Rose Milk Tea Recipe with Boba

Enjoy the subtle floral flavor of rose in this lovely and balanced, rose milk tea recipe! Rose milk tea, also known as rose bubble tea, is a refreshing and delicious drink that combines the sweetness of roses with the creamy goodness of milk tea. It’s perfect for summer days or anytime you need a pick-me-up! Rose milk tea (rose bubble tea) is traditionally made with black or oolong tea, milk, rose simple syrup, and tapioca pearls (boba). I especially love the boba which adds an extra layer of texture and flavor to the drink, making it even more enjoyable!

What is Rose Milk Tea with Boba?

Rose milk bubble tea is a popular beverage made with black tea, milk, rose petals, and boba. This fragrant drink is often served with chewy tapioca pearls, making it a refreshing and satisfying treat (when adding boba, the tea gets the name “bubble” added). Rose milk bubble tea is relatively easy to make at home and can be customized to suit your signature taste preferences.

Why You Will Love Rose Milk Boba Tea

• Sweet
• Floral flavor lightly touches the taste buds
• Smells beautiful
• Creamy

Origins

Milk tea has been popular all around the world for decades, if not longer. Milk tea is simply milk and tea and there are almost too many variations to count. Bubble tea is an extremely popular milk tea that includes little tapioca balls (often called boba) that originated in Taiwan. Now it is in demand worldwide with many flavor combinations to enjoy.

Floral teas are also popular and it is no wonder. Roses in particular, not only carry a beautiful scent, but they also taste and look lovely in teas as well as boast of many nutritional benefits. While relatively simple, rose milk tea is just as delicious as its more complicated counterparts, and is sure to please.

Boba lovers can find it on menus at Asian restaurants, cafes, and even some supermarkets. If you’ve never tried rose milk tea, you’re in for a treat!

Rose Syrup or Rose Water?

This recipe uses homemade rose syrup. It is incredibly easy to make, contains all-natural ingredients and no artificial dyes, and only uses 3 ingredients. By making your own syrup you can control the level of sweetness in your tea as well as make any dietary changes you may choose to do. Make your own Rose Simple Syrup, with this quick and comprehensive DIY guide, here.

Which is it? Tapioca pearls or Boba?

Boba and tapioca pearls are pretty much one and the same. Made with tapioca flour and rolled in tiny balls, these chewy bits of deliciousness are addictive! 

What is in Rose Milk Tea Boba?

• Rose Simple Syrup – You can make your own lovely rose simple syrup with this recipe! An all-natural recipe using only 3 ingredients and real rose buds.
• Milk – Use your favorite milk. Oat milk, soy milk, whole milk, or almond milk are all good options! But don’t limit yourself if you have another favorite.
• Water – I always use filtered water for the best-tasting tea.
• Tea (black tea or oolong) – In this recipe, black tea is my favorite, but both work well and are delicious options. 
• Tapioca pearls – Boba is optional of course, but once you try bubble tea, you will understand why it is all the rage.
• Hibiscus petal – While not required, this can be added to your rose syrup to create a deeper pink color.

How to make Rose Milk Tea with Boba 

Rose Milk Tea Recipe

Supplies

• Tea Kettle
• Measuring spoons
• Measuring cups
• Tea strainer
• Serving cup
• Milk Frother

Ingredients

• 2 Tablespoons of Rose Syrup
• 1 Cup Water
• 1/4 Cup Milk
• 2 Teaspoons of Tea (Black tea or Oolong)
• 1/4 Cup Boba
• 1 Hibiscus petals for coloring (optional)

Step by Step Instructions

1. Make boba (tapioca pearls) in a large pot according to packaging instructions. 
2. Add cooked boba to your serving cup.
3. Measure 2 tablespoons of homemade rose syrup on top of tapioca pearls and mix together.
4. Next, bring the water to a boil in a kettle.
5. Add tea to your teapot, pour over hot water, and steep for 5 minutes.
6. Pour prepared tea over boba
7. Warm and froth milk and pour over tea.
8. Stir.
9. Enjoy!

