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Introduction to Boba Tea
What is boba?
Bubble tea (also known as pearl milk tea, bubble milk tea, tapioca 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
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Let us walk you through, step by step, to show you how to make the perfect boba!
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.
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How to Brew Hot Tea
What is hot brew?
The process of steeping tea with care by following a step-by-step recipe and paying attention to the water temperature.
Why should I choose hot brew?
A shorter preparation time is needed for a stronger tea aroma. Plus, your tea is freshly brewed every time!​
Shelf Life: Green Tea/Black Tea 'Vintage Blend'/Oolong Tea/Jasmine Green Tea/Black (Red) Tea: Requires refrigeration. Good up for one day. Sweetened Black 'Vintage Blend'/Golden Milk Tea/Thai Tea: Requires refrigeration. Good for up to 5 days.
Green Tea
(#T1020)
Green Tea
1 bag
Water
10 qt.
Ice
4 qt.
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 (#Y5020) 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.
Black Tea 'Vintage Blend'
(#1032)
Black Tea
'Vintage Blend'
1 bag
White Sugar
(optional)
1.8 lb. (0.8 kg.)
Water
8 qt.
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 temperature reaches 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 (#Y5020) into a second serving bucket.
6. (Optional) Add 1.8 lb./0.8 kg. of white sugar. Stir well to cool down tea. Skim foam from the top.
7. Refrigerate for 4 hours before serving.
Oolong Tea
1 bag
Oolong Tea
(#T1033)
Water
8 qt.
Ice
4 qt.
1. In a 24 qt. tock 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 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 (#Y5020) 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.
Premium Jasmine Green Tea
(#T1022)
Premium Jasmine Green Tea
1 bag
Water
9 qt.
Ice
9 qt.
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 out 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 (#Y5020) 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.
Black (Red) Tea
(#T1030)
Black (Red) Tea
1 bag
Water
9 qt.
Ice
4 qt.
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 (#Y5020) 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.
Golden Milk Tea
(#T1025)
Golden Milk Tea
1 bag
Water
8 qt.
Ice
4 qt.
Non-Dairy Creamer
1 bag
Raw Turbinado Sugar
0.66 lb. (0.3. kg.)
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 milk 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: 1 bag Non-Dairy Creamer, 0.66 lb. (0.3 kg.) Raw Turbinado Sugar, 1.76 lb. (0.8 kg.) Dark Brown Sugar.
6. When the timer goes off, filter tea by pouring through a tea filter (#Y5020) into the second serving bucket.
7. Stir well and make sure creamer and sugar dissolve.
8. Add 4 qt. of ice into the second serving bucket.
9. Stir well to cool down tea. Skim foam from the top.
10. Check sweetness level with a sweetness tester (adjustment range: 12-22).
Dark Brown
Sugar
1.76 lb. (0.8 kg.)
Thai Tea
(#T1035)
Thai Tea
1 bag
Water
7 qt.
Ice
4 qt.
White Sugar
2.4 lb. (1.09 kg.)
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 temperature 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 (Thai Tea Filter #Y7030). 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 (adjustment range: 12-22).
*How to serve: 2/3 cup of ice + 7 oz. Thai Tea + mix 3 scoops of Non-Dairy Creamer + 2 fl. oz. of hot water, dissolve well.
Ingredients
Brewing Instructions
How to Cold Brew Tea
What is cold brew?
Cold brew is the process of steeping coffee grounds or tea in room temperature or cold water for an extended period.
Why should I choose cold brew?
Cold brews are convenient and easily prepared, in addition, they 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.
LOLLICUP® TEA ZONE®
Cold Brew Recipe
Equipment
18 qt. Cambro Container
Y5050
Cambro Lid
Y5055
Cold Brew Filter
Y5060
Ingredients
Water
Tea or Coffee of Choice
Tea or Coffee of Choice
Green Tea
(#T1020)
Premium Jasmine Green Tea
(#T1022)
Black (Red) Tea
(#T1030)
Black Tea 'Vintage Blend'
(#T1032)
Oolong Tea
(#T1033)
Golden Milk Tea
(#T1025)
Cafvina Ground Coffee
(#F1015)
Directions
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.
