Zombie Brains Bubble Tea for Halloween
Every Halloween calls for a drink that’s a little spooky, a little playful, and definitely Instagram-worthy. That’s where this creepy zombie bubble tea comes in. A tall glass of matcha green tea swirling with strawberry syrup, boba pearls at the bottom, and a jiggly brain sitting on top. It looks like something out of a mad scientist’s lab but tastes like a sweet, fruity treat.
The best part of this boba recipe is that you don’t need any fancy equipment! With a simple brain mold, you can make your own wobbly jelly topper. If you’ve ever wondered how to make brain-shaped jello, this is your chance. The whole process is surprisingly easy, and the effect is guaranteed to impress!
This Halloween bubble tea recipe has quickly become a favourite at parties in my house. Guests can’t decide if they’re grossed out or excited to try it, and usually it’s both! That’s the charm of a good horror boba drink: it looks over-the-top creepy but delivers a delicious mix of creamy matcha and sweet strawberry with every sip. If you’re already a fan of a classic strawberry matcha bubble tea recipe, this version takes it to a whole new (and creepier) level.
Ready to make your own zombie brains bubble tea? Pop the kettle on and let’s get into the ingredients and step-by-step guide
Continue reading about why everyone loves bubble tea in this 👉 ultimate bubble tea guide
Why You’ll Love This Creepy Zombie Bubble Tea
This isn’t your average bubble tea, it’s a gross Halloween showstopper! The layers of earthy matcha and sweet strawberry syrup create a striking green-and-red base, while chewy strawberry boba add a playful pop with every sip. Top it all off with a wobbly brain-shaped jelly, and you’ve got a drink that’s equal parts spooky and delicious. If you are planning a Halloween party or just want to try something creative at home, this creepy zombie bubble tea is guaranteed to impress everyone.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this zombie brains bubble tea recipe, you only need a handful of simple ingredients. Each one plays a role in creating the perfect mix of spooky looks and delicious flavour:
🧟 Matcha green tea: the earthy matcha green tea base gives the drink its signature rotten zombie-green colour.
🧟 Strawberry syrup: adds a sweet, fruity layer and creates those creepy blood-red streaks in the glass.
🧟 Strawberry popping boba: chewy pearls that burst with flavour, making this more than just a drink, a full sensory experience.
🧟 Brain mold and gelatin/jelly mix: to craft the iconic brain topping; this is the ultimate Halloween party trick!
🧟 Milk (or dairy-free alternative): for a creamy finish that balances the matcha and strawberry.
How to Make Brain-Shaped Jelly for Boba
The brain jelly is what takes this drink from cute to creepy. Here’s how to make it at home:
🧠 Prepare the gelatin mixture: In a small saucepan, combine your chosen pink jelly or gelatin mix (strawberry, raspberry, or even lychee with a drop of food colouring) with water according to package instructions. Stir until dissolved. Top tip: For a more opaque, fleshy look, replace about ¼ cup (60 ml) of the liquid with milk or cream. This makes the brain less transparent and more realistic. For extra effect, swirl in a tiny drop of red food colouring without fully mixing to create subtle veins!
🧠 Prepare the mold: Use a clean, dry silicone brain mold. Silicone usually releases jelly easily, so you don’t need to spray it. If you’re worried about sticking, lightly brush the inside with a neutral oil (such as vegetable oil), then wipe away the excess with a paper towel so only the thinnest film remains.
🧠 Choose the right size: The mold should be a similar size or slightly wider than the glass you plan to use. This way, the brain sits securely on top of the drink rather than sinking to the bottom. Ice will help prop the brain up, although it will sink as the ice melts and the bubble tea is enjoyed.
🧠 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 silicone mold to release the jelly brain. If it sticks, dip the mold briefly in warm water to loosen.
🧠 Alternatively, if you don’t have a brain mold: If you don’t have a mold, pour the mixture into a shallow dish instead. Once set, scoop or carve out rough “brainy” chunks with a spoon or fork. They’ll still give a spooky effect, floating on top of your bubble tea.
