Coconut Milk Tea Recipe
Brewed black tea, canned coconut milk, and vanilla come together with honey-coated tapioca pearls for a creamy iced drink with chewy boba in 20 minutes.
Equipment
- Saucepan
- extra thick straws
Ingredients
- 2 cups brewed black tea
- 2/3 cup canned coconut milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Preparing Tapioca
- 3/4 cup black tapioca pearls
- 3 tablespoons honey
Instructions
Cook Tapioca
- Use the package's boiling method and cooking time to prepare the black tapioca pearls. The finished pearls should have the cooked texture described on the package.
- Move the cooked pearls into cold water for 30 seconds, then drain thoroughly. This brief rest stops further cooking and helps firm their outer surface.
- Fold the drained pearls through the honey and set them aside. A glossy coating should cover the pearls evenly rather than collect around dry clumps.
Assemble Drink
- Combine the brewed black tea, canned coconut milk, and vanilla extract in a mixing vessel, stirring thoroughly. The liquid should look consistently creamy, without streaks of concentrated coconut milk.
- Fold in the honey-coated pearls and taste, adjusting the honey to suit your preference. The sweetness should balance the brisk tea while leaving its flavor noticeable.
- Pour the chilled drink into glasses with ice. Each serving should contain creamy tea and a share of the chewy pearls.
Notes
Ingredient tip: Stir the cream and liquid in the canned coconut milk thoroughly before measuring so every portion has the same uniform richness.
Texture tip: Coat the drained tapioca pearls with honey while they are still warm to help keep them separate and prevent sticky clumping.
Make-ahead tip: You can chill the brewed tea or mixed coconut-vanilla tea in a covered container ahead of time, but cook the tapioca pearls fresh close to serving since refrigeration can make them hard or chalky.
Boba-free option: To make a smooth iced milk tea without pearls, omit the tapioca and stir the honey directly into the tea mixture before serving over ice.
Nutrition information is an estimate based on common ingredients and serving sizes. Values may vary depending on brands, portions, and substitutions.