Coffee Boba Tea (Bubble Tea Recipe) - coffeecopycat.com (2024)

This adventurous Coffee Boba is an ode to your inner creative, made with a sensational blend of textures and flavors that delights and inspires! The robust essence of cold brew coffee is blended with creamy milk, homemade brown sugar syrup, and the chewy pleasure of black boba pearls.

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Prepare to be swept away on a sensory journey with this brown sugar latte boba recipe. This boba coffee recipe isn’t just a beverage – it’s a decadent, transformative experience that will forever change your coffee ritual. Each refreshing sip is a symphony of sensations, from smooth cold brew, rich milk, velvety caramel sweetness, and delightful chewy bites of boba. You won’t believe you made this brown sugar boba latte instead of your favorite barista!

Now, if you’re wondering if boba pearls have any business mixing with coffee instead of tea, I assure you this boundary-breaking fusion is a more than satisfying variation. The pairing of an iced brown sugar latte and boba pearls defies convention. The full-body flavor of coffee with the tantalizing chewiness of the pearls delivers a bold and thrilling sensation. Indulge in a sense of childlike wonder with each playful sip, while also receiving a boost of caffeinated energy to fuel your day.

This tasty treat is also higher in caffeine than traditional bubble tea thanks to the coffee, making it a great option for all you coffee drinkers seeking a more pronounced surge of liquid energy. Fix yourself a cold brew boba to joyfully celebrate the start of a new day, or energize post-lunch fatigue with a delicious boost. This craft coffee drink even makes a fun addition to elegant dinner parties as a post-meal nightcap.

What Is a Coffee Boba?

This iced coffee boba blends the artistry of traditional boba tea with the refreshing allure of your favorite cold brew in latte fashion. While boba pearls are famously associated with classic bubble tea, combining coffee and boba offers a unique fusion of two beloved drinks.

Dry boba pearls are cooked until soft, tender, and perfectly chewy. They form a spotted layer at the base of your cup, topped with cold brew, milk, brown sugar syrup, and plenty of ice. The creamy caramel color of the brown sugar milk tea looks as delicious as it tastes! Coffee bubble tea is best experienced through a wide straw to scoop up the delicate boba pearls and enjoy them with each sip.

What Does It Taste Like?

Drinking coffee boba tea is an exciting escape to the land of luxury. The robust flavors of coffee dance harmoniously with the sweet caramel notes of brown sugar syrup swirled in milk’s creamy embrace for a luscious full-bodied mouthfeel. Delicate, chewy boba pearls nestle at the bottom of your glass, ending each sip with an exhilarating biteable treat. The pearls soak up the flavors of the coffee milk tea for an added burst of indulgence!

The make-your-own brown sugar syrup instantly elevates the boba iced coffee to gourmet-level artistry, bringing the magic of café barista power to your kitchen. Whip up the three-ingredient syrup recipe in just five minutes, and you’ll have a batch of liquid gold to glorify your caffeinated beverages throughout the week!

Why You'll Love This Coffee Boba

Here is why you’ll never be the same after experiencing this coffee milk tea boba:

• Decadent Delight: Transform the ordinary into the extraordinary with a mix of opulent rich flavors and exquisite textures. Each sip invites you to indulge your senses in a world of bliss without needing to leave the comfort of your home.
• Effortless Elegance: Master the luxurious allure of this gourmet-tasting refreshment that rivals the finest cafés with just four simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps. You’ll also save time and money by ditching your trips to bubble tea shops!
• Refreshing Oasis: This iced delicacy offers a revitalizing reprieve from the daily grind, whether enjoyed first thing in the morning or as an afternoon escape. The chill of the ice and the luscious taste of brown sugar boba will energize and enchant your senses.

Ingredients

Here are the ingredients you will need to create a whimsical boba tea coffee experience:

• Black Boba Pearls - Once cooked, these chewy tapioca pearls provide a delightful texture to this iced coffee boba. I love these boba tapioca pearls and they cook quickly in five minutes!
• Brown Sugar Syrup - My homemade five-minute brown sugar syrup recipe adds a rich, caramelized sweetness that enhances the flavor profile of this coffee drink. Plus, it makes a large batch so you can effortlessly elevate your drinks throughout the week!
• Cold Brew Coffee - The smooth taste of cold brew is perfect for this refreshing drink. Make your own cold brew for the freshest flavor, or use your favorite store-bought option.
• Milk - Any type of milk will work well in this recipe, but I recommend whole milk. It adds an unmatched creaminess and richness to the iced latte.
• Ice – Ice cubes are essential to chill the other ingredients and offer a refreshing experience. I recommend using large ice cubes as they take longer to melt, keeping your drink from becoming diluted.

Substitutions

Here are some easy swaps you can make to the above ingredients should you need an alternative:

• Black Boba Pearls - Tapioca pearls come in various colors from white to rainbow if you want a pop of color. You can also use a flavored variation like taro boba pearls to add a hint of vanilla and caramel flavors.
• Brown Sugar Syrup – Substitute the make-your-own brown sugar syrup with simple syrup or another flavored syrup like vanilla or caramel. Or swap for maple syrup or honey.
• Cold Brew Coffee – Use espresso or instant coffee if you prefer a more rich coffee flavor or strongly brew hot coffee and chill it before adding it to this recipe. You could also use strongly brewed black tea, too!
• Milk – Heavy cream or half-and-half are also great options to add a rich flavor and texture to this drink. Or you can use any cold milk alternative like almond milk, oat milk, coconut milk, rice milk, or soy milk. Any choice of milk will be delicious!
• Ice – Instead of traditional ice cubes, you can freeze leftover cold brew in an ice cube tray. They will add a burst of added flavor as they melt in the drink!

