Making Easy Homemade Bubble Tea from Scratch

Have you ever craved that perfect blend of sweet tea and chewy tapioca pearls but didn’t want to leave the comfort of your home? You’re in luck! In this post, I’ll show you how to make homemade bubble tea at home with an easy homemade recipe from scratch. 

Jump to Recipe

Whether you’re a seasoned boba tea drinker or just starting your journey into the world of bubble tea, this simple recipe will walk you through every step, from making a delicious tea to cooking those chewy boba pearls. So, grab your ingredients and let’s dive into making your very own delicious bubble tea with boba!

Steps for Making Easy Homemade Bubble Tea from Scratch

Tea Instructions:

1. Bring 4 cups of water to a boil.
2. Take the boiling water off of the heat.
3. Add in ½ cups of sugar and 8 tea bags. ( I use a peach mango tea.)
4. Let 8 tea bags steep for 5-10 minutes. Throw out the tea bags.

Boba Instructions: 

5. Bring 8 cups of water to a boil on medium high to high heat. 
6. Pour in 1 cup black tapioca pearls and boil for 2-5 minutes. 
7. Stir when they start to float. 
8. Drain all but 1 cup of the water that the boba was boiling in. I found that it was easiest to take one cup of the water out and put it in a separate bowl first, and then drain the boba in a strainer.
9. Rinse the boba with cold water and then add it and the reserved 1 cup of water back to the pot that you boiled it in.  
10. Add in 4 tablespoons of packed brown sugar, cover and steep for 20 minutes. Adding the brown sugar to the water and boba will create a delicious simple syrup that has just the right amount of sweetness. 

Boba Tea Instructions: 

Pour tea into a cup with plenty of ice. Fill up the cup until it is about ½ to ¾ of the way full. 

Add in ½ cup of boba with some of the simple syrup that was made from the boiled liquid and brown sugar. 

You can top it off with milk or half and half to create a milk tea. 

Get a super large bubble tea straw and enjoy!

What is/are Boba?-The Key ingredient to Bubble Tea

Boba, also known as tapioca pearls, are small, chewy balls made from tapioca flour/starch, a product derived from the cassava root. They are a key ingredient in bubble tea, a popular beverage that originated in Taiwan. Boba comes in various sizes and can be either black or translucent, depending on the ingredients and preparation methods. When cooked, these pearls have a delightfully chewy texture and a subtle sweetness, adding a fun and unique element to drinks and desserts. Boba pearls are typically soaked in a sugar syrup to enhance their flavor, making them a perfect addition to milk teas, fruit teas, and other creative beverages. 

What is Bubble Tea?

Bubble tea, also known as boba tea or pearl  milk tea, is a popular Taiwanese beverage that combines tea with milk or fruit flavors and chewy tapioca pearls (boba). This unique drink typically consists of a tea base-such as black, green, or oolong tea-blended with milk or fruit syrups for added sweetness and flavor. The signature tapioca pearls, made from tapioca starch, provide a fun chewy texture. Bubble tea can be served hot or cold and is often topped with additional ingredients like fruit jellies, popping boba, or whipped cream. It’s enjoyed through a wide straw, allowing you to sip the tea and chew the boba simultaneously, making it a refreshing and playful treat for all ages. 

What Does This Bubble Tea Recipe Taste Like?

Boba tea, also known as bubble tea, has a unique and versatile flavor profile that can vary depending on the ingredients used. There are so many different types and flavors. My absolute favorite is peach bubble tea. Our local bubble tea shops are where I first discovered this deliciousness and got my inspiration. I make a peach mango bubble tea that is very yummy. The tea can be a little bitter, but the milk or fruit addition balances out the slight bitterness of the tea. The boba tastes a little sweet and reminds me of a somewhat slimy round gummy bear. It is a little hard to describe it to someone who has never had it or seen it. 

Why you will love making this easy homemade bubble tea from scratch!

Making homemade boba tea offers a delightful and rewarding experience for several reasons:

1. Customization: You have complete control over the ingredients, allowing you to tailor the tea’s sweetness, flavor, and type of boba to your preference. Whether you prefer a rich milk tea, a fruity blend, or a unique flavor combination, the possibilities are endless.
2. Quality Ingredients: By making boba tea at home, you can choose high-quality teas, natural sweeteners, and fresh ingredients, ensuring a healthier and tastier beverage. 
3. Cost–Effective: Homemade boba tea is often more economical than buying it from a store. You can make multiple servings at a fraction of the cost of one store-bought drink. 
4. Fun and Creative: The process of making boba tea is fun and engaging, especially when experimenting with different flavors and toppings. It can also be a great activity to share with friends and family. 
5. Satisfaction: There’s a sense of accomplishment in creating a delicious and refreshing drink from scratch. Enjoying your homemade boba tea can be a rewarding and satisfying experience, knowing you crafted it yourself. 
6. Convenience: You can enjoy boba tea anytime without needing to go out, making it a convenient option for satisfying cravings at home. 

