Boba tea, also known as bubble tea, has taken over my house by storm since I discovered last year.
It has delightful combination of chewy tapioca pearls and refreshing tea flavors. While you can buy at bubble tea shops, it can be pricey, there’s something satisfying about making your own boba tea at home. . Not only is it a fun and rewarding experience, but it also allows you to customize your drink to suit your sweetness and taste preferences.

Ad-Free Recipe:

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make boba tea at home:

Gather Your Ingredients:
You’ll need just a few basic ingredients to get started:

Tapioca Pearls: These chewy little spheres are the heart of any boba tea. You can find them in the International section of grocery sore some Asian grocery stores or order them online. There are different  kinds. I prefer the kind that  are almost instant, Brown Sugar 5 minute Brew that you can also do in the microwave in under 3 minutes.

Tea: Brew or choose your favorite tea flavor, whether it’s classic black tea, green tea, oolong tea, or even fruity herbal blends. I make up a bold Typhoo or Tetley brand, sometimes decaffeinated. I also really like any kinds of Rose flavoured  milk tea.

Milk or similar. Milk adds creaminess to your boba tea, use homogenized or even a bit of half and half.  Dairy-free options like almond milk, coconut milk, or soy milk work just as well.

Sweetener: This is optional and depends on your taste preferences. Common sweeteners include brown sugar ugar, honey, or flavored syrups like vanilla or caramel.

Ice Cubes: To chill your boba tea

Prepare the Tapioca Pearls ( follow package instructions)

For most brands:

Boil Water: In a medium saucepan, bring water to a rolling boil and approximately 300 grams of pearls per serving.  Carefully add the tapioca pearls to the boiling water, stir gently to prevent sticking.

Cook the Pearls: Let the pearls cook for about 5 minutes or according to the instructions on the package. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. I take off heat and let sit another 5 minutes in hot water.

Rinse and Drain: Once the pearls are cooked, rinse them under cold water and drain them to remove excess starch.

Optional: For added sweetness and flavor, you can soak the cooked pearls in a simple syrup made from equal parts sugar and brown sugar.

Brew the Tea and add sweeteners,  chill  until ready to use.

Assemble Your Boba Tea: Fill the Glass with Ice: Fill a glass with ice cubes to create a refreshing base for your boba tea.

Add Tapioca Pearls: Spoon boba pearls into the glass.

Pour in the Tea: Carefully pour the chilled tea over the pearls, leaving room at the top for milk or non-dairy alternatives.

Add Milk or Non-Dairy Alternative: Pour milk or your preferred non-dairy alternative into the glass, filling it to the top.

Stir and Enjoy: Use a large straw to stir the boba tea, mixing the flavors of tea, milk, and tapioca pearls. Sip and savor the delightful combination of textures and tastes!

Get Creative:
Once you’ve mastered the basics of making boba tea at home, don’t be afraid to get creative with your recipes.

Experiment with different tea flavors, milk alternatives, and sweeteners to discover your perfect blend. You can also add toppings like fruit jelly, flavored syrups, or even fresh fruit slices for an extra burst of flavor and fun. The possibilities are endless when it comes to crafting your own delicious boba tea creations!

Final Thoughts:
Making boba tea at home is a fun and rewarding experience that allows you to unleash your creativity in the kitchen. With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of patience, you can whip up a refreshing and satisfying beverage that rivals your favorite bubble tea shop. So gather your supplies, get brewing, and treat yourself to the deliciousness of homemade boba tea today!