Thai Milk Tea Boba Recipe

If you’ve ever been captivated by the perfect blend of tea, sweetness, and chewy delight in a cup, you’re in for a real treat with this Thai Milk Tea Boba Recipe. This gorgeous drink combines the rich, aromatic flavors of classic Thai milk tea with the addictive texture of boba pearls, creating a refreshing beverage that’s both comforting and irresistibly fun. Whether you’re a boba enthusiast or a curious tea lover, this recipe is an inviting way to bring that beloved café experience right to your kitchen counter.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients sets the stage for an unforgettable Thai Milk Tea Boba experience. Each component plays a vital role: the Thai tea mix brings that signature deeply spiced tea flavor, the condensed milk adds creamy sweetness, and the tapioca pearls deliver the satisfying chew that boba fans adore. Simple yet essential, these ingredients harmonize perfectly to create a beautiful balance of taste, texture, and color.

• Thai tea mix: The heart of the recipe, providing the distinctive aromatic and slightly spiced flavor.
• Boiling water: For steeping the tea leaves and unlocking their rich taste.
• Condensed milk: Adds luscious creaminess and natural sweetness to balance the tea’s robust flavor.
• Tapioca pearls: The chewy, fun elements that make the drink truly a boba sensation.
• Brown sugar: Used to coat the pearls, adding caramelized sweetness and a subtle depth.
• Ice: Essential to chill the drink and provide that refreshing coolness.
• Heavy cream or half and half: For a rich, velvety finish on top of the drink.

How to Make Thai Milk Tea Boba Recipe

Step 1: Brew the Tea

Start by infusing the Thai tea mix to capture those intense spices and creamy notes. Place the tea mix into a steeping sock or wrapped coffee filter over a heat-safe pot. Slowly pour 600 grams of boiling water onto the tea, allowing it to steep for about 10 minutes. This careful process helps the tea develop its signature color and bold flavor that is central to the Thai Milk Tea Boba Recipe.

Step 2: Sweeten the Brew

After removing the tea leaves from the sock, squeeze gently to extract every drop of flavor. While the tea is still warm, stir in the condensed milk one spoonful at a time. This layering of sweetness is essential—aim for a taste slightly sweeter than your final preference, since the ice will mellow the flavor. Chilling the tea helps it cool down perfectly for assembly later.

Step 3: Prepare the Tapioca Pearls

Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil to cook the chewy tapioca pearls. Add the entire batch at once and stir immediately to separate any clumps. Let them boil uncovered for 15 minutes to soften just right. Then, cover the pot and let the pearls sit off the heat for another 15 minutes, which allows them to become perfectly tender—this step is where the magic texture of boba develops.

Step 4: Sweeten the Pearls

Drain the cooked pearls and transfer to a small bowl. Add the brown sugar and stir until it dissolves, creating a syrupy coating that gives the boba a delectable caramelized hint. This sweetness complements the richness and spice of the tea beautifully in the final drink.

Step 5: Assemble Your Thai Milk Tea Boba

Divide 100 grams of tapioca pearls into each serving glass, then fill the glasses about halfway with ice. Pour the chilled Thai milk tea over the ice until the glass is nearly full. To finish, pour a layer of heavy cream or half and half on top. Give it a good stir before sipping to blend all those wonderful layers of flavor and texture, revealing the classic enjoyment of this Thai Milk Tea Boba Recipe.

How to Serve Thai Milk Tea Boba Recipe

Garnishes

While the drink is perfect on its own, adding a sprinkle of crushed roasted peanuts on top or a cinnamon stick can give an extra twist to the flavor and presentation. Bright orange edible flowers also add a lovely visual pop that mimics the vibrant hue of traditional Thai milk tea.

Side Dishes

Pair your Thai Milk Tea Boba Recipe with light Asian-inspired treats such as crispy spring rolls, coconut sticky rice, or mango salad. The textures and flavors vary in a way that complements the creamy sweetness and chewy pearls, adding a satisfying culinary balance to your snack or dessert time.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your drink in tall clear glasses to showcase the striking layers of tea, cream, and boba. Using wide, colorful straws lets friends and family enjoy the full boba experience. For parties, consider layering the pearls and tea mixture in a mason jar or clear bottle for a charming, portable version of this beloved beverage.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover Thai milk tea or cooked tapioca pearls, store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The tea keeps well for a few days, but pearls are best enjoyed within 24 hours to maintain their chewy texture.

