The Ultimate Milk Tea Recipe for Perfect Homemade Sips

Introduction

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Milk Tea

What is Milk Tea?

What’s the Difference Between Milk Tea and Boba/Bubble Tea?

Mastering the Ingredients for Your Best Milk Tea

Choosing Your Tea: Best Types for Milk Tea

Milk Matters: Dairy and Non-Dairy Options

Sweeteners: Adjusting to Your Taste

Equipment You’ll Need

Ingredients

Instructions

Pro Tips for Perfect Milk Tea Every Time

Brewing Your Tea: Strength and Steep Time

Cooking Tapioca Pearls: No More Sticky or Hard Boba!

Making Brown Sugar Syrup for Boba

Serving Temperature: Hot vs. Iced Milk Tea

Customizing Sweetness

Milk Tea Variations to Try

Chai Milk Tea

Matcha Milk Tea

Thai Milk Tea

Taro Milk Tea

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Frequently Asked Questions about Milk Tea

• Can I use instant tea or powdered milk for convenience?
• What are the best milk alternatives for milk tea?
• How long does homemade milk tea last in the fridge?
• Why is my milk tea bitter?
• What specific brands of tapioca pearls are best for home use?
• What types of ice are best for iced milk tea?
• Can I make this recipe completely vegan?

Conclusion

milk tea

A delightful homemade milk tea recipe featuring brewed black tea, chewy tapioca balls simmered in a rich brown sugar syrup, and a splash of milk or half & half, served over ice for a refreshing beverage.

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 1 serving

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 ½ tablespoons black tea (or 3 tea bags)
• ¾ cup water (for tea)
• 1 cup ice
• ⅓ cup milk or half & half
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• ¾ cup water (for brown sugar syrup)
• ¼ cup tapioca balls

Equipment

• Electric kettle
• Saucepan
• Cup
• Extra wide straw

Method

 

Instructions

1. Boil water, preferably filtered, aiming for 208°F if using an electric kettle.
2. Steep the tea in the hot water for 5 minutes; then strain the tea leaves or remove tea bags and allow the tea to cool.
3. Combine brown sugar and ¾ cup of water in a saucepan, bring to a boil, then add tapioca balls and cook for 8 more minutes on medium-high heat, then cool slightly.
4. Add the slightly cooled tapioca balls in brown sugar syrup into a cup, followed by ice, cooled tea, and milk or half & half.
5. Serve immediately and stir before drinking, ideally using an extra wide straw.

Notes

For the best flavor, use filtered water for your tea. Adjust the amount of brown sugar to your preference for sweetness.