Green Milk Tea recipe: Matcha Boba Tea (hot or iced)

Indulge in Delightful Matcha Milk Tea: A Versatile Recipe for Any Season

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Milk tea recipe – Get ready to experience the perfect balance of earthy matcha and creamy milk with our Matcha Milk Tea recipe. Whether you prefer it steaming hot on a chilly morning or refreshingly cold on a sunny afternoon, this recipe is designed to satisfy your cravings with ease. 

Matcha boba tea has become an immensely popular beverage choice, especially in recent times, and you just need one sip to understand why. This delicious Green Milk Tea is refreshing, slightly sweet and irresistibly good! Originating from Taiwan, boba tea, also known as bubble tea, traditionally features sweetened black tea. However, the rising popularity of matcha has led to a surge in matcha boba tea offerings across cafes and tea shops.

This vibrant drink combines the earthy and slightly bitter notes of matcha powder with creamy milk, perfectly balanced with just the right amount of sweetness. The addition of chewy tapioca pearls adds a fun texture that enhances the overall drinking experience. Whether enjoyed warm or over ice, green boba tea isn’t just delicious; it’s also visually appealing, making it an impressive choice to serve guests or enjoy yourself any time of the year.

The best Matcha Green milk Tea Recipe

Discover the simple steps to create a delightful matcha boba tea with perfectly balanced flavors and chewy tapioca pearls right in your kitchen. This gluten-free and vegan-friendly recipe is easier than you might imagine!

Start by whisking vibrant green matcha powder into hot water until it’s frothy and dissolved, releasing its antioxidant-rich goodness. Once the green tea powder is dissolved you are ready to make a delicious iced matcha latte recipe or turn the fine powder into a hot matcha lover dream tea. 

Now, blend in your choice of milk—whether it’s dairy or plant-based like oat or almond milk—to create a velvety-smooth base that enhances the matcha’s natural sweetness.

For a hot version, gently heat the milk to just below boiling before combining with the matcha mixture. Sweeten to taste with maple syrup, sugar, or your preferred sweetener for a touch of indulgence that complements the robust matcha flavor.

If you prefer a chilled treat, simply pour the matcha milk tea over a generous amount of ice cubes and stir until cold. Adjust the sweetness and texture to your liking, making it the ultimate pick-me-up for any time of day. Add delicious crunchy boba pearls to make it the ultimate green tea latte! 

This recipe not only promises a deliciously creamy and energizing drink but also offers versatility in preparation, ensuring you can enjoy the rejuvenating flavors of matcha milk tea exactly how you like it, whenever you crave it. Whether you’re a matcha enthusiast or new to the trend, this recipe is sure to become a favorite for its simplicity, flavor, and adaptability to your mood and weather.

Why this is the best milk tea flavor 

Imagine starting with vibrant green matcha powder, known for its earthy and slightly sweet flavor profile that’s also packed with antioxidants. When you mix it with just the right amount of hot water, it creates this concentrated tea base that forms the heart of the drink, ensuring every sip is filled with that distinctive matcha goodness.

Then, you add creamy milk—whether it’s dairy or a plant-based option like oat milk—to balance out the slight bitterness of the matcha. This combination creates a smooth, velvety texture that feels indulgent yet refreshing at the same time.

To sweeten things up a bit (if you like), a touch of maple syrup or your preferred sweetener does the trick, enhancing the flavor without overpowering the delicate taste of the matcha. A simple syrup is perfect to add a little sweetness to the refreshing drink.

Whether you enjoy your matcha tea warm and comforting or over ice for a cool pearl milk tea treat, this matcha green milk tea offers a unique and satisfying flavor experience that’s both comforting and energizing. It’s the perfect blend of tradition and modern taste, making it a favorite for matcha enthusiasts and milk tea lovers alike! 

Best tea for milk tea

When choosing the best tea for milk tea, it’s important to select a tea that complements the creamy texture of milk and allows its flavors to shine through. Here are some excellent options:

1. Black Tea: Known for its robust and malty flavor, black tea is a classic choice for milk tea. It stands up well to milk and sugar, creating a rich and comforting beverage. Assam and Ceylon teas are popular varieties.

2. Earl Grey: A black tea infused with bergamot oil, Earl Grey offers a fragrant and slightly citrusy flavor that pairs beautifully with milk. It adds a touch of sophistication to your milk tea.