How to Make a Coffee Boba At Home

Be your own barista with this easy four-ingredient recipe:

Step One: Prepare the boba pearls. Cook the boba pearls in a small saucepan according to the manufacturer's instructions. Strain the pearls in a colander with cool water. Then store them in cold water for about 5 minutes to cool them down and form the proper gelled texture.

Step Two: Build your base. Strain the cooled boba pearls and pour them into a tall glass, then add a handful of ice.

Step Three: Fill the glass. Pour in the brown sugar syrup, then the cold brew coffee. Top with milk, then drink up with a boba straw!

Optional Variations & Dietary Adjustments

Here are recipe variations and adaptions to build your coffee drink to suit your dietary restrictions or preferences:

• Dairy-Free/Vegan: Use a plant-based milk alternative to make this recipe vegan and dairy-free. The recommended brand of tapioca pearls is also completely plant-based!
• Decaf: Use a decaf cold brew to easily cut out the caffeine in this recipe while keeping the tasty flavors intact.
• Extra Caffeinated: Swap the cold brew for an espresso shot (or two) to elevate the energy boost.
• Sugar-Free: Use a sugar-free syrup or a sugar-free golden monkfruit sweetener in the brown sugar syrup recipe.
• Spiked: Incorporate this recipe into brunch or dinner party co*cktails for a boozy twist. Make it a boba espresso martini by subbing vodka and coffee liqueur for the coffee, reducing the brown sugar syrup to ½ ounce, and adding a splash of half and half instead of milk. Serving in a martini glass.
• Hot: Easily turn this iced drink into a warm and comforting beverage by omitting the ice and using freshly brewed coffee or espresso instead of cold brew. You can also heat or steam the milk before adding it.

Serving Suggestions

• Midday Escape: Elevate your afternoon coffee break and revitalize your spirit with a moment of childlike bliss. Enjoy the playful boba pearls and energizing essence of the creamy caffeine and you’ll be instantly transported.
• Build-Your-Own Boba Bar: Host a brunch equipped with a boba bar where your guests can create and customize their drinks with various toppings and ad-ins. Provide prepared recipe ingredients and garnishing options like whipped cream, chocolate shavings, and caramel sauce.
• Drinkable Dessert: Serve brown sugar boba in mini dessert cups or shot glasses for a fun and elegant presentation at your next dinner party or special occasion. Guests can enjoy it as a sweet treat or palette cleanser between courses or as part of a larger dessert spread.

Recipe Success Tips

• Stick to premium ingredients. Opt for high-quality coffee, boba pearls, and milk, and make your own brown sugar syrup for the best flavor and overall experience. Quality ingredients make all the difference!
• Mind the boba. Follow the recommended cooking instructions for your chosen boba pearls being careful not to under or overcook them. The secret to great boba is the right texture! It is also important to continuously stir the pearls while they’re boiling to keep them from sticking together.
• Prevent sticky boba. To keep the boba pearls from sticking together after cooking, be sure to rinse them in cool water after boiling, and before submerging them in cold water. This will remove excess starch. You can also toss them in a small amount of brown sugar syrup to keep them from sticking before adding them to the drink.
• Sweeten just right. Adjust the level of sweetness in your drink to suit your taste. Add more or less brown sugar syrup to achieve your prime sweet spot. Keep in mind that the type of milk you use can also affect the overall sweetness.
• Don’t forget the straw. If this is your first time drinking bubble milk tea, you'll need a special straw. Using a wide straw is key to retrieving the boba from the bottom of the glass! You can find reusable wide straws or get yourself a designated stainless steel boba straw dedicated to bubble tea occasions.
• Make it fancy. If you’re in the mood for a little finesse – add a dollop of whipped cream to your coffee bubble tea and extra boba on top for a pretty presentation and added texture and flavor.

FAQs

Homemade Coffee Boba (Bubble Tea Recipe) Nutrition

One serving of this coffee with boba has a total of 274 calories, which is on the moderate end of a regular bubble tea. It is relatively low in fat, with just 4 grams, mostly from the use of whole milk. If you prefer a lower-fat drink, feel free to use a reduced-fat milk! The tapioca pearls and cold brew are both naturally fat-free.

This iced coffee drink also has a moderate sodium content of 91 mg per serving, which is generally low compared to other beverages from coffee shops. However, if you are cautious of your sodium intake, look for boba pearls that are low in sodium.

Overall, this drink has 55 grams of carbohydrates. Most of that comes from the boba pearls and the brown sugar syrup. The syrup also gives this drink 35 grams of sugar, making this a treat as a drink. If you prefer a lower-sugar and carb option, use a sugar-free sweetener.

Total nutritional content per serving is:

• Calories: 274 calories
• Total Fat: 4 grams
• Protein: 4 grams
• Sodium: 91 mg
• Carbohydrates: 55 grams
• Sugar: 35 grams

*This nutritional information is an estimateand calculated based on the ingredients used to create the recipe. The nutritional value of your ingredients may differ slightly. Furthermore, this food is not intended to prevent, diagnose, cure, or treat any disease.

xoxo Megan