Mango Boba Tea Recipe

I absolutely love this Mango Boba Tea recipe because it perfectly combines the tropical sweetness of mango with the rich, energizing kick of black tea, making it a delightful treat I can enjoy any time. Plus, the fun and chewy tapioca pearls add such a unique texture, making every sip feel like a mini adventure!

The delightful flavor of Mango Boba Tea enlivens me. This drink combines fresh mango chunks with chilled black tea and is served over ice.

The chewy tapioca pearls give it a wonderful texture. Honey or sugar can be used to sweeten the drink.

Milk or a non-dairy alternative can be added to create a creamy finish.

Ingredients

Mango Chunks: High in vitamin C, they bring organic sweetness and a taste of the tropics.

Tapioca Pearls: Rich in carbohydrates, they offer chewiness and texture, and the fun and satisfying mouthfeel that comes with consuming them.

Black Tea: Antioxidants and caffeine, along with robust flavor, give this variety its unique characteristics.

Sucrose: Provides sweetness to the beverage, countering the tea’s and mango’s bitter and tangy notes.

Dairy or Non-Dairy Substitute: Provides not just creaminess and flavor but also a significant element of fat—an indulgent, mouthfeel factor that enhances the flavor.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 cup fresh mango chunks
• 2 cups water
• 1/2 cup tapioca pearls
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 cups black tea, brewed and chilled
• 1/4 cup milk or non-dairy alternative
• 1 tablespoon honey or to taste
• Ice cubes

Instructions

1. Start with the tapioca pearls. Bring 2 cups of water to a vigorous boil in a medium saucepan. Pour in the tapioca pearls and allow them to simmer for approximately 10-15 minutes, or until they reach a tender, chewy texture. Stir the pearls occasionally to ensure that they do not clump together and become one big, sticky ball of tapioca.

2. After cooking the tapioca pearls, drain them and rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process. Move them to a bowl, and mix in 1/4 cup sugar. Give it a minute, as the sweetness will want to coat all of the pearls. Don’t shortcut this part; it is essential for the flavor of the finished drink.

3. The fresh mango chunks should be combined in a blender with 1/4 cup of milk or milk substitute. They should be blended until smooth and creamy to make a mango puree.

4. Prepare 2 cups of black tea and let it cool in the refrigerator until it is cold.

5. In a tall glass, put a few tablespoons of the sweetened tapioca pearls to serve as the base.

6. Fill the glass with ice cubes to your liking.

7. Fill the glass about three-quarters full with the chilled black tea.

8. Add the tea to the blended mango puree, leaving a little room at the top.

9. Add 1 tablespoon of honey and adjust to taste. Ensure the layers are mixed together well by stirring with a gentle hand.

10. Enjoy the refreshing Mango Boba Tea immediately, with a wide straw, to savor the chewy tapioca pearls.

Equipment Needed

1. Medium saucepan
2. Stirring spoon
3. Colander or strainer
4. Bowl
5. Blender
6. Refrigerator
7. Tall glass
8. Wide straw

FAQ

• Can I use frozen mango instead of fresh mango chunks?Indeed, you can utilize frozen mango pieces if fresh mangoes are not on hand. Just ensure that you thaw them a little before blending.
• What type of tea should I use?Any strong black tea can be used, from varieties like Assam or Ceylon. Just be sure to have it brewed and then cooled before incorporating it into the recipe.
• Can I make this recipe vegan?Certainly, just use a plant-based milk alternative, like almond milk or oat milk, and swap the honey for a vegan-friendly sweetener, like agave syrup.
• How do I cook tapioca pearls?In general, boiling them in water for approximately 20-30 minutes is necessary, followed by a 10-minute sitting period before draining and rinsing with cold water.
• Can I adjust the sweetness of the tea?Certainly! Change the quantity of honey or sugar to suit your personal taste. Adjust to make it as sweet as you like.
• How long can I store the prepared mango boba tea?Though it’s enjoyment is freshest, it can be maintained in the ‘fridge for 24 hours. Atlantic Pearl’s tapioca pearls run in their textures from soft (when first made) to hard (when in the ‘fridge).
• What can I do if I don’t have boba straws?A wide straw or a spoon can be substituted to enjoy the tapioca pearls with your tea.

Substitutions and Variations

For the fresh mango chunks: Use 1 cup of puree or frozen mango that has been thawed.
For the tapioca pearls: Use mini tapioca pearls or jelly cubes instead.
For the sugar: Use brown sugar or coconut sugar if you want a different-flavored profile.
For the black tea: Substitute with green tea or jasmine tea for a taste that’s not as robust.
When it comes to the milk or non-dairy alternative, coconut milk or almond milk can provide a unique twist.

Pro Tips

1. Properly Cooking the Tapioca Pearls Make sure to use a rolling boil when cooking the tapioca pearls, and periodically stir to prevent them from clumping. After draining and rinsing, allow the pearls to soak in the sugar longer if you want them to be sweeter, adjusting the sugar amount to personal preference.

2. Mango Puree Texture For a smoother mango puree, consider straining it through a fine mesh sieve after blending. This will remove any fibrous bits and ensure a silky texture that blends well with the tea.

3. Customizing Sweetness While honey adds a natural sweetness, you can experiment with different sweeteners like agave syrup or maple syrup. Taste the mixture before adding ice, and adjust the sweetness as needed.

4. Chilling the Tea To get the best flavor without diluting the tea, let the brewed black tea cool to room temperature before refrigerating it. This prevents condensation from forming in the glass when combined with ice, which may alter the flavor profile.

5. Enhancing Flavor Add a few drops of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon to the mango puree for an aromatic twist. Alternatively, infuse the black tea with a hint of ginger or cardamom while brewing for a more complex flavor.