Easy Bubble Tea Recipe

Tapioca pearls: These are small, chewy balls made from tapioca starch, essential for the classic bubble tea texture.

Black tea: Provides a strong, robust flavor that forms the base of the bubble tea.

Milk: Adds creaminess and richness to the tea, balancing the strong tea flavor.

Sugar: Sweetens the tea, making it a delightful treat.

When cooking tapioca pearls, make sure to stir them occasionally to prevent them from sticking together. Once they float to the top, reduce the heat slightly and continue to cook until they reach the desired level of tenderness. After cooking, rinse the pearls under cold water to stop the cooking process and to remove any excess starch. This will ensure that your bubble tea has perfectly chewy pearls.

• tapioca pearls - Substitute with sago pearls: Sago pearls have a similar chewy texture and can be used in a similar manner to tapioca pearls.

• tapioca pearls - Substitute with gelatin cubes: Gelatin cubes can provide a different but enjoyable texture in bubble tea.

• boiling water - Substitute with hot milk: Hot milk can be used to brew the tea for a creamier texture.

• black tea - Substitute with green tea: Green tea offers a lighter, more refreshing flavor compared to black tea.

• black tea - Substitute with herbal tea: Herbal teas can provide unique flavors and are caffeine-free.

• milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a dairy-free alternative that adds a nutty flavor.

• milk - Substitute with coconut milk: Coconut milk adds a rich, tropical flavor to the bubble tea.

• sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey provides a natural sweetness and a slightly different flavor profile.

• sugar - Substitute with agave syrup: Agave syrup is a lower-glycemic sweetener that dissolves easily in liquids.

• Allow the tapioca pearls to cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container and cover with a simple syrup made from equal parts sugar and water. This keeps them from sticking together and maintains their chewy texture.

• Store the black tea separately in a sealed container in the refrigerator. It can be kept for up to 3 days. Ensure it is completely cooled before refrigerating to prevent condensation and dilution.

• For the milk, use fresh milk and store it in its original container in the refrigerator. If you prefer non-dairy options like almond milk or soy milk, follow the same storage guidelines.

• If you have leftover assembled bubble tea, store it in the refrigerator in a tightly sealed container. Consume within 24 hours for the best taste and texture. The tapioca pearls may harden slightly, but they can be softened by microwaving the drink for a few seconds.

• To freeze tapioca pearls, spread them out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to 2 months. To use, boil them directly from frozen until they float and are tender.

• Avoid freezing the assembled bubble tea as the milk can separate and the tapioca pearls can become too hard. Instead, freeze the components separately and assemble the drink fresh when ready to serve.

• Gently reheat the tapioca pearls: Place the leftover tapioca pearls in a small saucepan with a bit of water. Heat over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally until they regain their soft and chewy texture. Avoid boiling them again as it can make them too soft or mushy.

• Warm the milk: Pour the milk into a small saucepan and heat over low heat until it reaches your desired temperature. Stir occasionally to prevent it from scalding. Alternatively, you can microwave the milk in a microwave-safe container in 15-20 second intervals, stirring in between.

• Reheat the tea: If the tea has been stored in the refrigerator, you can reheat it gently in a saucepan over low heat. Make sure not to bring it to a boil, as this can alter the flavor. If you prefer, you can also microwave the tea in a microwave-safe container for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, depending on your microwave's power.

• Combine and serve: Once all components are reheated, assemble your bubble tea by adding the tapioca pearls to your glass, followed by the tea and milk. Stir well to combine and enjoy with a wide straw.

• Saucepan: Used to boil the tapioca pearls in water until they are tender.

• Measuring cup: Essential for accurately measuring the tapioca pearls, water, and milk.

• Stirring spoon: Handy for stirring the tapioca pearls while they cook to prevent them from sticking together.

• Teapot or kettle: Used to boil water for steeping the black tea bags.

• Tea bags: Contain the black tea leaves needed to brew the tea.

• Glasses: Used to serve the bubble tea, ideally wide enough to accommodate the tapioca pearls.

• Wide straw: Necessary for sipping the bubble tea and allowing the tapioca pearls to pass through.

• Measuring spoons: Useful for measuring the sugar to ensure the right level of sweetness.

• Mixing bowl: Can be used to cool the tea after it has been brewed.

• Strainer: Optional, but can be used to strain the tapioca pearls after boiling to remove excess water.

Pre-cook tapioca pearls: Cook tapioca pearls in advance and store them in the fridge to save time.

Use instant tea: Opt for instant black tea powder instead of brewing tea bags to cut down on preparation time.

Sweeten ahead: Mix sugar with milk beforehand so you can quickly add it to your bubble tea.

Batch preparation: Make a larger batch of tea and tapioca pearls to have multiple servings ready for the week.