Bubble Tea

Bubble Tea, also known as Boba Tea, is a uniquely textural and refreshing beverage. It consists of a base of sweetened black tea mixed with milk, served cold over ice. The defining feature is the addition of large, chewy tapioca pearls that sit at the bottom of the cup, providing a delightful contrast to the smooth, creamy tea. It's an indulgent treat that is both a drink and a light snack.
Bubble Tea

Preparation

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

Bubble Tea is a modern tea-based drink that originated in the 1980s. It has since become a global phenomenon, spawning countless variations and establishing itself as a distinct category of beverage enjoyed worldwide.

Serving

This is a large, cold, non-alcoholic drink typically served in a tall glass or a specialized plastic cup, always with a wide straw to accommodate the pearls.
Serving size
Approximately 475-500 ml / 16-17 oz
Alcohol content
0% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Tall Glass or Bubble Tea Cup
Glass treatment
None

Backstory

Bubble Tea was invented in Taiwan during the 1980s. While two tea houses claim its invention, the most credited story points to the Chun Shui Tang tea house in Taichung. An employee, Ms. Lin Hsiu Hui, reportedly poured her sweetened tapioca dessert into her iced tea during a staff meeting, creating the first version of this iconic drink.
Origin
The drink originated in Taichung, Taiwan, in the 1980s and has since spread to become a beloved beverage across Asia and the rest of the world.

Bubble Tea

The drink's original name, 珍珠奶茶 (zhēnzhū nǎichá), translates to "pearl milk tea" in Mandarin, referring to the tapioca balls. In English, it is most commonly known as Bubble Tea or Boba Tea. The term "boba" is a slang term for the large tapioca pearls.
Original name
珍珠奶茶 (zhēnzhū nǎichá)
Alternative names
  • Boba Tea
  • Pearl Milk Tea

Characteristics overview

Bubble tea offers a unique combination of a smooth, creamy liquid with a fun, chewy texture from the tapioca pearls, all wrapped in a sweet, milky tea flavor.
Flavor
Sweet, creamy, milky, earthy tea, chewy, caramelized
Aroma
Black tea, brown sugar, milk, caramel
Taste balance
Sweet, creamy
Aftertaste
Sweet, milky, clean, pleasant
Fizziness
None
Color appearance
Opaque, creamy beige, light brown, dark brown pearls
Texture
Smooth, creamy, thick, chewy
Seasonality
Refreshing, year-round

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor is defined by its high sweetness and creaminess, with a slight bitterness from the tea. It is a completely non-alcoholic and non-carbonated beverage.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

You'll need dried tapioca pearls, black tea, milk, and sweeteners like brown sugar and simple syrup. All ingredients are non-alcoholic and readily available in most large supermarkets or Asian groceries.
  • Dried Tapioca Pearls (Boba)50 g / 1/4 cup
    Use quick-cook pearls for convenience. Follow package instructions for best results.
  • Brown Sugar50 g / 1/4 cup
    Used to make a syrup for soaking the pearls, adding flavor and sweetness.
  • WaterFor cooking pearls and brewing tea
    Use filtered water for the best taste.
  • Black Tea2 bags or 2 tsp loose leaf
    Strong black tea like Assam, Ceylon, or an English Breakfast blend works well.
  • Whole Milk120 ml / 4 oz
    Can be substituted with plant-based milk like oat milk for a vegan version.
  • Simple Syrup or Condensed Milk30 ml / 1 oz, or to taste
    Adjust sweetness to your preference. Condensed milk adds extra creaminess.
  • Ice Cubes1 cup
    To chill the drink.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

A saucepan is needed to cook the tapioca pearls and make the syrup. For assembly, a cocktail shaker is ideal for perfectly chilling and frothing the milk tea.
  • Saucepan for cooking the tapioca pearls.
  • Cocktail shaker or a large jar with a secure lid to mix and chill the tea.

Instructions

The process involves three key parts: cooking the tapioca pearls and soaking them in syrup, brewing and chilling the tea, and finally, shaking everything together with milk and ice for a frothy finish.
1. Cook the tapioca pearls: Bring a small saucepan of water to a rolling boil. Add the dried pearls and cook according to package directions (usually 5-10 minutes), stirring occasionally. Once cooked, drain the pearls.
2. Make brown sugar syrup: In the same saucepan, combine the brown sugar with an equal amount of water (e.g., 1/4 cup). Heat until the sugar is fully dissolved. Add the cooked tapioca pearls to the syrup and let them soak for at least 15 minutes.
3. Brew the tea: Steep the black tea bags or leaves in 1 cup (240 ml / 8 oz) of hot water for 5 minutes. Remove the tea bags/leaves and let the tea cool completely. You can place it in the refrigerator to speed this up.
4. Assemble the drink: Add the syrupy tapioca pearls to a tall glass. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice, the chilled black tea, milk, and your chosen sweetener (simple syrup or condensed milk). Shake vigorously for 15 seconds until well-chilled and frothy. Strain the mixture over the pearls in the glass. Add more ice if desired, insert a wide straw, and serve immediately.

Garnishing

Bubble tea is not traditionally garnished; its distinct appearance with the boba pearls is its signature feature.
  • None

Dietary Information

This drink contains caffeine from tea and dairy from milk. It can easily be made vegan and dairy-free by substituting the milk with a plant-based alternative like oat or soy milk.
✕ Contains alcohol
✕ Caffeine-free
✕ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✕ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

Bubble tea is a high-calorie beverage, primarily due to its significant sugar and carbohydrate content from the syrup and tapioca pearls.
Calories
Averagely 300-400 kcal / 1255-1674 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 60-80 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 40-60 g
Sugar level

Occasions

Bubble Tea is perfect as a sweet afternoon pick-me-up or a casual drink to enjoy with friends. It serves as a refreshing treat on a warm day or whenever a craving for something sweet and unique strikes.
  • Afternoon Treat
  • Casual Socializing
  • Refreshing Break

Pairing suggestions

Bubble Tea pairs wonderfully with savory and slightly spicy snacks that balance its sweetness. It's a classic companion to Taiwanese street food like fried chicken or squid, but also goes well with light pastries and desserts.
  • Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken
  • Spicy Fries
  • Mochi or other light pastries

Bubble Tea: The Chewy, Creamy Delight from Taiwan

Bubble Tea is a globally adored drink that perfectly blends the familiar comfort of milky tea with the exciting, fun texture of chewy boba pearls. Originating from Taiwan, this sweet, creamy, and refreshing beverage has become a cultural icon. Making it at home allows for complete control over sweetness and ingredients, resulting in a delicious and personalized treat that's both a drink and a dessert.