3. Oolong Tea: With its diverse range of flavors from floral to fruity, oolong teas adds complexity to milk tea. It has a smooth and slightly sweet profile that blends well with milk without overpowering it.

4. Green Tea: For a lighter and more refreshing option, green tea can be used in milk tea. It provides a grassy and vegetal flavor that contrasts nicely with the creaminess of milk. Jasmine tea bags make a delicious jasmine milk tea boba alternative to iced matcha latte. 

5. Chai Tea: A blend of black tea with spices like cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves, chai tea offers a warm and aromatic experience in milk tea. It’s perfect for those who enjoy a spicy and flavorful drink.

6. Matcha: Known for its vibrant green color and earthy flavor, matcha powder makes a unique and antioxidant-rich milk tea. It’s whisked into milk rather than steeped, resulting in a creamy and frothy beverage.

Choose a tea based on your preference for flavor intensity, aroma, and whether you prefer a classic or more adventurous twist on your milk tea experience. Adjust the amount of tea and steeping time according to your taste to achieve the perfect balance of flavors.

Matcha Milk Tea recipe ingredients 

You only need a few ingredients to make the best Easy Green Milk Tea: Matcha Boba bubble Tea recipe! You don’t need a lot of complex ingredients to make this delicious drink. A few simple ingredients that you can get at most well stocked grocery stores or Asian supermarkets and you’re ready to make this easy recipe!

Ingredients for Green Milk Tea

    1.    Matcha Powder (2-4 teaspoons):  opt for a high-quality matcha powder or ceremonial grade matcha to make the best homemade matcha bubble tea! This vibrant green powder is the star of the show, imparting a rich, earthy flavor and providing a boost of antioxidants. Opt for culinary-grade matcha powder to make a higher quality of this popular drink! Your taste buds will thank you. 

    2.    Hot Water (1/4 cup): Used to dissolve the matcha powder, creating a concentrated tea base that forms the backbone of your drink’s flavor profile.

    3.    Milk (1 cup, dairy or plant-based like oat milk): Adds creaminess and balances the slightly bitter notes of matcha, creating a smooth and satisfying texture. Creamy oat milk make an amazing base for homemade matcha milk tea. You can use any non-dairy milk or your preferred milk of choice to make the best matcha bubble tea recipe!

    4.    Maple Syrup, Sugar, or Sweetener (1-2 tablespoons): Optional but recommended for sweetness. Adjust to taste to enhance the flavor without overpowering the delicate matcha taste. You can use any type of sweetener you prefer, from simple syrup to agave nectar to my favorite maple syrup to make your favorite tea taste as sweet as you like. It’s easy to adjust the sweetener to your personal preferences. 

    5.    Ice (1 cup, for cold version): Essential for transforming the warm matcha milk tea into a refreshing cold beverage, perfect for hot days or a quick pick-me-up.

    6.    Tapioca Pearls (1/3 cup): These chewy pearls add a fun texture to the drink, making each sip a delightful experience. They’re cooked separately and added to the tea base. The chewy tapioca balls are optional, but they are the perfect treat to add to your green tea boba on hot summer days!

By using these ingredients, you’ll create a delicious Green Milk Tea that’s not only flavorful but also packed with health benefits from the matcha powder. Whether you prefer it hot or cold, this recipe offers a refreshing twist on traditional tea drinks, perfect for any occasion.

Vegan milk tea recipe ingredients 

The ingredients in this Green Milk Tea recipe are naturally vegan-friendly, with the exception of the milk. Matcha powder, hot water, maple syrup (or vegan sweetener of your choice), and tapioca pearls are all plant-based ingredients. To ensure this recipe remains vegan, opt for dairy-free milk alternatives such as almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk. For vegan maple syrup, look for brands that specifically label their syrup as vegan, or choose alternative sweeteners like agave syrup or coconut nectar. When selecting tapioca pearls, check labels for those made from tapioca starch or cassava, as these are typically vegan-friendly. This way, you can enjoy a delicious and cruelty-free Green Milk Tea that suits your dietary preferences.

Vegan milk tea recipe ingredients tip: 

For a rich and creamy matcha boba tea, I recommend using Oatly Full Fat Oat Milk. Its naturally sweet flavor complements the bitterness of matcha perfectly, and its thick texture ensures a smooth, satisfying drink without being watery.

If you prefer, you can also substitute almond milk, soy milk, or dairy milk to suit your taste and dietary preferences. Each option offers a unique flavor profile, allowing you to customize your matcha boba tea experience.

