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Classic Milk Tea with Boba Pearls Recipe

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Classic Milk Tea is a comforting and refreshing beverage featuring chewy boba pearls simmered to perfection, steeped black Assam tea, and a creamy blend of half and half and honey-infused syrup. This homemade bubble tea recipe balances bitterness, sweetness, and creaminess to bring the popular café favorite right into your kitchen.

Ingredients

Boba Pearls

  • 3 cups water (divided)
  • ½ cup boba (pearls)
  • 2 tbsp white granulated sugar
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp honey

Tea

  • 2¼ cups hot water (around 200-212°F)
  • 4 black tea bags (Assam tea recommended)

Milk Tea Assembly

  • ⅔ cup half and half
  • Ice cubes

Instructions

  1. Cook the Boba: Pour 2½ cups water into a small pot, cover with a lid, and bring to a boil. Add the boba pearls and stir for 1 minute. Reduce heat to maintain a rolling simmer, cover the pot, and cook the pearls for 30 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes to prevent sticking. Ensure boba stays fully submerged by adding water if necessary.
  2. Rest the Boba: Remove the pot from heat and let it rest with the lid on for 30 minutes without opening. After resting, strain the boba pearls through a sieve and rinse briefly with cold water to stop further cooking.
  3. Steep the Tea: While boba cooks, steep 4 black tea bags in 2¼ cups hot water (200-212°F) for 4-5 minutes depending on desired tea strength. Remove tea bags and allow the brewed tea to cool completely.
  4. Make Honey Syrup: In a separate small pot, combine ½ cup water, white sugar, brown sugar, and honey. Warm over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugars dissolve and the mixture slightly reduces, about 5-7 minutes. Add the drained warm boba to this syrup and let it soak for 30 minutes to absorb sweetness.
  5. Assemble the Milk Tea: Prepare two tall glasses. Divide the sweetened boba pearls between them. Pour 1 cup of cooled black tea and about ⅓ cup half and half into each glass. Add 3-4 tablespoons of the honey syrup to taste and top the drink with ice cubes. Stir gently before enjoying.

Notes

  • Boba pearls can vary by brand; cooking time may need slight adjustment to reach desired chewiness.
  • Using Assam tea provides a robust flavor, but black teas like Ceylon or Earl Grey are also good substitutes.
  • For a dairy-free version, substitute half and half with coconut milk or another plant-based creamer.
  • Adjust honey syrup quantity based on your preferred sweetness level.

Find it online: https://simpleplatter.com/classic-milk-tea-with-boba-pearls-recipe/