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Introduction to Boba Tea
What is boba? Bubble tea (also known as bubble milk tea, boba tea, or simply boba) is a tea-based drink that originated in Taiwan in the early 1980s. It most commonly consists of tea, milk, and sugar. It can also be accompanied by chewy tapioca balls ("boba" or "pearls"), but it can be made with other toppings as well - such as grass jelly, aloe vera, or red bean.
Any tea can be used as the base of boba tea, the two most popular being black and green tea bases. You can enhance the flavor by adding syrups such as strawberry, mango, lychee, or passion fruit. Milk can also be added to make a creamier, more indulgent drink. This section will explore boba tea recipes and show you how to craft the perfect boba!
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How to Brew Hot Tea
The traditional way of making tea is to brew tea leaves in hot water at temperatures ranging from 158-200°F. Hot brewed tea involves the process of steeping tea with care by following a step-by-step recipe and paying attention to the water temperature. Its benefits include a short preparation time for a stronger tea aroma. Additionally, the tea is brewed fresh every time!
Green Tea (#T1020)
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1. In a 24 qt. stock pot, add 15 qt. of water and bring to a boil over high heat. Remember to use a lid to reduce cooking time.
2. Pour 1 bag of green tea into a serving bucket.
3. When the water temperature reaches 165° F, pour 10 qt. of water into a serving bucket with tea leaves.
4. Cover the serving bucket with a lid and let steep for 6 minutes.
5. When the timer goes off, filter tea by pouring through a tea filter into a serving bucket.
6. Add 4 qt. of ice into the second serving bucket.
7. Stir well to cool down tea. Skim foam from the top.
Premium Jasmine Green Tea (#T1022)
1. In a 24 qt. stock pot, add 15 qt. of water and bring to a boil over high heat. Remember to use a lid to reduce the cooking time.
2. Pour 1 bag of premium Jasmine green tea into a serving bucket.
3. When the temperature reaches 175° F, pour 9 qt. of water into a serving bucket with Jasmine green tea.
4. Cover the serving bucket with a lid and let it sit for 10 minutes.
5. When the timer goes off, filter tea by pouring through a tea filter into a second serving bucket.
6. Add 9 qt. of ice into the second serving bucket.
7. Stir well to cool down tea. Skim foam from the top.
Golden Tea (#T1025)
1. In a 24 qt. stock pot, add 15 qt. of water and bring to a boil over high heat. Remember to use a lid to reduce the cooking time.
2. Pour 1 bag of golden tea into a serving bucket.
3. When the temperature reaches boiling point (210° F), pour 9 qt. of water into a serving bucket with tea leaves.
4. Cover the serving bucket with a lid and let it sit for 16 minutes.
5. In a second serving bucket, mix the following: Non-Dairy Creamer (1 bag), Raw Turbinado Sugar (0.66 lb.), Dark Brown Sugar (1.76 lb.).
6. After 16 minutes, filter tea by pouring through a tea filter into the second serving bucket.
7. Stir well to dissolve creamer and sugar.
8. Add 4 qt. of ice to the second serving bucket.
9. Stir well to cool down tea. Skim foam from the top. Check sweetness level with a sweetness tester.
Oolong Tea (#T1033)
1. In a 24 qt. stock pot, add 15 qt. of water and bring to a boil over high heat. Remember to use a lid to reduce the cooking time.
2. Pour 1 bag of oolong tea into a serving bucket.
3. When the temperature reaches a boiling point (210° F), pour out 8 qt. of water into serving bucket with tea leaves.
4. Cover the serving bucket with a lid and let sit for 12 minutes.
5. When timer goes off, filter tea by pouring through a tea filter into a second serving bucket.
6. Add 4 qt. of ice into the second serving bucket.
7. Stir well to cool down tea. Skim foam from the top.
Black (Red) Tea (#T1030)
1. In a 24 qt. stock pot, add 15 qt. of water and bring to a boil over high heat. Remember to use a lid to reduce the cooking time.