​
Preparation for 16 oz. Drink
Powder/Syrup
Sweetened Tea
Flavored Tea
Flavored Tea Milk Tea
Iced Coffee
N/A
N/A
2 oz.
3 scoops powder or 2 fl. oz. syrup
Creamer
N/A
N/A
2 scoops
2 scoops
Sugar
1 oz.
N/A
(Optional)
1 oz.
1 oz.
(Base) Liquid
Choice of Tea
Choice of Tea
Choice of Tea
Coffee
Ice
2/3 of 16 fl. oz. Cup
2/3 of 16 fl. oz. Cup
2/3 of 16 fl. oz. Cup
2/3 of 16 fl. oz. Cup
Directions
1. Add 1 fl. oz. fructose/honey or 2 fl. oz. of flavored syrup. (Optional: add 2 scoops of Non-Dairy Creamer or 2 fl. oz. of milk of choice.)
2. Add Tea Zone cold brew tea of choice.
3. Add 2/3 of 16 f. oz. cup of ice to a shaker.
4. Shake well for 10 seconds, seal, and serve.
LOLLICUP® TEA ZONE®
Cold Brew Recipe (cont.)
Equipment
18 qt. Cambro Container
Y5050
Cambro Lid
Y5055
Cold Brew Filter
Y5060
French Whisk
Ingredients
Water
Tea or Coffee of Choice
Tea of your choice
Golden Milk Tea
(#T1025)
Thai Tea
(#T1035)
Directions
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 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.
Preparation
Use a French whisk to mix:
Hot Water 2 qt. + Non-Dairy Creamer 1 bag + Raw Turbinado Sugar 0.66 lb. (0.3 kg.) + Dark Brown Sugar 1.76 lb. (0.8 kg.)
Use French whisk to mix:
Hot Water 2 qt. + White Suar 4.8 lb. (2.17 kg.)
For 1 oz. Drink
2/3 of 16 fl. oz. cup of ice + fill up with milk tea​​
For 16 oz. Drink
Thai tea 7 oz. + 2/3 of all 16 fl. oz. cup of ice
+ Top off with Mocha Mix (3 oz.)
MILK TEA
THAI TEA
TO CLEAN COLD BREW BAG
Rinse off tea leaves, immerse into hot water, rinse off with cold water, air dry.
How to Cook Boba
Ingredients
Water 20 qt.
Dark Brown Sugar 24 oz. by weight
Longan Honey 8 fl. oz.
Hot Water 2 qt.
Boba
Directions
White Tapioca Pearls (Boba)
A2060
Original Tapioca Pearls
A1000
Water
Chewy Tapioca Pearls
A2000
20 qt.
30 mins.
35 mins.
Cook Time
​
Set
Time
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 Tea Zone Tapioca Pearls (boba) 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 for 10 minutes prior to serving. Stir cooked tapioca every hour.
Mini Tapioca Pearls (Boba)
A1010
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 Tea Zone Tapioca Pearls (boba) 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.
6 mins
6 mins
Boba Rice Cooker Instructions
Please review the instructions below for cooking #A1000 Original, #A2000 Chewy, #A2060 White Boba or #A3000 Instant 10 Boba with a rice cooker: (Rice Cooker: please make sure it is NSF approved and commercial grade. 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 Pearl (boba) into the boiling water and stir (approx. 2 minutes).
3. Boil boba in the rice cooker for 30 minutes (#A1000, #A2000, and #A2060 oba); or 10 minutes (#A3000 boba) while covered (click "cook).
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 (#A1000, #A2000, and #A2060 boba); or 15 minutes (#A3000 boba) while covered (click "warm").
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.
​
Sugar Mixture (1 bag)
Boba
Basic
Fun
#A1000, #A2000, #A1010
-
Dark Brown Sugar: 680 g. (24 oz.)
-
Honey: 8 fl. oz.
-
Hot Water: 4 qt.
