Save I started making this on weekday mornings when the boba craving hit but the drive to the tea shop didnt. The first batch took longer than it should have because I overthought it, but now I can pull this together in the time it takes my kettle to boil. Theres something satisfying about hearing the pearls bubble in the pot and knowing that in minutes Ill have something just as good as what Id pay six dollars for.
I made this for my sister one afternoon when she was stressed about finals, and she looked up mid-sip and said it tasted better than the place near campus. I didnt tell her how easy it was until she asked for the recipe. Now she texts me photos of her own glass every other week, sometimes with matcha, sometimes with taro powder she found at the Asian market.
Ingredients
- Quick-cook tapioca pearls: These are the shortcut that makes this whole thing possible. Look for the kind that cooks in under five minutes, they soften fast and stay chewy if you dont overcook them.
- Black tea bags: I use whatever black tea I have around, usually English Breakfast. It gives you that malty base that holds up to the sweetness without disappearing.
- Sweetened condensed milk: This is what makes it creamy and rich without needing simple syrup and half and half separately. It dissolves right into the tea and sweetens it in one go.
- Cold milk: Dairy or oat milk both work. I like whole milk for the texture, but oat milk gives it a subtle sweetness that plays well with the condensed milk.
- Ice cubes: Use enough to chill it properly. Warm boba tea is not the vibe.
Instructions
- Cook the pearls:
- Boil them according to the package, usually three to five minutes. They should be soft all the way through with a little chew, not hard in the center. Drain them and rinse quickly under cool water so they dont stick together.
- Brew the tea:
- Steep your tea bags in hot water for about four minutes, then pull them out and let the tea cool while you get everything else ready. If its too hot when you mix it, the milk can curdle.
- Mix the base:
- Pour the tea into a pitcher, add the sweetened condensed milk and cold milk, then stir until its all one smooth color. Taste it now, if you want it sweeter add a little more condensed milk.
- Assemble the drinks:
- Spoon the tapioca pearls into two tall glasses, add ice, then pour the tea mixture over the top. Stir it once before drinking so the pearls dont all settle at the bottom.
Save The first time I served this to friends, one of them asked if Id gone out and picked it up. I pointed at the pot still sitting on the stove and watched their face change. Its become the thing I make when someone comes over unexpectedly and I want to offer something better than water but dont have time to bake anything.
Swapping the Tea
Ive tried this with green tea when I wanted something lighter, and it worked, but you have to brew it cooler or it gets bitter. Oolong is my favorite swap, it has this floral thing that makes the whole drink feel fancier even though the effort is identical. Jasmine tea also works if you like that perfumey sweetness.
Making It Dairy-Free
I made a coconut milk version once for a friend whos lactose intolerant and it was almost better than the original. Use canned coconut milk and coconut condensed milk, the richness stays but you get this tropical edge. Oat milk and regular condensed milk also works if you just want to avoid dairy in the liquid but dont mind it in the sweetener.
Storing and Reheating
You cant really store this assembled because the ice melts and the pearls get weird. But you can keep the tea mixture in the fridge for a day or two and cook fresh pearls when youre ready to drink it. If you have leftover cooked pearls, toss them in a little simple syrup and keep them in a jar for a few hours, theyll stay soft.
- The tea base keeps covered in the fridge for up to two days.
- Cooked pearls are best used within four hours even in syrup.
- Always use fresh ice when you assemble or it waters down too fast.
Save This is the kind of recipe that makes you feel capable in the kitchen without asking much of you. Its quick, its adjustable, and it tastes like you tried harder than you did.
Cooking Guide
- → How long does it take to cook instant tapioca pearls?
Instant tapioca pearls typically cook in 3 to 5 minutes until they are soft and chewy.
- → Can I use plant-based milk for this drink?
Yes, plant-based milk works well, especially combined with coconut condensed milk as a dairy-free alternative.
- → What tea types work best for this beverage?
Black tea is standard, but green or oolong teas give an interesting twist to the flavor.
- → How can I add extra flavor to the drink?
Try adding vanilla extract or brown sugar syrup to the milk tea mixture for enhanced sweetness and aroma.
- → What tools are needed to prepare this drink?
You’ll need a saucepan, strainer, mixing pitcher, measuring cups, and large straws for serving.