[6 Secret Master Recipes] How to Make Milk Tea at Home?

From the OG Taiwanese style to fruity, floral twists, each recipe in this list has been tested (and taste-tested, of course) in my own kitchen.

Whether you're enjoying a hot tea or a refreshing iced tea, these recipes are guaranteed to impress.

Below are the 6 secret master recipes I’ve crafted and perfected over time.

Some are quick and simple, and others take a bit more patience—but they’re all 100% doable at home.

[6  Recipes] Step-by-Step: How to Make Milk Tea? 

The recipe looks easy to follow, and even if you're using tea bags or leaves, it’s still a simple process.

For those who love boba, you can add tapioca balls for that chewy, satisfying texture, which is also known as boba.

And if you’re like me and can’t stop tweaking a recipe, you’ll find plenty of room here to make each one your own.

For instance, if you're using Earl Grey or black tea, you can let the tea steep for at least a few minutes to let the flavor come through.

With just the right amount of sweetness, this tea is one you’ll love!

Whether you're drinking hot tea or iced tea, let the tea steep and bring milk to the mix, making it taste pretty perfect.

1. Classic Taiwanese Milk Tea (The OG!)

The OG milk tea is where it all began.

This iconic drink features a strong brew of Assam black tea, perfectly balanced with smooth, creamy milk.

Master Recipe: Classic Taiwanese Milk Tea

Brew your Assam tea strong, mix with smooth milk, and finish with chewy tapioca pearls for the perfect balance of flavors.

This recipe brings you the best of Taiwan’s tea culture, and you can enjoy it easily at home.

If you're in the mood for an authentic cup but don’t feel like making it yourself, swing by Sharetea!

We’ve got you covered with the highest quality tea and freshly made boba at your nearest location.

2. Hong Kong Milk Tea (Silky and Strong!)

If you’ve ever tried the famous milk tea in Hong Kong, you’ll know it’s known for its velvety smooth texture and strong tea base.

Master Recipe: Hong Kong Milk Tea

Brew Ceylon tea strong, combine with evaporated milk, and stir in your favorite sweetener for a cup that’s silky smooth.

This classic will always leave you coming back for more.

Want to skip the hassle?

Visit Sharetea for a cup that’s brewed fresh daily with premium ingredients.

3. Thai Milk Tea (Bright Orange & Sweet!)

Bright orange and sweet, Thai Milk Tea is as bold as it is beautiful.

Made with strong tea and condensed milk, it’s a sweet, creamy delight that’s perfect for any time of day.

Master Recipe: Thai Milk Tea

Brew strong Thai tea, add condensed milk and sugar for sweetness, and mix with milk to achieve that signature creamy, bright flavor.

This recipe delivers the sweet, aromatic flavors that make this drink a favorite worldwide.

If you’re not up for making it yourself, just pop by Sharetea for a cup made with premium Thai tea mix and the perfect sweetness—always ready to go.

4. Matcha Green Tea Latte (Earthy & Creamy!)

Matcha lovers, this one's for you!

Combining rich, earthy matcha with smooth milk, this latte is creamy and indulgent without being overly sweet.

Master Recipe: Matcha Green Tea Latte

Whisk ceremonial-grade matcha with hot water, then combine with steamed milk for a rich, creamy beverage that’s both smooth and earthy.

You can adjust the sweetness to your liking with simple syrup or honey.

Craving a matcha fix?

Sharetea's Matcha Green Tea Latte is always brewed fresh, using premium matcha that’s perfectly creamy and smooth.

5. Hokkaido Milk Tea (Rich and Buttery!)

Rich, smooth, and indulgent, Hokkaido Milk Tea offers a buttery flavor that is both comforting and luxurious.

Master Recipe: Hokkaido Milk Tea

Brew a strong tea base and combine it with high-quality milk, creating a rich, buttery drink that’s both smooth and creamy.

The key is to use fresh milk for that authentic taste.

Sharetea’s Hokkaido Milk Tea is made fresh, with that rich, buttery texture you love.

No need to stress the details—just come and enjoy!

Visit Sharetea for an expertly crafted cup with the finest brown sugar syrup and fresh boba pearls.

6. Jasmine Green Milk Tea (Fragrant & Light!)

This light, fragrant tea is a refreshing twist on traditional milk tea.

Jasmine tea adds delicate floral notes to the creamy milk for a soothing experience.

Master Recipe: Jasmine Green Milk Tea

Brew jasmine green tea, add milk, and a sweetener of your choice for a light, fragrant drink that’s perfect for any time of day.

For a fragrant, light drink made with premium jasmine tea, swing by Sharetea.

We’ve got the perfect balance of tea and milk, made fresh every day.

(FAQ) Frequently Asked Questions: Milk Tea Mastery Edition

After years of tinkering, failing, and eventually succeeding with milk tea at home, I’ve run into (and solved) all the common problems.

If you’ve got a milk tea question, odds are I’ve been there.

Q1: What Are the Basic Ingredients for Milk Tea?

