Rose Milk Tea with Boba

Enjoy the subtle floral flavor of rose in this perfectly sweet and balanced, rose milk tea recipe!

What is Rose Milk Tea?

This tea combines the best of floral flavors with either black or oolong tea. First I cook my tapioca pearls and scoop them in my cup, next comes a beautiful homemade rose syrup, prepared tea, and topped with foaming milk. It’s the perfect combination of creamy, floral, and sweet!

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 all over the world 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.

Rose Syrup or Rose Water?

This recipe uses homemade rose syrup. It is incredibly easy to make and only uses only 3 ingredients. By making your own syrup you can control the level of sweetness in your tea as well as making any dietary changes you may choose to do.

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 the tiny balls, these chewy bits of deliciousness are addictive! 

What is in Rose Milk Tea Boba?

• Edible Rose Buds or Rose Petals – Either of these will work in this recipe. I used edible rose buds and was very happy with the results.
• 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.
• Sugar – Regular table sugar works perfectly here as it disolves easily into the syrup.
• Water – I always use filtered water for the best tasting tea.
• Tea Bags (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

• 3 small pots with lids
• Measuring spoons
• Measuring cups
• Tea strainer
• Serving cup
• Wooden spoon
• Milk Frother

Ingredients

• 1/4 Cup Edible Rose buds or petals
• 1/4 Cup Sugar
• 1 1/4 Cup Water, divided
• 1/4 Cup Milk
• 2 Tea Bags (Black tea or Oolong)
• 1/4 Cup Tapioca Pearls
• 1 Hibiscus petals for coloring (optional)

Step by Step Instructions

1. In the first pot start your rose syrup by adding 1/4 cup water and sugar to pot over medium heat.
2. Stir together and allow sugar to fully dissolve. Turn off heat. 
3. Toss in rose petals (and hibiscus if using). 
4. Lightly stir and cover pot.
5. Allow to steep for at least 10 minutes. (Longer is better for a stronger floral flavor!) 
6. Strain out roses.
7. In second pot make tapioca pearls according to packaging instructions. 
8. Add cooked and drained tapioca pearls to cup.
9. In the 3rd pot add 1 cup of water.
10. Bring the water to a boil.
11. Add in tea bag and cover.
12. Steep for 3-5 minutes.
13. Meanwhile warm milk and froth. 
14. Measure 2 tablespoons of homemade rose syrup on top of tapioca pearls in serving cup.
15. Next layer with prepared tea.
16. Pour over frothed milk. 
17. Stir.
18. 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 a plant based milk.
• Gluten Free – this recipe is already naturally gluten free.
• Dairy Free – use a plant based milk such as oat or almond milk.
• Paleo – use maple syrup and coconut milk. 

Q&A

What does Rose Milk Tea Taste Like?

Rose milk tea tastes like a black tea latte with hints of floral.

Does Rose Milk Tea have Caffeine?

Yes, this tea starts with a black tea base which contains about 47mg of caffeine.

More Tea Recipes You are Sure to Love!

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

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