Thai Tea Boba Recipe

I absolutely adore this recipe because it combines the exotic flavors of Thai tea with the fun, chewy texture of boba, making it the ultimate Instagram-worthy drink that I can’t resist sharing with my friends. Plus, the homemade touch lets me customize the sweetness to my liking and feel like a trendy barista in my own kitchen.

Making a delightful Thai Tea Boba at home is something I enjoy. I begin with 2 tablespoons of loose Thai tea leaves, steeping them in 2 cups of water, and adding 2 tablespoons of sugar for sweetness.

My favorite part, though, is the chewy 1/4 cup of tapioca pearls I add, which I pair with 1 to 2 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk to make a lovely, creamy beverage. Finally, I add 1/2 cup of ice cubes before enjoying my drink.

Ingredients

Thai Tea Leaves:
These form the bedrock of a tea base.

Without them, tea would be as bland as a boiled potato.

If you want a tea that explodes with flavor, you need these ingredients in your pot.

Tapioca Pearls (Boba):
The carbohydrate content primarily contributes to the fun and chewy bear texture.

Sweetened Condensed Milk:
Provides creaminess and sweetness; loaded with sugar and calories.

Sugar:
Boosts sweetness; a simple sugar that provides a rapid energy shot.

Ice Cubes:
Chills the drink so that it is icy and cool.

Ingredient Quantities

• 2 cups water
• 2 tablespoons loose Thai tea leaves or 2 Thai tea bags
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1/4 cup tapioca pearls (boba)
• 1 to 2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk
• 1/2 cup ice cubes
• Optional: additional sugar or honey, to taste

Instructions

1. In a pot over medium heat, boil 2 cups of water.

2. Put 2 tablespoons of loose Thai tea leaves or 2 Thai tea bags into the boiling water.

3. Cut heat and steep tea for 3 to 5 minutes, depending on desired strength.

4. Remove the tea bags or strain the tea leaves from the tea, then stir in 2 tablespoons of sugar until dissolved. Let it cool to room temperature or refrigerate for cooling quicker.

5. In another pot, bring water to a rolling boil and cook 1/4 cup of tapioca pearls according to the package directions. They will need to boil for about 5 to 10 minutes.

6. After cooking, the boba should be drained and rinsed quickly in cold water to halt further cooking.

7. If desired, soak the boba in a bit of extra sugar or honey for added sweetness.

8. A tall glass should be filled with 1/2 cup of ice cubes.

9. Put the cooked boba in the glass on top of the ice.

10. Put the cooled Thai tea into the glass and then drizzle on top 1 to 2 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk. Mix thoroughly—nothing should be floating on top or bottom—and then enjoy.

Equipment Needed

1. Pot
2. Stove
3. Strainer
4. Spoon
5. Measuring cups
6. Measuring spoons
7. Tall glass
8. Refrigerator (optional)

FAQ

• What type of tea is used in Thai Tea Boba?Loose Thai tea leaves or Thai tea bags are used to make Thai tea boba. Such bags and leaves typically contain black tea with spices and flavorings, like star anise and vanilla.
• How do I cook the tapioca pearls?To prepare the tapioca pearls, follow the package instructions carefully. Bring enough water to a boil then add the tapioca pearls. Stir them gently and occasionally as they cook. After the set amount of time, check the pearls for doneness. They should be translucent and chewy.
• Can I adjust the sweetness of Thai Tea Boba?Certainly, you can change the level of sweetness by including extra sugar or sweetened condensed milk. You can also add more sugar or honey if you wish to taste.
• Is there a substitute for sweetened condensed milk?Sweetened condensed milk can be replaced with either of the following two options:

  – Evaporated milk and sugar
  – Coconut milk (non-dairy option)

• How long can Thai Tea Boba be stored?Drinking Thai Tea Boba is best when done fresh. The tea can be brewed and kept for up to two days in the fridge, if needed, but for the texture of the boba to be on point, tapioca pearls should be made fresh.
• What type of ice works best in Thai Tea Boba?If you prefer, you can use crushed ice, but regular ice cubes are the best and most refreshing way to chill the tea.

Substitutions and Variations

Thai tea leaves or tea bags: Substitute with black tea leaves or bags for a different flavor profile.
Condensed milk, sweetened: Coconut milk makes a good dairy-free substitute; use it for very similar results. For a substitution that is even closer in flavor and consistency, use evaporated milk plus sugar.
Boba (Tapioca pearls): Agar jelly cubes can be used in place of boba for a different texture. You can also use mini boba pearls if you desire.
Sugar: Use honey, maple syrup, or a sweetener like stevia instead.
Ice cubes: For a finer texture, substitute crushed ice. For slower melting, use larger ice cubes.

Pro Tips

1. Tea Strength Adjustment For a stronger tea flavor, increase the steeping time slightly or add a bit more tea leaves. Be cautious not to over-steep, as it can make the tea bitter.

2. Boba Texture Ensure that the boba is cooked perfectly by testing one or two pearls as they boil. They should be soft and chewy, not hard. After cooking, if they are still too firm, simply boil them a little longer.

3. Chilling Method To cool the tea faster, pour the freshly brewed tea into a shallow container before placing it in the fridge. This increases the surface area and helps it cool down quicker.

4. Flavor Infusion For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a small amount of vanilla extract or a pinch of cardamom to the tea while it steeps.

5. Layering Effect If you want an aesthetic layered effect, add the sweetened condensed milk slowly over the back of a spoon so it drifts down gently through the tea. Stir just before drinking to mix the flavors thoroughly.