Bubble tea, also known as boba tea, has taken the world by storm over the past decade. This delightful Taiwanese drink combines chewy tapioca pearls with sweet, creamy tea, creating a fun, flavorful experience that’s both refreshing and satisfying.
If you’re vegan or simply looking to avoid dairy without missing out on this trendy treat, you’re in luck! Making bubble tea at home is easier than you think, and you can customize it to suit your taste perfectly.
Whether you prefer classic black tea, fruity flavors, or creamy plant-based milk, this vegan bubble tea recipe will become your go-to for a delicious, guilt-free indulgence. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to impress friends or enjoy a cozy afternoon treat.
Ready to dive into the world of vegan bubble tea? Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons to adore this vegan bubble tea recipe. First, it’s completely customizable: you can adjust the sweetness, tea base, and milk type to suit your preferences.
This recipe uses plant-based milk to keep things dairy-free, making it suitable for vegans and those with lactose intolerance. The tapioca pearls add a fun, chewy texture that makes every sip an interactive experience.
Plus, making bubble tea at home means you control the ingredients, avoiding artificial additives and excessive sugars often found in store-bought versions.
This recipe is not only delicious but also budget-friendly and perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying solo. If you love experimenting with flavors, you can easily add fruit purees, syrups, or even spices to create your own signature bubble tea concoction.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup tapioca pearls (boba)
- 4 cups water (for cooking tapioca pearls)
- 2 cups brewed black tea (or green tea, cooled)
- 1 cup plant-based milk (almond, oat, soy, or coconut)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (for tapioca pearls)
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup or agave nectar (for sweetness)
- Ice cubes
Equipment
- Large pot (for boiling tapioca pearls)
- Strainer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Tea kettle or pot (for brewing tea)
- Large glass or shaker
- Wide straw (for sipping tapioca pearls)
- Mixing spoon
Instructions
- Cook the tapioca pearls: Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a large pot. Once boiling, add the 1/2 cup tapioca pearls. Stir gently to prevent sticking. Cook according to package instructions, usually about 5-7 minutes, or until pearls float and become soft and chewy.
- Sweeten the pearls: Drain the cooked pearls using a strainer and rinse briefly under cold water to stop the cooking process. Place the pearls in a bowl and mix with 1/4 cup brown sugar while they’re still warm. Let them soak for at least 10 minutes to absorb the sweetness.
- Brew the tea: Brew 2 cups of black tea (or your choice of tea) using a tea kettle or pot. Allow the tea to steep for 3-5 minutes, then let it cool completely. You can speed this up by placing the tea in the fridge.
- Prepare the milk mixture: In a separate container, mix 1 cup plant-based milk with 2 tablespoons maple syrup or agave nectar. Stir well to combine.
- Assemble the bubble tea: Fill a large glass halfway with ice cubes. Add about 1/4 cup of the sweetened tapioca pearls. Pour in 1 cup of brewed tea, then top with the milk mixture. Stir gently to combine all elements.
- Serve immediately: Insert a wide straw and enjoy your homemade vegan bubble tea fresh! For best results, consume within an hour as the tapioca pearls tend to harden over time.
Tips & Variations
“Adjust the sweetness to your liking by adding more or less maple syrup or brown sugar. If you prefer fruit-flavored bubble tea, try adding mango or strawberry puree for a refreshing twist!”
- Try using green tea or jasmine tea for a lighter flavor.
- Make your own simple syrup by dissolving equal parts sugar and water over heat to sweeten the tea directly.
- Swap the brown sugar-soaked pearls for fruit jelly cubes for a different texture.
- Use coconut milk for a tropical flavor or oat milk for creaminess without overpowering the tea.
- Make it iced or hot depending on the weather — just skip the ice cubes for a warm treat.
- For a richer bubble tea, blend the tea and milk with ice to create a frothy bubble tea smoothie.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 40 g |
| Sugars | 25 g |
| Fat | 2 g |
| Protein | 1 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
Serving Suggestions
Bubble tea is a versatile beverage that pairs wonderfully with many light snacks and desserts. Consider serving your vegan bubble tea alongside fresh fruit, vegan cookies, or a light pastry for an afternoon pick-me-up.
It’s also a fantastic companion to Asian-inspired dishes.
If you’re looking for more vegan recipes that complement your bubble tea, check out our Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Arugula Recipe for a flavorful main dish or our Lion’S Mane Mushroom Crumble Recipes for a savory delight.
Conclusion
Making vegan bubble tea at home is a fun and rewarding experience that allows you to enjoy this popular drink without any animal products. With just a handful of ingredients and a little bit of patience, you can whip up a refreshing and delicious bubble tea that rivals any cafe’s version.
Not only does this recipe cater to vegans, but it’s also perfect for anyone seeking a tasty, customizable beverage that’s free from dairy and artificial additives.
Experiment with different teas, plant-based milks, and sweeteners to find your perfect blend. Whether you’re treating yourself on a warm day or impressing guests with a trendy homemade drink, this vegan bubble tea recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
For more creative recipes, be sure to explore our collection, including the delightful Instant Pot Rabbit Recipe and refreshing Lemon Straws Recipe.
📖 Recipe Card: Bubble Tea Recipe Vegan
Description: A delicious vegan bubble tea made with tapioca pearls and plant-based milk. Perfectly sweet and refreshing for any time of the day.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT30M
Total Time: PT40M
Servings: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup tapioca pearls
- 4 cups water (for cooking pearls)
- 2 cups brewed black tea, cooled
- 1 cup almond milk
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Ice cubes as needed
Instructions
- Boil water in a pot and add tapioca pearls.
- Cook pearls for 20-25 minutes until soft, stirring occasionally.
- Drain pearls and rinse with cold water.
- Mix brewed tea, almond milk, maple syrup, and vanilla extract.
- Add cooked tapioca pearls to glasses.
- Pour the tea mixture over the pearls.
- Add ice cubes as desired and stir before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 180 kcal | Protein: 1 g | Fat: 2 g | Carbs: 40 g
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