Matcha Milk Tea Recipe

You will be enjoying matcha milk tea or sometimes called matcha milk in minutes with this simple recipe. This recipe rivals any tea shop and is fully customizable! So enjoy matcha bubble tea, your way with or without boba!

Matcha Bubble Tea

Making your own bubble tea is incredibly simple, fast, and completely customizable! It is not surprising that matcha milk tea is one of the most popular milk tea flavors along with taro milk tea and tiger milk tea. While preparation is simple and quick, it’s not always easy to get it right. The perfect amount of earthy matcha must be mixed with sweetener and balanced with the correct ratio of milk. And of course, the matcha must be smooth with no lumps. Not to worry though, I am going to share my best tips and tricks to make the perfect tea in time no time!

This post may contain affiliate links. See my disclosure policy here.

Why You Will Love This Tea

• Sweet and Milky
• Fully Customizable
• Contains Caffeine
• Beautiful Bright Green Color
• Great Boba Texture

What is Matcha Milk Tea with Boba?

In this recipe, I have included boba. While adding boba balls are optional, they are a fun addition to this drink. Boba has many names including tapioca pearls, but they all refer to the same addictive chewy balls made from tapioca starch. You can make your own, (it is easier than you think!) or purchase it.

Making Boba 

If you are purchasing boba, use the packaging instructions to cook them. Boba should be made right before use for best results. Boba does not store well when cooked nor can it be reheated.

1. Bring 10 cups of water to a boil. 
2. Add 1/2 cup of boba and gently stir.
3. Cook for 10-15 minutes (this is where personal preference comes in, feel free to do a little taste test and cook to your desired chewiness.)
4. Strain out the boba and do a quick rinse. Transfer to your serving cup or to a bowl and top with syrup.

What does Matcha Boba Tea Taste Like?

A  combination of earthy, nutty, sweet, and savory matcha is mixed with velvety milk for the ultimate creamy drink! It is perfectly sweet using simple syrup to sweeten the drink to perfection! If you are using a straw, you can suck up the chewy boba balls at the bottom for the final touch, bringing texture and more color to this beverage. This bright drink is packed with unique flavors and is so satisfying! You can read more here about matcha and what it tastes like!

Where is Matcha From?

Matcha is a true coming from the tea plant camellia sinensis. It does contain caffeine. Matcha has its roots in Japan where it was originally a drink had by royalty and Buddhist monks. 

What makes matcha different from green tea is the way it is grown harvested, and prepared. 

In the last two weeks before harvest, matcha growers will shade the plant leaves. This makes the leaves produce extra amino acids and chlorophyll which gives the leaves their exceptionally beautiful bright green color.

Matcha tea is harvested and the leaves are steamed and baked. The final product is ground into a very fine powder. Where most tea is infused, matcha is finely ground tea leaves that are whisked with warm water. The entire leaf is consumed bringing extra nutrients with it. Because the whole tea leaf is consumed it is important to source high-quality tea. I like to find an organic tea from Japan if possible!

Health Benefits of Matcha

Matcha is a highly healthful tea! You can read more about its amazing benefits here and here.

Ingredients

• Matcha Green Tea Powder – Source an organic high-quality matcha powder.
• Milk – I personally use almond milk, but you can use your favorite milk. Be sure to use unsweetened dairy as this recipe is already sweet. See below for more ideas.
• Liquid Can Sugar – Sometimes called simple syrup or liquid sugar. Since this recipe is made cold, it is essential to use syrup. Learn how to make your own liquid cane sugar. It is a quick 2 ingredient recipe! 
• Boba – You can use any boba balls you choose for this recipe. I used black sugar boba, but several options include lychee boba, golden boba, and rainbow boba! Boba can be purchased online or if you have a local Asian market, you will most likely find it stocked with boba! 
• Ice – Add a handful of ice! This can be optional if desired. 

How to Make Matcha Milk Tea

Kitchen Tools

• Blender Bottle
• Reuseable Boba Straws

Ingredients

• Matcha Green Tea Powder
• Water
• Milk – 
• Simple Syrup
• Boba
• Ice

Step-by-Step Instructions

• Prepare boba according to package instructions. Scoop into the serving cup. (Top with 1 tablespoon of simple syrup, optional)
• Add water and matcha powder to a blender bottle with a wire whisk blender ball and shake vigorously until matcha and water are combined with no lumps.
• Pour matcha over boba.
• Drizzle in simple syrup.
• Top with milk.
• Give your tea a little stir, add a straw, and enjoy!

Recipe Notes and Variations

• If using boba balls, prepare boba immediately before use. Boba does not store well even for a day.
• As noted above this recipe is easily customizable to your taste and any dietary restrictions! 

Substitutions for Simple Syrup

• Granulated Sugar – Make it into simple syrup!
• Honey
• Stevia
• Liquid Cane Sugar
• Honey Simple Syrup
• Maple Syrup
• Coconut Sugar Simple Syrup

Substitutions for Milk

• Any unsweetened plant-based milk including almond, cashew, oat, soy, or rice.
• Half and Half
• Whole Milk

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Make Matcha Milk Tea with a Tea bag? 

While matcha in a tea bag isn’t really a thing, matcha can come in single-use packets. I have purchased matcha in little packets from Trader Joe’s and they are incredibly convenient for single servings.

Matcha Milk Tea vs Matcha Latte

Matcha milk tea and matcha lattes have similar ingredients at their base. A matcha latte, while it can be served iced, generally is a hot tea with or without sweetener and topped with foamy steamed milk. A matcha milk tea has milk stirred into it and is often served sweet with boba balls and ice!

Matcha Milk Tea Caffeine 

Matcha does contain caffeine. This recipe contains approximately 70 mg of caffeine.

More Milk Tea Recipes You Will Love!

• Rose Milk Tea
• Honeydew Milk Tea
• Coconut Milk Tea
• Chocolate Milk Tea
• How to Make Milk Tea

I hope you enjoy this milk tea recipe. I’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment below and let’s connect! If you try this recipe, I would love for you to give it a 5-star review!