The Comfort of Ube Milk Tea with Tapioca Pearls Recipe
There’s something wonderfully soothing about a creamy, colorful drink you can savor slowly, and that’s exactly what this Ube Milk Tea with Tapioca Pearls Recipe brings to your day. I love how the natural purple hue of ube creates a golden-violet glow in the glass, promising both visual delight and a taste that’s smooth, subtly sweet, and just a little exotic.
Whether you’re unwinding on a quiet weekend afternoon or craving a treat that feels a little like sunshine in a cup, this recipe truly hits the spot. The velvety texture blends harmoniously with the chewy tapioca pearls, offering a playful contrast you’ll appreciate with every sip.
As you prepare this recipe, you’ll notice the warm aroma of vanilla and coconut curling in the air, grounding the sweetness of the ube and making the whole experience feel like a mini celebration of comfort and creativity.
What Makes It Irresistible
- Layered flavor: Comforting, rich, and beautifully balanced.
- Easy method: Steps designed for any skill level.
- Adaptable: Works with pantry swaps and seasonal twists.
- Prep-friendly: Can be made ahead without losing quality.
Ingredient Guide
- Frozen ube (226 g): The heart of this recipe—its earthy-sweet flavor and vibrant color set it apart. You can swap with fresh ube if you find it, but frozen is convenient and consistent.
- Canned coconut milk (250 ml): Adds creaminess and a subtle tropical fragrance that rounds out the ube’s richness beautifully.
- Granulated sugar (100 g): Balances the earthiness with just enough sweetness. Feel free to adjust to taste or substitute with brown sugar for a deeper note.
- Vanilla extract (15 ml): Brings warmth and depth, highlighting the natural sweetness without overpowering.
- Ube extract (15 ml): A boost of flavor and color that makes every sip brighter and more intense—totally worth including.
- Milk or evaporated milk (125–250 ml): Creates that luxurious, pourable texture; evaporated milk will yield a richer cup, while regular milk or plant-based options keep it lighter.
- Quick-cook or homemade tapioca pearls (120 ml): Delightfully chewy bubbles that are essential for the texture contrast we all adore in bubble teas.
- Cold milk or plant-based milk (480 ml): To assemble and lighten the drink, bringing everything together into a smooth, refreshing finish.
- Ice cubes: Chill without diluting—use plenty for that invigorating crispness.
- Honey (optional): For those who like a touch more sweetness—natural and fragrant.
Prep Before You Begin
Getting your mise en place organized will save you time and keep the process flowing easily—especially since the tapioca pearls need a few minutes to cook and the ube base needs gentle stirring. You don’t need any oven for this recipe, so it’s perfect for a relaxed kitchen session. Make sure your frozen ube is fully thawed before starting to ensure even cooking and blending.
Tools & Setup
Here’s what you’ll want on hand so your Ube Milk Tea with Tapioca Pearls Recipe comes together smoothly—plus optional extras that make the process even easier.
How to Make Ube Milk Tea with Tapioca Pearls Recipe
Follow these steps to create your velvety Ube Milk Tea with Tapioca Pearls Recipe, delivering those layered flavors and comforting textures you’re craving.
- Combine the thawed frozen ube, coconut milk, sugar, and vanilla extract in a saucepan. Stir frequently over medium heat as the mixture gently warms, releasing that aromatic punch that hints at the deliciousness to come. Bring it to a soft boil, catching the steam’s sweet scent.
- Simmer and thicken: Keep stirring regularly so it doesn’t stick or scorch. You’ll notice the mixture turning from runny to luscious and creamy—when a spatula trails through the base leaving a clear path, you’ve reached the right texture. Now, stir in the ube extract for a burst of vibrancy and deepen that signature purple tone.
- Add milk or evaporated milk gradually to achieve a thick but still pourable consistency. This step is where the magic happens, softening the ube into something truly velvety without losing its body. Heat through for another 1–2 minutes so everything melds beautifully, then transfer your ube base to a jar and chill—this can keep in the fridge for up to 4–5 days, making it great for prepping ahead.
- Cook tapioca pearls: Follow package instructions or your homemade recipe for perfectly chewy pearls. When they’re ready, soak briefly in warm water or toss with a touch of honey to prevent clumping and add a little sweetness boost.
- Blend ube base, ice, and cold milk: In your blender, combine the prepared ube base, plenty of ice cubes, and cold milk or your preferred plant-based milk. Blend until smooth and homogenous, creating that creamy, brightly colored concoction you can’t wait to sip. Taste and add honey if you want extra sweetness.
- Assemble and serve: Divide the tapioca pearls evenly between two tall glasses. For a pretty presentation, you might streak the glass sides with leftover ube base. Pour the blended ube milk tea over the pearls. Serve immediately with wide straws to enjoy that delightful chew with every mouthful.
