Jasmine milk tea is a popular choice among bubble tea lovers, and now you can easily make it at home! Combine jasmine tea, creamy milk, a touch of maple syrup for a little sweetness, and boba pearls, and you’ve got yourself a delicious and soothing bubble milk tea!
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I’m at it again with another bubble milk tea recipe! It is so fun to experiment with new flavors. After making fun flavors like banana boba tea, mango bubble tea, and strawberry milk tea, I’m switching to the classics to make this jasmine milk tea.
What is jasmine milk tea?
Jasmine milk tea is a type of bubble tea made by combining jasmine-infused tea with milk and a sweetener. The floral notes of jasmine tea create a smooth base, while the addition of boba pearls gives it a fun and chewy texture.
If you’re not a fan of super sweet bubble teas, jasmine milk tea is a great option. This drink is a wonderful balance of tea, creaminess, and is subtly sweet without being overpowering.
Types of jasmine tea
There are several types of jasmine tea to choose from, each offering a slightly different flavor profile:
- Jasmine Green Tea — This is the most prevalent type. Green tea leaves are layered with jasmine blossoms, allowing the tea to absorb the floral aroma.
- Jasmine Pearl Tea (Dragon Pearl Tea) — A premium variety where young tea leaves and buds are hand-rolled into small “pearls.” These pearls are then scented with jasmine. This process results in a more concentrated jasmine aroma and flavor.
- Jasmine White Tea — A more delicate variety using white tea as the base. This combines the subtle flavors of white tea with the sweet jasmine scent. This is generally a more delicate flavor profile.
- Jasmine Herbal Tea — This is a great caffeine-free option. Instead of tea leaves, jasmine blossoms are blended with other herbs like chamomile or mint.
Essentially, the “type” of jasmine tea is most often dictated by the base tea that is used in the scenting process. I used jasmine green tea in this recipe but you’re welcome to use your favorite!
What is boba?
Boba, or tapioca pearls, are small, chewy balls made from tapioca starch. They are cooked and sweetened to add texture and a mild sweetness to milk teas. Boba pearls originated in Taiwan and are what puts the “bubble” in bubble tea drinks.
Why you’ll love this milk tea recipe
- Super soothing — This jasmine tea provides a naturally floral and calming scent.
- Perfectly refreshing — Served over ice, this drink is a great way to cool down.
- Easy to make — Just a handful of ingredients and 15 minutes to make it!
- Customizable — Use your favorite jasmine tea base, adjust the sweetness level to your liking, and make it as creamy as you prefer with different milk bases.
I love making milk teas at home because they’re more affordable, and I can make it exactly how I like it every time!
Ingredients
- Jasmine Tea – The key to this drink’s floral aroma. Choose high-quality jasmine tea for the best flavor.
- Tapioca Pearls – Provides a chewy contrast to the smooth tea. Use freshly cooked boba pearls for the best texture.
- Maple Syrup or Sweetener of Choice – Adds a natural sweetness to balance the tea’s slight bitterness.
- Milk of Choice – Soy milk works well for a creamy texture, but any milk can be used.
For full quantities and measurements, scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
How to make jasmine milk tea
If you’re a visual learner like me, here’s the process with step-by-step photos. As always, the full recipe is in the printable recipe card below.
Step 1: Steep the jasmine tea bags in hot water for 3 minutes. Remove the tea bags and let the tea cool.
Step 2: Cook the tapioca pearls according to package instructions. Rinse them with cold water and mix with maple syrup.
Step 3: Divide the boba pearls into serving glasses, add ice cubes, pour in the cooled jasmine tea, and top with milk.
Step 4: Stir well and enjoy!
Tips
- For a creamier texture, use full-fat coconut milk.
- If the tea is too strong, reduce the steeping time slightly.
- Sweeten to taste, adding more or less maple syrup based on preference.
- Cook only as much boba pearls as you plan to use immediately, as they tend to harden over time.
Boba substitutes
If you don’t have tapioca pearls, try these alternatives:
- Chia Seeds — Creates a pudding-like texture when soaked, hence chia seed pudding. But if you just add a couple of tablespoons, like this chia agua fresca, it adds a nice thickening element to milk tea.
- Aloe Vera Cubes — Lightly sweet and refreshing.
- Fruit Jelly — Adds a fruity burst to your milk tea. Trader Joe’s makes a good one with real fruit extracts and pectin instead of gelatin.
How to store
Jasmine milk tea is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store any leftover tea in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Keep the boba pearls separate and only mix them in when ready to serve. Note: Boba pearls do harden over time so I wouldn’t use them past 24 hours.
FAQs
Yes! Simply use one teaspoon of loose leaf jasmine tea per cup of hot water and strain after steeping.
Soy, almond, or oat milk work well but coconut milk provides the creamiest texture.
You can steep the tea in advance and chill it, but prepare the boba fresh for the best texture.
If you tried this jasmine milk tea, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below!
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Jasmine Milk Tea
Ingredients
- 2 bags jasmine tea
- ½ cup cooked tapioca pearls
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup or sweetener of choice like agave syrup
- 1 cup milk of choice I used soy milk
- Ice cubes for serving
Instructions
- Steep the jasmine tea bags in a cup of hot water for 3 minutes. Remove the tea bags and set aside to cool.2 bags jasmine tea
- Meanwhile, prepare the tapioca pearls according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the boba and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Transfer to a bowl and stir in the maple syrup to sweeten.½ cup cooked tapioca pearls, 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- Divide the boba pearls into glasses, followed by ice cubes, the cooled tea, and the milk. Stir to combine and enjoy!1 cup milk of choice, Ice cubes
Notes
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