Bubble tea, also known as boba tea, is a popular Taiwanese drink that originated in the 1980s.
It combines tea, milk, and chewy tapioca pearls, offering a unique texture and flavor.
The drink quickly spread worldwide, becoming a favorite for its fun, customizable nature.
Making bubble tea at home is cost-effective and allows for endless creativity.
You can adjust sweetness, tea strength, and toppings to suit your taste.
Whether you prefer classic milk tea, fruity versions, or creative dessert-inspired drinks, there’s a recipe for everyone.
Here are 21 of our favorite bubble tea recipes to try at home!
21 Bubble Tea Recipes: At A Glance
- Brown Sugar Bubble Tea
- Classic Milk Bubble Tea
- Taro Bubble Tea
- Thai Iced Bubble Tea
- Iced Coffee Boba
- Strawberry Bubble Tea
- Matcha Bubble Tea
- Strawberry Matcha Latte Bubble Tea
- Lavender Bubble Tea
- Rose Bubble Tea
- Butterfly Pea Flower Bubble Tea
- Black Sesame Bubble Tea
- Strawberry Butterfly Pea Flower Latte Bubble Tea
- Hong Kong Bubble Tea
- Ube Milk Tea
- Chocolate Milk Tea Boba
- Pumpkin Spice Bubble Tea (for Fall)
- Mango Bubble Tea (for Summer)
- Cheese Foam Bubble Tea (Savory Twist)
- Chai Bubble Tea
- Purple Sweet Potato Bubble Tea
Ingredients Needed To Make Bubble Tea
To make the perfect bubble tea, you need just a few essential ingredients that form the base of every recipe.
Tapioca Pearls
There are two main types of pearls: black and white tapioca.
Black tapioca pearls are the most common, often sweetened with brown sugar, giving them their signature dark color and rich flavor.
White pearls are typically unsweetened and have a more neutral taste.
Boil the pearls in water until they float, then simmer for 5-10 minutes.
Let them sit in the pot for a few extra minutes for a chewy texture.
Always rinse them in cold water after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent clumping.
Teas
Bubble tea is traditionally made with black tea, but you can also use green tea or herbal teas depending on your flavor preference.
Each type brings a different depth to the drink—black tea is bold, while green tea offers a more refreshing taste.
Sweeteners
Common sweeteners include simple syrup, honey, agave, and brown sugar.
These can be adjusted to your liking and used to coat the tapioca pearls or mixed directly into the tea.
Milks
You can use traditional dairy milk or opt for non-dairy alternatives like oat milk, almond milk, or coconut milk.
These add a creamy texture, complementing the chewiness of the pearls.
Choose based on your dietary needs or the flavor profile you want to create.
Equipment Needed
To make bubble tea at home, you’ll need a few basic tools to get started:
- Wide straws: These are essential for sipping up the tapioca pearls along with the tea.
- Shaker or jar: Use this to shake up your tea, milk, and sweetener for a smooth, blended drink.
- Tea strainer: Perfect for steeping loose-leaf teas or removing tea bags after brewing.
- Pot and spoon: You’ll need these to cook the tapioca pearls properly.
For convenience, you can also use an Instant Pot to speed up the cooking process for tapioca pearls.
This can reduce the prep time, especially if you’re making bubble tea in larger batches.
Classic Bubble Tea Recipes
1. Brown Sugar Bubble Tea
Brown sugar bubble tea is known for its rich caramelized flavor.
The drink is made by cooking tapioca pearls in a brown sugar syrup, which gives the pearls a deep, sweet taste.
The cooked pearls are then added to a glass of milk.
A key element of this drink is the brown sugar syrup, which is often smeared around the walls of the cup to create a “tiger stripe” effect.
Although the drink is often referred to as brown sugar milk tea, it doesn’t actually contain tea.
This simple recipe only requires three main ingredients: tapioca pearls, brown sugar, and milk, making it easy to prepare at home.
2. Classic Milk Bubble Tea
The original bubble tea combines black tea, milk, and sweet tapioca pearls.
To get a strong, flavorful tea, it’s best to steep multiple bags of robust tea like black or jasmine tea.
Once the tea is brewed, add a sweetener while it’s still hot to ensure it dissolves evenly.
