Coconut milk tea is simply delicious! This bubble tea is made with boba, liquid sugar, and black tea, and topped with thick creamy coconut milk to finish off the decadent treat! Gluten-free and vegan, this drink can be easily made at home.
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Coconut milk is honestly the perfect addition to milk tea. It is thick, creamy, rich, and full of flavor. It is also easy to purchase in almost any variety. In this recipe, I use full-fat coconut milk from a can and the results are to die for! Whether you are avoiding dairy or not, you are sure to love this tea.
Tea is one of the few drinks that can be enjoyed anytime, morning, noon, and night, and coconut milk tea is no exception. Typically bubble tea is served over ice, but you can also enjoy it hot.
What is Milk Tea
If you’re wondering exactly what is milk tea, it is as simple as milk added to tea. Traveling around the world you will find much variety of this amazing drink made unique and special by highlighting different ingredients in the tea. From India comes the popular chai tea, a milky tea made with rich spices. Another milk tea that I want to highlight is Okinawa milk tea. This tea is made special from the rich dark sugar that is used to sweeten it.
Today, I am sharing with you how to make coconut milk tea with boba (also called tapioca pearls). This type of milk tea called bubble tea was first made in Taiwan. Boba is sweet little chewy balls added to your tea. Commonly this tea is enjoyed with an extra-wide straw used to suck up the boba. For the first time, I made my boba. I was amazed at how easy and quick the process was. I even have extra in the freezer for next time. You can also purchase your boba from an Asian grocery store or online.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Sweet
- Creamy
- Easy
- Satisfying
- Vegan
- Dairy-free
What is Coconut Milk Tea
Made with coconut milk, this coconut boba tea has a tropical flair to it that gives it its unique taste. It’s decadent, sweet, and oh-so-satisfying. You can enjoy this tea hot, but it is best as a chilled tea with a scoop of ice.
What Does Coconut Milk Tea Taste Like?
Coconut milk tea is a creamy flavorful tea that is a perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and tea! Made with real coconut milk, it has a lovely coconutty tropical flair to to it. Coconut milk is rich and creamy complimenting this recipe perfectly!
Boba, Tapioca Pearls, and Bubble Tea
Are you wondering what boba is? Boba is smallish tapioca balls made from three ingredients. Those ingredients are tapioca flour, water, and sugar. They are boiled in water to create chewy little bubbles that sit at the bottom of your tea. You can drink them with your tea or enjoy them at the end.
Is Boba Gluten-Free?
Yes, boba is gluten-free! (though it is wise to double-check the packaging on your purchase.)
Many people choose to purchase boba from online retailers, but you can also easily make your own.
Boba is best when cooked fresh and right before use. If left out it will become hard and stale and undesirable to consume.
Tips for Making Boba:
- Make fresh right before using.
- Do cook to desired chewiness. (you can do a taste test by scooping out one pearl to evaluate.)
- Do not overcook or leave in boiling water past doneness or pearls start to disintegrate.
- Use premade boba or make your own.
- Don’t be intimidated to make your own – it is deceivingly easy and quick!
- Do lightly rise the boba after cooking.
Coconut Milk Tea Ingredients
- Coconut Milk – use an unsweetened full-fat coconut milk from a can. Organic and BPA-free cans are best.
- Black Tea – you can choose any full-body black tea. Irish Breakfast Blend or English Breakfast Blend are great options.
- Liquid Sugar – using liquid sugar helps to ensure the sugar granules are fully dissolved. It also makes mixing with the boba easy and even. If you prefer to not use sugar, you can substitute it with honey!
- Boba – purchase or make your own.
- Vanilla – vanilla completes this tea pulling all the ingredients together and enhancing the flavor.
How to Make Coconut Tea with Boba
Supplies:
- Medium Saucepan with Lid
- Strainer
- Liquid Measuring Cup
- Measuring Spoons
- Serving Cup
- Bubble Tea Straw (optional)
Coconut Milk Tea Recipe
- Make Boba – The best practice is to prepare boba according to the instructions on your packaging or from your boba recipe. The general way to cook boba is to bring 5 cups of water to a boil on the stovetop. Add in boba (gently stir your pot) and cook until the pearls rise to the top. Reduce the heat to medium or low and allow the boba to cook for about 15 minutes. You can adjust cooking time to prepare according to your preference. Strain out the boba and rinse. Add to your cup.
