Thai Tea Boba, also known as Bubble Tea or Pearl Milk Tea, is a delicious drink. Its origin is in Taiwan since the 1980s. This popular beverage. As spread across the world, with various regional and cultural adaptations. Thai Tea Boba is a unique blend of rich Thai tea and sweet milk. It combines with chewy tapioca pearls that create a fun and satisfying texture.
Thai tea is a classic beverage in Thailand. It contains a blend of black tea leaves, spices, and herbs, such as star anise, cardamom, and cinnamon. The resulting tea is strong, sweet, and aromatic, with a distinct orange hue. You can serve Thai tea with condensed milk and ice, making it a perfect drink for hot and humid days.
Boba, so, is a recent addition to the world of tea. It was introduced in Taiwan in the 1980s when a tea house owner added tapioca balls to his tea as a playful experiment. And soon boba became a popular drink throughout Taiwan and beyond. Today, boba comes in various flavours and colours. But the classic version is made with chewy black tapioca pearls which add sweetness.
In this recipe, we will combine the best of both worlds to create a unique drink which transport you to Thailand. So, gather your ingredients and let’s get started!
What Is Thai Tea Boba?
Thai Tea Boba is a delicious drink that combines the bold flavours of Thai tea with the playful texture of boba. It is a popular drink in many parts of the world. Particularly in Southeast Asia, where people enjoy it as a sweet and creamy treat on hot and humid days.
Thai tea, known for its rich flavour, is achieved by blending black tea with herbs like cardamom. The tea is then brewed with milk or sugar. It creates a strong and sweet base that pairs well with the chewy and little sweet tapioca pearls.
People also call Boba pearls tapioca pearls or boba balls. They contain cassava root starch and are popular in many Asian desserts and drinks. They cook in boiling water until they become soft and chewy, then soak in a sweet syrup before being added to the tea.
Together, Thai tea and boba pearls create a delightful beverage that is both sweet and fresh. Whether you enjoy it as an afternoon treat or a dessert, Thai Tea Boba is a must-try for any fan of sweet and creamy drinks.
Why This Recipe Works
This Thai Tea Boba recipe works for several reasons:
- The Thai tea blend: This recipe uses a well-selected blend of black tea leaves, spices and herbs to create a strong tea. The blend includes star anise, and cardamom, which add depth and complexity to the tea’s flavour.
- The sweetened condensed milk: This recipe uses sweetened condensed milk. This adds a rich and creamy sweetness to the tea, making it even more delicious.
- The tapioca pearls: The boba pearls cook until they are soft and chewy, and then soak in a sweet syrup before being added to the tea. This creates a delightful texture that is fun to drink and adds an extra layer of sweetness to the beverage.
- The ice: This recipe includes ice. Ice makes the drink cool and refreshing, perfect for hot summer days.
This recipe balances the bold flavours of Thai tea with the sweetness of the milk. Also, the texture of the boba pearls creates a refreshing and satisfying beverage that is sure to be a hit.
Ingredients Required to Make Thai Tea Boba
The ingredients for this Thai Tea Boba recipe include:
- ½ cup of uncooked black tapioca pearls: That are small, chewy balls made from tapioca starch. These pearls are an essential part of boba drinks and provide a fun and unique texture.
- 6 cups of water: Help to cook the tapioca pearls.
- ⅓ cup of cane sugar and ⅓ cup of water: To create a simple syrup to sweeten the tapioca pearls.
- 4 cups of filtered water: To brew Thai tea.
- 1 tablespoon of loose-leaf black tea: It is a key ingredient in Thai tea and provides a strong and aromatic base.
- 2 whole star anise pods: They add a unique liquorice flavour to the tea.
- 2 whole green cardamom pods: They are a little crushed to release their sweet and spicy flavour.
- 1 inch of the cinnamon stick: It adds warmth to the tea.
- ¼ teaspoon of turmeric: It gives the tea its signature orange colour.
