This recipe for Hong Kong Milk Tea Bubble Tea features a creamy, strong black tea that's lightly sweetened, with the addition of chewy boba pearls.
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What is Hong Kong milk tea?
Traditional Hong Kong milk tea is made with strong black tea and evaporated milk, and is traditionally served hot.
This bubble tea version follows the same method, but adds cooked tapioca boba pearls and is typically served iced, making it refreshing and satisfying.
Why you'll love this recipe
Delicious, bold and creamy: uses Hong Kong milk tea as the base.
Customizable: adjust the sweetness and strength to your taste.
Easy to make: bring the bubble tea café vibes home.
Ingredients you'll need
- brewed Hong Kong Milk Tea: prepared ahead of time and chilled
- cooked tapioca boba pearls: you can also use store-bought boba pearls -- cook according to the package directions
- ice: for serving
Toppings (optional):
- grass jelly
- coconut jelly
How to make Hong Kong milk tea bubble tea
Prepare and brew the Hong Kong milk tea.
Let the milk tea cool completely, then refrigerate until cold.
Prepare and cook the boba pearls. Set aside.
Assemble:
Add cooked boba pearls to the bottom of a tall glass.
Fill the glass with ice.
Pour the chilled Hong Kong milk tea over the top.
Add toppings (such as grass jelly or coconut jelly), if desired.
Stir well and enjoy immediately.
How to serve
Serve immediately with a wide bubble tea straw.
This drink is best enjoyed fresh, while the pearls are soft and chewy.
Variations
Add cooked tapioca seed pearls (sago) and egg pudding to make a Coco-Inspired Egg Custard Bubble Tea.
Expert tips
Brew the tea extra strong so the flavor holds up.
If making ahead, store cooked boba pearls at room temperature in syrup (not the fridge).
Prefer a sweeter bubble tea? Add in brown sugar syrup, simple syrup, or sweetened condensed milk to your taste.
Other delicious Hong Kong-style recipes you may like
Did you make this recipe?
Let me know if you try out this recipe -- I love seeing your creations! Tag me on Instagram @siftandsimmer and be sure to leave me a comment/rating below!
Hong Kong Milk Tea Bubble Tea
For accuracy and precision in baking recipes, use weight (metric) measurements when available.
Ingredients
- 1 batch Hong Kong Milk Tea chilled
- ½ C cooked tapioca/boba pearls
- ice
Toppings: (optional)
- grass jelly
- coconut jelly
Instructions
- Prepare the Hong Kong Milk tea and chill completely (preferably the night before).
- Divide and place cooked tapioca boba pearls into 2 tall serving glasses.
- Fill with ice and pour chilled Hong Kong milk tea over the top.
- Add toppings such as grass jelly or coconut jelly, if desired.
- Stick in a wide straw and serve.
Nutrition
The nutritional information provided should be considered as approximate and is not guaranteed. Please use your best judgment to ensure food is safely prepared and/or a good fit for your diet.
heather (delicious not gorgeous)
yum!! i love all kinds of milk tea (although when it's hotter, i find that i want the more refreshing tart/bitterness of fruit tea!), but haven't had an hk style in a while. will have to some time this week when i inevitably crave it!
siftandsimmer@gmail.com
Yea, that's true -- when it's hot outside, fruity drinks definitely hit the spot! Thanks for stopping by, Heather!
Christie
I LOVE HK milk tea with bubbles! One of my favourite drinks in the world! Thank you for sharing this awesome recipe with us! Now I'm totally craving it!
Michelle
HK milk tea is such a classic, great tasting drink! Thanks Christie!
Kimberly
I’m excited to try this recipe, Hong Kong Milk Tea is my favorite Do you have any recommendations of where to purchase finely ground ceylon black tea? I’m seeing mostly the loose leaf form. Thanks!
Michelle
I'm not sure where you're located, but I got my finely ground black tea from a local tea supplier. If you can't find it, you can just use regular black tea bags.
Cathleen
Okay, making this tonight!! Thank you so much for the recipe 🙂
Michelle
You're welcome! 🙂
Michelle Boule
Gorgeous photos! I just moved and have no bubble tea places close to me, can't wait to make this on my own!
Michelle
Yes, hope you enjoy! 🙂
Neli Howard
Lovely! And I think this a healthier option compared to commercialized milk tea as well. 🙂 Gorgeous photos!!!!
Michelle
Indeed, you can control how sweet you like it! 😉
Jessica Formicola
I love bubble tea but I've never made it at home! I can't wait to try it- it looks so delicious!
Michelle
Thank you Jessica! 🙂
Tara
Love Hong Kong milk tea! Yours looks absolutely amazing, especially with the tapioca pearls and grass jelly. So many incredible flavors and textures!
Michelle
Aw thanks Tara! Enjoy! 🙂
Elesa shaws
I lovvvee HK style milk tea!! This is the best recipe i have tryed recently! Thankss
Sasha
Amazing HK tea! One of the best recipes I've tried 🙂
Michelle
Thanks so much for your comment, Sasha!
Helen
I love how easy this is to make - great recipe, thanks!
Toni
This is so fun to make and drink! We had an amazing time! Thanks!
Ana F
I never had this before but I'm so glad I tried your recipe! I made it with condensed milk (no sugar), and it turned out so delicious! Definitely recommend making it the night before as you mentioned. Thanks for the recipe!
Michelle
Thanks so much for trying the recipe, Ana! Glad you enjoyed it! 🙂
Andrea
I've never thought to make my own bubble tea before. Like you, I'm tired of the fruity. This HK Milk tea sounds like my kind of drink. I can't wait to try it.
kushigalu
Bubble tea lover here. This just looks fantastic, Thanks for sharing.