Tiger Milk Tea Recipe – The Basics
The difference between brown sugar boba and other bubble teas is that this variation doesn’t contain tea. Even though it’s called tiger milk tea, it’s only made of these 4 ingredients:
- brown sugar;
- milk;
- water;
- tapioca pearls.
This means that it’s caffeine-free and more similar to a milkshake than a tea. To make tiger milk tea, first cook the tapioca pearls according to package instructions. You can also make your own from scratch if you have tapioca flour – we’ll explain how to do it later.
Making Brown Syrup
The amounts given will be enough for 2 servings. After cooking the boba, combine 1 ounce of water with 3 1/4 tablespoons of brown sugar. Boil the mixture until it becomes syrupy, then reduce the heat to low and add the tapioca pearls to the brown sugar syrup. Let them simmer for 5 minutes, then remove from heat and let cool.
Making Tiger Stripes
Take a few spoonfuls of the brown syrup and make tiger stripes on the glasses by drizzling it on the inside walls of the glass. One way to do it is to pour the syrup into the glass, then flip it upside down onto a plate to let the excess drip off and create tiger stripes.
Finishing the Drink
Finally, add the tapioca pearls and top with ice-cold milk. You can also add ice cubes if you prefer your tiger milk tea to be colder. Enjoy!
How to Make Your Own Boba Pearls?
If you have tapioca flour, making your own pearls is quite simple. This is how they make them in Taiwan:
- Combine 2 ounces of water with 4 tablespoons of brown sugar. Boil this mixture in a small pot or saucepan.
- Add 50 grams (1.7 oz) of tapioca starch and mix well until it forms a sticky dough.
- Remove the mixture from heat and add another 50 grams of tapioca starch.
- Take the dough and roll it into a ball. Roll the ball out into a long, thin snake-like shape and cut into small pieces. Form them into balls with your hands.
- Boil water and cook the pearls for about 6–8 minutes until they float to the surface. Put them aside in cold water to stop the cooking process until you’re ready to use them.
Fun Alternatives to Tapioca Pearls
There are plenty of ways to mix up tiger sugar milk tea and make it your own. One is to exchange the boba pearls for jellies, popping boba or pieces of fruit. Why not try adding mango chunks or lychee jelly for a tropical twist? If you like tapioca pearls and want to add even more texture, try mixing in grass jelly or coconut jelly. Or, keep reading for different ideas for customizing tiger milk tea.
Other Ways to Make Tiger Milk Tea Your Own
Another option is to add tea to the mix, either black tea or green tea. This adds a different flavor profile and some caffeine to the drink. Just make regular bubble tea and use brown sugar syrup to create tiger stripes instead of adding the usual simple syrup.
You can also add flavors to your tiger milk tea, like vanilla or almond. Simply mix in a few drops of your favorite extract or try using flavored syrups from the coffee shop. Feeling adventurous? Try adding other ingredients like coffee, chocolate, or even matcha powder for a unique twist on brown sugar milk tea.
No matter how you customize tiger milk boba tea, this sweet and creamy drink is sure to satisfy your cravings. Give it a try and see how you like it – or, better yet, invite some friends over and have a taste testing party!
Is Tiger Milk Bubble Tea Healthy?
Well, tiger milk tea doesn’t have any health benefits, and it’s high in sugar. However, it can still be enjoyed in moderation as a treat. For a healthier alternative, try using almond milk or coconut milk instead of regular dairy milk, and opt for less sugar in the brown syrup or use a natural sweetener like honey. Some dark honeys that could work well are wildflower and buckwheat.
Also, keep in mind that brown sugar has slightly more nutrients than white sugar, but it still should be consumed in moderation. As with any sugary drink, make sure to balance it out with plenty of water and a healthy diet.
What do you think? Will you give tiger milk tea a try? Let us know in the comments below! Happy sipping.
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