How to Make Coconut Boba Drink?

Ready to master a coconut boba drink at home? You can easily whip up this treat by cooking tapioca pearls, brewing your favorite tea, and mixing it all with creamy coconut milk. If you use pre-cooked pearls, you could have your drink in just 10 minutes, but making everything from scratch usually takes about 35 minutes. This recipe works great whether you want to impress friends at home or serve customers in your bubble tea shop. Feel free to get creative and make your coconut boba drink just the way you like it. Learning how to make boba is both simple and fun!

Key Takeaways

• Boil a lot of water and cook tapioca pearls. Rinse them so they are chewy and soft. Brew strong black or green tea. Mix the tea with coconut milk in the same amount. This makes the drink creamy and smooth. Add sugar, honey, or stevia to make it sweet. You can add fresh fruit or flavored jellies for more taste. Try whipped coconut cream for extra fun. Pour your drink into a tall glass with a wide straw. Use reusable cups and straws to help the planet.

Ingredients

For Coconut Boba Drink

You do not need many things to make coconut boba drink at home or in a shop. Here is what you should get ready:

• Tapioca pearls (boba)
• Black tea or green tea (loose leaf or tea bags)
• Coconut milk (use full-fat for creamy, or light for less creamy)
• Sweetener (sugar, honey, or any kind you like)
• Ice cubes
• Water

Tip: Coconut milk is perfect if you want a drink without dairy or if you are vegan. You can also pick almond, soy, or oat milk if you want. Tapioca pearls are always vegan, so this recipe fits many diets.

Optional Add-ins

Want your drink to be even better? Try adding these:

• Fresh fruit (like mango, pineapple, or strawberries)
• Fruit syrups or jams
• Chia seeds or basil seeds
• Flavored jellies or popping boba
• Whipped coconut cream on top

Here is a quick chart for milk choices for different diets:

Equipment

You do not need special tools for this recipe. Just use:

• Medium saucepan (for cooking pearls)
• Strainer or slotted spoon
• Large glass or cup
• Spoon or straw (wide enough for boba)
• Kettle or pot (for brewing tea)
• Measuring cups and spoons

With these things, you can start making your coconut boba drink. You can change the milk or sweetener to match your taste or diet.

Coconut Boba Drink Recipe

Ready to dive in? Here are the step-by-step instructions to make a delicious coconut boba drink at home or in your shop. You’ll find tips for perfect pearls, balanced flavors, and a smooth finish. Let’s get started!

Cook Tapioca Pearls

Cooking tapioca pearls is the first step in this recipe. You want them chewy, not mushy or hard. Here’s how you do it:

1. Grab a large pot and fill it with at least 8 cups of water for every 1 cup of tapioca pearls. This big water-to-pearl ratio keeps the pearls from sticking together.
2. Bring the water to a rolling boil.
3. Pour in the tapioca pearls slowly. Stir gently so they don’t clump.
4. Let the pearls cook uncovered for 15-20 minutes, stirring every few minutes. Check the texture by tasting a pearl. You want it chewy but not hard in the center.
5. Once they’re ready, drain the pearls and rinse them under cold water. This stops the cooking and removes extra starch.
6. For extra flavor, soak the pearls in a simple syrup made from equal parts sugar and water (or use honey or brown sugar syrup). Let them sit for 15-30 minutes. This step gives your boba a sweet, rich taste and keeps them soft.

Tip: Don’t use too little water or the pearls will stick. Stir often and avoid overcooking for the best texture.

Brew Tea

The tea is the heart of your coconut milk bubble tea. Black tea and green tea (like matcha) are the most popular choices for this drink. Here’s how to brew it right:

• Boil water to about 200°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, just bring it to a boil and let it cool for a minute.
• Add your tea (loose leaf or tea bags) to the hot water. For a strong flavor, use 1-2 teaspoons of tea per cup of water.
• Steep black tea for 3-5 minutes. If you want a bolder taste, you can steep Assam or Ceylon black tea for up to 8 minutes.
• Remove the tea leaves or bags. Let the tea cool to room temperature, then chill it in the fridge.

Note: If you like, you can brew extra tea and keep it in the fridge for quick bubble tea anytime.

Mix with Coconut Milk

Now it’s time to blend the tea with coconut milk for that creamy, tropical flavor. The best ratio is about 1:1—equal parts coconut milk and tea. This balance gives you a smooth, rich taste without overpowering the tea.

• Pour ½ cup of chilled tea and ½ cup of coconut milk into a mixing glass.
• If you want a lighter drink, use light coconut milk or add a splash of coconut water.
• Stir well. Taste and adjust the sweetness by adding more syrup if you like.

Tip: Full-fat coconut milk makes your coconut boba drink extra creamy. For a lighter version, use light coconut milk or mix in some coconut water.

Make the Bubble Tea

Now you get to assemble your coconut boba drink! Follow these instructions for the best look and taste:

1. Scoop 2-3 tablespoons of sweetened tapioca pearls into the bottom of a tall, clear glass.
2. Add ice cubes until the glass is about two-thirds full. This keeps your drink cold and helps the layers stay separate.
3. Slowly pour your coconut milk and tea mixture over the ice. Watch the layers form!
4. Top with any extras you like—fresh fruit, jellies, or whipped coconut cream.
5. Stick in a wide straw and give it a gentle stir before sipping.

Pro Tip: Always add the pearls first, then ice, then the liquid. This order keeps the pearls at the bottom and makes your coconut milk bubble tea look amazing.