- ½ to ¾ cup of full-fat coconut milk: It adds richness and creaminess to the tea.
- 3-4 tablespoons of extra simple syrup: Helps to sweeten the tea.
- Ice (optional): Helps in serving the Thai Tea Boba chilled.
Tools Required to Make Thai Tea Boba
To make Thai Tea Boba, you will need the following equipment:
- Teapot: Helps to steep the Thai tea blend. Use a large one that is enough to hold at least 4 cups of water.
- Medium saucepan: Helps to cook the tapioca pearls. Use a large one that holds 6 cups of water and the tapioca pearls.
- Small saucepan: Helps to make the simple syrup for sweetening the tapioca pearls. Use a small one to hold the sugar and water mixture.
- Mixing bowl: Use to soak the cooked tapioca pearls in the simple syrup.
- Boba straw: This is a wide straw essential for drinking boba pearls. It allows you to suck up easy the chewy pearls while drinking the tea.
If you have all this equipment on hand. It will make it easy for you to prepare this delicious and refreshing beverage at home.
Thai Tea Boba Recipe
If you love refreshing ice teas, then you’ll love this incredible Thai Tea Boba recipe. Our recipe is easy and can be made quickly, which means you can make this tea in a jiffy on a warm night or whenever you’re craving a sweet treat!
Servings: 1 Prep Time: 5 minutes Cook Time: 10 minutes Total Time: 15 minutes Course: Beverage Cuisine: Thai Calorie: 315 kcal
To prepare the tapioca pearls for the boba, start by boiling water in a medium-large saucepan.
Add the uncooked black tapioca pearls and reduce the heat to only below medium. Allow the pearls to simmer for 15-30 minutes, stirring even times to prevent sticking.
The cooking time will vary based on the type of pearls used, so refer to the package instructions.
Meanwhile, prepare the simple syrup. Done by whisking together cane sugar and water in a small saucepan. Simmer for about 3-5 minutes or until the sugar dissolves completely.
Reserve 3-4 tablespoons of the simple syrup and add the rest to a medium mixing bowl.
After the tapioca pearls are cooked. You can strain them through a fine-mesh strainer, and rinse them lightly. And transfer to the mixing bowl with the simple syrup.
Mix well to ensure that the pearls coats with syrup and let them soak for 30-40 minutes.
For Thai tea, add filtered water, and loose-leaf black tea along with star anise, cardamom, and turmeric in a medium saucepan. Bring to a simmer for 5 minutes.
Once steeped, strain the tea into a heat-safe container. Add the reserved simple syrup, and stir to combine.
To assemble the Thai Tea Boba, let the tea cool to room temperature. Add 3-4 tablespoons of the soaked tapioca pearls to a cup, along with a handful of ice.
Pour the Thai tea ½ – ¾ of the way up and then top up the rest of the way with full-fat coconut milk. Finally, use a boba straw to mix and enjoy your delicious beverage!
Nutritional Information
Calories: 315 kcal
Carbohydrates: 60.7 g
Protein: 1.7 g
Fat: 8.9 g
Saturated Fat: 7.2 g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2 g
Monounsaturated Fat: 0.8 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg
Sodium: 46 mg
Potassium: 165.6 mg
Fiber: 1.3 g
Sugar: 35 g
Vitamin A: 14.9 IU
Vitamin C: 1.5 mg
Calcium: 70.9 mg
Iron: 3.5 mg
Tips To Make The Best Thai Tea
Here are some tips to make the best Thai Tea:
- Use high-quality loose-leaf black tea: The tea is the base of Thai Tea, so it’s important to use high-quality tea to achieve the best flavour.
- Steep the tea for the right amount of time: Over-steeping or under-steeping the tea can result in a bitter, weak flavour. Follow the recipe instructions for steeping time.
- Use a fine-mesh strainer: A fine-mesh strainer helps remove any small particles. Or it leaves from the tea, resulting in a smooth and enjoyable texture.