2. Pour 1 bag of black (red) tea into a serving bucket.
3. When the temperature reaches 195° F, pour out 9 qt. of water into a serving bucket with black (red) tea.
4. Cover the serving bucket with a lid and let it sit for 10 minutes.
5. When the timer goes off, filter tea by pouring through a tea filter into a second serving bucket.
6. Add 4 qt. of ice into the second serving bucket.
7. Stir well to cool down tea. Skim foam from the top.
Black Tea "Vintage Blend" (#T1032)
1. In a 24 qt. stock pot, add 15 qt. of water and bring to a boil over high heat. Remember to use a lid to reduce cooking time.
2. Pour 1 bag of black tea 'vintage blend' into a serving bucket.
3. When the water reaches a boiling point (210° F), pour 8 qt. of water into the serving bucket and place bucket onto stove. Cook over low heat with the lid off. Set the timer for 3 minutes.
4. When the timer goes off, remove the serving bucket from the stove and cover with a lid for 15 minutes.
5. After sitting for 15 minutes, filter tea by pouring tea through a filter into a second serving bucket.
6. (Optional) Add 1.8 lb. of white sugar. Stir well to cool down tea. Skim foam from the top.
7. Refrigerate for 4 hours before serving.
Thai Tea (#T1035)
1. In a 24 qt. stock pot, add 15 qt. of water and bring to a boil over high heat. Remember to use a lid to reduce the cooking time.
2. Pour 1 bag of Thai tea into a serving bucket.
3. When the water reaches boiling point (210° F), pour 7 qt. of water into the serving bucket and place on stove. Cook over low heat with the lid off. Set the timer for 20 minutes.
4. In a second serving bucket add 2.4 lb. (1.09 kg.) of white sugar.
5. When the timer goes off, filter Thai tea by pouring through a cloth filter. Make sure to mix tea and sugar together until the sugar dissolves.
6. Add 4 qt. of ice into the serving bucket.
7. Stir well to cool down tea. Skim foam from the top.
8 Check sweetness level with a sweetness tester.
How to Cold Brew Tea
Cold brew is the process of steeping coffee grounds or tea in room temperature or cold water for an extended period. Many will opt for cold brew tea or coffee because it's convenient and easy to prepare. In addition, cold brews have long lasting taste and quality (up to 5 days when refrigerated). The chemical balance in cold brew coffee is also different compared to hot brew. With cold brew, there are fewer catechins (antioxidants) and less caffeine in the finished product which reduces bitterness and acidity.
Cold Brewing Tea & Coffee
Using Green Tea, Premium Jasine Green Tea, Black (Red) Tea, Black Tea "Vintage Blend", Oolong Tea, Golden Tea, and coarse ground coffee.
1. Fill an 18 qt. Cambro container with 10 qt. of filtered water (if the flavor is highly concentrated, you may fill water up to 12 qt.).
2. Pour 1 bag of Tea Zone Tea of choice or 30 oz. of coarse ground coffee in a cold brew filter and tie tightly.
3. Place the cold brew filter in water and submerge with a stainless-steel bar spoon (wait until the bag begins to sink).
4. Place in the refrigerator, covered, for 20 hours (if you would like a lighter/fuller flavor profile, cover between 18 to 22 hours).
5. Remove cold brew filter bag and serve.
Preparing 16 oz. Drinks
Using Green Tea, Premium Jasine Green Tea, Black (Red) Tea, Black Tea "Vintage Blend", Oolong Tea, Golden Tea, and coarse ground coffee.
Sweetened Tea
1. Add 1 oz. of sugar to your Tea Zone cold brewed tea of choice.
2. Stir well for 10 seconds.
3. Serve over ice and enjoy!
Flavored Tea
1. Add ice to a cocktail shaker.
2. Add 2 fl. oz. of flavored syrup and your Tea Zone cold brewed tea of choice to the shaker.
3. Shake well for 10-15 seconds.
4. Pour over ice in your cup of choice and serve!
Flavored Milk Tea
1. Add 3 scoops of your flavored powder and 2 scoops of Non-Dairy Creamer to your Tea Zone cold brew tea of choice. Stir until dissolved.
