Taro Milk Tea 2 Ways (with Fresh Taro or Powder) Recipe is a delightful and vibrant drink that perfectly blends creamy, sweet taro flavor with the satisfying chew of tapioca pearls. Whether you choose to use fresh taro paste or convenient taro powder, this recipe captures the heart of classic milk tea with a colorful twist that’s as fun to make as it is to sip. It’s a fantastic treat to enjoy at home, especially if you love exploring unique flavors and textures in your beverages. Let me walk you through how simple ingredients can bring this luscious drink to life in two wonderful variations.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows two glasses of drinks placed on a rough brown woven cloth on a grey rough surface. One glass has a light cream colored drink with a frothy top, and the other glass has a smooth purple drink with a creamy surface. Both glasses contain silver metal straws. On the top right side, there is a clear bowl filled with a beige creamy paste, and a white spoon with some of the same paste rests nearby on the surface. At the bottom left corner, a clear bowl contains dark black round boba pearls. The overall setting is casual with natural textures and sparse elements. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of the Taro Milk Tea 2 Ways (with Fresh Taro or Powder) Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each contributing a special element to the final drink. From the chewy tapioca pearls that add an irresistible texture to the creamy milk and smooth sweetness of taro, every component plays an essential role.

Dried tapioca pearls: These chewy balls are the signature of bubble tea and bring that delightful chewiness you crave.
Brown sugar: Used to make a rich syrup that sweetens tapioca and keeps them from sticking together.
Water: Essential for cooking tapioca pearls and making syrup.
Taro paste: Fresh, subtly sweet, and earthy, giving the taro milk tea its beloved flavor and creamy texture.
Sweetened condensed milk: Adds luscious sweetness and richness; swap for condensed coconut milk for a vegan version.
Milk: A creamy base that mellows the taro flavor; plant-based milk works wonderfully to keep it light and dairy-free.
Green tea bag (optional): When added, it brings a gentle aroma and depth to the drink without overpowering taro.
Purple sweet potato powder (optional): Intensifies the purple color, making the drink visually stunning.
Ready-to-use tapioca pearls: A convenient shortcut for when you want to save time but still enjoy that classic bubble texture.
Ice cubes: To chill the drink perfectly, balancing the creamy sweetness on a warm day.
Taro powder: A handy alternative to fresh taro paste that blends effortlessly for a smooth drink.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Taro Milk Tea 2 Ways (with Fresh Taro or Powder) Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Tapioca Pearls

Start by cooking the dried tapioca pearls to get that perfect chewy texture. Boil them according to the package instructions – typically 20 to 30 minutes in boiling water, followed by a 30-minute resting period covered. Some brands might need a second round of cooking and resting. Once cooked, drain and soak the pearls in brown sugar syrup for at least one hour to add sweetness and prevent sticking.

Step 2: Make the Brown Sugar Syrup

Combine brown sugar and water in a saucepan, heating gently until the sugar fully dissolves. Keep it at a low simmer and avoid boiling to maintain a smooth consistency for soaking your tapioca pearls.

Step 3: Brew the Green Tea (Optional)

If you’re adding green tea, brew your tea bag in ½ cup hot water for about 5 minutes, then remove the tea bag. Set aside to cool slightly before mixing with the taro.

Step 4: Blend the Fresh Taro Milk Tea

In a blender, combine taro paste, sweetened condensed milk (or its vegan alternative), milk, the brewed green tea (if using), and purple sweet potato powder if you want a vivid purple hue. Blend until it’s silky smooth and deeply fragrant.

Step 5: Assemble Your Fresh Taro Milk Tea

Place the soaked tapioca pearls in the bottom of your glass, add a handful of ice cubes, then pour the creamy taro milk mixture on top and give it a gentle stir to combine.

Step 6: Blend the Powdered Taro Milk Tea

For the powdered version, brew the green tea and let it cool. Then blend taro powder, sweetened condensed milk, milk, and the cooled tea until smooth and luscious.

Step 7: Assemble Your Powdered Taro Milk Tea

Add ready-to-use tapioca pearls into your glass, add ice cubes, and pour the blended taro milk tea over the top for a quick, delicious treat.

How to Serve Taro Milk Tea 2 Ways (with Fresh Taro or Powder) Recipe

The image shows two side-by-side photos. On the left, a woman's hand holds a white spoon with a gold handle, scooping shiny black tapioca pearls into a clear glass that already has some pearls at the bottom. In the background, there are blurry bowls with more ingredients on a white marbled surface. On the right, creamy light brown milk tea with visible tapioca pearls is being poured from a blender into the same clear glass, with the drink filling from the bottom where the pearls sit. The white marbled surface is visible underneath the glass. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Top your taro milk tea with a dollop of whipped cream or sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes for an extra layer of indulgence. A few purple sweet potato powder sprinkles can also enhance appearance and flavor.

Side Dishes

This creamy drink pairs wonderfully with light snacks like crispy spring rolls, sesame balls, or buttery almond cookies. The sweet taro balances savory or subtly sweet bites for a perfect snack time.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your taro milk tea in clear tall glasses to showcase the beautiful purple shades and the black pearls at the bottom. Layering with ice or adding a colorful reusable straw makes it eye-catching and inviting for any gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover taro milk tea, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Be aware that tapioca pearls will harden over time, so it’s best enjoyed fresh.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t recommended for taro milk tea, as the texture of milk and the tapioca pearls can change drastically, losing their creamy and chewy qualities when thawed.

Reheating

For the fresh taro blend without pearls, you can gently warm the mixture on the stove or microwave. Tapioca pearls should be kept separate and added fresh to maintain their signature chew.

FAQs

Can I use instant tapioca pearls instead of dried ones?

Yes, instant tapioca pearls cook faster and save time. Just follow the package instructions and soak them in syrup to keep the texture just right.

Is it necessary to add green tea in the recipe?

Green tea is optional. It adds a mild earthy note and cuts through sweetness, but you can skip it entirely, especially if making the drink for kids or if you prefer a pure taro flavor.

Can I make this Taro Milk Tea vegan?

Absolutely! Use plant-based milk like almond or oat and sweetened condensed coconut milk instead of traditional condensed milk to keep it vegan and delicious.

What’s the difference in taste between fresh taro and taro powder?

Fresh taro offers a richer, earthier flavor and a creamier texture, while taro powder is more convenient and still delivers that signature sweetness and vibrant color, though slightly less nuanced.

How do I store cooked tapioca pearls if I want to prepare them in advance?

After cooking, soak the pearls in sugar syrup and store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Use within a day for best chewiness, as they tend to harden over time.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about whipping up this Taro Milk Tea 2 Ways (with Fresh Taro or Powder) Recipe at home. Whether you’re picking fresh taro paste for that authentic touch or opting for the convenience of taro powder, the end result is a beautifully creamy drink that’s both nostalgic and exciting. Give it a try and treat yourself to a colorful sip of happiness any day you need a little pick-me-up. You’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again!