My mother never really liked sweet drinks, but when she tried matcha bubble tea during a family trip to a local café, she was surprised. Matcha Bubble Tea is one of those cozy, refreshing drinks that make any afternoon feel special. It combines the earthy, slightly bitter taste of Japanese matcha with the creamy sweetness of milk and the delightful chew of tapioca pearls. She said the matcha flavor was light but comforting, and the boba pearls gave it a fun twist. Since then, it’s been one of our go-to weekend treats — something we love to make together whenever we want something refreshing and slightly indulgent.

I have experimented with different matcha powders and milk combinations, but I always return to this version. I use high-quality ceremonial-grade matcha, creamy oat milk, and honey as my sweetener. Always whisk the matcha thoroughly — that’s what creates the smooth, foamy layer that makes this drink irresistible.

You can serve Matcha Bubble Tea in tall glasses filled with ice and chewy tapioca pearls at the bottom. Add a wide straw and maybe a bit of whipped cream on top for a café-style finish. It pairs beautifully with light snacks like mochi, shortbread cookies, or even slices of sponge cake.

It’s Perfect For:

• Afternoon refreshment when you need a gentle energy boost.
• Study breaks or work sessions to help you stay focused.
• Girls’ day or weekend brunch with friends.
• Small parties where you want a unique homemade drink.
• Self-care moments when you just want something special and calming.

Ingredients

• 2 teaspoons high-quality matcha powder
• 2 tablespoons hot water (about 175°F or 80°C)
• 2 cups milk (dairy or plant-based like oat, almond, or soy)
• 2–3 tablespoons sugar, honey, or simple syrup (adjust to taste)
• ½ cup tapioca pearls (boba)
• Ice cubes
• Optional: whipped cream or matcha foam for topping

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Medium pot (for cooking tapioca pearls)
• Small bowl (for whisking matcha)
• Bamboo whisk or electric milk frother
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Fine mesh strainer (for sifting matcha powder)
• Tall serving glasses and bubble tea straws

How to Make Matcha Bubble Tea?

Step 1

Cook the boba pearls: Bring a medium pot of water to a rolling boil. Add the tapioca pearls and stir immediately to prevent sticking. Cook for about 5–7 minutes (or follow your package directions) until the pearls float and turn glossy and chewy. Turn off the heat and let them sit for another 3–5 minutes for the perfect texture. Drain and rinse briefly under cool water. Toss them with a bit of sugar or honey to keep them from clumping.

Step 2

Prepare the matcha mixture: In a small bowl, sift the matcha powder to remove any clumps. Add the hot water and whisk using a bamboo whisk or milk frother in a zigzag motion until the mixture becomes frothy and smooth. Take your time here — the better it’s whisked, the creamier and more vibrant the drink will be.

Step 3

Sweeten and mix: In a tall glass, pour your milk of choice and stir in sugar, honey, or simple syrup until fully dissolved. Adjust the sweetness based on your taste — remember, the pearls will also add some sweetness.

Step 4

Assemble your bubble tea: Spoon the cooked boba pearls into the bottom of your serving glasses. Fill each glass halfway with ice cubes, then pour the sweetened milk over the ice. Slowly pour the whisked matcha on top for a beautiful layered effect. Gently stir to blend before drinking if you prefer an even color.

Step 5

Serve and enjoy: Insert a wide bubble tea straw, give it a little mix, and enjoy that refreshing combination of creamy matcha and chewy tapioca pearls.

Tips for the Perfect Matcha Bubble Tea

• Choose good-quality matcha.
  High-grade matcha gives a bright color, creamy taste, and no bitterness. Avoid dull, yellowish powders that often taste harsh.
• Use warm, not boiling water.
  Boiling water destroys matcha’s delicate flavor. Use about 175°F (80°C) for a smooth, mild taste.
• Whisk properly.
  Move your whisk or frother quickly in an “M” or “W” motion to create light foam — the key to creamy matcha.
• Sweeten while warm.
  Add honey or sugar syrup while the milk is slightly warm so it blends smoothly without clumping.
• Time your boba pearls right.
  Cook them until soft and bouncy, then rinse briefly and toss with sugar syrup to keep them from sticking.
• Serve fresh.
  Boba hardens over time, so make your drink right before serving for the best texture and taste.
• Experiment with toppings.
  Try whipped cream, matcha foam, or salted milk foam for a layered, café-like experience.

Optional Ingredients

• Vanilla extract — gives a subtle sweetness.
• Coconut milk — for a tropical twist.
• Brown sugar syrup — adds a caramel flavor to pearls.
• Almond extract — adds a nutty undertone.
• Condensed milk — for a richer, dessert-like flavor.
• Ice cream — a scoop of matcha or vanilla on top for an indulgent treat.

How to Serve Matcha Bubble Tea?

I love serving Matcha Bubble Tea in transparent glasses because it lets everyone see the layers of green and white blending beautifully. The color is part of its charm — it feels fancy, even when made at home. I usually start by adding the chewy tapioca pearls first, then ice cubes, sweetened milk, and finally the matcha layer poured slowly on top. That swirl effect looks so satisfying.

