If you’ve been searching for a delightful twist on the classic bubble tea, let me introduce you to the Earl Grey Bubble Tea Recipe. This lovely drink pairs the fragrant bergamot notes of Earl Grey tea with the chewy, sweet tapioca pearls that make bubble tea so addictive. It’s refreshing, comforting, and surprisingly simple to make right at home. Whether you’re a bubble tea aficionado or new to this bubbling sensation, this Earl Grey Bubble Tea Recipe offers a creamy, aromatic experience that feels both indulgent and unique. Trust me, once you’ve tried it, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is effortless, yet each one plays an essential role in crafting the perfect Earl Grey Bubble Tea Recipe. From the creamy milk that creates a smooth base to the aromatic tea that adds complexity, and the tapioca pearls that bring the texture you crave, every component counts.
- Dairy or non-dairy milk (625 g): I always use oat milk for its creamy texture and natural sweetness, but feel free to use your favorite milk alternative or dairy.
- Earl Grey tea bags (4): These bring that signature citrusy bergamot flavor that defines this bubble tea.
- Tapioca pearls (100 g): The chewy stars of the show, make sure to get pearl-sized tapioca for that authentic bubble tea feel.
- Brown sugar (50 g): This adds a deep caramel sweetness, perfectly balancing the tea’s slight bitterness.
- Ice: For that refreshing chill and perfect sipping temperature.
How to Make Earl Grey Bubble Tea Recipe
Step 1: Infuse the Milk with Earl Grey Tea
Start by gently heating your milk in a small pot along with the Earl Grey tea bags. Bring it to a gentle simmer—don’t let it boil—then turn off the heat, cover the pot, and let the tea steep for about 10 minutes. This slow infusion extracts the full bergamot aroma and gives the milk that beautiful, fragrant flavor.
Step 2: Squeeze and Chill the Tea-Infused Milk
After steeping, use the back of a spoon to press the tea bags against the pot, squeezing out every drop of that infused milk before discarding the bags. Pour this fragrant milk tea into a glass container with a spout, cover it, and pop it into the fridge to chill. Cooling the tea creates a refreshing contrast to the warm tapioca pearls you’ll be preparing next.
Step 3: Prepare the Tapioca Pearls
Rinse out your pot and refill it with about an inch of water, bringing it to a rolling boil. Toss your tapioca pearls into the boiling water and immediately stir them to keep them from sticking together. Let the pearls boil uncovered for 15 minutes—this cooking time softens them to that perfect chewy texture.
Step 4: Let the Pearls Rest and Sweeten
Remove the pot from heat, cover it, and let the pearls sit for another 15 minutes—this step ensures they finish cooking evenly. Then transfer the pearls using a slotted spoon into a small bowl containing the brown sugar. Use the heat from the pearls to melt the sugar, creating a luscious syrup coating every pearl. If the mixture seems dry, feel free to add a tablespoon or two of water to adjust the consistency.
Step 5: Assemble Your Earl Grey Bubble Tea
In each serving glass, spoon about 100 grams of the sweetened tapioca pearls along with their syrup. Fill the glass with ice about three-quarters full for that satisfying chill. Finally, pour in the chilled Earl Grey milk tea, roughly 300 grams per glass. Give the drink a good stir to combine all those lovely flavors and textures. Taste and add extra syrup if you prefer your bubble tea a bit sweeter.
How to Serve Earl Grey Bubble Tea Recipe
Garnishes
If you want to make your Earl Grey Bubble Tea Recipe even more inviting, try adding a few creative garnishes. A thin slice of lemon or a sprig of fresh mint adds a pop of color and elevates its refreshing qualities. For an extra touch of indulgence, a drizzle of honey on top can bring subtle floral notes that complement the tea’s bergamot beautifully.
Side Dishes
This bubble tea pairs wonderfully with light snacks that won’t overpower its delicate flavors. Think along the lines of buttery shortbread cookies, a modest almond biscotti, or even fresh fruit like sliced pears or berries. These pairings create a lovely tasting experience, perfect for an afternoon treat or casual get-together.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Earl Grey Bubble Tea Recipe in clear glass jars or mason jars to show off those alluring tapioca pearls and the milky tea swirling together. Using colorful, wide straws not only makes sipping easier but also adds a playful vibe. If you’re serving guests, consider plating the pearls in small bowls alongside the tea to let everyone customize their drink to their liking—a playful interactive element that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, it’s best to store the tea and tapioca pearls separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The milk tea will keep fresh for up to 2 days, but the pearls tend to harden if left too long, so consume them within the same day when possible for the best texture.
