Taiwanese bubble tea has captivated taste buds worldwide with its unique and robust flavor. If you’re in Taiwan, don’t miss the chance to savor a cup of authentic bubble tea! Join us as we explore two traditional brewing methods that will elevate your bubble tea experience.
1 Essential Ingredients for Authentic Bubble Tea
Tea
The heart of bubble tea lies in the tea itself. While there’s a wide variety available, the most popular choices for bubble tea are green tea, black tea, and oolong tea.
Each tea variety offers a distinct flavor profile, significantly influencing the overall taste and quality of the bubble tea, depending on personal preference.
Milk
Another cornerstone ingredient is milk. Milk is a versatile and nutritious staple enjoyed by all ages, used not only as a beverage but also in cooking and baking.
Popular milk options for bubble tea include condensed milk, fresh milk, and sterilized milk.
Find fresh milk at Bách Hoá XANH:
Toppings
Bubble tea is incomplete without its signature toppings. Today, a vast array of toppings is creatively paired with bubble tea, enhancing its visual and textural appeal.
Popular toppings include: tapioca pearls, egg pudding, konjac jelly, agar jelly, cheese jelly, and panna cotta jelly.
Powders
Essential powders for crafting delicious bubble tea include creamer or milk powder, which add richness and creaminess to the drink.
Other popular powders include matcha, taro, and bamboo charcoal powder.
Explore more: Top 10 creamer powders for bubble tea loved by many
Essential Flavorings
Elevate your bubble tea with flavorings for an extra layer of aroma. Popular options include strawberry, orange, mint, and peach.
2 Traditional Bubble Tea Brewing Method
Preparation
10 minutes Cooking
15 minutes Serves
3 people
Ingredients for Traditional Bubble Tea
-
500ml water
-
500ml unsweetened fresh milk
-
70g brown sugar
Tip: You can substitute black tea with any loose tea or tea bags you prefer. Purchase from reputable sources and check the expiration date. If brown sugar is unavailable, brown sugar syrup works just as well.
Steps to Make Traditional Bubble Tea Without Toppings
Boil 500ml of water, then add 20g of black tea. Simmer on medium heat for 5 minutes.
After simmering, add 70g of brown sugar and stir until dissolved. Once the mixture boils again, add 500ml of unsweetened fresh milk. Continue stirring until the mixture is nearly boiling, then turn off the heat.
Strain the tea to remove the leaves. Let it cool, then transfer to a jar and refrigerate.
Bubble tea is best served cold. Add ice and toppings like tapioca pearls or jelly for an enhanced experience. The rich aroma of black tea, sweet brown sugar, and creamy milk create a delightful treat. The method is simple, so give it a try for your family!
Explore more: 11 ways to make tapioca pearls for bubble tea at home
3 Oolong Milk Tea Brewing Method
Preparation
15 minutes Brewing
10 minutes Serves
5-6 people
Ingredients for Oolong Milk Tea
-
35g oolong tea
-
120g milk powder
-
120g granulated sugar
-
1000ml hot water
-
Ice cubes
Steps to Brew Oolong Milk Tea
Place oolong tea in a teapot with 1000ml of hot water at 90-95°C, cover, and steep for 15-20 minutes. Strain the tea, discarding the leaves, and retain the liquid.
Note: Steep for 15-20 minutes only. Longer steeping may make the tea bitter and less aromatic.
In a large pitcher, combine the tea with 120g of milk powder and 120g of sugar. Stir until well blended. Add ice and serve immediately.
Enjoy authentic Taiwanese oolong milk tea with tapioca pearls or your favorite toppings for added delight.
Store the tea in the refrigerator and consume within 1-2 days. Its rich flavor and creamy texture are perfect for social distancing days.
Explore more: Simple ways to make various flavored bubble teas at home
4 Storing Bubble Tea
At room temperature, bubble tea lasts 5-8 hours. For longer storage, refrigerate at 10-15°C for 2-3 days.
When storing, avoid adding ice and keep toppings separate to maintain flavor and quality.
5 Common Questions About Traditional Bubble Tea
Does drinking bubble tea cause weight gain?
Bubble tea contains tea and creamy milk. A 500ml serving provides 60-70g of sugar and 500 calories, which can lead to rapid weight gain if consumed frequently.
How long does bubble tea last?
At room temperature, bubble tea lasts 5-8 hours; refrigerated, it lasts 2-3 days. For best quality, consume immediately after preparation.
We hope these tips help you successfully make traditional and oolong bubble tea to enjoy with delicious toppings and share with your loved ones!
