Instant Bubble Tea with Condensed Milk (Printable)

Quick 10-minute creamy beverage with instant tapioca pearls, black tea, and sweetened condensed milk. Serves 2.

# What You Need:

→ Tapioca Pearls

01 - 1/2 cup quick-cook (instant) tapioca pearls

→ Tea Base

02 - 2 black tea bags (or 2 tsp loose leaf black tea)
03 - 1 1/2 cups hot water

→ Sweet & Creamy Additions

04 - 1/3 cup sweetened condensed milk
05 - 1 cup cold milk (dairy or plant-based)

→ For Serving

06 - 1 cup ice cubes

# Directions:

01 - Prepare the tapioca pearls according to package instructions (typically boil for 3-5 minutes until soft and chewy). Drain and set aside.
02 - Steep tea bags in 1 1/2 cups of hot water for 3–5 minutes, then remove bags and let the tea cool slightly.
03 - In a pitcher or large bowl, combine the brewed tea, sweetened condensed milk, and cold milk. Stir until fully mixed and creamy.
04 - Divide cooked tapioca pearls between two large glasses.
05 - Add ice cubes to each glass. Pour the milk tea mixture over the pearls and ice.
06 - Stir well and serve immediately with large straws.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • You can make this faster than driving to the boba shop and finding parking.
  • Sweetened condensed milk gives it that rich, dessert-like creaminess without measuring syrups or sugars.
  • Instant tapioca pearls mean no 40-minute boil time, just a quick simmer and you're done.
  • It's endlessly customizable—swap the tea, adjust the sweetness, or go full coconut milk for a tropical vibe.
02 -
  • Don't skip cooling the tea slightly before mixing—hot tea plus cold milk and ice creates a watery mess instead of a creamy dream.
  • Instant tapioca pearls firm up fast once they cool, so if you're not drinking right away, store them in a little simple syrup to keep them soft.
  • Sweetened condensed milk is thick, so stir thoroughly or it'll clump at the bottom and your first sip will be bland while the last is syrupy.
03 -
  • Use wide straws (at least 12mm) so the pearls can actually travel up—regular straws will leave you frustrated and pearl-less.
  • Chill your glasses in the freezer for a few minutes before assembling for an extra frosty, cafe-quality presentation.
  • If your pearls are sticking together after cooking, toss them with a tiny bit of honey or sugar syrup to keep them loose and glossy.
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