If you want to know how to make boba ahead of time, you can store cooked pearls in syrup at room temperature for up to 24 hours. For the best texture, use them the same day.

Enjoy your homemade coconut boba drink! This recipe works great for both home and boba tea shop use. Try different teas, sweeteners, or toppings to make the bubble tea your own.

Tips & Variations

Coconut Milk Bubble Tea Tips

Getting your coconut bubble tea just right can feel like a fun experiment. Here are some tips to help you make the perfect drink every time:

How to get chewy tapioca pearls:

1. Use plenty of water—about six cups for every cup of pearls.
2. Always bring the water to a rolling boil before adding the pearls.
3. Stir right after you add the pearls so they don’t stick together.
4. Cook on high heat for five minutes, then lower the heat and simmer for 20–30 minutes. Stir every now and then.
5. Taste a pearl to check if it’s chewy and bouncy. If it’s still hard, cook a little longer.
6. Drain and rinse the pearls under cold water to stop the cooking and keep them chewy.
7. Soak the pearls in brown sugar syrup or honey to add flavor and keep them from sticking.

Common mistakes include not using enough water, skipping the rinse, or overcooking the pearls. Pearls taste best if you use them within a few hours and store them in syrup.

Balancing sweetness and flavor:

• Try different sweeteners like honey, agave, or maple syrup for a unique taste.
• Adjust the sugar level to your liking. Too much sugar can hide the coconut and tea flavors. Many people enjoy 75% sugar for a balanced taste.

Coconut Bubble Tea Variations

You can make your coconut bubble tea special by mixing in new flavors and toppings. Here are some ideas:

• Try different teas like jasmine, oolong, or matcha for a new twist.
• Add fruit for a tropical vibe. Popular choices include:
  • Lychee (blended with coconut milk and green tea)
  • Mango nectar (with green tea and milk)
  • Strawberry (fresh or as popping boba)
  • Blueberry syrup
  • Apple or watermelon for a sweet-tart kick
• Top your drink with popping boba (passion fruit, lychee), fruit jelly (mango, strawberry), or coconut jelly for extra texture.

At home, serve your drink in a tall glass with a wide straw. In a bubble tea shop, use clear cups to show off the layers and colors. Add fresh fruit or whipped coconut cream for a fun finish.

Mix and match these ideas to create your own signature coconut bubble tea!

Nutrition & Serving

Nutrition Facts

When you make coconut boba drinks at home, you get to control what goes in your cup. Store-bought bubble tea often has a lot of sugar—sometimes 30 to 60 grams in one serving. That’s because shops use sweetened syrups and milk. Tapioca pearls alone can add about 23 grams of sugar for just two scoops! If you use unsweetened coconut milk and natural sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit, you can cut the sugar way down. Some homemade versions have almost no added sugar at all.

Here’s a quick look at what you might find in a homemade coconut boba drink (per 16-ounce serving):

Tip: You can make your drink even lighter by using light coconut milk or less sweetener.

Serving Suggestions

You can serve your coconut boba drink in many fun ways. Use a tall glass at home to show off the layers. If you want to help the planet, try a reusable cup and a wide metal or silicone straw. Single-use plastic cups and straws create a lot of waste. Every year, millions of tons of plastic end up in the ocean, hurting sea life and even entering our food chain as microplastics. Choosing reusable or biodegradable cups and straws makes a big difference.

Here are some easy serving ideas:

• Add fresh fruit or a sprinkle of chia seeds for extra color and texture.
• Top with whipped coconut cream for a special treat.
• Use glass jars or reusable bubble tea cups to cut down on plastic waste.
• Try serving with bamboo or stainless steel straws.

If you have leftovers, keep the tea and tapioca pearls separate. Store the tea in the fridge in an airtight container. Leave the pearls at room temperature for a few hours, but don’t put them in the fridge—they get hard. Mix everything together right before you drink it. For the best taste and texture, finish your coconut boba drink within 24 hours.

Note: Avoid freezing your drink. Freezing makes the pearls tough and ruins the chewy texture.

You can make your own coconut boba drink at home and have fun trying new flavors. Many people love making these drinks because you get to choose your favorite ingredients, control the sweetness, and enjoy the chewy pearls just how you like them. Here are some reasons people enjoy making bubble tea at home:

• You can use organic coconut water and natural sweeteners for a healthier drink.
• It’s easy to balance the flavors and make each cup just right.
• Making larger batches saves time and lets you share with friends or family.

Give it a try and see what tasty combinations you can create! Feel free to share your results or favorite twists in the comments.

FAQ

How do you store leftover tapioca pearls?

You should keep cooked pearls in a sugar syrup at room temperature. Use them within 24 hours for the best texture. If you put them in the fridge, they get hard and lose their chewiness.

Can you make coconut boba drinks without tea?

Yes, you can skip the tea. Just mix coconut milk with sweetener and pearls. You get a creamy, caffeine-free treat. Some people even blend fruit for a coconut bubble tea smoothie.

What is the best coconut milk for bubble tea?

Full-fat coconut milk gives you a rich, creamy drink. Light coconut milk makes it lighter. You can use canned or carton coconut milk. Try both and see which one you like best.

Can you use other toppings besides tapioca pearls?

You can add fruit jelly, popping boba, or fresh fruit. Chai seeds and whipped coconut cream also taste great. Mix and match to create your own favorite coconut boba drink.

How do you make a coconut bubble tea smoothie?

Blend coconut milk, ice, sweetener, and fruit like mango or pineapple. Add cooked tapioca pearls after blending. This makes a thick, refreshing coconut bubble tea smoothie you can enjoy any time.