Boba Coffee “Bubble Coffee”

Are you a coffee lover who also enjoys the chewy goodness of bubble tea? Then you’re going to love boba coffee! Also known as coffee with boba or coffee milk tea, this drink is a delicious fusion of bold coffee, creamy milk, and chewy tapioca pearls.

Iced coffee bubble tea is taking the world by storm. It combines the rich taste of coffee with the fun, chewy texture of boba pearls. Plus, it’s super easy to make at home, saving you time and money.

In this ultimate guide, you’ll learn everything about milk tea coffee recipes, from their origins to how you can make it in just 15 minutes!

What is Boba Coffee?

Boba coffee is the best of both worlds: a refreshing coffee-based drink with the signature tapioca pearls found in bubble tea. Traditionally, bubble tea is made with black or green tea, but this version swaps tea for coffee, making it a dream drink for caffeine lovers.

Imagine sipping on a glass of iced, creamy coffee and then getting that chewy, bouncy texture from the boba pearls—sounds amazing, right?

The beauty of boba coffee is that you can customize it. Want a strong, espresso-based drink? Go for it. Prefer something sweeter? Add vanilla or brown sugar syrup. The possibilities are endless!

Why You’ll Love This Coffee Boba Drink

• Quick & Easy: You can whip it up in just 15 minutes.
• Perfect for Leftover Coffee: Got cold coffee from this morning? Turn it into a fun boba drink!
• Affordable: No need to spend $$$ at cafes—you can make it at home.
• Customizable: Adjust the sweetness, milk type, and coffee strength to your liking.
• Great for Entertaining: Impress your friends with a homemade iced coffee bubble tea!

What is Tapioca Pearl?

Tapioca pearls, also known as boba, are the chewy, marble-sized balls that make bubble tea special. They’re made from tapioca starch, water, and sugar, giving them a gummy-like texture.

Originally from Taiwan, these pearls were first added to tea drinks, creating what we now call bubble tea. However, over time, different variations emerged—including the amazing coffee version!

Boba pearls come in different types:

• Black Tapioca Pearls: The most common type, often sweetened with brown sugar.
• White Tapioca Pearls: Made without food coloring, giving them a more translucent appearance.
• Flavored Boba: Some pearls are infused with fruit flavors like mango or lychee.

If you have time, you can even make your tapioca pearls at home! But for convenience, store-bought instant boba pearls work great.

What You’ll Need to Make Boba Coffee at Home

Here’s what you need to create your milk tea coffee recipe at home:

Looking for a perfect brunch pairing? Enjoy your boba coffee with warm and fluffy Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins!

How to Make Boba Coffee (Step-by-Step)

Now that you know what boba coffee is and what you need, it’s time to make your coffee with boba at home! Whether you’re using instant boba or traditional tapioca pearls, this easy recipe will have you sipping a delicious iced coffee bubble tea in no time.

Step 1: Cook the Boba Pearls

If you’re using instant tapioca pearls, follow the instructions on the package. However, if you’re working with traditional pearls, follow these steps:

1. Bring 5 cups of water to a boil in a large pot.
2. Add ¾ cup of tapioca pearls, stirring gently to prevent them from sticking together.
3. Cook for about 5-7 minutes (or until the pearls become soft and float to the top).
4. Turn off the heat, drain the pearls, and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process.
5. Transfer them to a bowl and mix with 2 tablespoons of honey or brown sugar syrup for extra flavor.

Pro Tip: Serve the pearls immediately for the best chewy texture. If they sit too long, they may harden.

Step 2: Brew the Coffee

The type of coffee you use will determine the flavor of your coffee milk tea. Here are some great options:

• Cold Brew Coffee: Steep coarsely ground coffee in cold water for 12-24 hours for a smooth, less acidic taste.
• Espresso: If you love strong coffee, make a double shot of espresso.
• Instant Coffee: Quick and easy—just dissolve 1-2 teaspoons of instant coffee in hot water and let it cool.

Pro Tip: If you want a creamier drink, you can mix your coffee with milk before assembling.

Step 3: Assemble the Drink

Now comes the fun part—putting everything together!

1. Add boba pearls: Spoon about 3 tablespoons of sweetened tapioca pearls into the bottom of a tall glass.
2. Fill with ice: Add a handful of ice cubes for a chilled drink.
3. Pour the coffee: Slowly pour your brewed coffee over the ice.
4. Add milk: Top with your preferred milk (dairy or plant-based).
5. Sweeten (optional): Add vanilla syrup, honey, or brown sugar syrup to taste.
6. Stir and enjoy! Use a wide straw to sip both the coffee and the chewy boba pearls.

