Skip the boba shop line and dive into a vibrant, homemade Matcha Bubble Tea that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. This recipe perfectly balances the earthy, rich flavor of high-quality matcha with creamy milk and delightfully chewy tapioca pearls. It’s a refreshing and sophisticated treat that you can easily whip up for an afternoon pick-me-up.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 20 mins (includes boba cooking time)
Servings: 2
Ingredients:
For the Boba and Syrup:
- 1/2 cup Quick-Cooking Boba Pearls (black tapioca pearls)
- 1/4 cup Water
- 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar (or brown sugar for a richer flavor)
For the Matcha Milk Tea:
- 2 tsp Matcha Powder (ceremonial or high-quality culinary grade)
- 1/4 cup Hot Water (not boiling)
- 2 cups Milk of your choice (whole, oat, or almond milk work great)
- Ice Cubes
Instructions:
- Cook the Boba Pearls: Bring 4 cups of water to a rolling boil in a saucepan. Add the boba pearls and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, the pearls should be soft and chewy.
- Make the Simple Syrup: While the boba cooks, combine the sugar and 1/4 cup of water in a small bowl. Microwave for 30-60 seconds or heat in a small pan until the sugar is fully dissolved.
- Soak the Boba: Drain the cooked boba pearls and immediately transfer them into the bowl with the simple syrup. Let them soak for at least 10 minutes to absorb the sweetness.
- Prepare the Matcha: In a separate small bowl, sift the matcha powder to remove any clumps. Add the hot water and whisk vigorously until the matcha is completely dissolved and a smooth, vibrant green paste is formed. A small whisk or an electric milk frother works perfectly for this.
- Assemble Your Drink: Divide the syrupy boba pearls between two tall glasses. Fill each glass about three-quarters full with ice cubes.
- Pour and Combine: Pour 1 cup of milk into each glass over the ice. Carefully pour half of the prepared matcha mixture over the milk in each glass to create a beautiful layered effect.
- Serve and Enjoy: Pop in a wide boba straw, give it a good stir to combine the layers, and enjoy your perfectly creamy homemade matcha bubble tea!
Recipe Notes:
- Matcha Quality is Key: For the best flavor and a brilliant green color, use ceremonial grade or a high-quality culinary grade matcha. Lower quality matcha can sometimes taste bitter or muddy.
- Avoid Clumpy Matcha: The secret to a smooth matcha latte is to make a paste first. Sifting the powder and then whisking it with a small amount of hot (not boiling) water prevents lumps and ensures it dissolves perfectly into the milk.
- Perfect Boba Texture: Boba pearls are best enjoyed fresh, within a few hours of cooking. They will have the most delightful soft and chewy texture. Don’t be tempted to refrigerate uncooked boba, as it will harden.
- Customize Your Sweetness: This recipe has a balanced sweetness. Feel free to adjust the amount of simple syrup to match your preference.
- Milk Matters: Whole milk will give you a classic, creamy bubble tea. For a fantastic dairy-free option, oat milk is exceptionally creamy and complements the earthy matcha flavor beautifully.
And there you have it – a vibrant, refreshing, and incredibly satisfying matcha bubble tea made right in your own kitchen. This simple recipe makes it easy to enjoy a cafe-quality treat whenever the craving strikes. We hope you love crafting this beautiful drink! Happy sipping!
Estimated Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 300-350; Protein: 9g; Fat: 9g (Saturated Fat: 5g); Carbohydrates: 48g; Fiber: 1g; Sugar: 28g; Sodium: 120mg.
Disclaimer: Nutritional information is estimated and can vary depending on specific ingredients, brands, and serving sizes used. This information is provided for guidance only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical or nutritional advice.