Overall, the joy of creating something delicious, the ability to experiment with flavors, and the comfort of enjoying a personalized drink make homemade boba tea a beloved activity for many.

Ingredients for Making Homemade Boba Tea from Scratch
Tea:

4 cups water

½ cup granulated white sugar

8 peach mango tea bags (use any tea that you like)

4 cups ice cubes

½ cup simple syrup

Fruit Juice flavoring/syrup (optional)

½ cup whole milk or half & half (to create bubble milk tea)

Prepared tapioca pearls

Boba:

8 cups water

1 cup black tapioca pearls

4 tablespoons dark brown sugar

Tools You May Need When Learning How to Make 

1. Large Pot: To cook the tapioca pearls (boba).
2. Strainer or Slotted Spoon: For draining and rinsing the cooked boba.
3. Whisk or Spoon: For stirring and mixing ingredients.
4. Teapot/Kettle/Small Saucepan: To brew the tea.
5. Measuring Cups and Spoons: To measure out ingredients like tea, sugar, and other additives.
6. Wide Straw: Specifically designed for boba tea, allowing you to enjoy the tapioca pearls along with the drink.

Why do I need a Boba Straw for Homemade Boba Tea?

Using a Boba Straw is essential for enjoying boba tea as it is specifically designed to be wide enough to allow the tapioca pearls to pass through. Standard straws are too narrow and would prevent the pearls from reaching the drinker. The boba straw enhances the overall experience by enabling the simultaneous sipping of both the drink and the chewy pearls, providing the unique texture contrast that boba tea is known for. Additionally, the wider straw helps prevent clogging, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable drinking experience. Trust me on this one, I have struggled with a straw that was too small before and it threatened to ruin the experience. 

Storage of Boba

Transfer the boba to an airtight container and cover them with a simple syrup (brown sugar dissolved in water). This helps maintain their texture and prevents them from sticking together. 

Store the container in the refrigerator. The boba will keep for up to 24 hours, but they are best consumed within 4-6 hours for the optimal chewy texture.

The texture of the chewy boba pearls changes when left at room temperature. Over time, boba pearls can become harder and less chewy if they sit out, especially without being kept in the brown sugar simple syrup or liquid.

Storage of Uncooked Boba:

Uncooked boba pearls can be stored at room temperature in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. They typically have a shelf life of several months, depending on the brand and packaging. To extend their freshness, keep the pearls in an airtight container or resealable bag, ensuring they are tightly sealed to prevent moisture from getting in, which can cause them to clump together or spoil. Always check the package for specific storage instructions and expiration dates. 

Recipe Tips for Making Easy Homemade Bubble Tea from Scratch 

Making boba tea at home can be a fun and rewarding experience. Here are some tips to help you create the perfect cup:

1. Perfecting the Boba Pearls:

• Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality tapioca pearls for the best texture. They come in different sizes and colors, so choose according to your preference. I use this one that I found on Amazon.
• Cooking Time: Follow the package instructions for cooking times, but generally, cook the pearls until they are soft on the outside and slightly chewy in the center. Overcooking can make them mushy, while under-cooking will make them hard.
• Rinse and Sweeten: After cooking, rinse the pearls under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent them from sticking together. Then, soak them in a brown sugar syrup or honey to enhance their flavor and keep them moist. 

2. Brewing the Tea:

• Strong Tea Base: Use a strong brew, as the tea’s flavor will be diluted when mixed with milk and ice. Steep the tea for a longer time or use more tea leaves or bags.
• Chilling: If making cold boba tea, chill the tea base in the refrigerator before adding the pearls and other ingredients. This helps maintain the drink’s temperature and prevents the ice from diluting the flavor too much. 

3. Sweetness and Flavor: 

• Serve Fresh: Boba pearls are best enjoyed fresh. They tend to harden and lose their chewy texture if left too long. Aim to consume your homemade boba tea within a few hours of preparation.
• Flavorings: Adjust the sweetness by adding simple syrup, honey, or milk. Start with less and add more if needed.  Experiment with different flavors by adding fruit syrups or extracts. 
• Milk: You can add in a little soy milk, oat milk, non-dairy milk, heavy cream, coconut milk, or almond milk to create a milk tea 
  

These tips will help you create delicious and arithmetic boba tea at home, allowing you to customize your drink to your liking. Enjoy experimenting with different flavors and combinations!