Tiger Milk Tea

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Craving a milk tea? This Tiger Milk Tea recipe is so easy to make in the comfort of your own home. This beverage originated from Taiwan in the 1980s and gained international popularity. Made with a base of black tea, milk and brown sugar syrup to sweeten the beverage. Add boba or tapioca to give it a nice chew to every sip!

Milk tea to every young Asian girl is a dream. Instead of going into Starbucks and getting a Caramel Frappuccino my go to drink was Milk Tea with boba or tapioca pearls. This recipe will help you make it easily at home and save you the time and money. 

What is Tiger Milk Tea? Why is it called Tiger Milk Tea?

Do you ever see those Instagram worthy pictures of milk tea with streaks of syrup that run down the sides of the glass?! Well it does look similar to tiger strips. It’s a sweet tea that has a toffee flavor. That is what is called the Tiger Milk Tea. Boba milk tea has many different names, I’ve seen it called bubble tea, brown sugar milk tea, tiger milk tea.

This drink was popularized by Tiger Sugar. They are not the original creators but made it popular with social media with those eye catching drink photos.

What is muscovado sugar?

Originally from the Philippines, muscovado sugar is unrefined cane sugar and retains more of the natural molasses content from sugarcane. Unlike refined white sugar where it goes through extensive processing and filtering, muscovado sugar gives a caramel-like flavor and dark brown color. This is a good choice to use for this milk tea because it will have a sticky and moist texture.

Why make this?

Unique flavor. It offers a unique flavor profile and a delightful textural experience with the addition of tapioca pearls.

Elevated milk tea. If you are looking to explore new ways to make your tea. This recipe adds some really nice flavors to your afternoon tea.  Boba/tapioca pearls, milk and brown sugar w

Visually beautiful. Those distinct striped patterned formed by the brown sugar syrup adds a stunning visual appeal to the drink. Many people see this drink from the shop and it draws them to craving a milk tea.

Why I love this recipe?

Black Tea. This recipe uses black tea to add strong tea flavor in the drink. I know some recipes only use milk, boba pearls and sugar. But why call it a Tiger Milk Tea if there is no tea in it?  Use your favourite black tea to give you that extra caffeine

Tiger Milk Tea is also known as:

Brown sugar boba tea

Brown sugar milk tea

Brown sugar bubble tea

Tiger sugar tea

Tiger boba tea

Tiger milk bubble tea

Taiwanese milk tea

Bubble tea shops have become so popular in my city that you will see a new bubble tea shop opening on almost every other block. 

Ingredients, Substitution and Variations

black tea. Tea bags or loose leaf with work equally well. With the loose leaf be sure to use a tea infuser so you don’t have loose leaf floating around in the milk tea. I would suggest for this recipe to use black tea. Ceylon is the most common.

muscovado sugar or brown sugar. I use brown sugar as this was the what I had readily available at home. However muscovado sugar will give you a more thicker and stickier consistency. Both will work perfect fine for this recipe.

milk or non-dairy alternative (e.g., almond milk, soy milk). Use what ever milk or non-dairy alternative you wish. 

tapioca pearls (optional). This is optional but I fine the tapioca/boba will give the drink some substance. Follow the insrtuctions on the package. Some will need to be boiled for about 5-7 minutes. I have seen instant pearls sold in store where you add some boiling water and let it sit for 2 minutes and its ready.

Ice cubes. Optional but on a hot summer day I like to add ice cubes to keep it nice and cold.

How to make the Tiger Milk Tea

Brewing the tea

1. Boil water. Steep the black tea for 3 – 5 minutes. Depending on how strong you like the tea. If you prefer a light tea flavor steep for about 3 minutes, if you like a strong tea flavor steep it longer.

Prepare the brown sugar syrup

1. Take a small sauce pan and add the dark brown sugar or muscovado sugar and a splash of water. Stir until the sugar melts and you get a thick and sticky consistency.

Prepare the boba/tapioca pearls

1. Take a medium pot and bring water to a rolling boil.
2. Add the boba/tapioca pearls and let it boil for 5-7 minutes. Adjust the time to you preference. If you like them softer and chewier go for approximately 7 minutes.
3. Rinse in cold water and drain the boba/tapioca pearls.
4. Optional: I like to add some of the brown sugar syrup or honey to coat the boba. Just add 1 tsp and mix it until its well covered.

NOTE: Depending on the type of tapioca pearls you are using please follow the instructions on the package. Some pearls are instant and some require longer cook time.

Assemble the drink.

1. Add the desired amount of boba to the bottom of a glass cup.
2. Add ice cubes if you want the drink to be cold.
3. Take the syrup and gentle add it to the side of the glass making sure you add enough so it runs down.
4. Pour the tea and add the milk.
5. Enjoy!

Success tips on making the best Tiger Milk Tea

Tiger stripes. To achieve the eye catching presentation of this drink, pour  the brown sugar syrup slowly and steadily so you have just enough syrup so it drips down the side.

Creaminess. Milk tea is both creamy in texture but still has the tea flavor. This ratio of milk to tea will create the perfect creaminess to the milk tea

FAQ

What does tiger milk tea taste like?

Tiger Milk tea is a smooth and creamy tea that is slightly sweetened with brown sugar syrup and has a caramel taste. The tapioca pearls add a fun chewiness to the drink and make it even more delicious. They are like brown sugar popping bubbles in your drink!

Can I make Tiger Milk Tea in advance?

It’s best to prepare Tiger Milk Tea shortly before you plan to drink it to enjoy its optimal taste and freshness. However, you can pre-make the tea and keep it refrigerated, then mix it with the milk and sweetener when you’re ready to serve.

Can I use a different type of tea?

Tiger Milk Tea is traditionally made with black tea. However, you can experiment with other types of tea, such as oolong or green tea, to create your own variations of the drink.

How to store

Tiger Milk Tea is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have any leftovers, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. However, the texture and flavor may change slightly over time.

Brewed tea can be stored in the fridge and when you are ready to drink it combine the milk, tea and syrup. 

Syrup can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 weeks. Boba should be consumed with in 2 hours after being made. Boba will lose its chewy texture if store in the refrigerator overnight.

How to Serve

Milk tea is will go great with many deserts or night market snacks such as:

Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken

Pandan coconut waffles

Ube butter mochi

Ube Cheesecake

Ube Cinnamon Rolls

Ube brownies

Ube Mochi Waffles

If you make this recipe, and like it, please give it a rating in the recipe card below and let us know in the comments at the end of the post.

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