A Complete Guide to Bubble Tea Ingredients and Recipes

Introduction – Why Bubble Tea Has Captured the World?

From the bustling streets of Taipei to the trendiest cafés in New York and Bangalore, bubble tea has become one of the most beloved drinks worldwide. Known for its unique combination of rich tea, creamy milk, chewy tapioca pearls, and customizable flavors, it’s more than just a beverage – it’s an experience.

But the real magic lies in the bubble tea recipe itself. People across the globe are searching how to make bubble tea at home to recreate this café-style drink in their kitchens. At the same time, they want to know what bubble tea recipe, the origin of boba, and the healthiest ways to enjoy it.

This in-depth guide will walk you through everything – the bubble tea ingredients, step-by-step instructions, variations, health aspects, and expert tips. You’ll also discover why Kongsi Tea Bar, India’s #1 multi-award-winning authentic Thai bubble tea brand, has set the benchmark for quality and authenticity.

Also read – Why Starting a Bubble Tea Franchise Is a Smart Move?

What is a Bubble Tea Recipe?

A bubble tea recipe is essentially a method of combining tea, milk, sweeteners, and chewy tapioca pearls (boba) into one delightful drink. Originating in Taiwan in the 1980s, bubble tea quickly gained worldwide popularity for its playful texture and customizable flavors.

At its core, what is a bubble tea recipe? It’s a process –

1. Brew strong tea (black, green, or oolong).
2. Add milk or non-dairy alternatives.
3. Sweeten with syrup or sugar.
4. Include chewy tapioca pearls at the base.
5. Serve chilled over ice.

Over time, this simple recipe for how to make bubble tea has evolved into hundreds of creative variations, from fruity blends to matcha-based drinks.

Also read – Why Is Thai Bubble Tea More Than Just a Drink?

Bubble Tea Ingredients – What You Need?

Every great bubble tea recipe starts with the right ingredients.

• Tea Base – Black tea (Assam, Darjeeling, Ceylon), green tea (Jasmine, Sencha), oolong, or Thai tea mix.
• Milk – Whole milk, condensed milk, evaporated milk, or dairy-free substitutes like oat, almond, or soy.
• Sweetener – Cane sugar syrup, brown sugar, honey, or flavored syrups like mango and strawberry.
• Boba Pearls – Made from tapioca starch, boiled until soft and chewy.
• Ice – Essential for freshness in iced recipes.
• Optional Toppings – Cream cheese foam, fruit jelly, popping boba, or custard pudding.

These bubble tea ingredients form the foundation of every recipe. At Kongsi Tea Bar, only authentic Thai tea leaves and premium boba are used, ensuring consistency and quality across every outlet.

Also read – Why Is Everyone Obsessed with Iced Matcha Latte?

What Are the Ingredients in Bubble Tea?

The answer is simple – tea, milk, sweetener, and tapioca pearls. However, modern recipes also include fruit syrups, flavored powders, and toppings to enhance creativity.

For instance, Kongsi Tea Bar’s menu features over 65+ beverage options, ranging from traditional Thai bubble tea to vegan-friendly fruit blends. This diversity makes bubble tea inclusive for all ages and preferences.

What sets Kongsi apart is its ability to keep the bubble tea recipe authentic while still innovating with global café trends. From ceremonial-grade matcha lattes to refreshing tropical fruit teas, every drink is brewed fresh using imported Thai tea leaves and premium ingredients.

This balance of tradition and innovation ensures that customers not only enjoy the classic flavors but also get to explore exciting new experiences with every visit.

Also read – Taro Milk Tea – How This Purple Drink Took Over Social Media?

What Are Boba Balls Made Of?

Boba pearls are made from tapioca starch, extracted from the cassava root. The starch is combined with water and sometimes brown sugar, then rolled into small spheres and boiled until translucent. Their chewy texture is what makes bubble tea so distinctive.

Also read – Why Bubble Tea Is Set to Dominate Franchise Business in Bangalore?

What is Boba Made in India?

In India, boba pearls are also made from tapioca starch, just like in Taiwan. Some local cafés use cassava starch sourced within India, while international brands like Kongsi Tea Bar import premium pearls to guarantee authenticity.

This ensures that every sip delivers the same chewy, satisfying texture that bubble tea is known for globally.

How Do You Make Bubble Tea?

Here’s the basic process –

1. Brew a strong tea base.
2. Prepare tapioca pearls until soft.
3. Sweeten with syrup or sugar.
4. Mix tea, milk, and sweetener.
5. Add pearls, ice, and optional toppings.

This simple method is the foundation of every bubble tea recipe.

How to Make a Boba Step by Step

If you’re searching how to make bubble tea recipe in detail, here’s a step-by-step guide for the pearls –

1. Measure ½ cup tapioca pearls.
2. Boil 8–10 cups of water.
3. Add pearls and cook for 25 minutes.
4. Turn off heat, cover, and let rest for 15 minutes.
5. Drain and soak in sugar syrup.

This process guarantees soft, chewy pearls for your boba recipe at home.

