Easy Grass Jelly Boba Recipe (2-Ways!)
Cool down with this easy grass jelly boba recipe and enjoy it in 2 delicious ways: a creamy milk drink with homemade brown sugar syrup or a traditional Thai version with pandan. It’s sweet, deliciously refreshing, and perfect for those hot summer days!
Quick tip: Grass jelly often comes in larger packets, so you can use any extras in my shaved ice recipe. For another summer favorite, check out this bubble tea mango using boba pearls!
What is grass jelly boba
Grass jelly boba is a Southeast Asian drink made with chewy black grass jelly instead of tapioca pearls. The jelly adds a mild, herbal flavor and comes with several health benefits, making it a perfect refreshment for hot days.
What is grass jelly? Grass jelly, also known as leaf jelly or herb jelly, is a traditional Southeast Asian dessert made from the leaves of the mesona plant. The leaves are boiled and then cooled to form a jelly with a mildly herbal flavor and a soft, chewy texture.
More about this refreshing beverage
With summer almost coming to an end in the West, what better time to teach you how to make one of the best refreshing drinks Thailand has to offer? This one is a fun twist on the classic boba tea, and it’s easy to make and even more fun to drink!
As I mentioned earlier, this recipe gives you two delicious ways to make it. The first version is a creamy milk drink with homemade simple syrup that’s rich and sweet. The second is the traditional Thai version with fragrant pandan for a light, herbal finish that’s super refreshing.
Plus, this recipe is so flexible that you can easily customize it to suit your family’s taste. If your kids love more jelly, just add extra cubes. Want it sweeter? Add a little more sugar!
I’ll also show you how to top your drink with classic jelly cubes or unique grass jelly strips—because chewing on lots of grass jelly is the best part, right?! And for a nice presentation, don’t forget to sprinkle some brown sugar over the jelly just before serving!
Ingredients
Pick up all the ingredients you need from your local Asian market or grocery store. For precise measurements, scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of the post!
Grass jelly milk drink
- Natural cane sugar – Adds a nice sweetness that goes great with the creaminess of milk!
- Brown sugar – Provides a rich, caramel-like flavor that deepens the drink’s sweetness.
- Fresh milk – I used dairy milk, but any milk of your choice (like evaporated milk, soy milk, condensed milk, coconut milk or any plant-based milk) will work!
- Water – Used to dissolve the sugars and create a sweet brown sugar syrup.
- Black grass jelly – I chose fresh black grass jelly that comes in a bag (you can also use the canned kind or even powdered). It’s easy to find at most Asian supermarkets. Be sure to pick the black variety for this recipe, as the green grass jelly has a different flavor.
- Crushed ice – Keeps the drink deliciously chilled!
Traditional Thai version with pandan and sugar
- Brown sugar (optional, for topping) – Sprinkle on top for a caramelized finish.
- Natural cane sugar
- Pandan leaves – Infuses the drink with a fragrant, floral aroma. (Also try this pandan drink!)
- Water
- Grass jelly
- Crushed ice
How to make grass jelly drink
Milk drink with grass jelly
Step 1: Slice the grass jelly according to your preference. For classic cubes, cut the jelly into uniform 0.5-inch pieces. If you prefer thin, slurpable strips, grab a sharp julienne peeler and gently shave the jelly into long, delicate strands.
Step 2: Place a pan or pot over low heat and add natural cane sugar, brown sugar, and water. Stir constantly as the sugar dissolves and starts to bubble. When the bubbles appear, keep stirring for about 20 seconds until the mixture turns a golden brown and thickens slightly. Watch closely to avoid overcooking, as the sugar can quickly burn.
Step 3: Remove the pan from the heat and let the sugar syrup cool at room temperature for about 10 minutes. Don’t worry if the syrup thickens as it cools—that’s completely normal.
Step 4: Fill a glass with ice and add your prepared grass jelly. Drizzle the caramel along the sides of the glass for a beautiful ‘lava’ effect. Finish with an extra sprinkle of brown sugar on top before serving! Serve with a straw for sipping and a spoon for scooping up those jelly cubes.
Traditional Thai version (black drink)
Step 1: Slice the grass jelly according to your preference. For classic cubes, cut the jelly into uniform 0.5-inch pieces. If you prefer thin, slurpable strips, grab a sharp julienne peeler and gently shave the jelly into long, delicate strands.
Step 2: Place a pan or pot over low heat. Add the natural cane sugar, pandan leaves, and water. Stir gently until the sugar completely dissolves.
Step 3: In a mixing bowl, add your grass jelly cubes or strips. If you have grass jelly juice (often inside the bag with fresh grass jelly), pour it over the jelly.