Strawberry Matcha Bubble Tea Recipe with a Spooky Twist
At its core, this drink is really a strawberry matcha bubble tea recipe, creamy matcha layered with sweet strawberry syrup and chewy strawberry popping boba. On its own, it’s already refreshing, colourful, and a favourite for anyone who loves fruit and tea together. But with a little Halloween magic, it transforms into something much more dramatic. By topping the drink with a wobbly brain-shaped jelly and drizzling extra syrup down the sides, the look goes from playful to downright spooky. The familiar flavours are still there, earthy matcha, fruity strawberry, and bursts of boba, but the eerie presentation turns it into a full-on horror boba drink that’s perfect for Halloween parties.
If you love boba and bubble tea recipes, here’s 👉 25 fun bubble tea recipes to make at home
Step-by-Step: Halloween Bubble Tea Recipe
Now that you’ve got your jelly brain ready, it’s time to put everything together and create your spooky drink. Follow these simple steps to build the ultimate zombie brains bubble tea:
🧋 Brew the matcha: Whisk 1–2 teaspoons of matcha green tea powder with hot water (about 175°F / 80°C) until a smooth and frothy paste forms. Set aside to cool.
🧋Layer with milk: Pour chilled milk (dairy or dairy-free) over the matcha paste and sweeten to taste, if desired.
🧋 Prepare the strawberry syrup: Spoon 2–3 tablespoons of strawberry syrup into the bottom of your glass. This creates that creepy red base for the drink.
🧋Add the popping boba: Drop in a generous spoonful of strawberry popping boba. They’ll sit at the bottom and give you bursts of fruity flavor with each sip.
🧋Top with matcha: Slowly pour the cooled matcha over the back of a spoon to create a layered effect on top of the milk. You should see a green-on-white gradient with red streaks at the bottom.
🧋Crown it with the brain jelly: Before adding to your drink, gently twist a wide straw through the jello brain or pre-cut it with a knife. Next, carefully place your set jelly brain on top of the glass and add your straw. Remember, if your mold is a similar size or slightly wider than the glass, it will sit perfectly without sinking to the bottom, lots of ice will help prop-up the gelatin brain!
🧋Add extra creep factor (optional): Drizzle more strawberry syrup over the jelly brain so it looks like “blood” dripping down the sides. Add gummy worms or candy ants for extra yuk!
Tips for Serving Your Horror Boba Drink
👻 Choose the right glass: A clear, straight-sided glass works best to show off the creepy green matcha, red syrup streaks, and popping boba at the bottom.
👻 Keep it cold: Chill your matcha and milk before assembling, and serve immediately for the best look and texture.
👻 Add spooky props: Place the drink on a tray with fake cobwebs, plastic spiders, or mini pumpkins for a Halloween party vibe.
👻 Foggy effect: For extra drama, set the glass on a plate with a little dry ice and water around it (never inside the drink) to create a smoky, haunted look.
👻 Straw styling: Use extra-wide black or striped boba straws to make the presentation even more fun and party-ready.
Zombie Brains Bubble Tea for Halloween
Ingredients (Serves 2)
For the base:
- 2–3 teaspoons matcha green tea powder
- 3 tablespoons hot water (about 80°C / 175°F — not boiling)
- 2 cups / 480 ml milk of choice (dairy or plant-based)
- 2–3 tablespoons strawberry syrup
- Ice cubes
For the toppings:
- 1 cup / 180 g strawberry popping boba
- 2 prepared jelly brains (see instructions above for how to make brain-shaped jello)
- Extra strawberry syrup for drizzling
Instructions
- Prepare the matcha latte: In a small bowl, whisk together the matcha powder and hot water using a bamboo whisk or milk frother until smooth and frothy. Add the milk, sweeten to taste if desired, and whisk again until fully combined.
