π Introduction
If youβre a fan of bubble tea, get ready to fall in love with this Homemade Matcha Bubble Tea β a beautiful blend of creamy milk, chewy tapioca pearls, and vibrant Japanese matcha. ππ΅
Itβs earthy, lightly sweet, and irresistibly smooth β the kind of drink that feels indulgent yet zen at the same time. Every sip gives you a balance of flavors: grassy matcha, caramel-sweet boba, and velvety milk. And the best part? You can make it at home for a fraction of the price β and tailor it exactly to your liking!
Whether served cold on a summer day or warm and comforting in winter, this matcha boba tea is pure bliss in a cup.
π§° Equipment Needed
- Small saucepan
- Whisk or bamboo matcha whisk (chasen)
- Fine mesh strainer (optional, for smoother texture)
- Tall glass or boba cup
- Large straw for bubble tea
- Measuring cups and spoons
π Ingredients
For the Boba Pearls:
- Β½ cup tapioca pearls (black or brown sugar boba)
- 4 cups water (for boiling)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar or honey (for soaking)
For the Matcha Milk Tea:
- 1 teaspoon matcha powder (ceremonial or culinary grade)
- 3 tablespoons hot water (not boiling, around 175Β°F / 80Β°C)
- ΒΎ cup milk (whole, oat, or almond milk work best)
- Β½ cup cold water or ice
- 1β2 tablespoons simple syrup, honey, or condensed milk (to taste)
π©βπ³ Directions
Step 1: Cook the Boba Pearls
- Bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add the tapioca pearls and stir gently.
- Cook for 5β7 minutes (or follow your package directions). The pearls should be soft and chewy.
- Turn off the heat and let them sit for another 5 minutes.
- Drain and toss with brown sugar or honey to coat and prevent sticking.
π‘ Pro Tip: Soaking boba in brown sugar gives them that classic bubble tea flavor and glossy finish!
Step 2: Prepare the Matcha
- In a bowl, sift the matcha powder to remove clumps.
- Add hot water and whisk briskly in a zigzag motion (not circular) until frothy and smooth.
- Add sweetener of choice β honey, syrup, or condensed milk β and stir until dissolved.
Step 3: Assemble Your Bubble Tea
- Spoon the warm, sweetened boba pearls into the bottom of a tall glass.
- Add ice cubes if serving cold.
- Pour in milk, then top with the prepared matcha mixture.
- Stir lightly for a beautiful swirl effect β that signature matcha marbling!
π½οΈ Servings & Timing
- Servings: 1 large or 2 small drinks
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
π§ Storage & Reheating
- Boba Pearls: Best used fresh; if storing, keep in syrup for up to 4 hours.
- Matcha Base: Can be refrigerated for 1β2 days, then whisk or shake before serving.
- Tip: Donβt refrigerate boba in the drink β theyβll harden and lose texture.
π₯ Variations
- Iced Matcha Latte Boba: Skip sweeteners for a pure matcha-milk flavor.
- Brown Sugar Matcha Boba: Add brown sugar syrup for a richer, caramel note.
- Coconut Matcha Boba: Use coconut milk for a tropical twist.
- Vanilla Matcha Bubble Tea: Stir in a splash of vanilla extract for a smooth sweetness.
- Strawberry Matcha Boba: Add strawberry purΓ©e to the bottom for a layered drink.
- Matcha Coffee Fusion: Pour espresso over the top for a βdirty matchaβ version.
- Vegan Matcha Bubble Tea: Use oat or almond milk and maple syrup as your sweetener.
- Frozen Matcha Frappe: Blend everything with ice for a thick, slushy treat.
- Matcha Cream Foam Top: Add a layer of whipped cream cheese or milk foam on top.
- Warm Version: Skip the ice and serve the matcha and boba warm for cozy vibes.
β 10 FAQs
- Can I use instant tapioca pearls?
Yes! They cook faster (about 3 minutes) and are great for quick drinks. - What kind of matcha should I use?
Use ceremonial-grade for vibrant color and smooth flavor; culinary-grade works too for lattes. - Can I make it without a whisk?
Yes, use a blender or shake it in a jar β just make sure itβs fully dissolved. - Can I make it sugar-free?
Definitely β skip the sweetener or use stevia or monk fruit syrup. - Can I use cold milk directly?
Yes! Just mix your matcha with warm water first to dissolve it properly. - Can I use pre-made matcha powder drinks?
You can, but fresh matcha gives better flavor and color. - How can I keep my boba chewy?
Store them in warm syrup, not in the fridge. - Can I use green tea instead of matcha?
You can, but it wonβt have the same creamy texture or depth of flavor. - Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely β perfect for sharing or meal-prepping your bubble tea fix! - Can I use non-dairy milk?
Yes β oat milk gives the creamiest texture, but almond or soy works great too.
π Conclusion
This Matcha Bubble Tea is a perfect balance of flavors and textures β creamy milk, earthy matcha, and chewy, caramel-sweet boba pearls in every sip. π΅π§
Itβs a drink thatβs as fun to make as it is to drink β visually stunning, refreshing, and totally satisfying. Whether youβre making it for yourself or impressing guests, this homemade version rivals any boba shop.
So grab your straw, give it a swirl, and sip your way to matcha heaven. πβ¨

π΅π§β¨ Matcha Bubble Tea β Creamy, Earthy & Perfectly Refreshing CafΓ©-Style Boba!
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add the tapioca pearls and stir gently.
- Cook for 5β7 minutes (or follow your package directions). The pearls should be soft and chewy.
- Turn off the heat and let them sit for another 5 minutes.
- Drain and toss with brown sugar or honey to coat and prevent sticking.
- π‘ Pro Tip: Soaking boba in brown sugar gives them that classic bubble tea flavor and glossy finish!
- In a bowl, sift the matcha powder to remove clumps.
- Add hot water and whisk briskly in a zigzag motion (not circular) until frothy and smooth.
- Add sweetener of choice β honey, syrup, or condensed milk β and stir until dissolved.
- Spoon the warm, sweetened boba pearls into the bottom of a tall glass.
- Add ice cubes if serving cold.
- Pour in milk, then top with the prepared matcha mixture.
- Stir lightly for a beautiful swirl effect β that signature matcha marbling!
Notes
Yes! They cook faster (about 3 minutes) and are great for quick drinks. What kind of matcha should I use?
Use ceremonial-grade for vibrant color and smooth flavor; culinary-grade works too for lattes. Can I make it without a whisk?
Yes, use a blender or shake it in a jar β just make sure itβs fully dissolved. Can I make it sugar-free?
Definitely β skip the sweetener or use stevia or monk fruit syrup. Can I use cold milk directly?
Yes! Just mix your matcha with warm water first to dissolve it properly. Can I use pre-made matcha powder drinks?
You can, but fresh matcha gives better flavor and color. How can I keep my boba chewy?
Store them in warm syrup, not in the fridge. Can I use green tea instead of matcha?
You can, but it wonβt have the same creamy texture or depth of flavor. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely β perfect for sharing or meal-prepping your bubble tea fix! Can I use non-dairy milk?
Yes β oat milk gives the creamiest texture, but almond or soy works great too. π Conclusion This Matcha Bubble Tea is a perfect balance of flavors and textures β creamy milk, earthy matcha, and chewy, caramel-sweet boba pearls in every sip. π΅π§ Itβs a drink thatβs as fun to make as it is to drink β visually stunning, refreshing, and totally satisfying. Whether youβre making it for yourself or impressing guests, this homemade version rivals any boba shop. So grab your straw, give it a swirl, and sip your way to matcha heaven. πβ¨