Green milk tea recipe 

Indulge in the refreshing flavors of our Green Matcha Milk Tea with Tapioca Pearls! This delightful recipe combines the earthy richness of matcha powder with creamy milk, sweetened to perfection. Whether enjoyed warm on a cozy day or served over ice for a refreshing treat, this versatile beverage is sure to satisfy your cravings for a taste of both tradition and innovation.

How to make matcha milk tea

How to Cook Tapioca Pearls for Boba Tea:

1. Boil Water: Start by boiling a small pot of water until it reaches a vigorous boil.

2. Add Tapioca Pearls: Carefully add 1/3 cup (80 grams) of tapioca pearls to the boiling water. Stir occasionally to prevent the pearls from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

3. Cook According to Package Instructions: Follow the instructions on the package for cooking time, typically simmering for about 10-15 minutes until the pearls are tender yet chewy.

4. Drain and Rinse: Once cooked, drain the tapioca pearls and rinse them gently with cold tap water to halt the cooking process and remove excess starch.

5. Prepare Glasses: Divide the cooked tapioca pearls evenly into two glasses, ready to be used in your delicious boba tea creation.

How to make Green Milk Tea Instructions:

    1.    Prepare the Matcha:

• Sift 2 teaspoons (4 grams) of matcha powder into a bowl to remove any lumps.
• Add 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) of hot water (not boiling, around 175°F or 80°C) to the matcha powder.
• Whisk vigorously in a zigzag motion until the matcha is fully dissolved and frothy.

    2.    Warm Matcha Milk Tea:

• Heat 1 cup (240 milliliters) of milk in a saucepan over medium heat until it’s warm but not boiling.
• Pour the warm milk into the bowl with the prepared matcha.
• Add 1-2 tablespoons (12-24 grams) of sugar or your preferred sweetener, if desired. Stir until fully dissolved.
• Pour the matcha milk tea into a mug and enjoy warm.

    3.    Cold Matcha Milk Tea:

• Prepare the matcha as described above.
• Fill a glass with 1 cup (240 grams) of ice.
• Pour 1 cup (240 milliliters) of cold milk over the ice.
• Add the prepared matcha to the glass.
• Sweeten with 1-2 tablespoons (12-24 grams) of sugar or sweetener if desired, and stir well.
• Enjoy your refreshing cold matcha milk tea.

Optional:

    •    For added flavor, you can blend in a splash of vanilla extract or a sprinkle of cinnamon.

This versatile matcha milk tea recipe can be enjoyed both warm and cold, making it perfect for any season. Enjoy the earthy, vibrant taste of matcha combined with the creamy goodness of milk, sweetened to your liking.

Best milk tea tips and tricks 

Tip: Avoid overcooking the tapioca pearls. It’s crucial to follow the package instructions closely. For WuFuYuan Black Tapioca Pearls, I recommend boiling them for 2 minutes, then turning off the heat and letting them sit for another 2 minutes to achieve a perfect chewy texture.

Boba Tip: Sweeten your tapioca pearls for that authentic boba shop flavor. Typically, after cooking tapioca pearls at home, it’s recommended to marinate them in a sugar syrup for about 30 minutes to infuse sweetness. 

For a quicker method, I add the cooked tapioca pearls directly into individual serving glasses along with some maple syrup. Let them sit for a few minutes to absorb the syrup. This shortcut still yields deliciously sweet tapioca pearls without the extra waiting time.

Matcha Tip: Optimize your matcha preparation for optimal flavor. To maintain a concentrated taste, I recommend using minimal hot water when dissolving matcha powder. For instance, 2 tablespoons of hot water effectively dissolve 2 teaspoons of matcha, while adding a third tablespoon facilitates easier pouring. This ensures your matcha retains its robust flavor, especially important when preparing chilled beverages with ice.

Tip for Matcha Powder: For a richer matcha drink, aim for about 2 teaspoons of matcha powder per serving when making matcha boba tea with 1 cup of milk. If you’re unsure about the intensity, starting with 1 1/2 teaspoons of matcha powder provides a balanced starting point. Adjust according to your preference for a more robust matcha flavor.