To make milk tea at home, you need a few basic ingredients.

The primary components are tea, milk, and sweetener.

The type of tea you choose can greatly influence the overall taste; popular choices include black tea, green tea, and even herbal blends.

When making milk tea, the kind of milk you use—such as whole milk, evaporated milk, or even non-dairy options like almond milk or coconut milk—can also significantly alter the flavor and texture.

Sweetening your tea with granulated sugar, brown sugar, or simple syrup allows you to customize the sweetness to your liking.

Q2: How to Make Milk Tea with Tea Bags?

Making milk tea with tea bags is incredibly simple and quick.

Begin by boiling water and then steep the tea bags in hot water for about 5 to 7 minutes, depending on how strong you want the tea flavor to be.

Once the tea is brewed to your liking, you can add hot milk to the steeped tea.

Stir in your preferred sweetener, and your delicious milk tea is ready.

This method is great for those who want to enjoy a warm cup of tea without the hassle of loose leaves or complicated brewing processes.

Q3: Can You Make Milk Tea without Tea Leaves?

Yes, you can make milk tea without tea leaves by utilizing tea bags or even instant tea powders.

Instant tea can be dissolved in hot water, and then you simply add milk and sweetener.

This method is convenient for those who may not have loose tea leaves on hand.

However, it is important to note that the taste may vary slightly compared to using freshly brewed tea.

For the best results, always opt for high-quality tea bags, as they contain finely cut tea leaves that can still provide a robust flavor profile.

If you prefer to make the tea quickly, simply brew the tea and add a little splash of milk or soy milk to create a delicious hot tea or iced tea.

The addition of brown sugar and water can also elevate the flavor, especially in milk tea with boba.

The versatility of milk tea recipes allows you to create different flavors, from breakfast tea to tea steeping for at least a few minutes, ensuring a satisfying tea experience.

Q4: How to Make Creamy Milk Tea with Different Ingredients?

For a creamier texture and a slightly caramelized flavor, you can use various types of milk in your milk tea.

One popular choice is evaporated milk, which adds richness, especially in Hong Kong-style milk tea.

To achieve the perfect taste, combine your chosen milk with brewed tea and a sweetener.

The milk's richness will elevate your milk tea experience, making it more indulgent.

For those who enjoy hot milk tea, adding a splash of milk can create a unique tea taste.

Additionally, the combination of tea and milk enhances the overall tea experience, whether you’re making a black milk tea or iced tea.

Whether you're making milk tea with boba or simply enjoying a cup of tea, the creamy texture of milk complements the tea's flavors, giving it that extra touch of indulgence.

Q5: What Kind of Milk Works Best for Bubble Tea?

When it comes to bubble tea, or boba tea, whole milk is often the preferred choice as it creates a creamy, rich base that pairs perfectly with tapioca pearls.

However, many bubble tea enthusiasts also enjoy using condensed milk or a mix of different kinds of milk to achieve a unique taste.

Coconut milk and oat milk have gained popularity in recent years, providing vegan options that still maintain thickness and creaminess.

Regardless of the milk you choose, the key is to balance the flavors with the right sweeteners and toppings such as boba pearls.

Q6: What Are the Essential Ingredients for Boba Tea?

To make bubble tea, you will need a few essential ingredients: brewed tea (black tea is commonly used), tapioca pearls, milk or a milk alternative, and sweetener.

Some variations may include fruit flavorings or syrups to enhance the overall taste.

The quality of your tapioca pearls is crucial; fresh or properly cooked pearls will provide the best texture.

Also, consider the sweetener, as brown sugar syrup is often favored for its rich flavor.

Q7: How to Prepare Tapioca Pearls for Milk Tea Boba?

Preparing tapioca pearls involves boiling them in water until they become chewy and translucent.

Typically, you will need to bring a pot of water to a rolling boil, add the tapioca pearls, and simmer them for about 30 minutes.

Once cooked, you should let them sit covered for an additional 15 minutes.

Afterward, rinse the pearls in cold water and soak them in sugar syrup to enhance the flavor.

These prepared pearls can then be added to your milk tea, providing that signature boba experience.

Q8: Can You Make Bubble Tea without Sugar Syrup?

While sugar syrup is a common ingredient in bubble tea, it is not strictly necessary.

You can sweeten your drink using other methods, such as adding honey, agave, or granulated sugar directly to the tea while it is still hot.

Alternatively, you can rely on the natural sweetness of flavored milks or fruit purees to provide a different taste experience.

This flexibility allows you to customize your bubble tea according to your dietary preferences.

Q9: How to Sweeten Milk Tea with Brown Sugar?

Brown sugar is an excellent choice for sweetening milk tea, as it adds a rich, caramel-like flavor.

To sweeten your tea, simply dissolve it in hot brewed tea before adding milk.

The warmth of the tea helps the sugar dissolve more quickly, ensuring an even sweetness throughout.

This method works particularly well in making a decadent Hong Kong-style milk tea, where the depth of flavor is enhanced.