- Assemble the bubble tea: Drizzle strawberry syrup around the inside edges of each glass and let it drip to the bottom for a creepy effect. Divide the strawberry popping boba between two glasses, then add ice cubes. Slowly pour the matcha latte over the back of a spoon to layer the green tea over the syrup and boba.
- Add the brain topping: Gently pierce a hole in each jelly brain on a plate using a wide straw or small knife so the straw will sit neatly. Place the brain jelly on top of each drink. Drizzle with extra strawberry syrup so it looks like “blood” dripping down.
Find the full recipe here: Zombie Brains Bubble Tea for Halloween
More Halloween Bubble Tea Ideas
Once you’ve mastered zombie brains bubble tea, try experimenting with other spooky twists:
Matcha Witch’s Brew Bubble Tea: A mysteriously striking drink that looks like a potion straight from a cauldron 👉 Halloween witch’s brew matcha bubble tea
Wednesday & Enid Bubble Tea Duo: Inspired by the Addams Family aesthetic, my Wednesday Addams and Enid Halloween bubble tea is a fun two-flavour option for parties.
Cozy Autumn Flavors: For something less spooky but still seasonal, check out my apple pie bubble tea or indulgent s’mores hojicha brown sugar boba.
These variations are easy to customize and make a great line-up for a Halloween party drinks table.
🧋🧠Where to Buy Popping Boba & Brain Molds
Popping boba: Try specialty suppliers like PoppingBoba.com, Tea Zone (Lollicup Store), or BobaVida. Big retailers such as Amazon, Walmart, and Target also stock jars. Check local Asian supermarkets for strawberry, mango, or lychee flavors.
Brain jelly molds: Available year-round on Amazon, Etsy, and cake supply shops. Choose a food-grade silicone mold that’s slightly wider than your serving glass so the jelly brain rests on top instead of sinking.
Zombie Bubble Tea FAQ
1. What is zombie brains bubble tea?
Zombie brains bubble tea is a spooky twist on traditional boba, made with matcha, strawberry syrup, popping boba, and topped with a brain-shaped jelly for Halloween.
2. How do you make the brain jelly for bubble tea?
You can make brain jelly using a food-grade silicone brain mold filled with flavored gelatin or jelly mix. Chill until firm, then place on top of your drink.
3. Where can I buy a brain jelly mold?
Brain molds are available online at Amazon, Etsy, and baking supply shops. Choose one slightly wider than your serving glass so the jelly doesn’t sink.
4. What flavor is best for the brain-shaped jelly?
Strawberry or raspberry works best because the red color gives a realistic “creepy” look and matches the fruity flavors in the drink.
5. Can I make zombie bubble tea without a mold?
Yes! Pour the jelly mix into a shallow dish, let it set, and carve out spooky “brainy” chunks with a spoon or fork to float on top.
6. What kind of boba is used in this Halloween bubble tea recipe?
This recipe uses strawberry popping boba for extra fruity bursts, but you can swap in classic tapioca pearls if you prefer.
7. Is this zombie bubble tea recipe kid-friendly?
Absolutely! This recipe is alcohol-free and safe for kids. It’s a fun drink for Halloween parties, trick-or-treat nights, or spooky movie marathons. To skip on the caffeine, swap the matcha for a natural green food colouring instead.
8. Can I use dairy-free milk in this strawberry matcha bubble tea recipe?
Yes, dairy-free options, including oat milk, almond milk, or coconut milk, all work perfectly. They create the same creamy base for layering.
9. How far in advance can I make the brain jelly?
You can prepare the brain jelly a day or two in advance and keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to serve the drinks. The matcha bubble tea is best prepared freshly made.
10. How do I stop the jelly brain from sinking into the drink?
Use a brain mold that’s a similar size or slightly wider than the glass you intend to use. This way, the jelly will balance on top instead of slipping down into the tea. Use lots of ice, this will help prop up the jelly brain.