The tapioca pearls, cooked until soft, are added to the drink right before serving.
You can use whole milk for a rich texture or swap it with non-dairy alternatives like soy or almond milk for a lighter, dairy-free option.
Classic milk bubble tea is refreshing and simple, yet fully customizable based on your preferred tea strength and sweetness.
3. Taro Bubble Tea
Taro bubble tea is a favorite among those who enjoy sweet, nutty flavors.
Made with taro root, which can be used in powdered form for convenience, this bubble tea pairs well with jasmine green tea.
The key ingredients include taro powder, tapioca pearls, and milk.
The drink is often served iced, but it can also be enjoyed warm.
Brown sugar syrup is frequently used to sweeten the tapioca pearls, adding extra depth to the flavor.
For a dairy-free option, you can use coconut or oat milk, which complement the natural creaminess of the taro.
4. Thai Iced Bubble Tea
Thai iced bubble tea brings bold flavors to the bubble tea scene.
This version of bubble tea is made using black tea that’s infused with spices like star anise and cloves, giving it a distinctly aromatic taste.
Traditionally, sweetened condensed milk is used to create a rich, creamy texture.
The tea is typically steeped for 15 to 20 minutes before being strained and combined with cooked tapioca pearls, sugar, and ice.
The vibrant orange color of the tea mixed with milk is a visual highlight.
You can adjust the sweetness and milk type based on your preferences, but it’s best to consume this drink fresh for the optimal balance of flavors.
5. Iced Coffee Boba
For coffee lovers, iced coffee boba is a refreshing twist on classic bubble tea.
Brewed coffee is combined with chewy tapioca pearls and sweetened with brown sugar syrup.
Half & half is added for creaminess, but any milk alternative can be used to adjust the richness of the drink.
The tapioca pearls are cooked similarly to other bubble tea recipes and should be added just before serving to keep them soft.
Iced coffee boba is a satisfying, caffeine-filled alternative to traditional bubble tea, perfect for those who want the bold flavor of coffee with the fun texture of boba pearls.
Fruity Bubble Tea Variations
6. Strawberry Bubble Tea
Strawberry bubble tea is a fruity take on the classic drink.
You can make it with either black or green tea, depending on your flavor preference.
The recipe is simple and uses fresh strawberries, tea, sugar, water, boba pearls, and ice.
To elevate the drink, make homemade strawberry syrup by simmering strawberries and sugar in a saucepan.
Once the syrup is strained, it’s mixed with the tea, and tapioca pearls are added.
This bubble tea is easy to customize by switching up the type of milk or tea you use, such as oat milk or oolong tea.
The strawberry syrup can be stored in the fridge for up to two weeks, making it perfect for multiple servings.
7. Matcha Bubble Tea
Matcha bubble tea is a smooth and energizing option that combines matcha green tea with chewy tapioca pearls.
With just four main ingredients—matcha powder, milk, tapioca pearls, and a sweetener like honey—you can have this drink ready in under 15 minutes.
Simply whisk matcha powder with hot water until it dissolves, then cook the tapioca pearls while sweetening them with syrup.
Add milk and ice to the matcha, then assemble the drink with pearls at the bottom.
For the best experience, enjoy it soon after making it, as the tapioca pearls harden if left for too long.
8. Strawberry Matcha Latte Bubble Tea
Strawberry matcha latte bubble tea is a colorful and refreshing blend of sweet strawberry and earthy matcha.
This drink layers strawberry puree, milk, and matcha to create distinct layers that are both visually appealing and delicious.
To make it, puree strawberries with sugar to create a syrup and dissolve ceremonial-grade matcha in boiling water.
Tapioca pearls are cooked separately, coated in brown sugar syrup, and added to the glass before layering in the strawberry puree, milk, and matcha.
The combination of flavors offers a balance of sweet and slightly bitter, making it a popular summer drink.
9. Lavender Bubble Tea
Lavender bubble tea is a fragrant and calming twist on the classic bubble tea, made by steeping black tea with dried lavender.
The lavender adds a floral note to the drink, while the black tea provides caffeine.
Cook the tapioca pearls as usual and add them to the steeped tea, along with milk and sugar.
