Lactose intolerant bubble tea lovers rejoice—there is a solution for you! If you don’t have a local boba place that offers dairy-free options, we’ve got your back. You can make this almond milk tea in your own kitchen, and it tastes just as good as anything you can get in a store. Just follow these simple instructions and enjoy!
How to Make Almond Milk Tea:
- 2 tbsp loose leaf black tea
- 3–4 tbsp brown sugar
- 7-9 cups of water for boiling
- ¼ cup almond milk
- ¼ cup boba or tapioca pearls
- Ice cubes (optional)
- 2 medium saucepans (or 1 saucepan and 1 tea kettle)
- 1 small saucepan
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Colander
- 1–2 glasses
- Boba straws
1. Boil the water for the tea.
If using a tea kettle, fill it up with water and set it to boil. If using the stovetop, add 3–4 cups of water to a medium saucepan and bring it to a boil.
2. Brew the tea.
Once the water has boiled, steep 2 tablespoons of looseleaf black tea in the water for 3–5 minutes. Set aside to cool.
3. Boil the water for the boba.
In a medium saucepan, bring 4–5 cups of water to a boil.
4. Cook the boba.
If using store-bought boba, add tapioca pearls to the water and follow the instructions on the box. Boil them until soft and chewy. Strain in a colander when finished.
5. Make the brown sugar syrup.
Add 3–4 tablespoons of brown sugar and 1–2 tablespoons of water to a small saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil over low-medium heat. Boil for 1–2 minutes, frequently stirring to prevent the mixture from sticking to the saucepan. You’ll know it’s done when it reaches the consistency of honey.
6. Assemble the drink.
Add ¼ cup of cooked boba per glass. Pour 1 tablespoon of brown sugar syrup over the top. Then add ¾ cup of your black tea, followed by ¼ cup of cold almond milk. Add ice if desired, stir with your boba straw, and enjoy!
Variations on Almond Milk Tea
Almond milk tea is composed of tapioca pearls, sweeteners, black tea, and almond milk. The simplicity of the recipe allows for the drink maker to get creative and add their variations if they want to switch it up.
One easy way to change the recipe is to add a specific flavor. If you love almonds in general, you can always add a few drops of almond extract to the brown sugar syrup. You can do the same with any flavor or extract you like!
You can also change the sweetener if you prefer, using something like maple syrup, agave, or an artificial sweetener if you are trying to avoid sugar.
This drink can also be made with any kind of milk, dairy or non-dairy. It’s a delightfully versatile recipe, and the sky’s the limit!
Does Almond Milk Tea Have Caffeine?
If you make this recipe with traditional black tea, then yes, it will have caffeine. However, it is possible to change the kind of tea you use or leave it out entirely.
Caffeine-free black tea options are one way to go. You could also use a decaf herbal tea for a different flavor profile. If you aren’t that big on the taste of tea in general, you can omit this ingredient from our recipe. Substitute additional almond milk for the tea and enjoy a sweet, caffeine-free treat!
What Does Almond Milk Tea Taste Like?
If you are familiar with what traditional bubble tea tastes like, the taste of this almond milk tea is very similar. It is sweet, creamy, and has a light black tea flavor. Its flavor tends to be subtle, though you can certainly add an extract or flavor if you wish or brew your tea stronger for a more intense flavor.
Simple Almond Milk Tea Recipe
Equipment
- 2 Medium saucepan or 1 medium saucepan
- 1 Water kettle
- 1 Small saucepan
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Colander
- 1-2 Glasses
- Boba straws
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp loose leaf black tea
- 3-4 tbsp brown sugar
- 7-9 cups water for boiling
- ¼ cup almond milk
- ¼ cup boba or tapioca pearls
- Ice cubes optional
Instructions
- Make the black tea by heating water in an electric kettle or boiling 3–4 cups of water in a medium saucepan on the stove. Once boiled, steep 2 tbsp of loose leaf black tea for 3–5 minutes and set aside.
- Boil 4-5 cups of water in another medium saucepan. Cook the dried boba pearls according to the instructions on the box. Strain the cooked pearls in a colander when finished.
- In a small saucepan, combine 3–4 tbsp of brown sugar and 1–2 tbsp of water and bring it to a boil over low-to-medium heat. Boil for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Add ¼ cup of cooked boba pearls to 1–2 glasses. Pour 1 tbsp of brown sugar syrup on top. Add ¾ cup of black tea and ¼ cup of cold milk.
- Add ice cubes if desired. Stir with a boba straw, and enjoy!
Nutrition
Conclusion
If you love bubble tea and want to have a dairy-free alternative in the comfort of your own home, you’re in luck! It’s easy to prepare almond milk tea in your own kitchen with this simple recipe. We hope you enjoy it!
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Featured Image Credit: marozhka studio, Shutterstock