- Adjust the sweetness and creaminess to your liking: Taste the tea as you make it and adjust the amount of simple syrup and coconut milk to your preference.
- Soak the tapioca pearls in simple syrup: Soaking the tapioca pearls in simple syrup gives them a slightly sweet flavour and a chewy texture.
- Rinse the tapioca pearls after boiling: Rinsing the tapioca pearls after boiling helps remove any excess starch. And prevents them from sticking together.
- Serve the tea with a boba straw: A boba straw is wider than a regular straw and allows you to easily sip the tapioca pearls along with the tea.
Storing & Freezing
Thai tea boba is best served fresh, but you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. To store, transfer the tea to an airtight container and keep the tapioca pearls and tea separate. Keep the tapioca pearls submerged in the simple syrup. And refrigerate them separately in another container. When you are ready to serve, mix the tea and tapioca pearls together.
I will not recommend freezing Thai tea boba. Because the tapioca pearls will become hard and lose their texture. If you have leftover tapioca pearls, you can freeze them in an airtight container. Accompanied with the simple syrup for up to one month. To use them, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. Rinse them with cold water, and soak them in fresh simple syrup for 30 minutes before serving.
FAQs
What Is Boba Thai Tea Made Of?
Boba Thai tea typically contains black tea, and spices (such as star anise, cardamom, and cinnamon). It also has sugar or sweetened condensed milk, and tapioca pearls. The tapioca pearls boil and then soak in simple syrup before being added to the tea. Some variations may also include coconut milk or other flavourings.
Is Thai Tea With Boba Good For You?
Thai tea with boba is a delicious and refreshing beverage, but it is not a healthy drink. The black tea and spices in Thai tea contain antioxidants. And other beneficial compounds. But the addition of sugar and condensed milk can make it high in calories, fat, and sugar. The tapioca pearls in boba are also high in carbohydrates and calories. And sweetened beverages can contribute to weight gain and other health issues. It’s important to enjoy Thai tea with boba in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Is Thai Iced Tea The Same As Boba?
Thai Iced Tea and Boba Tea are similar but not the same. Thai Iced Tea is a popular iced tea beverage made from black tea, sugar, and condensed milk, often served over ice. The tea has a distinctive orange colour and a sweet, creamy taste. But, Boba Tea or Bubble Tea is a Taiwanese tea-based drink. It contains milk, sugar, and chewy tapioca pearls, which are also called boba.
Although some recipes for Thai Iced Tea may include boba or other variations. But they are not traditionally served together. Thai Iced Tea and Boba Tea are both popular beverages in their own right and are enjoyed in separate ways.
What Is The Difference Between Thai Milk Tea And Bubble Tea?
Thai Milk Tea and Bubble Tea (also known as Boba Tea) are two different types of tea beverages. Although they share some similarities.
Thai Milk Tea is a tea-based beverage. It has its origin in Thailand. People make it by brewing strongly-brewed Ceylon tea. Accompanied by spices such as star anise, cinnamon, and cardamom. The tea then mixes with condensed milk or evaporated milk and sugar to give it a creamy and sweet taste. People serve it over ice.
Bubble Tea or Boba Tea, on the other hand, is a Taiwanese tea-based drink. People make it by mixing tea (usually black tea). Accompanied with milk or fruit juice and added chewy tapioca pearls (also called boba). The drink is then shaken to combine the ingredients, creating a frothy texture. People serve it cold and customize it with different flavours and toppings.
While both Thai Milk Tea and Bubble Tea are tea-based drinks. The main difference between them is the addition of milk. And the use of tapioca pearls in Bubble Tea. In addition, the flavours and spices used in Thai Milk Tea differ from those used in Bubble Tea.
Why Is Thai Tea Boba Orange?
Thai tea boba is orange because of the addition of food colouring, which often helps to enhance the colour of the tea. Thai tea contains a blend of black tea, spices, and condensed milk, which gives it a creamy and sweet taste. But, the addition of food colouring is what gives it the signature bright orange colour. The specific shade of orange may vary depending on the brand or recipe, but it is typically a deep orange hue. The addition of boba pearls to the tea provides a chewy. Also, textural contrast to the creamy sweetness of the tea. It makes a delicious and unique drink.