Step 4: Pour the sugar syrup from step 2 over the jelly.
Step 5: Allow the mixture to cool at room temperature for about 10 minutes.
Step 6: Fill a glass with ice, then pour the cooled liquid mixture over it. Top with extra jelly if you like, and sprinkle with optional brown sugar. Serve with a straw and a spoon for scooping the jelly cubes. Enjoy!
Topping and different flavor ideas
In Thailand, there are countless variations of this herbal jelly drink, and so many delicious toppings to choose from! Here are some fun ideas you can try at home:
- Add some tea: Add a splash of Thai tea or Thai green tea.
- Jelly varieties: Experiment with different types of jellies like aloe vera jelly, lychee jelly, or even add tapioca pearls
- Fresh fruits: Think mango slices, lychee, or strawberries.
- Matcha: Turn this non-caffeinated drink into an energizing one by adding matcha or coffee.
- Sweet red beans or mung beans
- Sweetened condensed milk
How to store leftovers
If you have leftovers, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh. The drink will stay good for up to 2–3 days. If possible, store the grass jelly separately from the liquid to prevent it from becoming too soft or mushy.
Frequently asked questions
Is grass jelly healthier than boba?
Grass jelly is generally considered healthier than boba because it is lower in calories and sugar. Grass jelly contains antioxidants and fiber, while tapioca pearls are primarily made from starch and provides little nutritional value. Grass jelly also has a mild, herbal flavor and may offer digestive benefits.
Can I drink grass jelly when pregnant?
Yes, grass jelly is generally safe to drink during pregnancy. It is made from natural ingredients and is low in calories and sugar. However, it’s always best to consult with your healthcare provider to ensure it aligns with your specific dietary needs during pregnancy.
More refreshing drink recipes for summer!
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Easy Grass Jelly Boba Recipe
Ingredients
Grass jelly milk drink with brown sugar
- 2 cup fresh milk
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup natural cane sugar
- 1/3 cup water
- grass jelly (add as many as you like)
- crushed ice (enough to fill your glass)
Thai version with pandan and sugar
- 3/4 cup natural cane sugar
- 1.5 cup water
- 2 pandan leaves
- grass jelly (add as many as you like)
- crushed ice (enough to fill your glass)
- brown sugar (to taste, for topping)
Instructions
Grass jelly milk drink
- Slice the grass jelly according to your preference. For classic cubes, cut the jelly into uniform 0.5-inch pieces. If you prefer thin, slurpable strips, grab a sharp julienne peeler and gently shave the jelly into long, delicate strands.
- Place a pan or pot over low heat and add natural cane sugar, brown sugar, and water. Stir constantly as the sugar dissolves and starts to bubble. When the bubbles appear, keep stirring for about 20 seconds until the mixture turns a golden brown and thickens slightly. Watch closely to avoid overcooking, as the sugar can quickly burn.
- Remove the pan from the heat and let the sugar syrup cool at room temperature for about 10 minutes. Don’t worry if the syrup thickens as it cools—that’s completely normal.
- Fill a glass with ice and add your prepared grass jelly. Drizzle the caramel along the sides of the glass for a beautiful ‘lava’ effect. Finish with an extra sprinkle of brown sugar on top before serving! Serve with a straw for sipping and a spoon for scooping up those jelly cubes.
Black grass jelly drink
- Slice the grass jelly according to your preference. For classic cubes, cut the jelly into uniform 0.5-inch pieces. If you prefer thin, slurpable strips, grab a sharp julienne peeler and gently shave the jelly into long, delicate strands.
- Place a pan or pot over low heat. Add the natural cane sugar, pandan leaves, and water. Stir gently until the sugar completely dissolves.
- In a mixing bowl, add your grass jelly cubes or strips. If you have grass jelly juice (often inside the bag with fresh grass jelly), pour it over the jelly.
- Pour the sugar syrup from step 2 over the jelly.
- Allow the mixture to cool at room temperature for about 10 minutes.
- Fill a glass with ice, then pour the cooled liquid mixture over it. Top with extra jelly if you like, and sprinkle with optional brown sugar. Serve with a straw and a spoon for scooping the jelly cubes. Enjoy!
Notes
- Use the nutrition card in this recipe as a guideline.
- I used fresh black grass jelly from a bag, but canned or powdered works too. Find it at most Asian supermarkets. Be sure to choose the black variety, as green grass jelly has a distinct pandan flavor.
- This recipe is super flexible! Customize it to your family’s taste—if the kids love more jelly, toss in extra cubes. Want it sweeter? Just add a bit more sugar!
