Earl Grey Bubble Tea Recipe

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The Comfort of Earl Grey Bubble Tea Recipe

There’s something so comforting about a glass of Earl Grey bubble tea—it’s like a gentle hug after a long day. I love how the bright, citrusy notes of bergamot in the tea blend perfectly with the creamy, velvety oat milk I always use. This recipe warms me up while also feeling refreshingly light, making it my go-to treat for both cozy afternoons and sunny weekends.

When you make your own Earl Grey Bubble Tea Recipe, you’ll notice the pearls have just the right chewiness, offering that satisfying contrast to the smooth milk tea. It’s not just a drink; it’s a little moment of calm and delight you create from scratch. Plus, the subtle sweetness from the brown sugar syrup elevates the whole experience beautifully.

Let me share why this recipe holds such a special place in my kitchen, and how simple it is to craft your own bubble tea masterpiece without a bubble tea shop in sight.

Ingredient Guide

• 625 g dairy or non-dairy milk: The base of your milk tea; I swear by oat milk for its creamy texture and slight sweetness, but almond or soy also work beautifully.
• 4 Earl Grey tea bags: The star flavor here, bringing bright citrus bergamot that wakes up the palate. Don’t skimp—good quality tea makes all the difference.
• 100 g tapioca pearls: Those delightful chewy balls that create bubble tea’s signature texture. Keep an eye on cooking times for perfect softness.
• 50 g brown sugar: Gives a warm caramel note and helps turn the tapioca pearls into a syrupy delight.
• Ice: Essential for that refreshing, chilled finish, especially on warm days.

Prep Before You Begin

Before diving into your Earl Grey Bubble Tea Recipe, it’s key to have all your ingredients pre-measured and ready to go—this mise en place helps keep the process smooth and stress-free. While the recipe doesn’t need an oven, chilling the tea after steeping takes some time, so plan about an hour from start to finish. I like to steep the tea first, so it has enough time to develop those golden, aromatic flavors.

How to Make Earl Grey Bubble Tea Recipe

1. Steep the tea: In a small pot, combine the oat milk and 4 Earl Grey tea bags. Bring it just to a gentle simmer over medium heat, then turn off the heat and cover. Let it steep for about 10 minutes. You’ll notice the milk turns a beautiful golden shade, rich with aromatic bergamot.
2. Press and chill: Use the back of a spoon to gently press the tea bags against the pot side to release every bit of flavor. Discard the bags and pour the tea-infused milk into a heatproof glass or container with a spout. Cover and chill in the fridge—cool milk tea will taste velvety and refreshing, perfect for bubble tea.
3. Cook the pearls: Rinse out the pot and fill it with about an inch of water, then bring to a rolling boil. Add the tapioca pearls immediately and stir gently to prevent sticking. Boil uncovered for 15 minutes; you’ll see them swell into glossy, tender orbs. It’s tempting to rush this step, but patience pays off in texture.
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Expert Tips to Nail It

Try stirring the tapioca pearls right after adding them to boiling water to avoid clumps. Keep the heat on medium-high to maintain a gentle boil, which helps pearls cook evenly. If your pearls finish cooking but still feel too firm, the resting time covered off the heat will soften them perfectly without overcooking.

4. Let pearls rest: After boiling, remove the pot from the heat but cover it and let the pearls sit for another 15 minutes. This step lets the pearls reach the perfect chewy, slightly springy texture that bubble tea is famous for.
5. Syrup the pearls: In a small bowl, place brown sugar. Using a slotted spoon, transfer hot tapioca pearls to the sugar, draining most of the liquid into the pot. Stir the pearls in the sugar—the heat will dissolve it, creating a luscious syrup that clings beautifully to each orb. If the mixture seems dry, splash in 1–2 tablespoons of water to reach the perfect consistency.
6. Assemble your bubble tea: Spoon about 100 g of the tapioca pearls with syrup into your serving glass. Fill the glass about three-quarters full or with ice cubes for that crisp chill. Pour in roughly 300 g of your chilled Earl Grey milk tea. Give everything a good stir so the flavors mingle, and add any leftover syrup if you want a sweeter, more decadent sip.

Creative Variations for Earl Grey Bubble Tea Recipe

• Add a splash of vanilla extract or cinnamon for a warming twist.
• Try swapping oat milk with coconut milk for a tropical vibe.
• Stir in a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a gentle floral sweetness.
• Use lavender-infused Earl Grey tea bags to amp up the floral notes.
• Serve with fresh fruit cubes like mango or peach for an extra burst of freshness.
• Make it iced-blended for a velvety smoothie-style bubble tea.

Storage, Freezing & Reheating

• Store pearls: Keep cooked tapioca pearls with syrup in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 hours; they harden quickly when chilled.
• Chill tea: Earl Grey milk tea can be refrigerated in a sealed container for up to 2 days without losing flavor.
• Reheat pearls: Gently warm pearls with a splash of hot water to revive softness if they start to stiffen.
• Freeze: I don’t recommend freezing tapioca pearls—they lose their chew and become gritty.
• Assemble fresh: For best texture, prepare pearls and tea fresh and combine right before drinking.

Earl Grey Bubble Tea Recipe FAQs

• Can I use regular black tea instead of Earl Grey? Yes, but you’ll miss the distinctive citrusy bergamot flavor that makes this recipe special.
• How do I know when tapioca pearls are done? They should be soft but chewy, with no white center. The pearls swell and turn glossy when fully cooked.
• Can I make this recipe dairy-free? Absolutely! Oat, almond, soy, or coconut milk all create a delicious base.
• Is brown sugar syrup necessary? It really adds a lovely caramelized sweetness that coats the pearls, but you can swap for honey or maple syrup if you prefer.
• How long can I store the prepared bubble tea? Best enjoyed immediately, but you can store components separately and assemble within a day for optimal texture.

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