Mango milk tea or Mango Boba is a tropical twist on classic bubble tea, loved for its creamy texture and fruity flavor.
This refreshing drink blends the sweetness of mango with the boldness of tea, creating a perfect balance.
Originating from Taiwan’s bubble tea culture, it has gained worldwide popularity for its vibrant taste and chewy tapioca pearls.
Whether you’re a bubble tea enthusiast or a first-timer, this recipe will show you how to make your own delicious mango milk tea at home!
How to Make Mango Milk Tea: At A Glance
- Brew Tea: Steep green, black, or jasmine tea and let it cool.
- Prepare Mango: Blend fresh mango or use mango nectar/puree.
- Cook Boba: Boil tapioca pearls, rinse, and sweeten with syrup.
- Assemble: Combine tea, mango, milk, and sweetener in a glass.
- Serve: Add boba, ice, and optional toppings. Enjoy with a wide straw!
What is Mango Milk Tea?
Mango milk tea is a creamy and refreshing beverage that combines the tropical sweetness of mango, the earthy depth of tea, the smoothness of milk, and the chewiness of tapioca pearls.
The drink is versatile, allowing you to tailor it to your preferences with different preparation methods.
Fresh mango, mango puree, or mango nectar can be used as the fruit base, each offering its own unique texture and flavor.
The tea component is typically green, black, or jasmine tea, but it can be omitted for a caffeine-free version.
For the milk, you can choose traditional dairy or opt for plant-based alternatives like oat, almond, or coconut milk to suit dietary needs.
Tapioca pearls, cooked and sweetened with syrup, add a delightful chewy texture.
Optional toppings such as fruit jellies, toasted coconut, or even a scoop of ice cream can further enhance the drink, making it as unique and flavorful as you like.
Ingredients Needed
To make mango milk tea, you’ll need a few key ingredients that come together to create this delicious and customizable drink.
- Tea Base:
- 1 tea bag (green tea, black tea, or jasmine tea)
- 150 ml (5 oz) hot water for brewing
- Mango Component:
- 1/2 cup fresh mango chunks
- or 1/2 cup mango puree
- or 1/2 cup mango nectar
- Milk: 1/2 cup milk (dairy or plant-based, such as coconut, almond, or oat milk)
- Sweeteners: 1-2 tablespoons sugar, honey, agave syrup, or sweetened condensed milk (adjust to taste)
- Tapioca Pearls (Boba):
- 1/4 cup uncooked tapioca pearls (yields about 3 tablespoons cooked pearls)
- 4 cups water (for boiling)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar or simple syrup (to coat cooked pearls)
- Optional Add-ins:
- 1/2 cup ice cubes (for serving)
- 2 tablespoons fruit jellies, popping boba, or toasted coconut (optional toppings)
Equipment Required
To make mango milk tea, you’ll need the following tools:
- Saucepan: For boiling the tapioca pearls to achieve their signature chewy texture.
- Blender: To puree fresh mango or create a smooth blend with mango nectar, milk, and sweeteners.
- Tea Kettle or Pot: For brewing the tea base (green, black, or jasmine tea).
- Glasses: Use tall glasses for serving to showcase the drink’s vibrant layers.
- Wide Straws: Essential for enjoying the tapioca pearls, as their size requires larger openings than standard straws.
Step-by-Step Recipe
Follow these simple steps to create a delicious mango milk tea:
- Brew the Tea:
- Heat 150 ml (5 oz) of water to the appropriate temperature (175°F to 185°F).
- Steep 1 tea bag for 3-5 minutes, depending on the tea type.
- Remove the tea bag and let the tea cool to room temperature. Refrigerate until chilled.
- Prepare the Mango Puree:
- If using fresh mango, blend 1/2 cup of mango chunks in a blender until smooth.
- For convenience, you can use 1/2 cup of mango nectar or store-bought mango puree instead.
- Cook the Tapioca Pearls:
- Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a saucepan.
- Add 1/4 cup of uncooked tapioca pearls and stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Cook according to the package instructions (usually 5-20 minutes).
- Once cooked, rinse the pearls under cold water, then mix them with 1 tablespoon of brown sugar or simple syrup to prevent them from sticking together.
- Assemble the Drink:
- Add about 3 tablespoons of cooked tapioca pearls to the bottom of a tall glass.
- Pour in 1/2 cup of mango puree or nectar.
- Add 1/2 cup of chilled tea and 1/2 cup of milk (dairy or plant-based).
- Sweeten to taste with 1-2 tablespoons of sugar, honey, or sweetened condensed milk.