-
Dark Brown Sugar: 680 g. (24 oz.)
-
Caramel/Hazelnut/Vanilla: 8 fl. oz.
-
Hot Water: 4 qt.
-
White Sugar: 907 g. 932 oz.) or Fructose 24 fl. oz.
-
Hot Water: 4 qt.
-
Strawberry/Passion Fruit Syrup: 24 fl. oz.
-
Hot Water: 4 qt.
#A2060
Made To Order
16 oz. Drinks / (For 24 oz. drink(s): add 1 oz. or 1 Lollicup scoop to ingredient(s) used)
Slush
3 fl. oz. syrup
N/A
N/A
Smoothie
3 fl. oz. syrup or 3 Lollicup Scoops Powder
2 Lollicup Scoops
(creamer, banana, vanilla, or yogurt powder)
1 fl. oz. Fructose (for powder only)
Heaping 16 fl. oz. cup
4 fl. oz. water
Heaping 16 fl. oz. cup
4 fl. oz. water
Combine 3 Lollicup scoops of flavored powder or 3 fl. oz. of flavored syrup, 2 Lollicup scoops of Non-Dairy Creamer (for a smoothie), and 1 fl. oz. fructose (if flavored powder is used) in a blender jar. Add heaping 16 fl. oz. cup of ice (13 oz. by weight) and 4 fl. oz. water. Blend well and serve.
Flavored Milk Tea
(Honey, Rose)
2 fl. oz. syrup
2 Lollicup Scoops
N/A
Flavored Milk Tea (Almond, Coffee, Coconut, Sesame)
3 Lollicup Scoops
2 Lollicup Scoops
1 fl. oz. fructose
Flavored Milk
(Chocolate, Honeydew, Taro)
3 Lollicup Scoops
2 Lollicup Scoops
1 fl. oz. fructose
2/3 of 16 fl. oz. cup
7 fl. oz. tea
2/3 of 16 fl. oz. cup
7 fl. oz. tea
2/3 of 16 fl. oz. cup
7 fl. oz. water
ICED: Mix 3 Lollicup scoops of flavored powder or 2 fl. oz. of flavored syrup and 2 Lollicup scoops of Non-Dairy Creamer with 1 fl. oz. of hot water in a cocktail shaker. Then add 1 fl. oz. fructose (if flavored powder is used), 2/3 of 16 fl. oz. cup of ice (6 oz. by weight), and 7 fl. oz. tea/water. Shake well and serve.
HOT: Mix 3 Lollicup scoops of flavored powder or 2 fl. oz. of flavored syrup, 2 Lollicup scoops of Non-Dairy Creamer, 1 fl. oz. fructose (if flavored powder is used), and 10 fl. oz. hot tea/water in a hot cup. Stir well and serve.
Regular or Honey Black/Green/Oolong Tea
N/A
N/A
1 fl. oz. fructose or 1 fl. oz. honey
Flavored Black/Green/Oolong Tea
2 fl. oz. syrup
N/A
N/A
2/3 of 16 fl. oz. cup
9 fl. oz. tea
2/3 of 16 fl. oz. cup
8 fl. oz. tea
ICED: Add 1 fl. oz. of sweetener of 2 fl. oz. of flavored syrup in a cocktail shaker. Then add 1 fl. oz. fructose, 2/3 of 16 fl. oz. cup of ice (6 oz. by weight) and 8-9 fl. oz. of tea. Shake well and serve.
HOT: Add 1 fl. oz. of sweetener or 2 fl. oz. of flavored syrup and 12-13 fl. oz. hot tea in a hot cup. Stir well and serve.
Unsweetened Black/Green/Oolong Tea
N/A
N/A
N/A
2/3 of 16 fl. oz. cup
10 fl. oz. tea
ICED: Add 2/3 of 16 fl. oz. cup of ice (6 oz. by weight) and 10 fl. oz. of tea in a cocktail shaker. Shake well and serve.
HOT: Add 14 fl. oz. hot tea in a hot cup and serve.
Drink
Flavor
Creamer
Sweetener
Ice
Liquid
Preparation