Thai Bubble Tea Recipe: How to Make Authentic Thai Boba at Home

About Thai Bubble Tea

Thai tea (cha yen) originated in Thailand and is known for its distinctive characteristics:

What Makes It Unique:

• Orange color: Traditional Thai tea mix includes food coloring
• Spiced blend: Contains star anise, crushed tamarind, and other spices
• Sweet and creamy: Made with sweetened condensed milk
• Bold flavor: Strong black tea base stands up to ice and milk

When combined with boba pearls, Thai tea becomes an even more satisfying drink that offers both flavor complexity and textural interest.

Ingredients

For the Thai Tea Base (makes 2 servings):

• 4 tablespoons Thai tea mix (such as Cha Tra Mue or Number One brand)
• 2 cups water
• 3-4 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk
• 2 tablespoons evaporated milk or half-and-half
• Ice cubes

For the Boba Pearls:

• 1/2 cup dried tapioca pearls
• 4 cups water (for cooking)
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar or honey (for soaking)

Optional Additions:

• Extra condensed milk for drizzling
• Fresh milk layer on top
• Whipped cream

Recipe Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Boba Pearls

1. Bring 4 cups of water to a rolling boil in a medium pot.

2. Add tapioca pearls and stir immediately to prevent sticking.

3. Cook according to package directions (usually 15-25 minutes for dried pearls, 5-7 minutes for quick-cook).

4. Pearls are done when they’re translucent with a small opaque center and chewy throughout.

5. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking.

6. Transfer to a bowl and add brown sugar or honey. Stir to coat and let sit while you prepare the tea.

Step 2: Brew the Thai Tea

1. Bring 2 cups of water to a boil.

2. Add Thai tea mix and stir well.

3. Reduce heat and simmer for 3-5 minutes until the water is deeply colored and fragrant.

4. Remove from heat and let steep for another 5 minutes.

5. Strain through a fine-mesh strainer or coffee filter into a heat-safe container. You may need to strain twice for a clearer tea.

6. Let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until cold (or proceed with ice if making immediately).

Step 3: Assemble Your Thai Bubble Tea

1. Add 2-3 tablespoons of cooked boba pearls to each glass.

2. Fill glasses with ice (about halfway).

3. Pour the cooled Thai tea over the ice, filling about 2/3 of the glass.

4. Add sweetened condensed milk and evaporated milk.

5. Stir well to combine, or leave layered for a beautiful presentation.

6. Insert a wide boba straw and enjoy!

Tips and Variations

For the Best Results:

• Use authentic Thai tea mix: Brands like Cha Tra Mue (red bag) or Number One provide the authentic flavor and color.
• Don’t over-steep: More than 5 minutes of simmering can make the tea bitter.
• Adjust sweetness: Start with less condensed milk and add more to taste.
• Cook boba fresh: Tapioca pearls are best within 4-6 hours of cooking.

Flavor Variations:

Less Sweet Version:

• Use half the condensed milk
• Add a splash of unsweetened evaporated milk instead
• Consider monk fruit sweetener for a lower-sugar option

Vegan Thai Boba:

• Replace condensed milk with coconut condensed milk
• Use coconut cream instead of evaporated milk
• The result is equally creamy with a slight coconut note

Extra Creamy Version:

• Add a splash of heavy cream
• Top with a layer of unsweetened fresh milk for “milk cap” effect
• Include a drizzle of condensed milk on top

Thai Tea Slush:

• Blend the tea with ice instead of pouring over ice
• Creates a frozen, smoothie-like texture
• Add boba on top after blending

Topping Alternatives:

• Coconut jelly for tropical twist
• Grass jelly for a lighter option
• Popping boba in passion fruit flavor
• Red bean for traditional Asian dessert vibes

Common Mistakes

Avoid These Pitfalls:

❌ Using regular black tea: Regular tea won’t give you the authentic Thai tea flavor. The spice blend is essential.

❌ Skipping the condensed milk: This is non-negotiable for authentic Thai tea. It provides both sweetness and creaminess.

❌ Not straining properly: Gritty tea particles ruin the smooth drinking experience. Strain at least once, preferably twice.

❌ Cooking boba too early: Tapioca pearls harden within hours. Cook them last or as close to serving time as possible.

❌ Using cold tea with hot boba: Temperature shock can make boba rubbery. Either use cooled tea with cooled boba, or serve immediately.

❌ Over-stirring when layered: If you want the beautiful layered look, pour milk over a spoon to create separation, and let the drinker stir.

Storage Tips

Thai Tea Base:

• Refrigerate for up to 1 week
• Store without milk added
• Add condensed milk when ready to serve

Cooked Boba:

• Best used within 4-6 hours
• Can refrigerate up to 2 days in sugar syrup
• Reheat in microwave or hot water to restore texture

Assembled Drink:

• Consume immediately for best quality
• Boba will harden if refrigerated overnight

Nutritional Information

Per serving (approximate):

• Calories: 280-350
• Sugar: 35-45g
• Carbohydrates: 55-65g
• Fat: 8-12g
• Protein: 3-5g
• Caffeine: 40-60mg

Note: Values vary based on sweetness level and portion size.

The Bottom Line

Thai bubble tea is one of the most flavorful and visually striking boba drinks you can make at home. The combination of aromatic spiced tea, rich condensed milk, and chewy tapioca pearls creates an unforgettable drink that rivals any boba shop.

With quality Thai tea mix and proper technique, you can recreate this beloved drink in your own kitchen. Don’t be afraid to adjust the sweetness and creaminess to your preference—that’s the beauty of homemade boba!

Once you master this recipe, you’ll have a refreshing, Instagram-worthy drink ready whenever the craving strikes. Happy brewing!