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Thai Iced Tea with Boba Recipe

5 from 109 reviews

This Thai Iced Tea with Boba recipe offers a refreshing and authentic beverage experience. Combining fragrant Thai tea with chewy tapioca pearls and a creamy mix of evaporated and sweetened condensed milk, it’s a perfect balance of bold tea flavors, sweetness, and texture. Ideal for a comforting treat or a unique afternoon pick-me-up.

Ingredients

Scale

Tea Base

  • 1 tablespoon Thai tea mix (use a branded Thai tea powder for authentic flavor)
  • 1 teaspoon black tea (loose leaf or 1 bag; optional but enhances flavor)
  • 1 cup filtered water (use filtered water for best flavor)
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar (adjust to taste)

Milk Mixture

  • 1/4 cup evaporated milk (adds body without extra sugar)
  • 2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk (brings sweetness and creaminess)

Boba (Tapioca Pearls)

  • 1/4 cup tapioca balls (boba; use small or medium pearls for quicker cooking)
  • 3/4 cup water (for boiling boba; bring to a rolling boil)

Additional

  • 1 cup ice cubes (fill glass with ice before serving)

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Bring the filtered water to about 195°F (just off boil). Combine the Thai tea mix and black tea in the hot water and steep for 5 minutes. Use a fine mesh strainer to pour the tea into a heatproof pitcher, discarding the solids. While the tea is still hot, stir in the brown sugar until fully dissolved. Set the tea aside to cool.
  2. Cooking the Boba: Bring 3/4 cup of water to a rolling boil in a small saucepan. Add the tapioca balls and cook on medium-high heat for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Once cooked, drain the boba and rinse briefly with warm water, then let them cool.
  3. Milk Preparation: In a small bowl, whisk together the evaporated milk and sweetened condensed milk until smooth and combined.
  4. Assembly: Place the warm tapioca pearls at the bottom of a tall glass. Fill the glass with ice cubes, then pour the cooled tea over the ice. Finally, gently pour the milk mixture on top and give it a gentle stir before serving, so the layers blend slightly but maintain a visually appealing look.

Notes

  • Use a fine mesh strainer to ensure a smooth tea without tea leaves.
  • Adjust the brown sugar to taste depending on your preference for sweetness.
  • Cook the tapioca pearls thoroughly to achieve the desired chewy texture.
  • Serve immediately after assembly to enjoy the chewy boba texture and fresh flavors.
  • For a vegan option, substitute evaporated milk and sweetened condensed milk with plant-based alternatives.

Keywords: Thai iced tea, boba tea, bubble tea, tapioca pearls, Thai beverage, iced tea recipe, sweet tea with milk