Matcha was discovered by accident! Japanese farmers covered tea plants with straw to protect them from frost. This made the plants produce more chlorophyll, creating matcha’s bright green color and rich taste.
Matcha is special because it’s the only tea where you drink the whole leaf as powder, not just water steeped with leaves. That’s why one cup of matcha has the same nutrients as 10 cups of regular green tea!
Japanese monks have used matcha for over 1,000 years during meditation. It contains L-theanine, which helps you feel calm but alert. Unlike coffee, matcha gives you energy without making you jittery.
Good matcha is bright green and tastes sweet and creamy, never bitter. When you drink matcha bubble tea, you’re enjoying something that connects you to centuries of Japanese tradition!
Ingredients
1 cup plant-based milk (soy, almond, oat, or coconut)
1-2 teaspoon matcha powder
1/4 cup cooked tapioca pearls
1-2 tablespoon sugar syrup, agave, or honey (to taste)
1/4 cup hot water
Ice (optional)
Execution
Warm the Tapioca Pearls: If the tapioca pearls have been refrigerated, warm them up in the microwave or on the stove with a small amount of water to restore their softness and warm texture. Add a bit of sugar syrup, agave, or honey to keep them sweet and prevent sticking.
Prepare the Matcha: In a small cup or bowl, mix the matcha powder with 1/4 cup of hot water, stirring well to avoid lumps.
Assemble the Drink: Place the prepared tapioca pearls in the bottom of a serving glass or cup. Pour the plant-based milk on top, followed by the matcha mixture. Optionally, add a bit more sugar syrup, agave, or honey to taste.
Additional tips
- Matcha Quality: Use high-quality matcha powder for the best flavor and color.
- Tapioca Pearls: Freshly cooked tapioca pearls are best, but you can use store-bought ones for convenience. Always warm them before using.
- Sweetness: Adjust the sweetness to your preference. You can always add more sweetener if needed.
- Chill Your Drink: If you prefer a cold drink, add ice cubes to your glass before pouring the milk and matcha mixture.
- Variations: Try different plant-based milks to find your favorite combination. Coconut milk adds a tropical twist, while oat milk provides a creamy texture.
Matcha Bubble Tea
Ingredients
- 1 cup plant-based milk soy, almond, oat, or coconut
- 1-2 teaspoon matcha powder
- 1/4 cup cooked tapioca pearls
- 1-2 tablespoon sugar syrup agave, or honey (to taste)
- 1/4 cup hot water
- Ice optional
Instructions
- Warm the Tapioca Pearls: If the tapioca pearls have been refrigerated, warm them up in the microwave or on the stove with a small amount of water to restore their softness and warm texture. Add a bit of sugar syrup, agave, or honey to keep them sweet and prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Matcha: In a small cup or bowl, mix the matcha powder with 1/4 cup of hot water, stirring well to avoid lumps.
- The Boba BaseFirst, add your bouncy boba treasures to the bottom of your glass. These chewy tapioca pearls create the perfect foundation for your drink, waiting to surprise you with each sip through your wide straw.
- The Cooling LayerNext, carefully drop in some ice cubes, allowing them to settle around the boba. The ice will keep your drink refreshingly cold while creating beautiful swirls as the other ingredients mingle together.
- The Creamy MiddleNow pour in your favorite plant-based milk – whether creamy oat, subtle almond, or rich coconut. Watch as it cascades over the ice, creating a cloudy layer that's both soothing and satisfying.
- The Matcha MagicFinally, add the vibrant green matcha mixture, letting it create mesmerizing patterns as it meets the milk. This earthy, energizing tea brings the whole drink together with its distinctive flavor and color. For a sweeter experience, drizzle in some additional sugar syrup, agave, or honey to perfectly balance the grassy notes of the matcha.
