Easy Homemade Bubble Tea
Make homemade bubble tea easily at home with this simple recipe. Creamy milk tea with chewy tapioca pearls, ready in 40 minutes.
Ingredients
- 4 cups whole milk
- 3 cups water
- 4 black tea bags or 3 tablespoons loose black tea leaves
- 1 cup small tapioca pearls
- 3 tablespoons honey or agave nectar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups ice cubes
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons water for coating pearls
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- Optional: 2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk for richness
Instructions
- 1
Bring 1 cup of water to a boil in a small saucepan over medium-high heat.
- 2
Steep the black tea bags in the hot water for 4-5 minutes until the liquid reaches a deep amber color, then remove the tea bags and set the brewed tea aside to cool for 10 minutes.
- 3
Boil 4 cups of water in a separate pot and add the tapioca pearls, stirring gently to prevent sticking.
- 4
Cook the pearls for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn translucent with a slight chewy resistance when bitten.
- 5
Drain the cooked pearls in a fine-mesh strainer and immediately toss with 3 tablespoons of water mixed with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch to prevent clumping.
- 6
Pour the cooled brewed tea into a large pitcher and add 4 cups of whole milk, stirring until well combined.
- 7
Mix in the honey and brown sugar, stirring until fully dissolved, then add vanilla extract and a pinch of sea salt.
- 8
Divide the cooked tapioca pearls evenly among 4 tall glasses, filling each glass about one-quarter full.
- 9
Fill each glass halfway with ice cubes.
- 10
Pour the prepared milk tea mixture over the ice, filling each glass three-quarters full.
- 11
Stir well to combine and distribute the pearls throughout the drink, about 30 seconds.
- 12
Top each drink with additional ice if desired and serve immediately with a wide bubble tea straw for optimal pearl enjoyment.
Variations & Substitutions
| Ingredient | Substitute | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Brown sugar | Maple syrup or date syrup | Lower glycemic index and more complex flavor profile without refined sugars |
| Whole milk | Oat milk or coconut milk | Reduces saturated fat and cholesterol while adding creaminess, plant-based alternative |
| Black tea bags | Green tea or oolong tea | Lower caffeine content and higher antioxidant properties for better health benefits |
| Tapioca pearls | Chia seeds or popping boba with fruit juice | Adds fiber and omega-3s while maintaining the textural element and fun factor |
| Honey | Allulose or monk fruit sweetener | Zero glycemic impact while maintaining sweetness, ideal for blood sugar management |
Recommended Equipment
Tools that make this recipe easier
Nutrition Information
Per serving (serves 4)
| Calories | 245 |
| Total Fat | 5g |
| Saturated Fat | 2g |
| Cholesterol | 8mg |
| Sodium | 120mg |
| Carbohydrates | 38g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 18g |
| Protein | 9g |
This recipe was extracted from the original video source using AI. Nutritional information is estimated and may vary. Not a substitute for professional dietary advice. As an Amazon Associate, AlmostChefs earns from qualifying purchases. Product links are affiliate links — they cost you nothing extra but help support the site. Read full disclaimer