For safety, be sure to use food-grade dried lavender.
This drink is best served cold with an extra-wide straw, allowing you to enjoy the chewy pearls alongside the soothing flavors of lavender.
10. Rose Bubble Tea
Rose bubble tea combines the delicate flavors of rose with creamy milk and chewy tapioca pearls.
You can make this drink using either dried rosebuds or store-bought rose syrup for convenience.
Oolong tea works well as a base due to its mild flavor, which complements the floral notes of the rose.
The drink can be sweetened with rose syrup and paired with plant-based milks like oat or almond to enhance the floral experience.
Homemade rose syrup can be made by simmering rose petals with sugar and water, and it can be stored for up to two months.
The result is a fragrant, lightly sweetened bubble tea with a touch of elegance.
Unique and Creative Recipes
11. Butterfly Pea Flower Bubble Tea
Butterfly pea flower bubble tea stands out with its striking blue color, all thanks to butterfly pea flowers.
These flowers, commonly used in Southeast Asia, give the tea a natural blue hue without any artificial coloring.
The flavor is subtle, with earthy and woody notes.
Interestingly, the blue can transform into a vibrant magenta or purple when you add a bit of lemon juice, thanks to changes in pH levels.
To make this bubble tea, combine brewed butterfly pea flower tea with non-dairy milk and sweeten it with brown sugar syrup.
Soaked tapioca pearls add a chewy texture, making it a fun and refreshing drink.
This tea allows you to enjoy the health benefits of butterfly pea flowers, including their antioxidant properties and their reputation for helping with insomnia.
12. Black Sesame Bubble Tea
Black sesame bubble tea is a creamy, nutty, and caffeine-free option for boba lovers.
The rich flavor comes from black sesame paste, which can be found at Asian supermarkets or online.
The paste is blended with dark brown sugar and milk, then combined with tapioca pearls to give it a smooth, chewy texture.
The drink should be served chilled, and while whole milk is commonly used for its creamy texture, plant-based alternatives like almond or oat milk work just as well.
To get the best results, prepare the tapioca pearls right before serving, as they harden if left out for too long.
Use a handheld milk frother to ensure the black sesame paste blends well with the milk, and serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
13. Strawberry Butterfly Pea Flower Latte Bubble Tea
This vibrant drink combines the natural blue tones of butterfly pea flower tea with the sweetness of fresh strawberry puree.
In essence, this is a layered drink, with tapioca pearls at the bottom, followed by strawberry puree, milk, and then butterfly pea flower tea on top.
The layers create a beautiful red, white, and blue effect, making it as visually appealing as it is delicious.
The tea itself has a mild flavor, which pairs well with the sweet strawberry syrup.
To make the strawberry puree, blend fresh strawberries with sugar and water, then layer the ingredients in the glass.
Serve with a wide straw to enjoy the boba along with the colorful drink.
14. Hong Kong Bubble Tea
This bubble tea brings together the rich flavor of strong black tea with the creamy sweetness of condensed milk.
The finely ground Ceylon black tea gives the drink its concentrated flavor, while condensed milk adds a velvety texture and sweetness.
Traditionally, Hong Kong milk tea is made by repeatedly filtering the tea through a silk stocking or pantyhose, but you can skip this step and still achieve a smooth texture.
The tea can be prepared ahead of time and chilled in the fridge to deepen the flavor.
When ready to serve, add chewy tapioca pearls to the mix.
For an extra twist, you can include toppings like grass jelly or egg pudding.
Dessert-Inspired Bubble Teas
15. Ube Milk Tea
Ube milk tea, often referred to as ube bubble tea when combined with tapioca pearls, is a creamy, vibrant drink that’s perfect for summer.
Ube, a purple yam native to the Philippines, gives this drink its distinct sweet and earthy flavor, along with a striking purple color.
The ube base can be made using fresh ube, ube powder, ube halaya (a traditional Filipino jam), or ube extract.
Combined with coconut milk and sometimes whole milk, this creates a smooth and rich texture.
The recipe is simple and allows for flexibility.
You can make the ube base ahead of time and store it for up to a week.
Tapioca pearls can be homemade or purchased as quick-cook options, and they’re soaked in brown sugar syrup before being added to the drink for a sweet, chewy texture.