Expert Tips to Nail It
Don’t rush the thickening: Stir continually when cooking the ube base. It’s the secret to that luxuriously smooth finish without lumps.
Control your milk amount: Start with 125 ml and add more if you want a lighter texture. Too much milk can dilute flavor, so taste as you go.
Keep tapioca pearls fresh: After cooking, soak pearls briefly to stop cooking and maintain chewiness. Mixing them with honey also prevents sticking and adds a subtle sweetness.
Blend with care: When you combine the ube base and milk, use ice to chill without watering down. Blend just until smooth to keep that velvet mouthfeel.
Creative Variations for Ube Milk Tea with Tapioca Pearls Recipe
- Swap coconut milk for almond or oat milk for a lighter, nutty twist.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the ube base for a warm spice hint.
- Mix matcha powder with the ube base for a purple-green layered drink that looks stunning.
- Top with whipped cream and a drizzle of ube syrup for an indulgent dessert vibe.
- For a fruitier take, swirl in a splash of mango puree before blending.
- Make it iced hot by skipping the ice and serving the ube base with hot brewed black tea stirred in.
Storage, Freezing & Reheating
- Ube base: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 4–5 days. It thickens when cold; warm gently before blending.
- Tapioca pearls: Best fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 1 day in honey water. Reheat briefly in hot water before serving.
- Frozen leftovers: Ube base can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and stir well.
- Reheating tip: Heat gently on the stove or microwave in short bursts to preserve that creamy texture without curdling.
Ube Milk Tea with Tapioca Pearls Recipe FAQs
- Can I use fresh ube instead of frozen? Yes! Just steam or boil fresh ube until soft before mashing and proceeding as directed.
- How do I make sure tapioca pearls don’t get hard? Soak them briefly in warm water or toss with honey after cooking and store at room temperature for short-term use.
- Can I make this vegan? Absolutely. Use plant-based milk and ensure your tapioca pearls do not contain animal-derived ingredients.
- What’s the best milk for a rich taste? Evaporated milk or full-fat coconut milk will give a richer, creamier mouthfeel.
- Is the ube extract necessary? It’s not mandatory but highly recommended to deepen color and flavor.
Ube Milk Tea with Tapioca Pearls Recipe
Delight in the vibrant and creamy flavors of Ube Milk Tea Bubble, a luscious beverage combining the sweet, purple goodness of ube with creamy coconut milk, rich tapioca pearls, and a smooth milk tea blend. Perfectly balanced with hints of vanilla and ube extract, this refreshing drink is ideal for anyone craving a unique twist on traditional bubble tea.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Total Time: 45 mins
- Yield: 8–10 servings (ube base), Assembly yields 2 drinks
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Filipino
Ingredients
Ube Base (yields enough for 8–10 drinks)
- 226 g frozen ube, thawed
- 250 ml canned coconut milk
- 100 g granulated sugar
- 15 ml vanilla extract
- 15 ml ube extract
- 125–250 ml milk or evaporated milk
Assembly for Two Drinks
- 120 ml quick-cook tapioca pearls or homemade tapioca pearls
- 120 ml prepared ube base
- 480 ml cold milk or plant-based milk
- Ice cubes, as needed
- Honey, to taste (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Ube Base: In a saucepan, combine the thawed frozen ube, canned coconut milk, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir frequently over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Thicken the Mixture: Continue cooking while stirring regularly until the mixture thickens enough that a spatula leaves a trail when drawn across the surface. Then incorporate the ube extract for enhanced flavor.
- Adjust Consistency: Gradually add 125–250 ml of milk or evaporated milk to achieve a thick but pourable texture. Heat through for an additional 1–2 minutes, then transfer the ube base to a jar and refrigerate for up to 4–5 days.
- Cook Tapioca Pearls: Prepare the tapioca pearls according to the package instructions or your homemade recipe. Once cooked, briefly soak the pearls in warm water or mix them with honey to prevent sticking.
- Blend Milk Tea: In a blender, combine 120 ml of the prepared ube base, ice cubes as needed, and 480 ml cold milk or plant-based milk. Blend until the mixture is smooth and homogenous. Sweeten with honey to taste, if desired.
- Assemble Drinks: Evenly divide the cooked tapioca pearls between two tall glasses. Optionally, streak the inside sides of glasses with extra ube base for presentation. Pour the blended ube milk mixture over the pearls and serve with wide straws.
Notes
- Ube base can be refrigerated up to 4–5 days for convenience.
- Adjust milk quantity in the ube base to your preferred consistency.
- Use plant-based milk alternatives to make the drink vegan-friendly.
- Honey is optional and can be substituted with other sweeteners.
- Ensure tapioca pearls are fresh and properly cooked for the best chewy texture.
