How To Make Bubble Tea (Boba Tea)

4.50 from 4 votes

This homemade version gives you options by using honey (which is an unrefined sugar), herbal or decaf tea and other options below.

Prep Time3

Cook Time10

Total Time13

Course: Drink

Cuisine: Asian

Servings:

Calories: 418kcal

3 bags tea of choice (I use rooibos, decaf chai or other decaffeinated tea so my kids don’t get a mid day caffeine spike, but any tea will work.)
2 cups boiling water
1 cup boba / tapioca pearls
1/4 cup honey
1 1/2 cups ice cubes
1 cup milk of choice

Pour boiling water over tea bags and steep until dark. Refrigerate or place in the freezer until cool or cold. This step generally takes 30 minutes, but can also be done overnight.
Follow the package directions for your tapioca pearls. Bring 10 cups of water to a boil and add the pearls. When they rise to the surface, turn the heat to medium for 3 minutes, then lower to low and cook another 3 minutes. I often cook mine a little longer than the package says, so squish or taste one before you strain. You want them soft and chewy all the way through.
Place the tapioca pearls while still warm in a bowl and top with honey. Stir the pearls and honey to thoroughly coat. Allow to cool for 5 minutes.
Place the ice in a blender and pulse until crushed if desired.
Divide the tapioca pearls and honey mixture between 2 glasses. Then, divide the ice, tea, and milk evenly between the two glasses and stir to combine.

Small Ice: Crushed ice is key to making perfect bubble tea. Take a few handfuls, toss it in your blender and pulse until it's crushed resembling ice chips.
Long Steep: Make sure to steep your tea for as long as possible. I put my tea bags in a large jar, fill with water, cover and refrigerate overnight or leave in the sun to brew.
Custom Sweetness: Want your tea even sweeter? You can add more honey or simple syrup. If that’s still not sweet enough, add a few tablespoons of condensed milk.