Freezing

Freezing the tapioca pearls is not recommended, as they tend to harden and lose their signature bounce when thawed. However, you can freeze the brewed Thai tea without milk if you want to prepare in advance and combine fresh later.

Reheating

To reheat tapioca pearls, briefly steam them or soak in warm water to regain softness. Warm the milk tea gently on the stove or microwave, being cautious not to boil it, so the delicate flavors remain intact and ready for your next Thai Milk Tea Boba Recipe serving.

FAQs

Can I use regular black tea instead of Thai tea mix?

While black tea can be a substitute, you’ll miss the unique blend of spices and color that Thai tea mix provides. For the authentic flavor that makes this Thai Milk Tea Boba Recipe special, the traditional mix is highly recommended.

How can I make the boba pearls chewy instead of mushy?

Proper cooking is key. Boil the pearls for 15 minutes and let them sit covered off the heat for another 15 minutes. Avoid overcooking and always store pearls in a sugar syrup to maintain their bounce and flavor.

Is there a vegan alternative for condensed milk?

Yes! You can use sweetened coconut milk or a vegan condensed milk substitute to keep the drink creamy and sweet while catering to a vegan diet without losing the essence of the Thai Milk Tea Boba Recipe.

Can I prepare this drink in advance for a party?

You can brew and chill the tea ahead of time and cook the tapioca pearls shortly before serving. Assembled drinks are best served fresh to keep the pearls from becoming too soft or sticky.

What’s the best way to sip and enjoy boba tea?

A wide straw is essential to enjoy the chewy pearls and liquid together. Stir gently before sipping so the cream mixes with the tea, giving you that perfect creamy sweetness with every chewy bite.

Final Thoughts

This Thai Milk Tea Boba Recipe has quickly become one of those comforting pleasures that’s fun to make and delightful to drink. From the aromatic brew to the tempting pearls and creamy topping, it’s a drink that invites smiles and satisfying moments. Grab your ingredients and try it out—you might just find yourself reaching for this recipe whenever you crave a little sweetness and adventure in a cup!

Thai Milk Tea Boba Recipe

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This refreshing Thai Milk Tea Boba recipe combines robust Thai tea with creamy condensed milk and chewy tapioca pearls, creating a delightful and authentic bubble tea experience at home. Perfectly sweetened and chilled with ice and topped with a luscious layer of heavy cream or half and half, this drink is an indulgent treat for two.

• Author: Paula
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings
• Category: Beverage
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Thai

Ingredients

Tea

• 3 tablespoons Thai tea mix
• 600 g boiling water
• 6 tablespoons condensed milk
• Ice, as needed

Tapioca Pearls

• 100 g tapioca pearls
• 25 g brown sugar

Topping

• 50 g heavy cream or half and half

Instructions

1. Steep the Tea: Add the Thai tea mix to a steeping sock or coffee filter and place it over a heat-safe container or pot. Pour 600 g of boiling water over the tea leaves inside the sock. Let the tea steep for about 10 minutes to fully extract the flavor.
2. Remove Tea Leaves: Take out the steeping sock, squeeze it gently to extract any remaining tea, and discard the tea leaves.
3. Sweeten the Tea: While the tea is still warm, stir in the condensed milk one spoon at a time to taste, aiming for a slightly sweeter flavor than desired since the ice will dilute the sweetness. Chill the tea in the refrigerator while preparing the pearls.
4. Cook Tapioca Pearls: Bring a medium pot of water to a full rolling boil. Add all the tapioca pearls at once and stir immediately to prevent clumping. Boil uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Steep Cooked Pearls: After boiling, cover the pot and remove it from heat. Let the pearls sit and steep in the hot water for another 15 minutes to reach the perfect chewy texture.
6. Sweeten Pearls: Drain the water from the tapioca pearls and transfer them into a small bowl. Add the brown sugar and stir until it dissolves, forming a syrup that coats the pearls.
7. Assemble the Drink: Into each serving glass, add 100 g of the sweetened pearls. Fill the glass halfway or more with ice. Pour the chilled Thai milk tea over the ice until nearly full. Top with 25 g of heavy cream or half and half. Stir well before enjoying your creamy and sweet Thai Milk Tea Boba.

Notes

• Use a steeping sock or fine coffee filter to avoid loose tea leaves in your drink.
• Adjust condensed milk quantity according to your sweetness preference.
• Cook tapioca pearls just before serving to ensure the best chewy texture.
• Brown sugar syrup for tapioca pearls adds a richer flavor compared to plain sugar.
• Heavy cream or half and half can be substituted based on desired creaminess and calorie content.