Boba Milk Tea Recipe – Homemade Bubble Tea You’ll Love

There’s nothing quite as satisfying as a refreshing Boba Milk Tea with chewy tapioca pearls at the bottom. Known as bubble tea in Taiwan, this drink has taken the world by storm. Its combination of creamy milk, sweet tea, and fun tapioca pearls makes it both a treat and a beverage. While you may have seen it in cafes, making your own homemade bubble tea at home is simpler than you think—and even more rewarding.

In this guide, we’ll show you step by step how to prepare a creamy, perfectly balanced boba milk tea from scratch, along with tips, variations, and cultural context that bring the drink to life.

Ingredients

• Tapioca Pearls
  • ½ cup black tapioca pearls
  • 3 cups water
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
• Tea Base
  • 2 black tea bags (or 2 tsp loose leaf black tea)
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • 2 tbsp sugar (adjust to taste)
• Milk Tea
  • 1 cup whole milk (or any milk alternative)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
• Additional Items
  • Ice cubes as needed
  • Large straw for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Tapioca Pearls

1. Bring 3 cups of water to a rolling boil in a medium saucepan.
2. Add ½ cup of tapioca pearls and stir gently to prevent sticking.
3. Cook according to package instructions (usually 5–7 minutes until pearls float and become chewy).
4. Remove from heat, drain, and mix with 2 tbsp brown sugar for a glossy, sweet coating. Set aside.

Step 2: Brew the Tea

5. In a heatproof container, steep 2 black tea bags in 1 cup boiling water for 3–5 minutes.
6. Remove tea bags and stir in 2 tbsp sugar while tea is hot. Let cool slightly.

Step 3: Assemble the Milk Tea

7. In a serving glass, add 2–3 tablespoons of cooked tapioca pearls.
8. Fill the glass halfway with ice cubes.
9. Pour in the brewed tea.
10. Add 1 cup milk and stir gently to combine. Add 1 tsp vanilla extract if desired.
11. Serve immediately with a wide straw and enjoy the chewy, creamy sensation.

Boba Milk Tea

Creamy, homemade boba milk tea with chewy tapioca pearls and sweet milk tea flavor.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 2 glasses

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American, Autumn

Calories: 210

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Tapioca Pearls

• 0.5 cup black tapioca pearls
• 3 cups water
• 2 tbsp brown sugar

Tea Base

• 2 black tea bags
• 1 cup boiling water
• 2 tbsp sugar adjust to taste

Milk Tea

• 1 cup milk whole or alternative
• 1 tsp vanilla extract optional

Additional Items

• ice cubes as needed
• large straw for serving

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Saucepan
• Spoon
• Glasses

Method

 

1. Bring 3 cups water to a rolling boil in a medium saucepan. Add ½ cup tapioca pearls and stir gently to prevent sticking.
2. Cook according to package instructions until pearls float and become chewy, then drain and mix with 2 tbsp brown sugar.
3. Brew 2 black tea bags in 1 cup boiling water for 3–5 minutes. Remove tea bags and stir in 2 tbsp sugar while hot.
4. Add 2–3 tablespoons cooked tapioca pearls to serving glasses and fill halfway with ice cubes.
5. Pour brewed tea over ice and add 1 cup milk. Stir gently and add 1 tsp vanilla extract if desired.
6. Serve immediately with a wide straw and enjoy.

Notes

For extra creaminess, add a teaspoon of condensed milk to the tea. Adjust sweetness according to preference.

Tips for Perfect Boba Milk Tea

• Consistency Matters: Tapioca pearls should be chewy but not hard. Taste-test during cooking.
• Sweetness Control: Adjust sugar in both tea and tapioca syrup to your liking. Some prefer less sweet; others enjoy classic bubble tea sweetness.
• Milk Choice: Whole milk gives creaminess, but almond, oat, or coconut milk works well for dairy-free options.
• Storage: Cooked tapioca pearls are best consumed immediately but can be stored in sugar syrup for up to 4 hours.

Fun Variations

1. Flavored Milk Tea – Add matcha, taro, or chocolate powder for unique twists.
2. Fruit Bubble Tea – Use fruity teas like peach or mango and blend with tapioca pearls.
3. Layered Drinks – For a visually stunning drink, pour milk and tea slowly to create layers before stirring.
4. Cheese Foam Topping – Add a light layer of whipped cream cheese mixture on top for a creamy topping trend.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve in clear glasses to showcase the pearls and creamy tea layers.
• Pair with sweet snacks like macarons or cookies for an afternoon treat.
• Ideal for gatherings, small parties, or cozy self-care moments.

Cultural Context & Fun Facts

Boba Milk Tea, originally from Taiwan in the 1980s, was created as a street snack combining tea with chewy tapioca pearls for texture and novelty. The drink’s popularity quickly spread across Asia, and eventually worldwide. The term “boba” refers to the pearls themselves, while “bubble tea” comes from the frothy bubbles created when shaking the tea with milk. Today, it’s not only a drink but a cultural phenomenon with endless variations, from milk teas to fruit-infused and even sparkling versions.

Health & Nutrition Notes

• Boba tea is indulgent but can be made lighter with low-fat milk and reduced sugar.
• Tapioca pearls are high in carbohydrates but naturally gluten-free.
• Homemade versions allow you to control sweetness, quality of tea, and milk, making it healthier than most store-bought options.

Pro Tips

• Use freshly brewed tea rather than bottled tea to maintain flavor complexity.
• For extra creaminess, mix a bit of condensed milk into your milk tea.
• Experiment with tapioca pearl sizes: smaller pearls cook faster, larger pearls provide more chew.

Quick Troubleshooting

• Pearls too hard: Cook longer and stir gently.
• Tea too strong: Dilute with a little extra milk.
• Drink too sweet: Reduce syrup or sugar.

With these tips, you can master the art of homemade boba milk tea, impress friends, and indulge anytime. Enjoy the chewy texture, creamy tea, and customizable flavors that make this drink an irresistible treat.