Bubble Tea – A Guide to Making Boba Tea at Home

Boba tea, or bubble tea, is a sweet and refreshing drink loved worldwide. Its key ingredient is tapioca pearls, which can be bought ready-made or prepared using tapioca flour. This guide provides detailed steps to craft your own boba tea and three delicious flavor variations.

Preparing Tapioca Pearls

Ingredients:

• Tapioca flour
• Water
• Sugar

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:
   • Boil water and sugar until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat.
   • Add 3–4 tablespoons of tapioca flour, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
   • Return the mixture to the stove, whisking continuously for 2–3 minutes until it thickens.
   • Add the remaining flour and mix thoroughly.
2. Shape the Pearls:
   • Pour the dough onto a baking sheet and knead it quickly while warm.
   • Roll the dough into two long lengths, cut into small pieces, and roll each piece into a ball.
3. Cook the Pearls:
   • Boil several cups of water in a pan. Add the tapioca pearls and cook on medium-high heat for 30 minutes.
   • Remove the pan from heat and let the pearls steep for 20 minutes until translucent.

Boba Tea Recipes

1. Boba Tea with Caramel

Ingredients:

• Tapioca pearls
• Milk
• Tea leaves
• Caramel sauce
• Ice cubes

Instructions:

1. Heat milk and steep tea leaves for 6–8 minutes. Strain the tea leaves and let the milk cool.
2. Add tapioca pearls to the bottom of a glass.
3. Drizzle caramel sauce over the pearls.
4. Top with ice cubes and chilled milk tea.
5. Serve with a thick straw for the full boba experience.

2. Boba Tea with Raspberries

Ingredients:

• Tapioca pearls
• Milk
• Tea leaves
• Fresh raspberries
• Ice cubes

Instructions:

1. Heat milk and steep tea leaves for 6–8 minutes. Strain the tea leaves.
2. Blend the milk with fresh raspberries.
3. Add tapioca pearls to the bottom of a glass.
4. Top with ice cubes and raspberry milk.
5. Enjoy with a thick straw.

3. Boba Tea with Matcha

Ingredients:

• Tapioca pearls
• Milk
• Matcha powder
• Hot water
• Ice cubes

Instructions:

1. Whisk matcha powder with hot water until smooth.
2. Add tapioca pearls to the bottom of a glass.
3. Top with ice cubes and milk.
4. Sprinkle matcha powder over the top.
5. Sip with a thick straw and savor the earthy flavors.