Tip for Dissolving Matcha Powder: Investing in a bamboo matcha whisk is essential for effortlessly dissolving matcha powder, ensuring a smooth and well-blended tea. This traditional tool ensures thorough dissolution and enhances the matcha’s flavor profile. Alternatively, if you’re making a larger batch, using a blender directly with milk can be efficient and effective. Avoid using spoons or forks, as they may not dissolve the powder adequately, leading to separation when combined with milk. Properly dissolved matcha powder ensures a consistent and enjoyable matcha milk tea experience.

Delicious green milk tea recipe flavor variations 

Here are some delicious flavor variations to elevate your matcha milk tea:

    1.    Vanilla Matcha Milk Tea: Add a splash of vanilla extract or vanilla syrup to enhance the creamy sweetness of the milk and complement the earthy matcha flavor.

    2.    Honey Matcha Milk Tea: Substitute maple syrup with honey for a natural sweetness and a hint of floral aroma that pairs beautifully with matcha.

    3.    Coconut Matcha Milk Tea: Use coconut milk instead of regular milk for a tropical twist. The creamy coconut flavor adds richness and complements the grassy notes of matcha.

    4.    Mint Matcha Milk Tea: Infuse fresh mint leaves into the milk while heating for a refreshing and herbaceous flavor that balances the bitterness of matcha.

    5.    Chocolate Matcha Milk Tea: Stir in a tablespoon of cocoa powder or chocolate syrup for a decadent treat. The combination of chocolate and matcha creates a unique and indulgent flavor profile.

    6.    Almond Matcha Milk Tea: Substitute almond milk for a nutty undertone that enhances the earthiness of matcha. Add a drop of almond extract for extra flavor depth.

    7.    Spiced Matcha Milk Tea: Mix in a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or chai spice blend for a warming and aromatic twist on traditional matcha milk tea.

More delicious bubble tea flavors

    8.    Fruity Matcha Milk Tea: Blend in fresh or frozen berries like strawberries or raspberries for a fruity burst of flavor. You can also use fruit-flavored syrups or purees for convenience.

    9.    Matcha Bubble Tea: Add cooked tapioca pearls (boba) to your matcha milk tea for a chewy texture and fun bubble tea experience. Serve it with a wide straw to enjoy both the drink and pearls together.

These variations allow you to customize your matcha milk tea according to your taste preferences and seasonal inspirations, creating endless possibilities for enjoying this delightful beverage.

How to make Matcha Milk tea recipe in advance 

Preparing Matcha Boba Tea in Advance: Here’s a helpful method to prepare matcha boba tea ahead of time:

1. Matcha and Milk Mixture: Blend matcha powder with milk and refrigerate. This can save time when assembling your drink later.

2. Tapioca Pearls Storage: Cook tapioca pearls according to package instructions. Instant pearls can be stored at room temperature for a few hours, while regular pearls can be stored for up to a day. Avoid refrigerating pearls in maple syrup or sugar syrup, as they can become stiff.

This method ensures your matcha boba tea is ready to assemble quickly while maintaining the desired texture and flavors of both the matcha mixture and tapioca pearls.

How to store leftover matcha milk tea recipe 

Storing Leftover Matcha Milk Tea:

1. Refrigeration: If you have leftover matcha milk tea, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. Matcha can oxidize and lose its freshness quickly, so consume it within 24 hours for the best taste.

2. Avoid Freezing: It’s not recommended to freeze matcha milk tea as it can alter the texture and taste of both the matcha and milk.

3. Reheating: If you prefer to drink leftover matcha milk tea warm, gently reheat it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid boiling to prevent curdling of the milk.

4. Refreshing: Before serving leftover matcha milk tea, give it a stir or shake to recombine any settled ingredients and ensure an even flavor profile.

By storing leftover matcha milk tea properly in the refrigerator and avoiding freezing, you can enjoy its fresh flavors for a short period after preparation.

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Green milk tea Recipe FAQ

What to serve with Matcha Milk Tea

You might like some of these crowd pleasers to go with your tasty Green milk tea recipe:

• Vegan Saffron buns
• The best vegan Pretzels
• Vegan blueberry cheesecake
• Delicious vegan Crepes
• The best vegan chocolate chip cookies
• Matcha tea energy bites

More drinks recipes you might like – dairy-free ideas

• Easy vegan 10-minute Starbucks copycat Pumpkin Spice Latte 
• The best easy vegan hot chocolate 
• Immune System boosting drink
• Cashew coffee creamer recipe: best vegan coffee creamer

Looking for an easy homemade gift idea? Try making my crowd-pleaser fan favorite dairy-free and vegan hot chocolate in a jar gift 

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