I like to decorate the top with a little whipped cream or matcha foam and a sprinkle of matcha powder for presentation. When serving guests, I add a reusable wide straw and sometimes wrap a bit of twine or ribbon around the glass for a cozy café vibe. It’s such a simple drink to elevate, and even friends who aren’t tea lovers get curious when they see it.

I also love pairing this drink with small desserts like mochi, sesame cookies, or even buttered toast. It’s refreshing yet comforting — perfect for warm afternoons, brunches, or even as a post-dinner drink. The combination of cold milk, soft pearls, and matcha foam feels like a treat and a ritual all in one.

Is Matcha Bubble Tea Healthy?

Matcha Bubble Tea can be healthy when made mindfully. Matcha itself is rich in antioxidants, boosts concentration, and provides clean energy without the crash of coffee. Using natural sweeteners like honey or stevia and plant-based milk helps keep it light and nourishing.

However, commercial versions often add syrups and flavor powders, which increase sugar content. When you make it at home, you control everything — from sweetness to milk type — making it a balanced, energizing beverage rather than an overly sweet treat.

Variations and Substitutions

• Iced Matcha Latte: Skip the boba and serve over ice for a quick, lighter drink.
• Brown Sugar Matcha Boba: Add caramelized brown sugar syrup for a toasty, sweet flavor.
• Coconut Matcha Milk Tea: Use coconut milk for creamy, tropical undertones.
• Matcha Espresso Fusion: Pour espresso over matcha milk for a coffee-meets-tea blend.
• Strawberry Matcha Boba: Add strawberry puree or syrup before the milk for a pink-green layered look.
• Vegan Matcha Bubble Tea: Use almond or oat milk and agave syrup for a dairy-free version.
• Matcha Cream Foam Tea: Top with whipped matcha cream for café-style indulgence.
• Hot Matcha Bubble Tea: Skip the ice and serve it warm on rainy days — soothing and cozy.

How to Store, How to Reheat

If you have leftover matcha milk mixture, store it in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to two days. Shake or whisk before serving since matcha tends to settle at the bottom. It’s best to keep the boba pearls separate in a small container with sugar syrup to prevent them from drying out.

When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat the pearls briefly by soaking them in hot water or microwaving for 20 seconds with syrup. Warm the milk mixture gently on low heat or serve it cold again with fresh ice. Avoid boiling matcha, as it can turn bitter and lose its natural green hue.

Frequently Asked Questions About Matcha Bubble Tea

Can I use regular green tea instead of matcha?
Not really. Matcha is made from finely ground tea leaves and has a rich, creamy texture that regular green tea doesn’t provide. Green tea will make a weaker, less vibrant drink.

How do I keep my matcha from clumping?
Always sift your matcha powder before adding water. Use a bamboo whisk or milk frother to mix it thoroughly until smooth and foamy.

Can I make bubble tea without tapioca pearls?
Yes! You can use alternatives like agar jelly, chia seeds, or fruit-flavored popping boba for a fun texture and lower-calorie option.

How much caffeine does it have?
A serving of matcha bubble tea contains about 60–70 mg of caffeine — roughly the same as a small cup of coffee but with longer-lasting energy and no jitters.

Matcha Bubble Tea Recipe

Recipe by Maria MeyerCourse: Drinks, BeverageCuisine: Asian / Japanese-InspiredDifficulty: Easy

Servings

2

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

10

minutes

Matcha Bubble Tea is more than just a trendy drink — it’s a little ritual of calm and creativity. With the perfect balance of creamy sweetness, earthy tea, and chewy pearls, it’s something that never fails to make your day brighter and more delicious.

Ingredients

• 2 teaspoons high-quality matcha powder

• 2 tablespoons hot water (about 175°F or 80°C)

• 2 cups milk (dairy or plant-based like oat, almond, or soy)

• 2–3 tablespoons sugar, honey, or simple syrup (adjust to taste)

• ½ cup tapioca pearls (boba)

• Ice cubes

• Optional: whipped cream or matcha foam for topping

Directions

• Cook the boba pearls: Bring a medium pot of water to a rolling boil. Add the tapioca pearls and stir immediately to prevent sticking. Cook for about 5–7 minutes (or follow your package directions) until the pearls float and turn glossy and chewy. Turn off the heat and let them sit for another 3–5 minutes for the perfect texture. Drain and rinse briefly under cool water. Toss them with a bit of sugar or honey to keep them from clumping.
• Prepare the matcha mixture: In a small bowl, sift the matcha powder to remove any clumps. Add the hot water and whisk using a bamboo whisk or milk frother in a zigzag motion until the mixture becomes frothy and smooth. Take your time here — the better it’s whisked, the creamier and more vibrant the drink will be.
• Sweeten and mix: In a tall glass, pour your milk of choice and stir in sugar, honey, or simple syrup until fully dissolved. Adjust the sweetness based on your taste — remember, the pearls will also add some sweetness.
• Assemble your bubble tea: Spoon the cooked boba pearls into the bottom of your serving glasses. Fill each glass halfway with ice cubes, then pour the sweetened milk over the ice. Slowly pour the whisked matcha on top for a beautiful layered effect. Gently stir to blend before drinking if you prefer an even color.
• Serve and enjoy: Insert a wide bubble tea straw, give it a little mix, and enjoy that refreshing combination of creamy matcha and chewy tapioca pearls.