Imagine sipping on a cool, creamy glass of Matcha Boba Tea: the earthy vibrance of matcha gently mingles with rich, silky plant milk and those playful, chewy tapioca pearls hiding at the bottom. This luscious drink isn’t just gorgeous to look at (hello, perfect Instagram moment) but it’s also surprisingly simple to whip up at home. Whether you’re a boba enthusiast or new to bubble tea entirely, this recipe brings a refreshing twist to your afternoon break or weekend treat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The charm of Matcha Boba Tea is that every ingredient counts towards creating that iconic look, indulgent mouthfeel, and balanced flavor. Each element is as important as the next—from vibrant matcha to silky plant milk—so a little attention to detail goes a long way.

Tapioca Pearls: The heart of boba tea—these chewy orbs are essential for that fun, sippable texture.
Maple Syrup (or sugar): Adds a delicate sweetness and helps the pearls absorb flavor while marinating.
Matcha Powder: The star of the show—high-quality, vibrant green matcha delivers depth and a gentle caffeine boost.
Hot Water: Needed for dissolving matcha smoothly, which prevents any lumps and lets the flavor shine.
Oat Milk (or almond milk): The creamy base—plant milk gives this drink its luscious body and lets the matcha’s color and taste pop.
Ice Cubes (optional): For that ultra-refreshing, chilled effect—perfect on a warm day.

How to Make Matcha Boba Tea

Step 1: Cook the Tapioca Pearls

Start by bringing a small pot of water to a rolling boil, then gently add your tapioca pearls. Give them a few gentle stirs right away to keep them from settling on the bottom and sticking. Let the pearls cook according to the package directions—timing can vary by brand—and watch them turn wonderfully glossy and chewy. Once finished, drain the boba and briefly rinse under cold tap water to stop cooking. Divide the pearls between two large glasses.

Step 2: Sweeten and Marinate the Boba

Add a generous tablespoon of maple syrup, or your preferred sweetener, directly into each glass with the pearls. Give everything a good stir to help the boba absorb that lovely sweetness. If you have a little extra time, allow the pearls to marinate for 15 to 30 minutes—this step takes your Matcha Boba Tea to the next level of deliciousness.

Step 3: Make the Matcha

Work on one drink at a time: sift 1 to 2 teaspoons of matcha powder into a bowl using a fine sieve—this guarantees no clumps in your drink. Add about 2 tablespoons of hot water. Grab a matcha whisk (or small regular whisk) and whisk briskly for one full minute, ensuring the matcha is smooth and frothy. Repeat this process for your second cup.

Step 4: Prepare the Milk Base

If you’re craving a cozy version, gently heat your plant-based milk in the microwave or on the stove until it’s just warm (not boiling). For a cold treat, keep your milk nice and chilled—ice cubes are optional but highly recommended on sunny days.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Once your marinated pearls are ready, pour one cup of plant milk into each glass. Top with your freshly whisked matcha mixture. If you’d like a colder drink, add a handful of ice cubes. Stir well with a wide straw or spoon and savor every vibrant, chewy sip of your homemade Matcha Boba Tea!

How to Serve Matcha Boba Tea

Garnishes

Add a sprinkle of extra matcha powder or a few fresh mint leaves right before serving—these simple touches elevate the look and add a whisper of extra flavor. For a fun twist, try adding vegan whipped cream or a drizzle of sweetened condensed coconut milk on top.

Side Dishes

Pair your Matcha Boba Tea with delicate tea cookies, Japanese mochi, or fluffy steamed buns for an afternoon snack that feels like a treat. Light, mildly sweet bites pair beautifully with this drink’s bold matcha flavor.

Creative Ways to Present

Show off the gorgeous layers by serving in a tall, clear glass. For extra flair, use glasses rimmed with a bit of honey and crushed pistachios, or serve with colorfully striped boba straws. If you’re entertaining, arrange a DIY boba bar where guests can build their own Matcha Boba Tea creations with different milks and toppings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Matcha Boba Tea, store the drink and the cooked pearls separately for best results. The boba pearls can be kept in a simple syrup in the fridge for up to 24 hours and will stay soft and flavorful.

Freezing

While freezing is not ideal for boba pearls (they tend to become hard and lose their signature chew after thawing), you can freeze the matcha-milk mixture for a quick matcha latte base. Just prepare fresh pearls when you’re ready to enjoy.

Reheating

To revive refrigerated tapioca pearls, place them in a small bowl and microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds, or briefly dip them in hot water. This brings back their chewy texture so they taste almost as good as freshly cooked!

FAQs

Can I make Matcha Boba Tea in advance?

You can prep elements ahead of time, but for the best texture, cook and marinate the boba pearls just before serving. The matcha mixture and plant milk can absolutely be mixed earlier and chilled in the fridge.

Is it necessary to use oat or almond milk?

Not at all! Oat milk gives a lush, creamy body, but you can use any milk you love—soy, coconut, or even dairy milk all work well here. Choose your favorite for your own custom Matcha Boba Tea experience.

How can I adjust the sweetness?

The beauty of making Matcha Boba Tea at home is you control the sweetness! Add more or less maple syrup depending on your taste, or swap in honey, agave, or classic brown sugar.

What if I don’t have a matcha whisk?

While a matcha whisk (chasen) helps achieve that frothy finish, a small regular whisk or even a milk frother works in a pinch. The key is to whisk vigorously so the powder fully dissolves.

Can I use instant matcha or sweetened matcha powder?

You can, though pure unsweetened matcha gives you more control over the final taste. If using sweetened or instant matcha, reduce the added maple syrup to suit your preference.

Final Thoughts

Matcha Boba Tea has a way of turning any day into a special occasion—right in your own kitchen. Try this easy recipe, and treat yourself (or share with friends) to a delicious, colorful drink that’s sure to impress. Your glass awaits!

Matcha Boba Tea Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 15 reviews

Author: Jack
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 2 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the refreshing and delightful flavors of Matcha Boba Tea, a creamy and slightly sweet beverage that combines the earthy notes of matcha with chewy tapioca pearls. This recipe provides a step-by-step guide to creating your own Matcha Boba Tea at home.

Ingredients

Scale

Tapioca Pearls:

1/3 cup tapioca pearls

Matcha Mixture:

2 to 4 teaspoons matcha powder, divided
1/4 to 1/3 cup hot water, divided

Sweetener:

2 tablespoons maple syrup (or sugar, or to taste)

Base:

2 cups oat milk (or almond milk)
Ice cubes (optional)

Instructions

Cook Tapioca Pearls: Bring a small pot of water to a boil. Add tapioca pearls and cook according to package instructions. Rinse with cold water and divide into glasses.
Sweeten Boba: Add maple syrup to each glass and stir. Allow to marinate for 15-30 minutes.
Prepare Matcha: Sift matcha powder into a bowl, add hot water, and whisk for 1 minute. Repeat for the second cup.
Assemble Drink: Heat milk if desired. Pour milk into each glass, add matcha mixture, and ice cubes if preferred. Stir and serve.

Notes

You can adjust the sweetness level by adding more or less maple syrup.
For a richer flavor, use oat milk, but almond milk works well too.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Beverage
Method: Boiling, Mixing
Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 250
Sugar: 20g
Sodium: 100mg
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: Matcha Boba Tea, Boba Tea Recipe, Matcha Drink, Bubble Tea, Homemade Boba Tea