This Iced Boba Milk Tea is sweet, creamy, and packed with soft, chewy tapioca pearls — just like your favorite bubble tea shop! Made with black tea, milk, and a touch of sugar, it’s easy to customize with different flavors, non-dairy milk, or sweeteners right from your kitchen.
Yields: 1 serving
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
✨ Why You’ll Love This
✔ Better than takeout – adjust the sweetness to your taste
✔ Perfect pearl texture every time (no mush!)
✔ Save $$$ – costs pennies per cup
✔ Customizable – try different teas and milks
Ingredients:
- For the Boba Pearls:
- 1/4 cup tapioca pearls
- 2 cups water
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
- For the Brown Sugar Syrup:
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup water
- For the Milk Tea:
- 1 black tea bag (or 1 teaspoon loose leaf black tea)
- 1 cup hot water
- 1/2 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- Sweetener to taste (optional, adjust brown sugar in syrup if needed)
- Ice cubes
Equipment:
- Small saucepan
- Medium saucepan
- Spoon or whisk
- Glass for serving
- Wide straw
Instructions:
Step 1: Cook the Tapioca Pearls
- In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add the tapioca pearls. Once they float to the top, reduce the heat to medium-low and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 2: Steep the Tapioca Pearls
- Remove the saucepan from the heat, cover, and let the pearls steep for another 15-20 minutes. This will make them chewy.
Step 3: Make the Brown Sugar Syrup
- While the boba is steeping, prepare the brown sugar syrup. In a small saucepan, combine the 1/4 cup packed brown sugar and 1/4 cup water. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture thickens slightly into a syrup. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 4: Drain and Sweeten the Boba
- Once the boba pearls are done steeping, drain them using a fine-mesh sieve. Immediately transfer the hot boba pearls to the saucepan with the brown sugar syrup. Stir gently to coat the pearls evenly. The heat will help them absorb the syrup. Let them sit in the syrup while you prepare the tea.
Step 5: Brew the Black Tea
- Pour 1 cup of hot water over the black tea bag (or loose leaf tea) in a mug or small bowl. Steep for 3-5 minutes, depending on your desired strength. Remove the tea bag or strain the loose leaf tea. Allow the brewed tea to cool slightly or chill it in the refrigerator for a faster result.
Step 6: Assemble the Iced Boba Milk Tea
- Scoop the sweetened boba pearls into the bottom of your serving glass. Add ice cubes to fill the glass about halfway.
Step 7: Add Milk and Tea
- Pour the cooled black tea over the ice. Then, pour in the milk. Stir gently to combine. Taste and add more sweetener if desired.
💎 Boba Pro Tips
✅ Pearl perfection: Soak cooked boba in syrup for 30 minutes for extra flavor
✅ No simple syrup? Use honey or maple syrup
✅ Creamier tea: Use evaporated milk or creamer
📊 Nutrition (Per Serving)
| Calories 250 | Carbs 55g | Sugar 25g |
| Protein 3g | Caffeine 40mg | Vegan Option ✔ |
🍯 Serving Ideas
Taiwanese Style: Use brown sugar boba and fresh milk
Matcha Version: Swap black tea for matcha powder
Fruit Tea: Add mango or strawberry puree
Enjoy your homemade iced boba milk tea right away!
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