Instant Bubble Tea Condensed Milk (Print)

Creamy instant bubble tea using tapioca pearls and sweetened condensed milk, ready in 10 minutes.

# Components:

→ Tapioca Pearls

01 - 1/2 cup quick-cook instant tapioca pearls

→ Tea Base

02 - 2 black tea bags or 2 teaspoons loose leaf black tea
03 - 1 1/2 cups hot water

→ Sweet & Creamy Additions

04 - 1/3 cup sweetened condensed milk
05 - 1 cup cold milk (dairy or plant-based)

→ For Serving

06 - 1 cup ice cubes

# Directions:

01 - Boil tapioca pearls in water following package guidelines, usually 3–5 minutes until soft and chewy, then drain.
02 - Steep tea bags in 1 1/2 cups hot water for 3–5 minutes, remove bags, and allow tea to cool slightly.
03 - Combine brewed tea, sweetened condensed milk, and cold milk in a pitcher or bowl; stir until smooth and creamy.
04 - Distribute cooked tapioca pearls evenly between two large glasses.
05 - Add ice cubes to each glass, pour the milk tea mixture over tapioca pearls and ice.
06 - Stir well and serve immediately with large straws.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It tastes like a fancy café drink but costs a fraction of the price and takes less time than your commute.
  • The sweetened condensed milk creates this silky, luxurious creaminess that regular milk just can't match.
  • You can have it ready while your kettle is still warm, making it perfect for spontaneous cravings.
02 -
  • Overcooking tapioca pearls by even a minute turns them from chewy to mushy, so set a timer and trust it—the sound of the kitchen timer beeping is your permission to drain immediately.
  • Don't skip cooling the tea before mixing it with cold milk; this prevents the condensed milk from getting weird and separated, and ensures everything blends into a smooth, cohesive drink.
03 -
  • Brew your tea slightly stronger than you normally would—the ice and milk will dilute it, so starting bold keeps the flavor present in every sip.
  • Chill your glass by filling it with ice a minute before assembling; this keeps your drink cold and refreshing from the first sip to the last.
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