Plum Spice Bubble Milk Tea: Plum Spice Bubble Milk Tea Recipe

A Cozy Cup of Tea and a Story

My granddaughter loves bubble tea. She calls the tapioca pearls “boba.” One day, she asked if we could make a cozy version. I thought of my plum spice tea. It smells like a warm hug. We tried it, and oh my, it was perfect.

This matters because making a treat together is special. It’s not just about drinking it. It’s about the laughing and the stirring. What’s your favorite cozy drink to make with someone?

Let’s Make the Tea Base

First, boil your water. I use about a cup and a half. Drop in three plum spice tea bags. The steam smells like baked fruit and cinnamon. Doesn’t that smell amazing? Stir in your sweetener right away. I like honey.

Let it steep until it’s strong. Then let it cool. I put mine in the fridge. This is a good time for a little break. Fun fact: letting the tea cool first keeps your milk from curdling. It just looks nicer.

The Fun Boba Part

About 20 minutes before you want your tea, cook the boba. Follow your package directions. Mine cook for about 10 minutes. They get soft and chewy. I still laugh at how they look like little frog eggs.

Drain them and rinse with cold water. This stops the cooking. Then let them sit in a bowl. They get sticky and sweet. This step matters because good boba makes the whole drink. Do you like yours super chewy or a bit softer?

Putting It All Together

Get your tall glass. Plop the boba in the bottom. They make a fun plopping sound. Pour your cool tea over them. Now add the milk. I use about two big spoonfuls of half and half. It makes it creamy.

Stir it all up. Look at that pretty color! If you want it colder, add ice. Taste it. Want it sweeter? Add a bit more honey. It’s your drink, so make it just right for you.

Your Very Own Bubble Tea

Serve it right away with a big straw. The best part is sucking up a boba pearl. It’s a little surprise in every sip. Making it at home means you control what’s in it. That’s a good feeling.

You can use any tea you love. Try chai or even plain black tea. What flavor would you try first? I’d love to hear if you make it. Share your story with me.

Ingredients:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Plum Spice tea bags	3	or flavor of your choice
Boiled water	1 ½ cups
Sweetener	1 Tablespoon
Quick-cooking tapioca pearls	¼ cup
Whole milk (or half and half)	2 ounces	plus more as needed

My Cozy Plum Spice Bubble Tea

Hello, dear! Come sit at the counter. I want to share my new favorite treat. It’s a Plum Spice Bubble Milk Tea. Doesn’t that sound lovely? It reminds me of my grandmother’s spiced plum jam. I still smile thinking of her kitchen. This drink is just as warm and comforting. And it’s fun to make at home. You can even do a little happy dance while you wait for the tea to cool. I do!

Let’s make it together. It’s easier than you think. We’ll take it one sweet step at a time.

1. Step 1: First, we need to make our tea. Boil that water in your kettle. Listen for its cheerful whistle. Pour the hot water into a big measuring cup. Drop in your three Plum Spice tea bags. Add your sweetener right now. I use honey. Stir it gently. Let it sit and get cozy. The smell is amazing, like a hug in a cup.
2. Step 2: Now, patience is key. Let the tea cool completely. I pop mine in the fridge. This takes about an hour. Use this time wisely! Read a book or call a friend. (My hard-learned tip: Hot tea will melt your boba pearls. Always let it cool first!).
3. Step 3: About 20 minutes before tea-time, cook your boba. Follow your package directions. Boil water, add the pearls, and stir. They’ll dance in the pot! Cook them for about 10 minutes. Then drain and rinse them with cold water. This stops the cooking. Put them in a little bowl. They look like shiny little gems, don’t they?
4. Step 4: Time to put it all together! Grab your tallest glass. Spoon the boba into the bottom. They make a nice plop sound. Pour your cooled tea over the top. Now add the milk or half and half. Watch the colors swirl together like a sunset. Give it a good stir. Quiz time: What kitchen sound tells you the water is ready? Share below!
5. Step 5: Almost done! Taste your creation. Do you want it sweeter? Add a bit more honey. Colder? Drop in an ice cube or two. Then, find your big boba straw. Serve it right away. The first sip is the very best part. I hope you love it.

Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 1 serving
Category: Drink, Tea

Three Fun Twists to Try

This recipe is like a favorite sweater. You can dress it up for different days! Here are three simple ideas. They make the drink feel brand new.

• Berry Blast: Mash a few raspberries into the bottom of your glass. It adds a pretty pink color and a tart little kick.
• Vanilla Dream: Swap the milk for vanilla almond milk. Add a tiny drop of vanilla extract. It tastes like a creamy dessert.
• Citrus Sparkle: Use a lemon or orange tea bag instead. Add a squeeze of fresh juice. It’s so bright and refreshing for a sunny afternoon.

Which one would you try first? Comment below!

Serving It Up With Style

This tea is a whole little treat by itself. But you can make it a special occasion. For a snack, serve it with buttery shortbread cookies. The crunch pairs perfectly with the chewy boba. Or, try it with a warm scone. I still laugh at how my grandson gets cream on his nose.

What to drink with your drink? For a fancy night, a small glass of sweet Riesling wine works. It loves the plum flavors. For a regular Tuesday, sparkling water with a lime wedge is perfect. It keeps your palate feeling fresh.

Which would you choose tonight?

Keeping Your Bubble Tea Happy

This drink is best fresh. But you can plan ahead. Steep the tea and let it cool completely. Then store it in a jar in the fridge for two days.

Cooked boba pearls are a different story. They get hard in the fridge. I learned this the hard way. My first batch turned into little rubber balls overnight.

So, make your boba fresh each time. It only takes 10 minutes. Batch cooking the tea saves you time later. This matters because a little prep makes a treat easy.

Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!

Bubble Tea Troubleshooting

Is your tea too weak? Steep the bags longer. Five minutes is a good start. Strong tea holds up to the milk and ice.

Are the pearls too sticky? Rinse them in cold water right after draining. I remember when I forgot this step once. My boba became one big clump.

Is the drink not sweet enough? Add your sweetener to the warm tea. It mixes in better that way. This matters for a balanced sip every time.

Fixing small problems builds your kitchen confidence. You learn what you like best. Which of these problems have you run into before?

Your Bubble Tea Questions, Answered

Q: Is this gluten-free? A: Yes, if your tapioca pearls and tea bags are gluten-free. Always check the package.

Q: Can I make it ahead? A: Make the tea up to two days ahead. But always cook the boba fresh.

Q: What milk can I use? A: Any milk works. Oat milk makes it creamy. Almond milk keeps it light.

Q: Can I double the recipe? A: Absolutely! Just use a bigger pot for the boba.

Q: Any fun extras? A: A dash of cinnamon on top is lovely. Fun fact: Tapioca pearls come from the cassava root! Which tip will you try first?

Share Your Kitchen Creations

I hope you love this cozy drink. It reminds me of sharing stories at my kitchen table. Making it your own is the best part.

I would love to see your version. Did you use a different tea? Maybe you added a spice? Your ideas inspire me and others.

Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on Pinterest! You can find me at @AnnaWhitmoreKitchen. I always look for your photos.

Happy cooking!
—Anna Whitmore.