Freezing
Freezing your Earl Grey Bubble Tea Recipe isn’t recommended because the tapioca pearls change texture and become unpleasantly hard when thawed. It’s best to prepare fresh tapioca each time and freeze only the tea if you want to save it for later, though fresh is always better!
Reheating
To enjoy leftover pearls, gently reheat them by soaking in hot water for a few minutes to soften before adding back to your chilled tea. Avoid microwaving as it can make the pearls rubbery. The tea itself can be warmed slightly on the stove or enjoyed cold depending on your mood.
FAQs
Can I use other types of tea instead of Earl Grey?
Absolutely! While Earl Grey is special for its bergamot flavor, you can experiment with black tea, jasmine, or even green tea. Keep in mind that the flavor profile and aroma will change, but you’ll still have a delicious bubble tea experience.
Is it better to use dairy or non-dairy milk?
This is completely up to your preference. Oat milk is a great choice because it’s creamy and slightly sweet, enhancing the tea’s flavor, but regular dairy or almond milk also work beautifully. Try what you love!
How long does it take to cook tapioca pearls properly?
Tapioca pearls typically require about 15 minutes of boiling followed by 15 minutes of resting off the heat. This ensures they are cooked through yet still chewy rather than mushy or hard.
Can I make the syrup without brown sugar?
You can substitute brown sugar with honey or white sugar if needed, but brown sugar’s deep, caramel notes add a richer sweetness that pairs perfectly with Earl Grey tea.
What’s the best way to enjoy bubble tea at home?
Freshly made is always best! Prepare tapioca pearls just before serving, chill your tea well, and don’t be shy about adjusting sweetness. Enjoy it slow with wide straws and good company for the ultimate bubble tea vibe.
Final Thoughts
I’m so excited for you to try this Earl Grey Bubble Tea Recipe because it’s a wonderful way to bring a little café magic into your kitchen. It balances the elegant flavors of Earl Grey tea with the familiar fun of bubble tea, making every sip a joy. Whether you’re treating yourself or impressing friends, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Dive in, take your time, and savor every delicious bubble!
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Earl Grey Bubble Tea Recipe
A refreshing homemade Earl Grey Bubble Tea featuring rich, infused milk tea combined with chewy tapioca pearls sweetened with brown sugar syrup. This recipe uses oat milk for a creamy texture and is perfect for a delightful afternoon treat.
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients
Tea Mixture
- 625 g dairy or non-dairy milk (preferably oat milk)
- 4 Earl Grey tea bags
Tapioca Pearls
- 100 g tapioca pearls
- 50 g brown sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons water (optional, to adjust syrup consistency)
Additional
- Ice cubes as needed for serving
Instructions
- Steep the Earl Grey Tea: In a small pot, combine the milk with the 4 Earl Grey tea bags. Bring the milk to a gentle simmer, then turn off the heat. Cover the pot and allow the tea to steep for 10 minutes to infuse the milk with robust flavors.
- Extract the Tea Flavor: Use the back of a spoon to press the tea bags against the pot’s side to squeeze out the remaining tea-infused milk. Discard the tea bags. Transfer the infused milk tea to a glass container with a spout, cover it, and chill in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- Prepare Tapioca Pearls: Rinse the pot and add enough water to fill about 1 inch deep. Bring this water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Cook the Tapioca Pearls: Add the tapioca pearls to the boiling water and stir immediately to prevent clumping. Boil the pearls uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Let Tapioca Pearls Sit: Remove the pot from heat, cover it, and let the tapioca pearls sit for an additional 15 minutes to fully cook and soften.
- Make Brown Sugar Syrup with Pearls: In a small bowl, place the brown sugar. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cooked tapioca pearls into the bowl, draining excess water. Stir the pearls with the brown sugar so the heat helps dissolve the sugar, forming a sweet syrup. If the mixture seems too dry, add 1-2 tablespoons of water to achieve a syrupy consistency.
- Assemble the Bubble Tea: In each serving glass, add about 100 g of the brown sugar-coated tapioca pearls with syrup. Fill the glass 3/4 to full with ice cubes. Pour approximately 300 g of chilled Earl Grey milk tea over the ice and pearls. Stir well to combine. Adjust sweetness by adding any leftover brown sugar syrup to taste.
Notes
- Oat milk is recommended for a creamy texture and natural sweetness, but other milk alternatives or dairy milk can be used.
- Stir tapioca pearls shortly after adding to boiling water to prevent sticking.
- Ensure pearls are fully cooked by allowing them to simmer and then sit covered off the heat.
- The brown sugar syrup coats the pearls and adds rich sweetness; adjust water to achieve preferred syrup consistency.
- Serve immediately after assembly to enjoy the best texture of the pearls.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
- Diet: Vegetarian
