Last Updated on January 16, 2024 by Timothy Byron Smith
Boba is the latest obsession when it comes to refreshing drinks. Although mostly used in combination with tea, believe us, boba and iced latte make a heavenly duo! So, if you haven’t had the chance to try it yet, make your very own boba latte right at home and awaken your tastebuds with its unique texture and flavor!
You’ll think iced coffee with boba is something you’ll only find in the most lavish cafes and restaurants. But, you couldn’t be more wrong. Whipping up this delicious and refreshing beverage at home is much easier than you can imagine. So, let’s get into it!
Read More: Chestnut Praline Latte Recipe
What is Boba Latte?
Think of it as bubble tea but with a spin of espresso; that’s a boba latte. Boba themselves are jelly-like, chewy, and soft tapioca balls made from tapioca starch. They are mostly associated with bubble tea. However, the new fusion of boba with a chilled latte is a genius take on the traditional latte.
Boba coffee is pumped with shots of espresso and layered at the top with boba. This experimental combo is quickly becoming a favorite of many. Trust us, the first sip of this refreshing drink in your very own boba latte cup will be a moment of pure bliss—no cap!
How to Make Boba Latte / Iced Boba Latte at Home?
If your mouth is already watering, it’s a sign to make this drink for yourself immediately! The good news is, you can prepare this fresh and exotic specialty quite easily in your kitchen. While preparing the drink itself only takes 5 minutes, the boba-making process can take much longer. No worries! you can get store-bought boba tapioca pearls to keep things simple and quick.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to gather for this boba-infused bubble latte:
- Milk (8 ounces)
- 2 shots of espresso (you can even use half a cup of strong coffee)
- 1 cup of ice cubes
- ¼ cup of water
- boba tapioca pearls (2 to 3 tablespoons)
- Honey or brown sugar (1 teaspoon)
Equipment Needed
- A small saucepan
- Strainer
- Espresso machine or a regular coffee maker
- Tall glass
Instructions
- Brew two shots of espresso or prepare half a cup of strong coffee.
- Let the coffee cool.
- To prepare the boba pearls, boil ¼ cup of water. Let the store-bought tapioca balls cook in the saucepan for 15 minutes on medium heat.
- Turn off the heat. Let the tapioca balls sit, covered for 15 minutes.
- Strain the boba pearls.
- Fill the tall glass with the cooled espresso coffee, and milk.
- Add a layer of fresh boba pearls immersed in brown sugar and honey on top.
- For an iced boba latte, just put a cup of ice cubes in your final recipe.
How Does Boba Latte Taste?
The characteristic taste of a bubble coffee latte or boba latte is refreshing and sweet! The burst of boba pearls in your mouth as you chew them is a tingling and beautiful sensation in the mouth. This delicious milk-based latte can be topped with chocolate, honey, or strawberry syrup if you want the added flavors.
However, even on its own, the boba coffee latte tastes like nothing else you’ve ever tasted!
Read More: Honey Latte Recipe (Starbucks Inspired)
Tips for Making The Best Boba Latte
- Don’t make boba balls too early: they get firm after about 4 hours.
- Use sugar syrup and ice in layers: For that refreshing touch, make sure the sweetest liquid is at the very bottom, followed by the next sweetest.
- Chew the boba balls: they’re not meant to be swallowed to avoid mild indigestion.
Questions People Ask
Q1: Can I use Boba pearls in hot coffee?
It is okay to add boba pearls in hot coffee, so you can make the hot version of the boba latte. However, it is not recommended to add boba pearls to extremely hot drinks because they will become gummy.
Q2: How long does a boba latte last?
Considering boba tea can last up to 24 hours when refrigerated, boba coffee should be able to last a couple of hours too at room temperature. However, it is best to drink it fresh!
Q3: Can I buy pre-cooked boba pearls for a boba latte?
Yes! There are a few brands online and in big stores that offer instant boba pearls, so you can skip the boiling step and directly use the boba in your drink. However, these can be hard to find.
Q4: How can I adjust the sweetness of Baba Latte?
Strain the tapioca balls from the brown sugar syrup when preparing the drink for less sugar. If you prefer more sweetness, simply add more brown sugar syrup to your liking.
Q5: Can you make a hot boba latte?
To make a hot boba latte, cook tapioca pearls, warm your choice of milk, add sweetener, and combine with steeped tea if desired. Drop in the boba, stir gently, and enjoy your comforting hot boba latte!
Final Thoughts
We hope your mouth is watering and your hands are itching to prepare this heavenly coffee and boba fashion. The Boba latte is an experiment that every single coffee lover absolutely must try! And you can easily make this delicious specialty in your very own kitchen. So, what are you waiting for?
Boba Latte
Equipment
- Saucepan
- Strainer
- Espresso machine or a regular coffee maker
- Tall glass
Ingredients
- 2 shots espresso
- 8 Oz Milk
- 1 cup Ice Cubes
- 1/4 cup Water
- 3 tbsp boba tapioca pearls
- 1 tsp Honey or brown sugar
Instructions
- Make two espresso shots. You could use an AeroPress or French press if you don't own an espresso machine. Or, use your standard drip coffee maker to create a half cup of strong coffee.
- Let the prepared coffee cool down.
- Now, to prepare tapioca pearls, take 1/2 cup of water in a saucepan and add store-bought boba pearls. Cook it for 15 minutes on medium heat.
- Let the boba pearls cool down and then put them in a serving glass.
- Add ice, espresso shots, and milk to the serving glass.
- Lastly take some boba pearls, honey, and brown sugar in a cup. Mix them and put them on top of your boba latte.