Caramel Milk Tea

This caramel milk tea is cool, creamy, and indulgently sweet! Steeped black tea is combined with oat milk, crushed ice, and a drizzle of caramel sauce for a refreshing drink made with all vegan ingredients. Enjoy it with or without tapioca pearls!

This caramel milk tea requires just a handful of ingredients and no fancy equipment—perfect for a quick, budget-friendly treat. If you love homemade bubble tea, try my chocolate boba for another rich and creamy drink! For something more light and floral, try my creamy jasmine green milk tea with boba.

Why I Love This Recipe

This iced caramel milk tea has the perfect balance of sweet, creamy, and refreshing flavors—and it's so quick to make at home! Everything is done in 3 simple steps and under 10 minutes.

It’s the perfect treat when you're craving bubble tea but don't love the expensive price tags at tea cafes. Black tea adds a bold, slightly bitter contrast to the sweet caramel, while the oat milk makes it ultra-smooth and creamy. Plus, it’s completely vegan and gluten-free!

You can customize the sweetness to your liking and even make it with or without boba. Whether you’re looking for a cozy tea moment or a refreshing summer drink, this caramel milk tea hits the spot!

Ingredient Notes

Here's a breakdown of everything you'll need to make this milk tea recipe.

• Boba: These chewy tapioca balls add a chewy textural component to milk tea. Feel free to omit them if you prefer!
• Brown Sugar Syrup: Homemade brown sugar syrup sweetens and adds depth of flavor to the boba.
• Black Tea: Provides a strong, robust caramel milk tea boba flavor base. If you have access, use loose-leaf black teas like Assam or Ceylon.
• Caramel Sauce: Adds a rich, indulgent sweetness to the drink. Make your own vegan caramel sauce or use your favorite store-bought dairy-free caramel.
• Oat Milk: I suggest oat milk as a creamy, dairy-free alternative as it complements the tea and caramel flavors well. Feel free to use other plant-based milk, like cashew or soy.

Substitutions

• Boba: You can substitute tapioca pearls with popping boba or fruit jelly.
• Brown Sugar Syrup: Try agave, simple syrup, or maple syrup as alternatives.
• Black Tea: You can also try Earl Grey, chai, or jasmine tea for a floral or citrus twist. For a caffeine-free option, use decaffeinated black tea or rooibos tea.
• Oat Milk: If you can't find oat milk, use soy, coconut, or cashew milk instead.

How to Make

This homemade milk tea is super easy to whip up whenever a bubble tea craving strikes! Just follow my tips and tricks for the best results.

Preparation

Heat water to 180 degrees Fahrenheit and steep the black tea bag for 5 minutes. Strain and let cool completely before using. I suggest making the tea ahead of time and storing it in the fridge for at least an hour.

Cooking

Step 1
Bring the water to a boil and add tapioca pearls. Once they float, cook for another 4-5 minutes until soft but chewy. Drain and transfer to a bowl. Mix with brown sugar syrup and let sit until ready to use.

Step 2
Add the boba pearls to the bottom of a glass. Fill the glass with crushed ice, then pour in the black tea, oat milk, and a drizzle of vegan caramel sauce. Enjoy your caramel milk tea with a wide straw if using boba!

Expert Tip

For extra creamy caramel milk tea, froth the oat milk before pouring it into the glass. This creates a light, airy texture that makes the drink feel more indulgent.

If you want to take the flavor to a new level, serve it with a dollop of oat milk whipped cream or coconut whipped cream on top. Also, let the boba sit in the brown sugar syrup for at least a few minutes to enhance their flavor and give them that classic bubble tea taste!

Recipe Tips

• Use Strong Tea: Use good-quality loose-leaf or tea bags for a rich, full-bodied flavor that stands up to the caramel and oat milk.
• Chill the Tea: Ensure the black tea is completely cooled before assembling the caramel milk tea to avoid melting the ice.
• Don't Overcook: Keep an eye on the tapioca pearls as they cook (they can quickly become too mushy). They're done when they float in the water!
• Use a Bubble Tea Straw: For the full bubble tea experience, use a wide-mouthed straw to slurp up the boba and caramel milk tea simultaneously.

Frequently Asked Questions

Storing

Bubble tea is best consumed right away for the ideal flavor and boba texture. If you have a little extra milk tea leftover, just follow these tips.

• Fridge: Store the fully prepared caramel milk tea in the fridge for up to 1-2 days. Strain the tapioca pearls out and keep them in a separate container.
• Freezer: To chill your next batch, you can freeze caramel milk tea without boba in ice cube trays. I don’t recommend freezing the pearls (it will affect their texture too much).
• Prep Ahead: Feel free to steep the tea and cook the boba beforehand, then store them in the refrigerator until you're ready to assemble the drink. I suggest keeping boba in the fridge for a maximum of 1-2 days.

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