Looking for a unique milk alternative? Learn more in Can You Blend Cottage Cheese to Make Cream Cheese?

Boba Coffee Recipe

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

Variations of Coffee Milk Tea

Want to switch things up? Here are some tasty variations to try:

1. Vietnamese Iced Boba Coffee

Inspired by Vietnamese iced coffee, this version uses strong coffee and sweetened condensed milk for a creamy, rich flavor.

• Replace regular milk with sweetened condensed milk.
• Use strong Vietnamese coffee or espresso.
• Skip additional sweeteners—condensed milk adds enough sweetness.

2. Brown Sugar Boba Coffee

Brown sugar syrup gives this drink a deep caramelized flavor, making it extra indulgent.

• Replace honey with thick brown sugar syrup.
• Swirl the brown sugar syrup around the inside of the glass before adding coffee.
• For a bolder flavor, use espresso instead of regular coffee.

3. Dalgona Boba Coffee

If you love whipped coffee, this version combines dalgona coffee with chewy boba.

• Make dalgona coffee by whisking 2 tablespoons of instant coffee, sugar, and hot water until fluffy.
• Layer sweetened boba pearls at the bottom of the glass.
• Add milk and ice, then top with the whipped dalgona coffee.

4. Coffee Matcha Boba

For those who love matcha, this variation combines earthy green tea with bold coffee.

• Make a matcha latte by whisking matcha powder with warm milk.
• Layer sweetened boba pearls at the bottom of the glass.
• Pour matcha latte over ice, then slowly add espresso on top for a beautiful layered effect.

5. Caramel Coffee Boba

Love caramel lattes? This version adds a caramel twist to your coffee boba.

• Drizzle caramel syrup inside the glass before adding ice.
• Mix coffee with milk and caramel syrup.
• Add sweetened boba pearls and enjoy!

How to Store Leftover Cooked Boba

So, you’ve made a batch of delicious coffee with boba, but what if you have extra tapioca pearls? Can you store them for later? The short answer is yes, but they must be stored properly to maintain their soft and chewy texture.

How Long Can Cooked Boba Be Stored?

Freshly cooked boba tastes best when consumed within 4-6 hours. After that, they start to harden and lose their chewiness. However, if you must store them, follow these steps:

Short-Term Storage (Up to 24 Hours)

If you plan to use the boba later the same day, here’s the best way to store them:

1. Transfer the cooked boba to a bowl.
2. Coat them with a little brown sugar syrup or honey to keep them from sticking together.
3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid.
4. Store at room temperature for up to 24 hours. Do not refrigerate, as the cold temperature will make the pearls hard and unappetizing.

Long-Term Storage (Freezing Option)

If you have a large batch and won’t use them within 24 hours, you can freeze them:

1. Spread the cooked boba on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
2. Place the sheet in the freezer for about 1 hour until the boba pearls are firm.
3. Transfer the frozen pearls to an airtight container or freezer bag.
4. When ready to use, boil them in hot water for 2-3 minutes to restore their texture.

Pro Tip: Never store boba pearls in water, as they will dissolve and turn mushy!

Pro Tips for Making the Best Boba Coffee

Want to take your milk tea coffee recipe to the next level? Here are some expert tips to ensure your iced coffee bubble tea turns out perfect every time.

1. Use Freshly Brewed Coffee

For the best flavor, always use freshly brewed coffee instead of day-old coffee. Cold brew, espresso, or strong French press coffee work best because their bold flavors pair well with the sweetness of the boba.

2. Sweeten the Boba Properly

Instead of adding sugar directly to the drink, sweeten the cooked boba pearls with honey, brown sugar syrup, or vanilla syrup. This helps the pearls absorb more flavor and prevents them from tasting bland.

3. Adjust Sweetness to Your Taste

Some people prefer their coffee milk tea less sweet, while others love it extra sugary. Start with a little sweetener and adjust as needed. If you’re using condensed milk, you may not need extra sugar at all.

4. Choose the Right Milk

Your choice of milk will affect the creaminess of the drink. Here are some great options:

• Whole Milk: Adds a rich and creamy texture.
• Almond Milk: A nutty, dairy-free option.
• Oat Milk: Naturally sweet and creamy.
• Coconut Milk: Gives a tropical twist.

5. Don’t Let the Boba Sit Too Long

Boba pearls are best when enjoyed fresh. If they sit in the drink for too long, they can become too soft and lose their chewy texture. Try to drink your coffee with boba within an hour for the best experience.

6. Use a Wide Straw

To fully enjoy the chewy boba pearls, use a wide straw (also known as a bubble tea straw). Standard straws are too narrow, and you’ll struggle to sip the pearls along with the coffee.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though making boba coffee is easy, there are a few common mistakes that can ruin your drink. Avoid these pitfalls for the best results:

1. Boiling the Boba Too Long

Overcooking tapioca pearls can make them too soft and sticky. Follow the package instructions or cook them for no more than 5-7 minutes.

2. Refrigerating Cooked Boba

Never store boba pearls in the fridge! The cold temperature makes them hard and unpleasant to chew. Instead, keep them at room temperature in syrup.

3. Adding Ice Before Boba

Always add boba pearls before adding ice. If you add ice first, the pearls can get stuck at the top, making it harder to drink.

4. Using Weak Coffee

If your coffee is too weak, it won’t stand up to the milk and sweetener. Use strong cold brew, espresso, or dark roast coffee to ensure a bold flavor.

5. Not Stirring Before Drinking

To get an even mix of flavors, give your iced coffee bubble tea a good stir before drinking. This blends the coffee, milk, sweetener, and boba for the perfect sip every time.

Final Thoughts

Boba coffee is a fun, delicious, and easy-to-make drink that combines the best of coffee milk tea, and traditional bubble tea. Whether you prefer a classic coffee boba, a Vietnamese iced boba coffee, or a trendy Dalgona boba coffee, the possibilities are endless!

Now that you have all the tips, tricks, and recipes, it’s time to try making your milk tea coffee recipe at home. Don’t forget to experiment with different variations and share your creations with friends!

Boba Coffee Recipe

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• Author: Ben
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings
• Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A delicious and refreshing fusion of coffee and bubble tea! This creamy iced coffee with chewy tapioca pearls is easy to make at home.

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Ingredients

For the Boba Pearls:

• ¾ cup instant tapioca pearls (boba)
• 5 cups water
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar syrup or honey

For the Coffee:

• 2 cups brewed coffee (cold brew, espresso, or strong instant coffee)
• 200ml milk (whole milk, almond, oat, or coconut)
• 2 tablespoons sweetener (honey, vanilla syrup, or brown sugar syrup)
• 1 cup ice cubes

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Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Boba Pearls

1. In a large pot, bring 5 cups of water to a rolling boil.
2. Add the tapioca pearls and stir gently to prevent them from sticking.
3. Cook for 5-7 minutes or until the pearls float to the surface and become soft.
4. Drain the cooked boba and rinse under cold water.
5. Transfer to a bowl and mix with brown sugar syrup or honey to add sweetness and prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Coffee

1. Brew your coffee using your preferred method:
   • Cold Brew: Steep coarsely ground coffee in cold water overnight.
   • Espresso: Use a coffee machine or moka pot for a strong, bold flavor.
   • Instant Coffee: Dissolve 2 teaspoons of instant coffee in hot water and let it cool.
2. Let the coffee cool completely before assembling the drink.

Step 3: Assemble the Boba Coffee

1. Divide the sweetened boba pearls between two tall glasses.
2. Add ice cubes on top.
3. Pour the brewed coffee over the ice.
4. Add milk of choice for a creamy texture.
5. Stir well, insert a wide straw, and enjoy!

💡 Pro Tips for the Best Boba Coffee:

✔️ Use freshly brewed strong coffee for the best flavor.
✔️ Sweeten the boba pearls instead of the whole drink for a balanced taste.
✔️ Enjoy immediately—boba pearls can harden if left too long!
✔️ Try oat milk for a naturally sweet, creamy alternative.

🍹 Variations to Try:

• Vietnamese Iced Boba Coffee – Use sweetened condensed milk instead of regular milk.
• Brown Sugar Boba Coffee – Drizzle brown sugar syrup inside the glass for extra caramel flavor.
• Matcha Coffee Boba – Layer matcha latte with coffee for a two-toned drink.

 

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Drinks & Beverages
• Method: Stovetop & Mixing
• Cuisine: Asian Fusion

Keywords: Boba Coffee