Can I use Earl Grey tea bags instead of loose leaf for this recipe?

Yes, you can certainly use tea bags. Use 2 tea bags per serving (4 total for this recipe) to ensure the tea flavor is strong enough to stand up to the milk and ice.

How do I keep the tapioca pearls from getting hard?

Tapioca pearls are best consumed within 4 hours of cooking. To keep them soft, store them at room temperature in a sugar syrup. Avoid refrigerating them as they will become tough and lose their chewiness.

What is the best milk for Earl Grey bubble tea?

Whole milk provides the creamiest texture, but oat milk is an excellent dairy-free alternative that complements the malty notes of the Earl Grey tea perfectly.

earl grey bubble tea recipe: 5 Easy Steps to the Best Boba

Name: Homemade Earl Grey Bubble Tea
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Fusion
Ingredients: 4 tablespoons high-quality loose-leaf Earl Grey tea (or 4 tea bags); 1 cup hot water (200°F); 1/2 cup quick-cooking tapioca pearls (boba); 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 1 cup whole milk or oat milk; 2 tablespoons honey or simple syrup (adjust to taste); Ice cubes

Ingredients

Scale

4 tablespoons high-quality loose-leaf Earl Grey tea (or 4 tea bags)
1 cup hot water (200°F)
1/2 cup quick-cooking tapioca pearls (boba)
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 cup whole milk or oat milk
2 tablespoons honey or simple syrup (adjust to taste)
Ice cubes

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Instructions

Step 1: Brew the Earl Grey tea by steeping the leaves in 1 cup of hot water for 5 minutes. Strain the leaves or remove tea bags and let the tea cool completely.
Step 2: Bring a small pot of water to a boil and cook the tapioca pearls according to the package instructions (usually 5-10 minutes).
Step 3: Drain the pearls and toss them with 2 tablespoons of brown sugar while they are still warm to create a light syrup coating.
Step 4: In a cocktail shaker or a large jar, combine the cooled tea, milk, and your choice of sweetener (honey or simple syrup).
Step 5: Add a handful of ice to the shaker and shake vigorously for 20 seconds until the mixture is frothy and well-chilled.
Step 6: Divide the prepared tapioca pearls into two glasses, fill with fresh ice, and pour the Earl Grey milk tea over the top. Serve immediately with a wide straw.

Notes

For a vegan version, use oat milk and maple syrup. Always serve the pearls fresh as they harden if refrigerated.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Drinks, Snacks & Holiday Treats
Cuisine: Fusion

Nutrition

Serving Size: 16 oz
Calories: 285 kcal
Sugar: 22 g
Sodium: 65 mg
Fat: 6 g
Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 48 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 4 g
Cholesterol: 15 mg