2. Add ice to a cocktail shaker.
3. Add 2 fl. oz of flavored syrup and your Tea Zone cold brewed tea to the shaker.
4. Shake well for 10-15 seconds.
5. Pour over ice in your cup of choice and serve! If desired, add 1 oz. of sugar.
Iced Coffee
1. Add 2 scoops of Non-Dairy Creamer to your cold brewed coffee, stir until dissolved.
2. Add 1 oz. of sugar to the cold brewed coffee, stir util dissolved.
3. Pour over ice in your cup of choice and serve!
Cold Brewing Tea
Using Golden Milk Tea and Thai Tea.
1. Fill the Cambro container with 8 qt. of cold filtered water (if the flavor is highly concentrated, you may fill water up to 10 qt.).
2. Pour 1 bag of Tea Zone Tea of Golden Milk Tea or 2 bags of Thai Tea and tie tightly.
3. Place cold brew filter in water and submerge with a stainless-steel bar spoon (wait until the bag begins to sink).
4. Place in the refrigerator, covered, for 20 hours (if you would like a lighter/fuller flavor profile, cover between 18 to 22 hours).
5. Remove cold brew filter bag and serve.
Preparing 16 oz. Drinks
Using Golden Milk Tea and Thai Tea.
Golden Tea
1. Use a French whisk to mix hot water (2 qt.), Non-Dairy Creamer (1 bag), raw turbinado sugar (0.66 lb.), and dark brown sugar (1.76 lb.)
2. Combine this mix with golden milk tea.
3. Serve over ice and enjoy!
Thai Tea
1. Use a Frech whisk to mix hot water (2 qt.) with white sugar (4.8 lb.)
2. Combine Thai tea (7 oz.) with mix (3 oz.)
3. Serve over ice and enjoy!
How to Cook Boba
White, Original, Chewy Tapioca (Boba) Pearls
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1. In a 24 qt. stock pot, add 20 qt. of water and bring to a boil over high heat. Remember to use a lid to reduce the cooking time.
2. Turn heat to medium. Place Tapioca Pearls into boiling water and stir (approx. 15 seconds) to keep them separated. Wait for the water to heat back up to a small boil/simmer (approx. 2 minutes).
3. Continue to simmer in a slow boil (low heat) for 30 minutes and stir every 5 to 10 minutes.
4. When the timer goes off, turn off heat, place the pot on a cool surface and let it sit an additional 35 minutes while covered.
5. Carefully strain and rinse tapioca in a large colander to remove excess starch before soaking in a sugar mixture.
6. Let tapioca soak in sugar mix for 10 minutes prior to serving. Stir cooked tapioca every hour.
Mini Tapioca (Boba) Pearls
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1. In a 24 qt. stock pot, add 20 qt. of water and bring to a boil over high heat. Remember to use a lid to reduce the cooking time.
2. Turn heat to medium. Place Mini Tapioca Pearls into boiling water and stir (approx. 15 seconds) to keep them separated. Wait for the water to heat back up to a small boil/simmer (approx. 2 minutes).
3. Continue to simmer in a slow boil (low heat) for 6 minutes.
4. After 3 minutes, stir once for 15 seconds, then continue to simmer in a slow boil.
5. When the timer goes off, turn off heat, place the pot on a cool surface and let it sit an additional 6 minutes while covered.
6. Carefully strain and rinse tapioca in a large colander to remove excess starch before soaking in a sugar mixture.
Cooking Boba with a Rice Cooker
Cooking the Boba
(Recipe made with a 30-cup rice cooker.)
1. Boil water in the rice cooker (half bag to at least 10qt. of water). Normally, a commercial rice cooker can only make half a bag at a time.
2. Place Tea Zone Tapioca Pearls into the boiling water and stir (approx. 2 minutes).
3. Boil boba in the rice cooker for 30 minutes (White, Original, Chewy Boba); or 10 minutes (Mini Boba) while covered.
4. When the timer goes off, stir boba for approximately 15 seconds. Bring boba to a simmer in the rice cooker for an additional 20 minutes (White, Original, Chewy Boba); or 15 minutes (Mini Boba) while covered.