If you're making the milk tea with boba, the tapioca balls blend wonderfully with the rich sweetness of the tea.

You can also try adding evaporated and condensed milk for a creamier texture.

For those who prefer another tea, Taiwanese black tea offers a robust taste that pairs well with the milk.

Whether you’re drinking hot tea or iced tea, steeping your tea for at least a few minutes before adding milk ensures that the flavors meld perfectly.

Let the tea steep and bring milk to create the ideal balance of flavors.

Q10: What Are Some Popular Flavors of Milk Tea?

Milk tea can be flavored in countless ways, and some of the most popular options include chai, Thai milk tea, matcha, and boba milk tea.

Chai combines black tea with spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and ginger, resulting in a warming beverage perfect for chilly days.

When making the tea, you can brew the tea bags or leaves and let the tea steep for the perfect balance.

Thai milk tea offers a vibrant orange hue and a unique taste, often sweetened with condensed milk and white sugar.

Matcha, a finely ground green tea powder, provides a beautiful green color and an earthy flavor that pairs wonderfully with milk.

Whether you enjoy a cup of hot tea or prefer iced tea, these flavors will elevate your tea experience.

If you're looking for a boba recipe, consider adding tapioca balls to the mix for a fun twist.

For those who love milk tea with boba, the sweetness from black sugar or condensed milk will float to the top, creating a rich, creamy beverage.

Each flavor offers a different tea experience, making it fun to explore and find your favorite tea.

Q11: How to Make Iced Milk Tea for Hot Weather?

For those hot summer days, iced milk tea is a refreshing option.

To make iced milk tea, brew your tea using tea bags or loose leaves, allowing it to steep to a strong flavor.

After the tea has cooled, pour it over a glass filled with ice and add your choice of milk.

Sweeten it to taste, and you have a delicious iced drink that’s perfect for quenching your thirst.

You can also blend in fruits or syrups for an extra flavor boost, creating a unique iced milk tea tailored to your preferences.

Q12: How to Make Hong Kong Style Milk Tea?

This milk tea is renowned for its strong flavor and creamy texture.

To make this iconic drink, brew black tea leaves using a sock-like tea bag for a few minutes until the tea is concentrated.

After steeping, combine the brewed tea with a mixture of evaporated milk and sweetened condensed milk.

The result is a smooth, rich milk tea with complex flavors.

Serve it hot or cold, and enjoy its unique taste that reflects the vibrant culture of Hong Kong.

Q13: What is the Best Milk Tea Recipe for Beginners?

For beginners, a simple milk tea recipe is ideal.

Start with a strong black tea brewed with tea bags.

Once brewed, add hot milk and sweeten with sugar to taste.

This straightforward approach allows you to grasp the fundamentals of making milk tea while still providing a delicious end product.

As you become more comfortable, you can experiment with different types of tea and milk to find your perfect combination.

Q14: How to Experiment with Different Teas in Milk Tea Recipes?

Experimenting with different teas can lead to exciting discoveries in milk tea recipes.

Consider trying Ceylon tea for a bright flavor or green tea for a lighter, healthier option.

Each type of tea brings its unique profile to the drink.

You can also blend different teas, such as combining black tea with a hint of chai spices to create a fusion flavor.

Don't hesitate to add various sweeteners, syrups, or even spices to enhance your tea experience further.

With a little creativity, the possibilities are endless.

Conclusion: Master Milk Tea at Home—You’re Ready!

And there you have it—6 secret master recipes that I’ve tested, tweaked, and (sometimes) totally messed up along the way, all so you don’t have to!

Whether you’re starting with the OG Classic Taiwanese Milk Tea or branching out into something fun like Mango Milk Tea or Okinawa Brown Sugar Milk Tea, you’ve got everything you need right here to make it happen in your own kitchen.

And let me tell you—there’s something really satisfying about handing someone a tall glass of milk tea, homemade by you, and watching their face light up after that first sip.

Whether you’re whipping up a batch for yourself on a lazy Sunday or impressing your friends at your next get-together, these recipes are your starting point.

Final Tips for Success

• Experiment: Don’t be afraid to try new tea bases, milks, or sweeteners. It’s your kitchen, your rules.

• Taste as you go: Everyone’s taste buds are different. Some like it sweeter, some like it bold and tea-heavy. Adjust to your preferences.

• Fresh is best: Fresh tea, good quality milk, and freshly cooked boba make all the difference.

• Have fun: It’s just tea! Worst case? You drink it anyway and try again tomorrow.

What’s Next?

If you try any of these recipes, tag me on Instagram @ShareteaGlobal (or just send me a pic, I love seeing what you all create!).

Got your own twist on these recipes? I’m all ears.

Some of my favorite versions of milk tea have come from friends throwing in their own spin.

And hey, if you’re still reading this, it’s your sign: grab those tea leaves, fire up the kettle, and make yourself a cup of happiness.

You deserve it!

You’re ready to be your own bubble tea master. Time to steep, shake, and sip.
Happy brewing!