Matcha Bubble Tea

Try this matcha bubble tea for a refreshing drink that combines earthy notes of matcha, creamy oat milk, and chewy tapioca pearls. With a touch of homemade brown sugar syrup, it offers the perfect balance of flavors and textures that will transport your tastebuds to tea paradise!

Why you'll love this recipe

• Unique flavor combination: The quintessential earthy, bitter taste of matcha and the rich complexity of brown sugar syrup create a balanced flavor profile.
• Fun to drink: The tapioca pearls provide a chewy burst of texture, making each sip fun!
• Customizable: Adjust the sweetness by adding extra brown sugar syrup, use more matcha for a stronger flavor, or switch up the plant milk variety to make this matcha boba tea your own.
• Easy to make at home: This recipe will show you just how easy it is to recreate tea house-level boba in the comfort of your home.

What is matcha bubble tea?

If you're a tea lover like me, you've probably heard of matcha bubble tea. This beloved beverage became popular in Taiwan and has since gained popularity around the globe.

The rich, earthy notes of matcha, swirled together with plant-based milk and tapioca pearls create one unforgettable flavor combination! Each sip offers unique textures, from the chewy boba to the creamy oat milk and frothy matcha.

When you serve matcha boba tea, make sure to use a wide-mouth bubble tea straw. It’s the only way you can fully appreciate the experience of slurping up the chewy pearls and tea together. This is one drink you don't want to miss out on!

Is matcha bubble tea vegan?

It is possible for matcha bubble tea to be vegan, depending on the milk it is made with. Traditionally, cow's milk is utilized to achieve a creamy, silky consistency. I’ve made the easy swap to plant-based milk instead, which creates an equally delicious taste and mouthfeel.

The only other ingredient to double-check is the boba. Most boba is made from tapioca without any additives, but it’s always best to confirm the ingredients in each particular package.

Ingredients & Substitutions

• Matcha powder: Adds a vibrant green color and slightly bitter, earthy flavor. I recommend ceremonial-grade matcha for the best taste.
• Boba: Tapioca pearls provide a chewy and addicting texture. Look for them at Asian food markets or online. You can also try popping boba or coconut jellies.
• Oat milk: The rich, creamy texture and flavor of oat milk perfectly complements matcha. If you don’t have any oat milk on hand, substitute it with any plant-based milk of your choice, like soy, cashew, or coconut.
• Brown sugar syrup: To sweeten the boba and enhance the overall flavor of the drink. For a different taste, try lavender simple syrup, cardamom syrup, maple syrup, or agave.

How to make matcha bubble tea

• Step 1: Cook the tapioca pearls in boiling water until they float to the top, then immediately drain them. Toss the cooked pearls in brown sugar syrup to prevent sticking and sweeten them.

• Step 2: Whisk the matcha powder and lukewarm water until there are no clumps of matcha left. If you have a bamboo whisk for this step, even better!

• Step 3: Assemble your matcha bubble tea by adding boba along with syrup to the bottom of the glass, followed by crushed ice. Then add whisked matcha blend, and finally the remaining oat milk. Stir everything and serve with a wide-mouth bubble tea straw.

Storage & Reheating

Matcha bubble tea is best enjoyed fresh to maintain the optimal taste and texture. However, if you have leftovers, follow these steps:

• Fridge: Store any leftover prepared matcha boba tea in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. If possible, strain the boba from the tea and keep them in a separate container.
• Freezer: I don’t recommend freezing cooked tapioca pearls because they will turn mushy once thawed. However, you can freeze the strained matcha tea mixture in ice cube trays, then transfer the cubes into a freezer bag or container for future recipes.
• Reheating: Matcha bubble tea is typically served cold, so there is really no need to reheat it! If you’d prefer a hot version, reheat it in a saucepan over low-medium until it is warmed to your liking.

Variations

• Chocolate: Add a teaspoon of cocoa powder or melted chocolate to the matcha blend for a chocolate-infused matcha bubble tea.
• Matcha smoothie: Blend the matcha, oat milk, and a handful of frozen fruits for a creamy, fruity smoothie version.
• Fruit juice: Replace some of the oat milk with fruit juice, like mango or pineapple, for a tropical, sweet, and fruity twist.

Top tips

• Use ceremonial matcha: Use high-quality (ceremonial) matcha powder for the best flavor and vibrant green color.
• Don’t overcook the boba: Cook the tapioca pearls until they are just starting to float. You want them to be soft and chewy but not mushy. Always taste test.
• Coat the pearls: Stir the boba in the brown sugar syrup thoroughly to ensure they are evenly coated and prevent them from sticking together.
• Use chilled ingredients: Chill all the ingredients before assembling the matcha boba tea to prevent the ice from diluting and watering down the flavor.
• Choose the right straw: Opt for wide-mouth bubble tea straws so you can easily slurp up tea and boba at the same time.
• Serve the tea immediately: Serve the bubble tea right after assembling it for the best texture and flavor. You can keep everything separate in the fridge until you’re ready.

FAQ

More tea recipes

If you enjoyed this matcha bubble tea recipe, take a look at some more tea beverages like these:

• Jasmine Milk Tea: A light and refreshing tea with floral flavors. 
• Mango Boba Tea: A fruity beverage bursting with creamy, sweet, and tropical flavors.
• Lychee Bubble Tea: Creamy bubble tea infused with sweet, fruity, tropical notes.
• Matcha Chai Latte: A chai and matcha fusion that works perfectly!
• Oat Milk Chai Latte: Sweet, spicy, and comforting latte made dairy-free.
• Caramel Milk Tea: Rich, refreshing, and ultra-creamy milk tea.