Description
Masale chai tea, made from black tea and spices, is a staple tea in many Asian countries. This bubble tea is super simple to make at home. It’s rich, creamy, and spicy!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 3/4 cup water
- 2 masala chai tea bags
- 1/2 cup milk
- 6 tbsp brown sugar (divided into 3 tbsp and 3 tbsp)
- 1/2 cup quick-cooking tapioca pearls
- ice cubes
- ground cinnamon (garnish)
Instructions
- Bring ¾ cup of water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Remove from heat and stir in 3 tbsp brown sugar.
- Add the tea bags and ½ cup of milk. Let steep for 10 minutes. Discard tea bags and set the tea aside to cool.
- Cook the tapioca pearls according to the package instructions. Drain, reserving just a tablespoon of water in the pan.
- Sprinkle 2-3 tbsp brown sugar over the pearls to create a quick sugar syrup. Stir to combine.
- Spoon ½ cup of tapioca pearls into the bottom of each serving glass.
- Add a large handful of ice cubes to each glass.
- Pour ½ of the milk tea mixture into each glass.
- Serve with a boba straw and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Notes
Steep the tea for 10 minutes; otherwise, the tea will taste weak.
If you can’t find masala chai tea and want a quick substitute, use black tea with ginger and cardamom.
For vegan Chai bubble tea, substitute maple syrup for the brown sugar and use plant-based milk, like almond milk, soy milk, oat milk, or coconut milk.
For a homemade taste, steep black tea bags with the spice mix listed below. You could also add 1 tsp vanilla and a few slices of orange peel.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes