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Iced jasmine milk tea served in a clear glass, topped with glossy boba pearls.

Jasmine Milk Tea (& 5-Minute Boiled Boba)

Fragrant jasmine milk tea paired with chewy boba — creamy, floral, and perfectly sweet. A refreshing homemade treat for any milk tea lover!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: Chinese
Servings: 2 servings
Author: Cielle

Ingredients

Boba pearls

  • 100 g tapioca starch ¾ cup
  • 30 g brown sugar (or granulated sugar) 2 tbsps
  • 20 g cacao powder ⅕ cup
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 180 ml water ¾ cup
  • 1 tbsp sugar or honey to mix with the boba after cooking

For the Jasmine Milk Tea

  • 8 g jasmine loose-leaf tea 2 tbsps
  • 300 ml hot water (80–85 °C / 176–185 °F) 1¼ cups
  • 400 ml full-cream milk 1⅔ cups
  • 50 g granulated sugar ¼ cup
  • 45 g condensed milk 3 tbsps

Instructions

Make the Boba Pearls

  • In a small nonstick saucepan, whisk together tapioca starch, water, sugar, cacao powder, and salt, then strain to remove any lumps.
  • Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly until it thickens into a sticky, mochi-like dough.
  • Transfer the hot dough onto a surface generously dusted with tapioca starch. Once it’s cool enough to handle, knead until smooth and no longer sticky. When the dough feels firm and elastic, roll it flat with a rolling pin.
  • Cut the dough into thin strips, then slice into small, rustic chunks — about your desired boba size. If they get sticky, dust with a bit more tapioca starch and toss to keep them from clumping.
  • Shake off any excess starch using a sieve. Cook right away or freeze in small portions for later.

Cook the Boba Pearls

  • Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil. Add the boba and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Drain, then toss the warm pearls with sugar or honey to keep them soft and slightly sweet.

Make the Jasmine Milk Tea

  • Heat water to 80–85 °C (176–185 °F) and pour over the jasmine tea leaves.
  • Cover and steep for 15 minutes to draw out the delicate floral aroma.
  • Strain the tea, then stir in condensed milk and sugar until dissolved. Add full-cream milk and mix gently.
  • Pour over ice, top with chewy boba pearls, and enjoy this fragrant, creamy treat!
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!