How to Make Bubble Tea Recipe at Home

Here’s the complete bubble tea at home method (for 2 servings) –

Ingredients

• 2 tea bags (black or green tea)
• 2 cups water
• ½ cup tapioca pearls
• ½ cup milk or non-dairy alternative
• 2 tbsp sugar or syrup
• Ice cubes

Instructions

1. Brew Tea – Steep tea bags for 5–7 minutes.
2. Cook Pearls – Boil until chewy, then soak in syrup.
3. Mix Drink – Combine tea, milk, sweetener, and ice in a shaker.
4. Assemble – Add pearls to a glass, pour in tea mixture, and serve.

That’s your foolproof bubble tea recipe to enjoy at home.

Making bubble tea at home gives you complete control over flavor, sweetness, and toppings. You can experiment with different tea bases, from bold black teas to refreshing jasmine or earthy matcha, to create your own signature drink. 

Adjusting the sugar levels also makes the drink healthier and more personalized, something cafés like Kongsi Tea Bar also offer their customers. Whether you prefer a creamy milk tea or a fruity iced version, this simple recipe to make bubble tea can be customized endlessly.

Another advantage of preparing bubble tea recipes at home is the ability to use fresh, high-quality ingredients. Instead of relying on artificial powders, you can use freshly brewed tea, real fruit purees, and even homemade syrups. 

For those searching how to make bubble tea at home recipe, this method ensures authenticity, flavor, and fun – all while saving money compared to store-bought drinks. 

With just a few tries, you’ll master the art of making bubble tea at home and enjoy café-quality beverages in your own kitchen.

Are Bubble Tea Healthy?

Bubble tea can be both indulgent and balanced.

• Pros: Tea is rich in antioxidants. Non-dairy milk options make it accessible for different diets.
• Cons: High sugar and calorie content (250-400 per serving) if consumed daily.
• Balanced Choice: Adjust sugar levels, choose plant-based milk, and skip heavy toppings.

What Syrup is Used in Bubble Tea?

Popular options include –

• Brown Sugar Syrup – Rich, caramel-like flavor.
• Fruit Syrups – Strawberry, mango, lychee, blueberry.
• Honey Syrup – Natural sweetness.
• Vanilla/Caramel Syrup – Indulgent café-style options.

When making bubble tea recipes at home, you can create simple syrup by boiling equal parts sugar and water until dissolved.

Popular Variations of Bubble Tea Recipe

The beauty of bubble tea is its versatility. Popular variations include –

• Classic Milk Tea – Black tea with milk and pearls.
• Thai Bubble Tea – Thai tea mix, condensed milk, and pearls.
• Fruit Tea – Green tea base with fruit syrups.
• Matcha Bubble Tea – Japanese ceremonial matcha with milk and pearls.
• Brown Sugar Boba – Caramelized pearls in brown sugar syrup.

Each variation builds on the same bubble tea recipe with slight twists.

Kongsi Tea Bar – India’s #1 Multi-Award-Winning Authentic Thai Bubble Tea Brand

Beyond making bubble tea at home, if you want to experience the most authentic version in India, Kongsi Tea Bar is the gold standard.

• Founded in 2021 in Phuket, Thailand, now with 120+ outlets in Thailand. Expanded into India  with 10+ outlets in Bangalore and Surat.
• Plans to scale to 100+ outlets nationwide by next year.
• Winner of multiple awards – ET Hospitality World, Restaurant Awards, and Food Connoisseurs India Awards.

By sourcing all key ingredients from Thailand and beyond, Kongsi ensures that every drink served in India mirrors the authentic taste of its Phuket origins. 

With a menu of 65+ beverages, including vegan-friendly and non-caffeinated options, Kongsi has truly democratized bubble tea for Indian consumers.

This makes Kongsi Tea Bar not just a franchise, but a multi-award-winning authentic Thai bubble tea brand redefining café culture in India. For anyone curious about a bubble tea recipe or eager to try a perfectly balanced boba recipe without making it themselves, Kongsi offers a ready solution. 

Every beverage, whether it’s the iconic Thai milk tea, refreshing fruit blends, or indulgent matcha creations, is carefully crafted to meet global quality standards while appealing to local Indian tastes. Customers can even choose their preferred sweetness levels, making the experience both authentic and customizable.

By combining imported Thai tea leaves, premium tapioca pearls, and innovative flavors, Kongsi Tea Bar has built a loyal customer base. It stands as the best example of how an authentic bubble tea recipe can evolve into a successful café chain while staying true to its roots.

Conclusion

The bubble tea recipe is simple, fun, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re exploring bubble tea at home with a DIY approach or visiting a café like Kongsi Tea Bar, one thing is certain – this drink offers a world of flavors and experiences.

From understanding what are the ingredients in bubble tea to learning how to make a boba step by step, you now have the knowledge to make your own authentic version – or enjoy it from India’s #1 Thai bubble tea brand.

Try your hand at making bubble tea today – or visit Kongsi Tea Bar to taste authentic, award-winning Thai bubble tea crafted fresh in India. Don’t forget to share your boba moments on Instagram – bubble tea isn’t just a drink, it’s a lifestyle worth posting.