Summer Special: Homemade Bubble Tea Experiments

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After becoming addicted to the phenomenom that is Taiwanese Bubble Tea recently, I decided I wanted to recreate the unique experience for myself at home. Thanks to this article on how to make homemade bubble tea I went on a mission to my local Asian store in search of tapioca pearls. There was a coloured variety, a black pearl variety and a purple "new sago" variety. Since my initial visit I have now tried all three types, but here's the packaging for the coloured tapioca pearls. The colours are achieved through the use of e-numbers.


Having aquired the tapioca pearls I then bought some Lift Instant peach flavour tea. Not the tastiest of flavoured teas by a longhsot, but considering this heatwave we've been having it did the job nicely when mixed with lots of cold water.


I cooked the tapioca pearls in boiling water as instructed for about 5 minutes, and made a simple sugar syrup to keep them fresh.

Tapioca before cooking
Cooked tapioca coated in sugar syrup
Once the instant tea had cooled, I scooped some tapioca pearls into a glass and poured in the cold tea. To complete the drink I added a large straw that I'd saved from a recent visit to my local bubble tea place.

Et voila! Homemade bubble tea!


Maybe not the most accurate or sophisticated replication of Bubble Tea in the world but it was a very refreshing drink, and perfect during this heatwave we're currently experiencing. I really enjoyed slurping the tapioca pearls through the straw - so addictive!

Since my initial experiment I've also made a mango smoothie with black tapioca pearls. I blended together mango, ice and coconut milk and added cooked black tapioca. It tasted delicious, and so refreshing!


Have you tried Bubble Tea? If so what is your favourite combination?

Comments

  1. Grocery Gems25 July 2013 at 12:57

    Never tried bubble tea even though there's a new place quite near me.
    There's so many choices and combinations, what would you recommend for a newbie?

    And btw your drinks look absolutely awesome! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kevs Snack Reviews25 July 2013 at 13:38

      Thanks Katherine! :)

      My personal favourite bubble tea combo is green tea with passionfruit and tapioca bubbles. But the milk bubble teas are great, especially the coconut and vanilla flavoured ones. The best thing about bubble tea though is you can try different flavours with different things like tapioca pearls, "pobbles" which are fruit flavoured pearls, and jelly pieces.
      So I'd recommend experimenting really, but you can't go wrong with passionfruit and green tea, it's surprisingly refreshing and the green tea isn't too harsh. :)

      Delete
  2. Bubble Cha27 July 2013 at 05:15

    We pleased you like Bubbles. Enjoy your life.

    ReplyDelete
  3. baobao1 August 2013 at 15:24

    LOL!! You made your own! Oh my, I think I need to experiment too, hehe :D

    ReplyDelete
  4. Vikx9938 August 2013 at 14:32

    Melon Bubble Tea is my number one! I love the stuff.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Anonymous28 August 2013 at 06:20

    I had been saving up giant straws from bubble tea shops too since I couldn't find them for sale anywhere (why do the Chinese supermarkets sell the tapioca bubbles but not the straws?!). However last week I found them for sale in Lakeland, so I just wanted to share that.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Anonymous10 March 2015 at 02:05

    May I know where you buy the colourful sago pearl?

    ReplyDelete
  7. Anonymous22 November 2021 at 18:38

    this project seems really cool i'm using this as a school science project on homemade boba thanks for the help!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Neato Nutrition7 February 2024 at 02:07

    Boba Protein combines the best of both worlds: the delicious, indulgent flavors of boba tea protein with the nutritional benefits of protein. It's a game-changer for those looking to fuel their bodies with a tasty treat while meeting their protein needs. With its innovative concept and irresistible taste, Boba Protein is sure to become a staple in the fitness and wellness community. Whether you're craving a post-workout refuel or simply want to satisfy your sweet tooth guilt-free, Boba Protein delivers on taste, quality, and nutrition. Cheers to a healthier, happier you with Boba Protein in hand!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Sayali Apraj13 March 2024 at 23:39

    Enjoy the finest tea experience with the special Order Now from Leafbox! Explore a delightful selection of quality green teas that have been expertly chosen to entice your palate and awaken your senses. Several green tea blends, each overflowing with antioxidants and natural deliciousness, are included in our combination pack. The limited-edition collection has something for every tea enthusiast, from calming sencha to aromatic matcha. Upgrade your daily tea routine and enjoy the ease of always having a wide variety of green teas available.

    ReplyDelete

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