Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Three ways to make bubble tea at home is a lot easier than you think! Made with real ingredients, this recipe is delicious, refreshing, and healthy. | aheadofthyme.com

How to Make Bubble Tea

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 11 reviews

  • Author: Sam | Ahead of Thyme
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 3 bubble teas
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Three ways to make bubble tea at home is a lot easier than you think! Made with real ingredients, this recipe is delicious, refreshing, and healthy. 

Ingredients

For the pearls:

Plain bubble tea:

  • 1 cup tea (or flavoured iced tea)
  • lemon slice
  • 3-4 ice cubes

Milk Bubble Tea:

  • 1 cup unsweetened black tea (or green tea)
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 3-4 ice cubes

Fruity Bubble Tea:

  • 1 cup fresh fruit of your choice (I used strawberry)
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 tablespoon honey (optional, if extra sweetness is needed)
  • 1 cup ice

Instructions

Make the tapioca pearls:

  1. In a large saucepan, bring 8 cups of water to a boil over high heat. Add the tapioca pearls and stir gently until they begin to float to the top.
  2. Turn the heat down to medium and cook for 40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  3. Remove from heat, cover, and let sit for another 20 minutes.
  4. Drain pearls and transfer to a small bowl. Mix in the honey and fully coat. Set aside for 5 minutes.

Make the bubble teas:

  1. Divide the cooked pearls into three tall glasses.
  2. Create any of the following bubble teas:
    1. Plain Bubble Tea: Add tea (or iced tea), ice, and lemon slice.
    2. Milk Bubble Tea: Add tea, milk, and ice.
    3. Fruity Bubble Tea: Blend fruit, milk, honey, and ice in a blender until smooth. Pour into glass.
  3. Add a wide straw, and enjoy.

Notes

You will need: tapioca pearls and wide straws.

Use tapioca pearls within a few hours. Tapioca pearls are best if used within a few hours of cooking (within 4 hours). They will get mushy. Make a smaller batch if you are worried about having extras.

How to store cooked tapioca pearls. If you do have extra, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Cover and fully coat them in the honey syrup so that they don't stick to each other. But again, you need to consume them within 4 hours before they start to get mushy. Do not store in the refrigerator as they will harden.

Why are my pearls too soft? This will happen if they are overcooked, or if they have been sitting out for over 4 hours.

Why are my pearls too hard? This will happen if they are undercooked or if stored in the refrigerator.

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes (for the pearls)
  • Category: Drink
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Asian

Did you make this recipe?

I'd love to see! Tag me @aheadofthyme on Instagram.

Find it online: https://www.aheadofthyme.com/three-ways-to-make-bubble-tea/