swirl a spoonful of black cocoa syrup around the inside. Tilt the glass slightly as you rotate it to let the syrup trail down the sides; this will give the mesmerizing “Kraken ink” look once the tea is added.
2. Add the pearls: Add your brown sugar tapioca pearls into the bottom of the glass, and around 1-2 tablespoons of black cocoa syrup (depending on taste).
3. Add ice: Drop in a handful of ice cubes, this helps the layers form more distinctly and keeps your drink refreshingly cold.
4. Pour in the blue tea: Slowly add the cooled butterfly pea flower tea. You should see the deep blue tea pooling prettily over the pearls.
5. Layer the milk mixture: Over the back of a spoon, slowly pour in the milk. This creates a smooth, dreamy ombré, from ocean blue to midnight black.
6. Top with whipped cream: Using a piping bag, add a swirl of black cocoa whipped cream for a soft, velvety “sea foam” effect.
7. Finish with your jelly octopus: And finally, gently place a jelly octopus on top, letting its tentacles drape over the whipped cream or straw. To keep the octopus from sinking into the drink, wrap it around the straw and/or pierce a hole in it to insert the wide boba straw. It’s the perfect playful touch for Halloween!
Kraken’s Ink Blue Bubble Tea for Halloween
Ingredients (Serves 2)
- 3–4 tsp butterfly pea flower tea or 2 tea bags
- 1 cup (240 ml) hot water
- 2 cups (480 ml) milk or coconut milk
- 3–4 tbsp black cocoa syrup, plus extra for drizzling
- 1 cup (180 g) tapioca pearls
- Black cocoa whipped cream
- 2 jelly octopuses
- Ice cubes
Instructions
- Steep the tea: Brew butterfly pea flower tea in hot water for 5–7 minutes until deep blue. Strain and set aside to cool.
- Prepare the pearls: Cook tapioca pearls according to package directions, then coat lightly in brown sugar syrup or black cocoa syrup.
- Drizzle the glasses: Using chilled glasses, swirl a spoonful of black cocoa syrup around the inside. Tilt the glass as you rotate it to let the syrup trail down the sides.
- Add the pearls: Spoon the tapioca pearls into the bottom of each glass and drizzle in 1–2 tablespoons of black cocoa syrup.
- Add the tea: Drop in a handful of ice cubes, then pour in the cooled butterfly pea flower tea until about two-thirds full.
- Layer the milk: Slowly pour the milk (or coconut milk) over the back of a spoon to create a layered ombré effect.
- Finish with toppings: Top with black cocoa whipped cream and place one jelly octopus on each drink. Wrap the tentacles around the straw or pierce through to secure. Serve and enjoy!
Find the full recipe here: Kraken’s Ink Blue Bubble Tea for Halloween
Serving Ideas
Your Halloween blue bubble tea is more than just a drink, it’s a showpiece! And here are some top tips for perfect presentation:
🧋 For Halloween Parties
Serve the bubble tea in clear glass jars or tall potion-style bottles so the blue-to-black ombré really stands out.
Add striped black-and-white straws or reusable glass straws for an eco-friendly, witchy touch.
Drizzle a little extra black cocoa syrup down the sides just before serving for dramatic “Kraken ink” trails.
Sprinkle a pinch of edible glitter or silver sugar dust over the whipped cream for that eerie, magical shimmer.
🧋 For Movie Nights
Pair with Halloween-themed treats such as spooky-shaped dark chocolate biscuits or pumpkin scones.
Dim the lights and serve with a flickering candle or fairy lights for a mysterious underwater glow.
🧋 For Instagram or Pinterest Photos
Use a cold glass and well-chilled tea to create sharper layers.
Gently rotate the glass while pouring the milk to capture those swirling “stormy sea” patterns.
Decorate with a jelly octopus climbing over the rim, or nestling in the whipped cream.
Photograph against a grey, navy, or deep teal background to make the blue tones pop.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What gives the blue colour in this bubble tea?
The striking blue hue comes from butterfly pea flower tea, a natural herbal tea made from dried petals. It’s caffeine-free, floral, and completely natural, no artificial colouring needed!
2. Can I make this bubble tea ahead of time?
Yes! You can brew the butterfly pea flower tea and prepare the black cocoa syrup up to two days ahead. Just keep them refrigerated and assemble the drink right before serving for the best colour and texture.
3. How do I make sure the blue and milk layers don’t mix?
The secret is temperature and patience. Make sure your tea and milk are both very cold, and pour the milk slowly over the back of a spoon, over ice, to create that perfect ombré effect.
4. What does black cocoa taste like?
Black cocoa has a rich, smooth, bittersweet flavour, similar to Oreo biscuits. It’s less sweet than regular cocoa and adds a sophisticated, dark chocolate note to the drink.
5. Can I make this without dairy?
Absolutely. This recipe works great with coconut milk, oat milk, or almond milk. Coconut milk gives the creamiest texture and pairs perfectly with the earthy butterfly pea tea.
6. My jelly octopus melted, what did I do wrong?
Your tea, syrup, or whipped cream may have been too warm. Make sure your ingredients and jellies are fully chilled and add them just before serving to keep their shape. You can also use agar-agar instead of gelatine for a firmer jelly.
7. Can I use regular cocoa powder instead of black cocoa?
Yes, though the result will be lighter in colour. For that deep, inky look and smooth chocolate flavour, black cocoa is best.
8. Does butterfly pea tea have caffeine?
No, butterfly pea flower tea is naturally caffeine-free, making this bubble tea a fun treat for any time of the day, even for children or those avoiding caffeine.
9. How long do the tapioca pearls last?
Cooked boba pearls are best enjoyed fresh, within 2–3 hours. If you need to store them, keep them coated in a little brown sugar syrup to stop them sticking and drying out.
10. Can I make this into a hot drink?
You can, but you’ll lose the layered look. Simply warm the butterfly pea tea and milk mixture, skip the ice, and top with warm black cocoa whipped cream for a cosy, latte-style version of this spooky classic.
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