5. Carefully strain and rinse the boba in a large colander to remove excess starch before soaking in a sugar mixture.
6. Let boba soak in a container for at least 10 minutes prior to serving.
Preparing the Sugar Mixture
For White, Original, and Chewy Tapioca Pearls: combine Dark Brown Sugar (680 grams), Honey (8 fl. oz.), and hot water (4 qt.).
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For Mini Tapioca Pearls: combine white sugar (907 grams) or fructose (24 fl. oz.) and hot water (4 qt.).
Preparing 16 oz. Drinks
For 24 oz. drinks, add 1 oz. (1 Lollicup scoop) to ingredients used.
Unsweetened Black/Green/Oolong Tea
ICED
1. Add 6 oz. of ice and 10 fl. oz. of tea to a cocktail shaker.
2. Shake well and serve over ice.
HOT
1. Add 14 fl. oz. of hot tea to a cup and serve.
Sweet Honey/Black/Green/Oolong Tea
ICED
1. Add 6 oz. of ice and 1 fl. oz. of fructose or honey to a cocktail shaker.
2. Add 9 fl. oz. of tea to the cocktail shaker.
3. Shake well and serve over ice.
HOT
1. Add 1 fl. oz. of fructose or honey to 13 fl. oz. of hot tea.
2. Stir well and serve.
Flavored Black/Green/Oolong Tea
ICED
1. Add 6 oz. of ice and 2 fl. oz. of flavored syrup to a cocktail shaker.
2. Add 8 fl. oz. of tea to the cocktail shaker.
3. Shake well and serve over ice.
HOT
1. Add 2 fl. oz. of flavored syrup to 12 fl. oz. of hot tea.
2. Stir well and serve.
Flavored Milk Tea (Honey, Rose)
ICED
1. Mix 2 fl. oz. of flavored syrup with 2 Lollicup scoops of Non-Dairy Creamer in a cocktail shaker.
2. Add 1 fl. oz. of hot water to the cocktail shaker.
3. Add 6 oz. of ice and 7 fl. oz. of tea.
4. Shake well and serve over ice.
HOT
1. Mix 2 fl. oz. of flavored syrup with 2 Lollicup scoops of Non-Dairy Creamer.
2. Mix this with 10 fl. oz. of hot tea.
3. Stir well and serve.
Flavored Milk Tea (Almond, Coffee, Coconut, Sesame)
ICED
1. Mix 3 Lollicup scoops of flavored powder with 2 Lollicup scoops of Non-Dairy Creamer in a cocktail shaker.
2. Add 1 fl. oz. of fructose and 1 fl. oz. of hot water to the cocktail shaker.
3. Add 6 oz. of ice and 7 fl. oz. of tea.
4. Shake well and serve over ice.
HOT
1. Mix 3 Lollicup scoops of flavored powder with 2 Lollicup scoops of Non-Dairy Creamer.
2. Add 1 fl. oz. fructose if flavored powder is being used.)
3. Mix this with 10 fl. oz. of hot tea.
4. Stir well and serve.
Flavored Milk Tea (Chocolate, Honeydew, Taro)
ICED
1. Mix 3 Lollicup scoops of flavored powder with 2 Lollicup scoops of Non-Dairy Creamer in a cocktail shaker.
2. Add 1 fl. oz. of fructose and 1 fl. oz. of hot water to the cocktail shaker.
3. Add 6 oz. of ice and 7 fl. oz. of tea.
4. Shake well and serve over ice.
HOT
1. Mix 3 Lollicup scoops of flavored powder with 2 Lollicup scoops of Non-Dairy Creamer.
2. Add 1 fl. oz. fructose if flavored powder is being used.)
3. Mix this with 10 fl. oz. of water.
4. Stir well and serve.
Slush
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1. Mix 3 fl. oz. of flavored syrup 13 oz. of ice in a blender.
2. Add 4 fl. oz. of water to the blender.
3. Blend well and serve.
Smoothie
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1. Mix 3 fl. oz. of flavored syrup or 3 Lollicup scoops of flavored powder with 2 Lollicup scoops of Non-Dairy Creamer in a blender.
2. If using flavored powder, 1 fl. oz. of fructose to the blender.
3. Add 13 oz. of ice and 4 fl. oz. of water to the blender.
3. Blend well and serve.