Boba Tea
If you have been intrigued by seeing people walking around with large glasses of what appears to be a drink with large colored bubbles floating inside, we are happy to reveal the mystery. Or, if you are one of those walking around with said cup, you’ll be thrilled to know how to prepare your mystery drink at home and save you some money. Boba tea is so fun to make and (even more) to drink! Who doesn’t want pearly bubbles floating around your daily drink? Let’s learn more about this fun preparation and how to make it in the comfort of your home.
What is Boba Tea?
Originating in Taiwan, the Boba Tea mania has spread all over the world, and we completely understand why. Boba refers to any drink with chunks in it but it also refers to the pearly bubbles inside. The pearls are made of tapioca starch and the drink is prepared with brewed black tea and milk or half and half, mixed together they create this inventive and delicious drink we call Bubble Tea or Boba Tea.
The color and texture display is beautiful, with the tea mixture at the top, the milky and more creamy mixture in the middle and the round tapioca pearls at the bottom. It tastes sweet and creamy, so delicious. It is usually drunk using thick straws (make sure you invest in reusable options like this one!) to allow for the bubbles to go up. The taste and consistency of the pearls feel like sweet chewing gum or jelly.
How Do You Serve Boba Tea?
If you’re a tea fan, the combinations are endless. You can use any type of tea you like and flavor it with syrups, or herbs and customize it as many times as you like. Make sure you use a transparent glass to display the beautiful pearls at the bottom and the mix of colors.
Are you excited to try this fun drink at home? Make it as a family activity and start a Boba Tea party!
More Fun Drinks?
Photos by Alfonso Revilla
Boba Tea Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 cups of water
- 3 black tea bags
- ½ to 1 cup of uncooked tapioca pearls, depending on preference
- Plant-based creamer
- Agave nectar, to taste (optional)
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Remove from heat, add the three tea bags and allow them to steep until the water has completely cooled.
- In a large pot, cook tapioca pearls according to package instructions. My package instructed me to cook tapioca pearls in 6 times the amount of water. I used 1 cup tapioca pearls, 6 cups water, and cooked on medium-heat for 20 minutes, stirring regularly. Then I turned off the heat, covered, and let sit for 25 minutes.
- When the tea has cooled and the tapioca pearls are cooked, scoop in the tapioca pearls into two large glasses. Then, fill the cups ¾ of the way with black tea, and top off the rest of the way with plant-based creamer.
- Give it a taste, and if your preference requires more sweetness, optionally add agave nectar.
Notes
- Make sure and serve your boba tea in clear glasses. Seeing the boba is part of the experience!
- Invest in thick reusable straws. They are perfect for boba as well as super thick smoothies.
Nutrition
Disclaimer: Although plantbasedonabudget.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, kindly note that these are only estimates. Nutritional information may be affected based on the product type, the brand that was purchased, and in other unforeseeable ways. Plantbasedonabudget.com will not be held liable for any loss or damage resulting for your reliance on nutritional information. If you need to follow a specific caloric regimen, please consult your doctor first.
Reader Interactions
About Toni
Welcome to Plant-Based on a Budget! Here you’ll find affordable and easy-to-make recipes, and an inclusive, supportive approach to plant-based eating.
Leave a Reply