Bubble tea has taken the world by storm, and the US is no exception. New boba tea shops are popping up everywhere, offering a variety of refreshing cold drinks with chewy tapioca pearls. But have you ever tried hot boba tea? This winter, I discovered the magic of hot black tea boba, and let me tell you, it’s a game-changer!
While boba is typically a summer favorite, sipping on warm boba tea with chewy tapioca pearls is a comforting experience on a chilly day. If you love loose-leaf tea, this recipe will quickly become your new go-to winter drink.
Why Nepali Breakfast Tea for Boba?
For this recipe, I chose Nepali Breakfast tea from Nepal Tea Collective. This bold black tea blend is robust, malty, and pairs exceptionally well with milk, making it the perfect base for black tea boba. If you prefer a more golden, smooth taste, you can switch it up with Kumari Gold, another fantastic loose-leaf tea option.
Let’s dive into the recipe!
How to Make Hot Boba Tea with Nepali Breakfast Black Tea
Step 1: Making the Boba Pearls from Scratch
While you can buy store-bought tapioca pearls, making them fresh is incredibly satisfying. Plus, homemade boba has a superior texture and taste. Here’s how you can do it with just three ingredients:
Ingredients for Boba Pearls
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 small cup water
3 tbsp tapioca flour (divided)
Instructions:
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Mix Before Heating: Combine brown sugar and water in a small bowl. Stir in 1 tbsp of tapioca flour until smooth.
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Cook the Mixture: Heat the mixture in a saucepan over medium heat until it thickens and darkens.
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Form the Dough: Remove from heat and mix in 2 tbsp tapioca flour to form a soft, warm dough.
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Shape the Pearls: Roll small portions of the dough into balls, about the size of a pea. Dust them lightly with tapioca flour to prevent sticking.
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Boil the Pearls: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Shake off excess flour and drop the boba pearls into the boiling water. Stir gently and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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Cool and Store: Once done, drain and rinse with cool water. Let the pearls sit in a sugar syrup or honey to maintain their chewiness.
Pro Tip: If you’re short on time, you can use pre-packaged tapioca pearls and follow the package instructions on how to make Boba Pearls.
Step 2: Brewing Nepali Breakfast Black Tea
Now, let’s make the tea! Black tea boba is best when the tea is brewed strong and flavorful.
Ingredients for Black Tea Boba Tea
2 tsp Nepali Breakfast loose-leaf black tea
1 cup water
1/2 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
Sweetener of choice (honey, brown sugar, or condensed milk)
Instructions:
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Boil the Water: In a small pot, bring 1 cup of water to a boil.
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Add the Tea Leaves: Once boiling, add Nepali Breakfast black tea and let it simmer for 3 minutes.
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Pour in Milk: Add 1/2 cup of milk and continue to heat for another 2 minutes.
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Steep the Tea: Remove from heat and let the tea steep for 15 minutes uncovered to allow the flavors to deepen.
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Strain and Sweeten: Strain the tea into a cup and add sweetener to taste.
Pro Tip: Want a creamier boba tea? Use evaporated milk or condensed milk instead of regular milk, it makes it sweet too.
Step 3: Assembling the Hot Boba Tea
Now comes the fun part. Putting Everything Together!
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Add the Boba Pearls: Place your cooked tapioca pearls at the bottom of your cup.
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Pour the Hot Tea: Slowly pour the warm, flavorful Nepali Breakfast black tea over the pearls.
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Enjoy Without a Straw: Since the drink is hot, avoid using a straw to prevent burns. Instead, scoop up the pearls with a spoon between sips!
Pro Tip: Don’t let your boba sit too long! Tapioca pearls continue to absorb liquid, making them chewier over time.
Variations of Hot Boba Tea
Want to experiment? Here are some ways to customize your hot boba tea:
Golden Boba Tea: With our Kumari Gold; Golden Tips tea, you can get a smoother, honey-like flavor in your favorite hot black tea boba.
Matcha Boba Tea: For a vibrant green tea twist, swap black tea for ceremonial-grade matcha. The creamy, umami-rich flavor pairs beautifully with milk and boba pearls.
Coconut Milk Boba Tea: For a tropical, dairy-free version, use creamy coconut milk as your base.
Chai-Spiced Boba Tea: Love chai? Turn your favorite masala chai into a spiced boba tea. With our Nepali Breakfast Chai Tea you can taste cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and ginger in your boba tea base.
Why You Should Try Black Tea Boba
Hot black tea boba is not just delicious; it’s also a great alternative to regular milk tea.
Here’s why:
Full of antioxidants – Black tea is rich in flavonoids that support heart health.
Energy Boosting – Perfect for morning or afternoon pick-me-ups!
Customizable – Make it as sweet, creamy, or spiced as you like.
Cozy and Comforting – Ideal for cold winter days when you crave something warm and chewy.
Final Thoughts on the Winter Favorite Black Tea Boba
If you love boba tea and are looking for a new warm drink to cozy up with, this hot black tea boba is a must-try. The combination of strong Nepali Breakfast black tea, creamy milk, and chewy tapioca pearls makes this a comforting and indulgent treat for any time of day.
Try this hot boba tea recipe today, and let us know how you customize your version! Looking for More Unique Tea Recipes?
Check out our blog for more innovative tea recipes and brewing tips.
Happy sipping! 🍵✨
FAQ’s about Boba Tea
What is boba tea, and how is it different from milk tea?
Boba tea, also known as bubble tea, is a Taiwanese drink that typically consists of tea, milk, sweetener, and chewy tapioca pearls. While milk tea simply refers to tea mixed with milk, boba tea specifically includes these chewy pearls, adding texture and a fun drinking experience.
Can you drink boba tea hot?
Yes! While boba tea is commonly served cold, you can also enjoy it hot. Hot boba tea, especially when made with robust black teas like Nepali Breakfast, offers a cozy, comforting experience—perfect for winter days.
What type of black tea is best for boba?
A bold, full-bodied black tea works best for boba. Nepali Breakfast tea is an excellent choice because of its malty, rich flavor that pairs well with milk. For a smoother, naturally sweet taste, you can try Kumari Gold, another loose-leaf black tea.
How do you keep boba pearls soft and chewy?
To keep boba pearls from becoming hard, store them in a simple syrup or honey after cooking. Avoid refrigerating them, as cold temperatures can make them tough. When making hot boba tea, serve it soon after assembling for the best texture.
Is black tea boba healthy?
Black tea boba can be a healthier choice compared to sugary flavored milk teas. Black tea is packed with antioxidants, can boost energy, and supports heart health. To make it even healthier, use natural sweeteners like honey and plant-based milk options.