- Stir gently to combine the flavors.
- Serving Suggestions:
- Add ice cubes for a refreshing chill.
- Garnish with a slice of fresh mango, fruit jellies, or popping boba for added texture and flavor.
- Serve with a wide straw to enjoy the tapioca pearls.
Tips and Variations
Adjusting Sweetness Levels
Sweetness is a personal preference, and mango milk tea allows for full customization.
If you enjoy a naturally sweet drink, fresh mango or mango nectar may provide all the sweetness you need.
For a sweeter taste, add sugar, honey, or agave syrup in small increments and taste as you go.
Sweetened condensed milk can also be used to add both sweetness and creaminess.
If you’re using tapioca pearls, remember they can be sweetened with brown sugar or simple syrup, which will subtly enhance the drink’s overall flavor.
Using Different Types of Tea for Varied Flavors
While green tea is the most common base for mango milk tea due to its light and earthy flavor, other teas can create unique variations. Jasmine tea adds a floral aroma that pairs beautifully with mango.
For a bolder drink, black tea provides a robust backdrop to the tropical fruitiness.
If you want a caffeine-free option, consider herbal teas like chamomile or rooibos.
Making Vegan Versions with Plant-Based Milks
For a vegan or dairy-free mango milk tea, plant-based milks are excellent substitutes.
Coconut milk complements mango’s tropical flavor and adds richness.
Almond milk provides a nutty undertone, while oat milk offers a creamy and neutral profile.
All these options work seamlessly with the other ingredients, making it easy to enjoy a vegan-friendly version of this refreshing drink.
Adding Toppings Like Fruit Jellies or Ice Cream
Toppings can elevate mango milk tea from a simple drink to an indulgent treat.
Fruit jellies, such as mango or lychee, add a burst of flavor and a fun texture.
Popping boba can introduce a playful element with its juicy center.
For a dessert-like twist, add a scoop of vanilla or mango ice cream on top.
Toasted coconut flakes or even fresh mango chunks can serve as garnish, adding flavor and visual appeal.
Health Considerations
Mango milk tea is a treat that can fit into many dietary preferences, but it’s helpful to understand its nutritional aspects.
The calorie content of the drink depends on the ingredients used.
On average, a serving contains 200 to 400 calories, with variations based on the type of milk, sweetener, and toppings.
Using fresh mango or plant-based milk can reduce calories, while sweetened condensed milk or added sugar will increase them.
The drink is naturally gluten-free, as tapioca pearls are made from cassava starch, making it safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
Caffeine content is determined by the tea base—green and jasmine teas provide a mild boost, while black tea offers a stronger jolt of energy.
For a caffeine-free option, you can omit the tea entirely or substitute it with herbal varieties.
Storage and Shelf Life
Mango milk tea is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers if needed.
If you plan to save it, separate the boba from the liquid as cooked tapioca pearls harden and lose their texture when refrigerated.
The tea, milk, and mango mixture can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-6 days.
If you have excess mango milk tea without boba, freezing is a great option.
Pour it into ice cube trays and freeze it to use later in smoothies or to chill your next batch of mango milk tea without diluting the flavor.
Cooked tapioca pearls, however, have a much shorter shelf life.
They should be consumed within 24 hours for optimal texture.
If stored in the fridge, keep them submerged in syrup to maintain their chewiness, but note that their quality will diminish quickly.
Conclusion
Mango milk tea is a delicious, customizable drink that’s easy to make at home.
With just a few simple ingredients, you can enjoy its creamy texture, tropical flavor, and chewy boba.
Experiment with different variations to find your perfect recipe.
If you try this mango milk tea, share your experience or any creative twists with us.
We’d love to hear from you!
FAQs
Can I use frozen mangoes?
Yes, frozen mangoes work great for mango milk tea.
Simply thaw them before blending or use them directly if you’re making a chilled drink.
They offer the same sweet flavor and smooth texture as fresh mangoes.
How to make the drink caffeine-free?
To make mango milk tea caffeine-free, skip the tea entirely or replace it with herbal teas like chamomile or rooibos.
Where to buy tapioca pearls?
Tapioca pearls are widely available at Asian grocery stores or online retailers.
Look for them in the bubble tea section or search for brands specializing in boba supplies.
Can I prepare components in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the tea and mango mixture ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 4-6 days.
Tapioca pearls, however, are best made fresh as they lose their chewy texture quickly.
If necessary, cook them a few hours before serving and store them in syrup to keep them soft.
