Learn how to make Classic Milk Tea Boba at home! Not only is it deliciously sweet and creamy, but it's also super easy to make it yourself. Customize it to your own taste and enjoy your own refreshing homemade bubble milk tea!
Pour 2½ cups water into a small pot, cover with a lid, and bring to a boil. Pour in the boba and stir for 1 minute. Bring the heat down so it's at a rolling simmer, cover, and let cook for 30 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes. Make sure the boba is fully submerged in water the whole time, adding more if needed.
Take the pot off the heat and let rest for 30 minutes without peeking. Then strain the boba and rinse briefly with cold water.
While the boba is cooking, add the tea bags to the 2¼ cups hot water. Let steep for 4-5 minutes, depending on how strong you'd like your tea to be. Discard the bags and let cool completely.
To another small pot, add ½ cup water, white sugar, brown sugar, and honey. Warm over medium heat, stirring constantly, until slightly reduced and dissolved, about 5-7 minutes. Add the strained warm boba to the syrup and let sit for 30 minutes.
To assemble your milk teas, prepare two tall glasses. Divide the boba, tea, and half and half between the two glasses. Add as much honey syrup as preferred and top with ice.For one glass, my preferred ratios are: ¼ cup boba (70g) with a little syrup included, 1 cup (240mL) black tea, ⅓ cup (80mL) half and half, and 3-4 tablespoon syrup.
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Notes
Tapioca pearls: Look for vacuum-sealed bags at Asian supermarkets. Avoid "quick cook", "instant", or "5 minute" pearls. They have a hardening quality in the starch that prevents them from getting perfectly chewy.
It's important to brew teas at their indicated temperature. Brewing tea in water that is too hot can result in a bitter tea, while water that is too cool will result in a weak flavorless tea. 200-212°F water is generally best for black tea, but follow the instructions included with your tea.
Brew a stronger-than-usual tea. The black tea will become diluted from the milk, syrup, and ice. Plus, it's easier to adjust a strong milk tea rather than fix a bland milk tea.