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🍵🧋✨ Matcha Bubble Tea – Creamy, Earthy & Perfectly Refreshing Café-Style Boba!

If you’re a fan of bubble tea, get ready to fall in love with this Homemade Matcha Bubble Tea — a beautiful blend of creamy milk, chewy tapioca pearls, and vibrant Japanese matcha. 💚🍵 It’s earthy, lightly sweet, and irresistibly smooth — 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 — 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.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Servings: 1 Servings
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Ingredients
  

For the Boba Pearls:
  • ½ 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 175°F / 80°C
  • ¾ cup milk whole, oat, or almond milk work best
  • ½ cup cold water or ice
  • 1 –2 tablespoons simple syrup honey, or condensed milk (to taste)
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Equipment

  • 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

Method
 

Step 1: Cook the Boba Pearls
  1. Bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add the tapioca pearls and stir gently.
  2. Cook for 5–7 minutes (or follow your package directions). The pearls should be soft and chewy.
  3. Turn off the heat and let them sit for another 5 minutes.
  4. Drain and toss with brown sugar or honey to coat and prevent sticking.
  5. 💡 Pro Tip: Soaking boba in brown sugar gives them that classic bubble tea flavor and glossy finish!
Step 2: Prepare the Matcha
  1. In a bowl, sift the matcha powder to remove clumps.
  2. Add hot water and whisk briskly in a zigzag motion (not circular) until frothy and smooth.
  3. Add sweetener of choice — honey, syrup, or condensed milk — and stir until dissolved.
Step 3: Assemble Your Bubble Tea
  1. Spoon the warm, sweetened boba pearls into the bottom of a tall glass.
  2. Add ice cubes if serving cold.
  3. Pour in milk, then top with the prepared matcha mixture.
  4. Stir lightly for a beautiful swirl effect — that signature matcha marbling!

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Boba Pearls: Best used fresh; if storing, keep in syrup for up to 4 hours.
Matcha Base: Can be refrigerated for 1–2 days, then whisk or shake before serving.
Tip: Don’t refrigerate boba in the drink — they’ll harden and lose texture.
🥄 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 purée to the bottom for a layered drink.
Matcha Coffee Fusion: Pour espresso over the top for a “dirty matcha” 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.
❓ 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 — just make sure it’s fully dissolved.
Can I make it sugar-free?
Definitely — 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 won’t have the same creamy texture or depth of flavor.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely — perfect for sharing or meal-prepping your bubble tea fix!
Can I use non-dairy milk?
Yes — oat milk gives the creamiest texture, but almond or soy works great too.
🏁 Conclusion
This Matcha Bubble Tea is a perfect balance of flavors and textures — creamy milk, earthy matcha, and chewy, caramel-sweet boba pearls in every sip. 🍵🧋
It’s a drink that’s as fun to make as it is to drink — visually stunning, refreshing, and totally satisfying. Whether you’re 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. 💚✨