Instant Bubble Tea with Condensed Milk (Printable)

Quick 10-minute creamy bubble tea with instant tapioca pearls and sweetened condensed milk. Perfect for two servings.

# What You Need:

→ Tapioca Pearls

01 - 1/2 cup quick-cook (instant) tapioca pearls

→ Tea Base

02 - 2 black tea bags (or 2 tsp loose leaf black tea)
03 - 1 1/2 cups hot water

→ Sweet & Creamy Additions

04 - 1/3 cup sweetened condensed milk
05 - 1 cup cold milk (dairy or plant-based)

→ For Serving

06 - 1 cup ice cubes

# How To Make It:

01 - Prepare the tapioca pearls according to package instructions (typically boil for 3-5 minutes until soft and chewy). Drain and set aside.
02 - Steep tea bags in 1 1/2 cups of hot water for 3–5 minutes, then remove bags and let the tea cool slightly.
03 - In a pitcher or large bowl, combine the brewed tea, sweetened condensed milk, and cold milk. Stir until fully mixed and creamy.
04 - Divide cooked tapioca pearls between two large glasses.
05 - Add ice cubes to each glass. Pour the milk tea mixture over the pearls and ice.
06 - Stir well and serve immediately with large straws.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • You can satisfy a boba craving in the time it takes to scroll through a delivery app.
  • Sweetened condensed milk gives it that rich, dessert-like sweetness without measuring out sugar and cream separately.
  • Instant tapioca pearls mean no soaking overnight or guessing if they are done.
  • You control the sweetness and the tea strength, which is impossible to customize once you order out.
02 -
  • Instant tapioca pearls get gummy and hard if they sit too long after cooking, so make them right before you assemble the drinks.
  • If your tea tastes weak after adding all the milk, brew it a little stronger next time or use three tea bags instead of two.
  • Sweetened condensed milk sinks to the bottom if you don't stir well, so mix it into the warm tea first before adding cold milk and ice.
03 -
  • Add a splash of vanilla extract or a drizzle of brown sugar syrup to the tea mixture for extra depth and a hint of caramel flavor.
  • Use a cocktail shaker to mix the tea and milk with ice before pouring, it froths everything up and makes the drink feel more luxurious.
  • If your tapioca pearls are chewy but a little bland, toss them in a tablespoon of honey or simple syrup right after draining while they're still warm.
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