Boba Tea Recipe

​Boba tea, a delightful and versatile beverage, originated in Taiwan during the 1980s, quickly captivating taste buds worldwide with its unique combination of tea, milk, and chewy tapioca pearls.​ This beloved drink, also known as bubble tea, has evolved from its humble beginnings to become a global phenomenon, offering a wide array of flavors and textures to suit every preference. Its rich history and cultural significance make it more than just a drink; it’s an experience.

Traditionally, boba tea features tapioca pearls sweetened with brown sugar, offering a comforting and familiar flavor profile. However, this recipe introduces a wholesome twist, incorporating coconut sugar and honey to create a naturally sweetened version that aligns with a health-conscious lifestyle. This innovative approach allows you to enjoy the classic appeal of boba tea with ingredients that offer added benefits, ensuring a guilt-free indulgence.

Making your own boba tea at home is a rewarding experience, providing complete control over the ingredients and sweetness levels. This DIY recipe guides you through each step, from preparing the simple syrup and crafting your own tapioca pearls to brewing the perfect tea and assembling your customized drink. Embrace the joy of creating this popular beverage from scratch, allowing you to savor every sip of your homemade, wholesome boba tea.

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How to Make Boba Tea

Boba Tea Recipe Details

Yield: 2 servings
Active Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

Boba Tea Ingredients

For the simple syrup:

• 1 cup coconut sugar
• ½ cup water

For the boba (aka tapioca pearls):

• 6 tablespoons coconut sugar
• ½ cup water, plus more for boiling
• ⅓ cup tapioca flour, plus more for dusting and mixing

For the tea:

• 4 cups brewed English breakfast tea
• 1 to 3 tablespoons unstrained honey
• Ice
• ½ cup almond milk

Recipe Instructions

1. Make the simple syrup: Stir 1 cup coconut sugar and ½ cup water together in a small saucepan; boil until sugar dissolves. Let the mixture cool completely, about 20 minutes.
2. Make the boba: Stir 6 tablespoons coconut sugar and ½ cup water together in a small saucepan; boil until sugar dissolves.
3. Add ⅓ cup tapioca flour, whisking until smooth, and cooking until mixture becomes glossy, thick, and sticky.
4. Turn mixture out onto a tapioca-dusted work surface and continue adding tapioca flour 1 tablespoon at a time until dough is firm but stretchy.
5. Knead several times until smooth, then roll into a long log. Cut log into 1/16th-inch pieces (about the size of peas), then roll them into balls. Dust lightly with tapioca flour.
6. Bring 8 cups of water to a boil, then add boba and stir gently. Cover the pot and reduce heat to simmer; cook for 15 minutes. Remove from heat, cover, and let sit for 10 minutes.
7. Drain boba and rinse with cold water, then place rinsed boba into the reserved simple syrup.
8. Make the tea: Brew tea according to package directions. While steeping, add honey and whisk until dissolved. Remove from heat and cool completely.
9. To serve: Divide boba between the bottom of 2 cups. Add ice, almond milk, and cooled tea to a cocktail shaker; shake well. Strain finished tea into each cup.

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Boba Tea Nutrition Facts

*Estimated per serving (recipe yields 2 servings). Based strictly on Thrive Market’s ingredient amounts.

Serving Size	1 serving
Calories	≈ 400 kcal
Protein	≈ 1 g
Carbs	≈ 80 g
Sugar	≈ 70 g
Fiber	≈ 1 g
Fat	≈ 3 g

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Boba Tea Variations & Tips

• Flavorful Tea Bases: Experiment with different types of tea beyond English Breakfast, such as Earl Grey for a sophisticated flavor, matcha for an earthy and vibrant green tea boba, or jasmine tea for a fragrant and floral twist.
• Milk Alternatives: While almond beverage is suggested, feel free to substitute with other milk options like oat milk, soy milk, or coconut milk to alter the creaminess and flavor profile according to your dietary preferences or taste.
• Sweetener Swaps: If coconut sugar and honey aren’t your preferred sweeteners, consider alternatives like maple syrup, agave nectar, or even stevia for a sugar-free option, adjusting the quantity to achieve your desired sweetness level.
• Fruit Infusions: Introduce fresh fruit purees or juices to your boba tea for a refreshing and fruity variation. Mango, strawberry, or passion fruit can add a delightful natural sweetness and vibrant color.
• Spice it Up: For a unique twist, infuse your simple syrup or tea with spices like cinnamon sticks, star anise, or a slice of ginger during the brewing process to add warmth and complexity to your boba tea.
• Chewy Texture Control: To achieve your preferred tapioca pearl texture, you can adjust the cooking time. For softer pearls, simmer a bit longer, and for a firmer chew, reduce the simmering time slightly.
• Quick Chill Method: If you’re short on time and need to cool your tea quickly, brew it stronger than usual and then pour it over ice. The melting ice will dilute it to the perfect strength while chilling it rapidly.
• Storage Savvy: Cooked tapioca pearls are best enjoyed fresh. If you have leftovers, store them in the simple syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a day to maintain their chewiness.

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Best Boba Tea Pairings

• Savory Snacks: Complement the sweetness of boba tea with light, savory snacks like spring rolls, dumplings, or even a small bowl of edamame to create a balanced flavor experience.
• Light Pastries: A delicate pastry such as a macaron, a cream puff, or a light shortbread cookie can be a wonderful accompaniment, enhancing the dessert-like qualities of certain boba tea flavors.
• Fresh Fruit: The natural sweetness and acidity of fresh fruits like strawberries, blueberries, or mango slices can provide a refreshing contrast and cut through the richness of milk-based boba teas.
• Spicy Dishes: For an adventurous pairing, try boba tea with a mildly spicy dish. The creamy and sweet notes of the tea can offer a pleasant counterpoint to the heat, balancing your palate.
• Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or green tea ice cream alongside your boba can elevate the dessert factor, creating a delightful treat that combines textures and temperatures.
• Sweet Bread or Buns: Enjoy your boba tea with a subtly sweet bun, like a milk bread roll or a red bean bun, for a comforting and satisfying combination.

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Best Times to Enjoy Boba Tea

• Afternoon Treat: As a pick-me-up during a mid-afternoon slump, boba tea provides a refreshing boost of energy and a moment of indulgence.
• Dessert: Serve boba tea as a unique and enjoyable dessert after a meal, especially if you’re looking for something lighter than traditional heavy desserts.
• Social Gatherings: It’s a perfect beverage for casual get-togethers with friends or family, offering a fun and customizable drink option that everyone can enjoy.
• Relaxation Time: Unwind with a cup of boba tea during a quiet moment of relaxation, whether you’re reading a book, watching a movie, or simply enjoying some downtime.
• Study or Work Break: A boba tea break can offer a pleasant diversion and a sweet incentive during long study sessions or intense work periods, helping to refresh your mind.
• Weekend Indulgence: Make your weekends feel a little more special by treating yourself to a homemade boba tea, a perfect way to relax and enjoy your leisure time.

Recipe credit: Angela Gaines