Made with 4 simple ingredients, this Matcha Boba Tea recipe is a fun and refreshing treat perfect for a morning boost or afternoon pick-me-up!
Morning Matcha
Are you a fan of caffeine in the morning? Honestly, it’s a non-negotiable for me. Without it, there’s no way I’d be able to work, chase after my littles, and maintain a shred of sanity. However, beyond that, it’s also a chance for me to take a little time to myself before the day begins. Typically, I’m a coffee person, whipping up drinks like my Cold Brew Coffee Smoothie, a Hazelnut Amaretto Homemade Latte, or Toffee Nut Latte.
Recently though, I’ve switched gears a bit and haven’t been making coffee. Don’t panic. I haven’t stopped drinking caffeine altogether. That would be craziness! Instead, I’ve been whipping up Matcha Boba Tea in the mornings, and it’s been a nice change! Unlike coffee, matcha boba has a light, earthy flavor that is perfect for the incoming spring weather. Plus, it’s full of health benefits along with the caffeine we all need. Basically, I’m telling you it’s a life changing way to start your day, and you need it in your life ASAP. Lucky for you, I’m explaining everything you’ll need to know to create the perfect boba tea below! You can thank me later.
What Is Matcha Boba?
Matcha boba is made with two separate components – the matcha and the boba.
Matcha: A high-grade green tea powder made with finely ground tea leaves.
Boba: tiny, chewy balls made out of tapioca starch (also known as cassava starch)
Health Benefits of Matcha
One of the main reasons why matcha has exploded in popularity over the last few years is probably due to how good it is for you! It’s super high in antioxidants and can help protect the liver, boost brain function, promote heart health, and more! Read more about all the benefits here.
What’s the Difference Between Boba Tea and Bubble Tea?
Wanna know a secret? There isn’t one! Boba tea and bubble tea are two different names for one drink. It’s also referred to as milk tea, pearl tea, and tapioca tea. The key characteristic of all of the drink is the inclusion of tapioca pearls.
Ingredients You’ll Need
I have a confession. One of the main reasons why I waited so long to create a boba tea recipe is that I was intimidated. Given the wild colors and fancy-looking drinks I have seen all over the internet, I assumed that making boba tea at home would be super complicated and require a million ingredients, but I couldn’t have been further from the truth! In fact, this matcha boba came together with just 4 ingredients and tastes incredible! Here’s what you’ll need:
- Tapioca Pearls – Whatever you can find works fine. I haven’t noticed a substantial difference between brands of tapioca pearls.
- Matcha – Hone Blends is my favorite brand of matcha, but use whatever you like best!
- Milk – To keep this recipe vegan, I opted for plant-based milk, but any milk or milk substitute can be used. Just keep in mind that the taste and texture of your tea might change slightly.
- Maple Syrup – Technically optional but highly recommended, maple syrup adds just a hint of sweetness that balances out the earthy flavor of the matcha perfectly. However, you could swap it out with honey or any other sugar substitute you prefer.
How to Make Matcha Boba Tea
- Prepare your tapioca pearls according to the package instructions. Mine said to sweeten the pearls (which you can totally do!), but I didn’t as I found the drink to be plenty sweet with the addition of maple syrup.
- Once your tapioca pearls are ready, prepare your matcha by combining it with ¼ cup of water and whisking until it is smooth. Then, froth it to create a smooth, foam-like texture.
- Grab a large cup, and add a big handful of ice. Next, drop in your tapioca pearls, and add the frothed matcha on top.
- To finish, top off your boba tea with the milk, and mix to combine. For a heavier matcha flavor, use less milk. Or, for a light green color and mild flavor, increase the amount of milk used to dilute the matcha. Don’t forget to take a picture for the gram first, though! It’ll all look super pretty when layered.
*If you add your matcha boba tea to a cute cup and use a straw, be sure to use one specifically designed for boba! Regular straws are too narrow to be able to suck the tapioca pearls through. Trust me, been there, done that.
Common Questions
Can I Serve Matcha Boba Warm?
Sure! To serve your tea warm, brew the matcha with warm water, and skip the ice cubes. You might also want to warm your milk slightly. Then, layer the ingredients as listed in the instructions, and enjoy!
Can I Make Matcha Boba Tea Ahead of Time?
I don’t recommend it. This recipe is best consumed right away. If tapioca pearls are left out for a couple of hours, they begin to harden and aren’t great to drink.
Do I Have to Use Ice?
Technically no, but it super elevates the flavor of your drink if you do. If you’re worried about it watering down your drink, try freezing prepared matcha in an ice cube tray, and use those cubes instead!
Can I Use Different Types of Tea?
Of course, your drink won’t be matcha boba, but you can follow the same process using pretty much any liquid you like best. For instance, any other tea can be used instead of matcha. Or, you could also incorporate fruit juices as well, if you’d like!
More Drinks You’ll Love
Have you guys ever tried matcha boba tea? It’s such a fun drink and so easy to make! If you do give this recipe a shot, I would love it if you let me know in the comments below!
Matcha Boba Tea
Ingredients
- 1/4 tapioca pearls made to your brand’s directions
- 2 tsp matcha
- 1 cup unsweetened plant based milk
- 2 tsp maple syrup optional
Instructions
- Make your tapioca pearls according to the directions of your brand. *mine said to sweeten the pearls, I did not. I didn’t think it was needed
- Once your pearls are ready, make your matcha with only about 1/4 cup of water.
- Add ice to your cup, the tapioca pearls, your now frothed match and cover it all with your favorite plant-based milk.