If ube is unavailable, you can substitute it with purple sweet potatoes or taro for a similar flavor.
This drink doesn’t usually contain tea, making it a caffeine-free option that appeals to all ages.
It’s an easy and cost-effective treat that brings a touch of the Philippines right to your kitchen.
16. Chocolate Milk Tea Boba
Chocolate milk tea boba is a sweet, dessert-like take on bubble tea, combining the rich flavor of chocolate with chewy tapioca pearls.
The base of the drink is made from homemade chocolate syrup, created by simmering cocoa powder, sugar, and water until smooth.
This syrup is then mixed with milk and tapioca pearls, which are soaked in brown sugar or chocolate syrup for extra flavor.
The drink can be customized easily.
You can use different types of milk, such as oat, almond, or coconut milk, and even swap out the black tea if you prefer a caffeine-free version.
Chocolate milk tea is often described as tasting like a refreshing, ice-cold hot chocolate with the added texture of boba.
For those looking to experiment, variations like hazelnut or caramel chocolate milk tea can be made by adding flavored syrups.
This indulgent drink is perfect for pairing with sweet or savory snacks, and it can be a fun, homemade alternative to store-bought bubble tea.
Seasonal and Specialty Flavors
17. Pumpkin Spice Bubble Tea (for Fall)
Pumpkin spice bubble tea combines all the warm, cozy flavors of fall into one delicious drink.
Black tea serves as the base, mixed with a blend of pumpkin puree and spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
You can customize the tea base by choosing between chai or black tea, depending on your flavor preference.
The drink can be served hot or cold, making it versatile for any autumn day.
To make this bubble tea, start by boiling tapioca pearls until they float.
Next, create a pumpkin pie syrup by blending cream, pumpkin puree, and a touch of brown sugar.
For extra sweetness, you can drizzle salted caramel sauce over the top.
This bubble tea is a fun, festive way to enjoy the fall season while satisfying your boba cravings.
18. Mango Bubble Tea (for Summer)
Mango bubble tea is a refreshing and fruity option, perfect for summer.
Made with fresh, ripe mangoes, milk, and tapioca pearls, this drink is light and full of natural sweetness.
Using real mangoes instead of powder gives the bubble tea a richer flavor and healthier boost.
In just five minutes, you can blend mango, ice, and milk together, then pour the mixture over cooked tapioca pearls.
This bubble tea can be customized further by swapping out the milk for plant-based alternatives like coconut or almond milk.
Evaporated milk is another option if you want to add extra creaminess.
Mango bubble tea is best enjoyed during mango season when the fruit is at its peak ripeness, making it even more flavorful and refreshing.
19. Cheese Foam Bubble Tea (Savory Twist)
Cheese foam bubble tea offers a savory twist to the classic drink.
This popular topping, also known as cheese tea, is made by whipping cream cheese, heavy cream, and milk together with a pinch of salt.
The result is a rich, salty topping that pairs surprisingly well with the sweet milk tea below.
It has a flavor similar to cheesecake, which adds a creamy contrast to the sweetness of the tea.
Cheese foam can be added to both hot and iced milk teas, and black tea is most commonly used as the base.
However, you can experiment with other teas, like Earl Grey or green tea, to suit your taste.
For those looking for a vegan alternative, coconut cream and plant-based milks can be substituted, along with vegan cream cheese.
The foam takes just five minutes to prepare, making it a quick and easy addition to your bubble tea routine.
Specialty Drinks
20. Chai Bubble Tea
Chai bubble tea is the perfect fusion of an iced chai latte and classic bubble tea, offering a sweet, spicy, and creamy experience with the fun addition of chewy tapioca pearls.
This refreshing drink combines the warming flavors of chai with the texture of boba, making it a delightful treat.
The recipe is simple and requires just six ingredients: chai tea bags, milk, brown sugar, tapioca pearls, water, and ice.
Chai tea, known for its rich blend of spices like cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and black pepper, provides a bold, spiced base.
Since chai is made from black tea, this bubble tea contains caffeine, making it a great pick-me-up.
To prepare chai bubble tea, start by steeping the chai tea bags in hot water.