Tips and Variations 

• In this recipe, I used tea bags, but you can also use loose-leaf tea. 1 teaspoon of loose leaves per tea bag you are replacing.
• Always use fresh and filtered water for tea. Freshly drawn water contains more oxygen than water that has been sitting and contributes greatly to the wonderful aroma of your tea.
• Use your favorite plant-based milk. I almost always use oat milk.

Dietary Considerations

This recipe can easily be adjusted to accommodate almost any diet. Make this recipe:

• Vegan – use plant-based milk.
• Gluten-Free – this recipe is already naturally gluten-free.
• Dairy-Free – use plant-based milk such as oat or almond milk.
• Paleo – use maple syrup and coconut milk. 

Tips, Tricks, and FAQs

Here are a few things to consider when preparing your tea!

Does Rose Milk Tea contain caffeine? 

Yes, this recipe for rose milk bubble tea contains caffeine, about 50mg. However, the amount of caffeine will vary depending on the type of tea used and steeping time.

Storage Tips

The ingredients on their own will store for some time, however, the tea when brewed tastes best when fresh. I recommend enjoying it in one sitting, and adjusting the serving size accordingly. Note, I love this tea and have never had a problem finishing the serving!

Brewing Considerations

When brewing your tea, it is important to consider the water temperature and steeping time. Green and white teas should be brewed with water that is lower in temperature, around 180 degrees Fahrenheit. Black teas can be brewed with boiling water, about 212 degrees Fahrenheit. Steeping time will also vary depending on the type of tea used. For example, green tea should be steeped for 1-2 minutes, while black tea can be steeped for 3-5 minutes.

Tea Bag vs. Loose-Leaf tea?

There are pros and cons to using tea bags or loose-leaf tea. Tea bags are convenient and easy to use, but they generally contain lower-quality leaves. Loose-leaf tea is of higher quality and has a more complex flavor, but requires a bit more effort to prepare. If you’re looking for the best flavor, go with loose-leaf tea. If you’re looking for convenience, go with tea bags.

Customize your Tea with these Variations

Looking for a twist? Try these variations to take your tea in a new direction.

Make a Rose Milk Latte

For a rose tea latte, leave out the boba and just add steamed frothed milk!

Add Fruit!

Fruit is a delicious and healthy addition to any tea. Rose milk tea can be made with lychee fruit, but feel free to try other fruits as well. Strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries are all great choices.

Make it Vegan

To make this recipe vegan, simply use plant-based milk. There are many delicious plant-based kinds of milk on the market, such as almond milk, coconut milk, cashew milk, and soy milk. Choose your favorite and enjoy!

Try this recipe with Oolong, White, or Green Tea

While this recipe uses black or oolong tea, try it with green or white tea for a different combination of flavor and health benefits! White and Oolong tea will be milder, and green tea brings its own unique flavor and aroma to the exquisite rose profile. All can be complementary, and taste amazing!

Change up the Rose Flavor

Different types of rose milk tea will have different flavors depending on the ingredients used. For example, if the rose milk tea is made with rosewater, it will have a more subtle floral flavor. If the rose milk tea is made with rose syrup, it will have a sweeter and more intense flavor. And if the rose milk tea is made with rose powder, it will have a stronger floral flavor.

Boba variations

There are many different kinds of boba, see what works for you! I think these are great places to start:

• Black sugar boba
• Golden Boba
• Lychee Boba

Time for Rose Milk Tea — Why You’ll Love it!

Roses have always been associated with love and appreciation. So, what could be better than sipping on a cup of rose milk tea with boba? 

Rose milk tea is a delicious and refreshing drink that is perfect for any time of year. Always refreshing, it is perfect for springtime planning, summertime sipping, fall reminiscing, or winter snuggling! 

Rose milk boba tea is made with black tea, milk, and real rose flavoring, and can be customized with different fruits, spices, and boba pearls. 

This delicious drink is not only pretty to look at, but also has a unique taste that is sure to please anyone who tries it and will leave you wanting more!

More Tea Recipes You are Sure to Love!

• Jasmine Tea
• Brown Sugar Milk Tea
• Rose Hip Tea
• Matcha Latte
• Oolong Milk Tea
• Coconut Milk Tea

I hope you enjoy this tea recipe. Leave a comment below and let’s connect!