For years we tried to make bubble tea at home with no luck. Since opening our own bubble tea business in Red Velvet we learned that most boba drinks made at restaurants or cafes use commercial grade syrups (or powders) to get that wonderful sweet, fruity flavor. But this leaves you in a pickle if you are wanting to make a delicious boba drink at home for yourself or your family, as most commercial grade syrups or powders are sold in large quantities and can be a really expensive option for someone just looking to make boba drinks for a casual get together. Emma developed this super tasty at-home recipe that you don't need any special supplies for (except boba pearls, of course!).
Here's a recipe for a Strawberry Boba Slushie that anyone could easily make at home with ingredients that can be found at the grocery store. The strawberries can be substituted for any other berry of your choice, but if you choose a tart berry (like raspberries) you may want to increase the amount of sugar. But it's totally up to you!
To make the boba pearls use this method. Emma has spent a lot of time making boba and she feels confident in this method. Bubble tea, or Boba, pearls are tapioca balls that are soaked in suger. They have a similar taste and consistancy to gummy candy. Bubble Tea is a thai treat that has recently become super popular around the world.
For the slushies you will need: 1 bag (10-12 ounces) frozen strawberries, 1 cup sugar, 3-4 cups water and plenty of crushed ice.
Let the berries thaw slightly before beginning. Place all the berries, sugar and water in a blender and liquefy. Combine in a pitcher filled with crushed ice. Pour over boba pearls and serve immediately. This is will make 3-4 servings. And don't forget that you'll want to get some large size straws so guests can drink up their boba. Also, if you have any guests who do not care for boba pearls, just leave them out. This slushie is fun to enjoy without the pearls too!
Love this idea!! Bubble tea is so yummy! I never knew how to make it..now I know thanks!
Posted by: Lindsay @ Delighted Momma | August 31, 2011 at 11:08 AM
Looks Amazing! Thank you for sharing the recipe!
Posted by: LauraJamesJewelry | August 31, 2011 at 11:18 AM
I had a 'coffee flavored' bubble tea for my very first experience with it, and it was TERRIBLE! this looks so good though, i just wish i wasn't scarred for life!
-meesch
http://www.aperfectkindofday.com
Posted by: meesch | August 31, 2011 at 11:21 AM
whoa, bubble tea is a complete obsession of mine! i havent had it in months bc the only bubble tea i have found in san fran has milk. ick. where do you get the straws?!
xxoo
www.paperplanesandmaryjanes.com
Posted by: Gaby | August 31, 2011 at 11:22 AM
Ladies, thanks so much for posting this! I have spent a lot of money shipping stuff from a location in hawaii. Your method is great! Yay!
-No longer boba-free in SD (Kelly)
:))
Posted by: Kelly | August 31, 2011 at 11:23 AM
Yay! I love bubble tea so much, can't wait to try this recipe! Thanks for sharing it, Elsie! :]
Posted by: Mandy @ Miss Indie | August 31, 2011 at 11:24 AM
BRILLIANT!
thank you so much..the only bubble tea place where i live shut down.. :(
not a lot of WV people are into bubble tea i guess.. :P
Posted by: gee | August 31, 2011 at 11:30 AM
LOVE this!!! I can't wait to try and make it soon.
Posted by: heather @ mrs. southern bride | August 31, 2011 at 11:33 AM
That's so cool! I'm going to share this with my friend who's obsessed with boba!
http://www.thoreausdaughter.com/
Posted by: Hillary | August 31, 2011 at 11:34 AM
looks very cute!
Posted by: jessica | August 31, 2011 at 11:36 AM
This is awesommmeee!! I keep passing by the boba shelf at my local asian grocery, and I never let myself buy them because I know bubble tea is hard to get right. SO excited now thank you!!
anastasia
http://www.uglyplants.blogspot.com
Posted by: anastasia | August 31, 2011 at 11:37 AM
mmm It looks so delcious !:)
Posted by: patrycja2407 | August 31, 2011 at 11:41 AM
I've never even heard of bubble tea or boba for that matter. Looks SO fun!!!!
Posted by: Marcia Furman | August 31, 2011 at 11:57 AM
I used to work in a bubble tea shop - it's SOOO much fun! BUT boba is not what makes bubble tea, bubble tea :) The name comes from the bubbles formed by shaking the tea like a martini. Boba is awesome! I would highly recommend cooking them in BROWN sugar - you can make a big batch and freeze it in small portions (2-3 servings) then thaw in the microwave.
Posted by: Malinda | August 31, 2011 at 12:23 PM
How cool! I never even thought that was something you could make at home :) Yum!
Posted by: lisa | August 31, 2011 at 12:41 PM
hi elsie, just to let you know, bubble tea isnt a thai treat. it actually originate from hong kong and taiwan. love your blog! :)
Posted by: jer | August 31, 2011 at 01:26 PM
this post made me want to make bubble tea! so I'm sipping some right now. ;) xo
Posted by: hollysarah. | August 31, 2011 at 02:08 PM
I'm pretty sure I know exactly what I am trying to make tomorrow. This looks delicious!
-Britta
Posted by: Britta Cait | August 31, 2011 at 02:30 PM
boba tea is so popular around here. they have the pearls at most southeast asian markets. and are making it at most asian delis now. one of my sisters' children love eating the pearls plain. they are so gummy yummy. I still want to try to make my own too! i love their big straws as well. so cool!
Posted by: Jean | August 31, 2011 at 04:01 PM
What a great post! I don't think I have ever seen anyone blog about boba! I am in love with BOBA! Thank you thank you!
Posted by: nicole G | August 31, 2011 at 04:34 PM