While the tea steeps, cook the tapioca pearls in boiling water.
Once they float, simmer them in brown sugar and water to create a sweet syrup that will coat the pearls.
After about 15 minutes, the drink is ready to assemble.
Pour the cooled tea over the cooked boba and add milk for creaminess.
Serve over ice for a chilled treat.
21. Purple Sweet Potato Bubble Tea
The final bubble tea on this list is a visually stunning and caffeine-free option, perfect for those looking for a vibrant and flavorful treat.
This drink combines the natural sweetness of purple sweet potato with the chewy texture of tapioca pearls.
The main ingredients you’ll need are purple sweet potato powder, tapioca balls, brown sugar, milk, water, and ice.
Purple sweet potato powder is made from dehydrated sweet potatoes and is responsible for giving the drink its vibrant purple color and earthy flavor.
It blends well with milk, and for a creamier consistency, whole milk is recommended.
However, if you prefer a dairy-free option, oat or almond milk can be used without sacrificing taste or texture.
To prepare, cook the tapioca pearls in boiling water until they float, then simmer them in a brown sugar syrup for added sweetness.
The pearls should be served warm to maintain their soft, chewy texture.
When it’s time to assemble, mix the purple sweet potato powder, water, and milk in a cocktail shaker.
Shake thoroughly to dissolve the powder and avoid any graininess in the drink.
Finally, pour the mixture over the warm tapioca pearls and ice, then enjoy!
Tips for Customizing Your Bubble Tea
Customizing your bubble tea is one of the best parts about making it at home.
You can easily adjust flavors, textures, and sweetness levels to suit your preferences.
Here are a few ways to make your bubble tea your own.
Experiment with Different Teas
While black tea is the traditional base for bubble tea, don’t be afraid to explore other options.
Jasmine tea adds a delicate floral note, making the drink lighter and more fragrant.
If you prefer a rich and smooth flavor, try using oolong tea.
For a caffeine-free option, rooibos tea is a great choice, offering a slightly sweet, earthy flavor.
Each tea brings its own unique twist, so feel free to mix and match until you find your favorite.
Add Toppings Like Grass Jelly or Popping Boba
Toppings are an essential part of bubble tea, and there are plenty of fun options to choose from.
In addition to the classic tapioca pearls, you can add grass jelly, which has a smooth, slightly herbal taste.
For a burst of flavor, popping boba is a great choice—these small balls burst with fruit juice when you bite into them, adding an exciting texture to your drink.
You can even experiment with adding different fruits, puddings, or flavored jellies for an extra layer of flavor.
Adjust the Sweetness and Milk Levels
One of the easiest ways to customize your bubble tea is by adjusting the sweetness and milk.
If you like your drinks on the sweeter side, add more simple syrup, honey, or flavored syrup to the mix.
For those who prefer a less sweet drink, reduce the amount of syrup or opt for unsweetened tea.
You can also modify the creaminess by experimenting with different types of milk—whole milk for a rich texture, or plant-based milks like almond, oat, or coconut for a lighter and dairy-free option.
Conclusion
Bubble tea is a versatile and fun drink that you can easily customize to suit your taste.
With so many flavors, toppings, and teas to explore, the possibilities are endless.
Whether you prefer classic milk tea or want to try something adventurous like purple sweet potato bubble tea, there’s a recipe for everyone.
Now it’s your turn!
Experiment with your favorite ingredients and create your own bubble tea masterpiece.
What’s your favorite bubble tea flavor? let us know!
FAQs
How long do tapioca pearls last?
Tapioca pearls are best consumed fresh, typically within 4 hours after cooking.
As they cool, they begin to harden and lose their chewy texture.
If you need to store them, you can keep cooked tapioca pearls in their syrup at room temperature for up to 8 hours, but they won’t have the same softness.
Uncooked pearls can last several months if stored in a cool, dry place.
What is the best tea for bubble tea?
The best tea for bubble tea depends on the flavor you’re aiming for.
Black tea is the most common and provides a strong, robust flavor that pairs well with milk and sweeteners.
If you prefer something lighter, green tea or jasmine tea offer a more delicate, floral flavor.
For a unique taste, you can try oolong tea, which has a smooth, slightly roasted flavor.
