Thai Green Tea Boba Recipe
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Some drinks never last long, and this Thai green tea boba recipe is one of them. Creamy green milk tea, chewy tapioca pearls, and just the right amount of floral sweetness make it taste like something you’d order from your favorite bubble tea shop.
What is green tea boba?
Green tea boba is a bubble tea drink made with green tea powder, milk, ice, and chewy tapioca pearls. It tastes creamy, sweet, and refreshing, while the tapioca pearls add the soft, chewy texture that makes bubble tea so fun to drink.
One serving of green boba tea typically contains around 30–50 mg of caffeine, depending on the brand of tea you use.
That’s why this is usually my afternoon drink. If I’ve already had an iced coffee earlier in the day, this gives me just enough caffeine without overdoing it. When I need a bigger pick-me-up, I like a coffee boba instead. And when I don’t want any caffeine at all, something refreshing like mango bubble tea is my go-to.
Learn Thai cooking step by step
My cookbook is a combination of authentic Thai recipes and Western dishes cooked with Thai flavors and ingredients. It’s a great starting point if you’re new to Thai cooking or want to cook it more often.
Ingredient notes & substitutes
You can find everything at Asian grocery stores or markets. Head to the recipe card at the bottom of this post for the exact measurements.
- Tapioca pearls: I recommend using black tapioca pearls, the kind commonly served in bubble tea shops. Cook them according to the package instructions since cooking times vary by brand.
- Water: Used to cook the tapioca pearls. Cooking them in plenty of water helps prevent them from sticking together.
- Sugar: Tossing the cooked pearls with a little sugar keeps them glossy and adds just enough sweetness without overpowering the drink.
- Thai green tea powder: This is the same Thai green tea powder used in Thai green milk tea. It has a sweet floral aroma and its signature bright green color.
- Warm water: Helps dissolve the tea powder before mixing it with the milk.
- Sweetened condensed milk: Sweetens the drink while giving it a rich, creamy flavor.
- Evaporated milk: Adds creaminess without making the drink overly heavy.
- Ice: Plenty of ice keeps the drink cold and refreshing while slightly mellowing the sweetness.
Tip: I like brewing the tea a few minutes before assembling the drink. If it’s piping hot, it’ll melt the ice too quickly and water down the milk tea.
How to make boba green tea
1: Cook the tapioca pearls. Cook the tapioca pearls according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse briefly with cold water, then toss with the sugar while they’re still warm. Set aside.
2: Brew the tea. Whisk the green tea powder with the warm water until completely dissolved. Let it cool for a few minutes.
3: Mix the milk. In a separate measuring bowl, stir together the sweetened condensed milk and evaporated milk until smooth.
4: Assemble the drinks. Divide the sweetened tapioca pearls between two tall glasses. Fill each glass with ice, then pour in the milk mixture.
5: Add the tea. Slowly pour the brewed green tea over the back of a spoon so it gently rests on top of the milk, creating distinct green and creamy white layers.
6: Serve. Serve immediately with a wide boba straw. Give the drink a good stir before drinking so the tea and milk combine.
How to store
Green tea: Store the prepared tea mixture in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Cooked tapioca pearls: Best eaten within a few hours. Keep at room temperature if serving the same day. Refrigerating them makes them hard, so warm them briefly in hot water or use the microwave to soften them.
More Thai drink recipes to try
Thai Green Tea Boba Recipe
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Fine mesh strainer
- Small mixing bowl
- 2 Mixing cups
- Two tall glasses
- Boba straws
Ingredients
- 6 cups water
- ½ cup tapioca pearls
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 2 tbsp green tea powder
- 6 tbsp warm water
- 3 tbsp sweetened condensed milk
- 8 tbsp evaporated milk
- crushed ice, as needed
Instructions
- Cook the tapioca pearls according to the package instructions. Drain, rinse briefly, and toss with the sugar while still warm.
- Brew the green tea powder with the warm water. Let it cool slightly.
- Mix the sweetened condensed milk and evaporated milk in a separate cup until smooth.
- Assemble by dividing the tapioca pearls between two glasses. Fill with ice, then pour in the milk mixture.
- Layer by slowly pouring the green tea over the back of a spoon to create distinct layers. Stir before drinking and enjoy!
Notes
- Use the nutrition card in this recipe as a guideline.