- Add Sweetener and Vanilla – measure and mix into boba.
- Brew Tea – Bring water to a boil. Add in tea and steep for 5 minutes. Strain out tea leaves and pour tea on top of boba.
- Prepare Milk – whisk coconut milk until smooth. Measure and layer on top of the tea.
- Mix everything together.
- Add a handful of ice.
- Enjoy!
Recipe Tips, Notes, and Dietary Considerations
- Make this recipe with green tea by substituting the black tea with green tea or jasmine green tea.
- If you don’t have boba on hand, feel free to leave it out of this tea. (you will have a coconut milk tea latte instead)
- Similarly, cook boba longer or shorter to your taste preferences.
- Add more or less sweetener. This is your tea!
- Using full-fat coconut milk gives this tea its creamy richness. However, you can use regular coconut milk in this recipe but note it will result in a less flavorful and luscious tea. Alternatively, coconut water is not a good substitute for coconut milk.
- This recipe is dairy-free.
- Boba is gluten-free as it is made with tapioca flour. (check packaging or recipe instructions for extra clarity on additional ingredients)
Benefits of Coconut Milk
Coconut milk is on the rise in popularity as many people are choosing to avoid dairy products. Not only is coconut milk a wonderful substitute for regular cow dairy milk, but it can boast many health benefits and nutrients as well. Studies on coconut milk show that it may help in the following ways:
- aid in weight-loss
- boost immune system
- increase stamina
- lower bad cholesterol
Common Questions about Coconut Milk Tea:
Is Coconut Milk Tea Good?
Yes, this milk tea with coconut is very good!
Does Coconut Milk Tea have Caffeine?
Yes, it does. This tea is made with black tea or green tea. Both black tea and green tea contain caffeine so coconut milk tea does have caffeine.
Can You Put Coconut Milk in Tea?
Yes, coconut milk in tea is sweet creamy, and a great alternative to typical dairy milk!
More of My Favorite Tea Recipes
- Brown Sugar Milk Tea
- Jasmine Milk Tea
- Oolong Milk Tea
- Rose Milk Tea
- Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte
- Chai Tea Latte
I hope you enjoy this tea recipe. Leave a comment below and let’s connect!
How to Make Coconut Milk Tea
Ingredients
- 1/4 Cup Boba
- 2 Teaspoons Black Tea or two tea bags
- 1 Cup Water more for cooking boba
- 1/2 Cup Canned Coconut Milk full fat
- 3 Tablespoons Liquid Cane Sugar
- 1./4 Teaspoon Vanilla
- Ice
Instructions
- Make Boba – best practice is to prepare boba according to the instructions on your packaging or from your boba recipe. The general way to cook boba is to bring 5 cups of water to a boil on the stovetop. Add in boba (gently give your pot a stir) and cook until the pearls raise to the top. Reduce the heat to medium or low and allow the boba to cook for about 15 minutes. You can adjust cooking time to prepare to your preference. Strain out boba and rinse. Add to your cup.
- Add Sweetener and Vanilla – measure and mix into boba.
- Brew Tea – Bring water to a boil. Add in tea and steep for 5 minutes. Strain out tea leaves and pour tea on top of boba.
- Prepare Milk – whisk coconut milk until smooth. Measure and layer on top of the tea.
- Mix everything together.
- Add a handful of ice.
- Enjoy
Notes
This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only.
Looks yummy, and very interesting article!
Thank you! I hope you enjoy!
looks tasty!
Thank you!
Do you have a favorite boba brand or recommendations for people looking to buy boba tea? Additionally, where do you usually find liquid cane sugar? Can I substitute a simple syrup?
Hi Amber, I actually made my own boba for this recipe! It was super simple and fairly quick. Unfortunately, I don’t have a recipe for it just yet. I have used this premade boba in the past. I actually make my own liquid sugar and it literally takes seconds! Here is the recipe: https://dailyteatime.com/liquid-cane-sugar/ You can substitute any liquid sugar or simple syrup, but I would recommend against using anything flavored. I hope you enjoy this recipe! I’m so excited for you!
This sounds so delicious. I’ll probably order it before I try the recipe (non-cook here lol).
I love coconut, I drink coconut water every day. I want to try it, thanks!