In Conclusion
Thai Tea Boba is a delicious and refreshing drink that has become very popular worldwide. Its unique blend of black tea, spices, condensed milk, and chewy tapioca pearls. It makes for a good satisfying drink that can be enjoyed any time of the day. It is a treat due to its sweetness and high-calorie count. There are ways to make it healthier by using alternative sweeteners and low-fat milk options.
With its bright orange colour and distinct flavour profile, Thai tea boba has become a favourite among many. And it even inspires new variations and twists on the traditional recipe.
Whether enjoyed as a dessert, a mid-day pick-me-up, or simply as a special treat. Thai tea boba is sure to meet any sweet tooth and provide a unique and delicious drinking experience.
Have you tried the recipe? Let us know in the comments section below!
Thai Tea Boba: Step-By-Step Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ cup of uncooked black tapioca pearls
- 6 cups of water
- ⅓ cup of cane sugar mixed with ⅓ cup of water
- 4 cups of filtered water
- 1 tbsp loose-leaf black tea
- 2 whole star anise pods
- 2 whole green cardamom pods
- 1 inch of the cinnamon stick
- ¼ tsp turmeric
- ½ to ¾ cup of full-fat coconut milk
- 3 to 4 tbsp extra simple syrup
- Ice cubes optional
Instructions
- To prepare the tapioca pearls for the boba, start by boiling water in a medium-large saucepan.
- Add the uncooked black tapioca pearls and reduce the heat to only below medium. Allow the pearls to simmer for 15-30 minutes, stirring even times to prevent sticking.
- The cooking time will vary based on the type of pearls used, so refer to the package instructions.
- Meanwhile, prepare the simple syrup. Done by whisking together cane sugar and water in a small saucepan. Simmer for about 3-5 minutes or until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Reserve 3-4 tablespoons of the simple syrup and add the rest to a medium mixing bowl.
- After the tapioca pearls are cooked. You can strain them through a fine-mesh strainer, and rinse them lightly. And transfer to the mixing bowl with the simple syrup.
- Mix well to ensure that the pearls coats with syrup and let them soak for 30-40 minutes.
- For Thai tea, add filtered water, and loose-leaf black tea along with star anise, cardamom, and turmeric in a medium saucepan. Bring to a simmer for 5 minutes.
- Once steeped, strain the tea into a heat-safe container. Add the reserved simple syrup, and stir to combine.
To Assemble:
- To assemble the Thai Tea Boba, let the tea cool to room temperature. Add 3-4 tablespoons of the soaked tapioca pearls to a cup, along with a handful of ice.
- Pour the Thai tea ½ – ¾ of the way up and then top up the rest of the way with full-fat coconut milk. Finally, use a boba straw to mix and enjoy your delicious beverage!
Notes
- Use high-quality loose-leaf black tea: The tea is the base of Thai Tea, so it’s important to use high-quality tea to achieve the best flavour.
- Steep the tea for the right amount of time: Over-steeping or under-steeping the tea can result in a bitter, weak flavour. Follow the recipe instructions for steeping time.
- Use a fine-mesh strainer: A fine-mesh strainer helps remove any small particles. Or it leaves from the tea, resulting in a smooth and enjoyable texture.
- Adjust the sweetness and creaminess to your liking: Taste the tea as you make it and adjust the amount of simple syrup and coconut milk to your preference.
- Soak the tapioca pearls in simple syrup: Soaking the tapioca pearls in simple syrup gives them a slightly sweet flavour and a chewy texture.
- Rinse the tapioca pearls after boiling: Rinsing the tapioca pearls after boiling helps remove any excess starch. And prevents them from sticking together.
- Serve the tea with a boba straw: A boba straw is wider than a regular straw and allows you to easily sip the tapioca pearls along with the tea.
