Tropical Coconut Paradise Bubble Tea
Indulge in a refreshing and delightful Tropical Coconut Paradise Bubble Tea that captures the essence of tropical flavors in every sip. This vibrant drink combines the creamy richness of coconut milk with the boldness of brewed tea and a hint of rum extract, creating a perfect balance of sweetness and creaminess. Served with chewy Minute Tapioca Pearls, this bubble tea is the ideal treat for summer gatherings or cozy afternoons with friends. Easy to make and bursting with flavor, it’s a homemade delight that will impress anyone who tries it!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
water
1/2 cup (none)
coconut milk
1/2 cup (none)
milk
1/4 cup (none)
tea, brewed (your choice)
1/2 cup (brewed and cooled)
rum extract
1/2 teaspoon (none)
sugar syrup
1 tablespoon (none)
cooked tapioca pearls
2-4 tablespoons (cooked as per package instructions)
ice
as needed (none)
Instructions
1
In a cocktail shaker or tightly sealed container, combine the water, coconut milk, milk, brewed tea, rum extract, and sugar syrup.
2
Shake the mixture vigorously for about 10 seconds until well combined.
3
Prepare a tall glass and add the cooked tapioca pearls to the bottom.
4
Carefully pour the shaken liquid mixture over the tapioca pearls.
5
Add a generous amount of ice to the glass to keep it chilled.
6
Serve immediately with a wide bubble tea straw for easy sipping and enjoyment.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tropical Coconut Paradise Bubble Tea?
It is a refreshing beverage that combines the creamy richness of coconut milk with brewed tea, a hint of rum extract, and chewy tapioca pearls.
Which tea is best for this recipe?
You can use any tea of your choice, though black tea offers a bold flavor and green tea provides a lighter, more floral profile.
Can I make this drink dairy-free?
Yes, simply replace the standard milk with a plant-based alternative such as almond milk, soy milk, or more coconut milk.
How do I cook the tapioca pearls?
Cook the pearls according to the package instructions, usually by boiling them until tender and then soaking them in syrup.
What is rum extract?
Rum extract is a flavoring derived from rum that provides the taste of rum without the high alcohol content.
Can I use real rum instead of rum extract?
Yes, you can substitute a small amount of real rum for the extract if you prefer an alcoholic version of the drink.
How do I make sugar syrup?
Mix equal parts sugar and hot water, stirring until the sugar is completely dissolved, then let it cool before use.
Can I use a different sweetener?
Certainly; honey, agave nectar, or maple syrup can be used as alternatives to sugar syrup.
What type of coconut milk is recommended?
Full-fat canned coconut milk is recommended for the creamiest texture, but carton coconut milk works for a lighter drink.
Do I need a cocktail shaker?
While a shaker is ideal for aeration, you can use any tightly sealed container or even a blender to mix the ingredients.
Can I prepare this in advance?
You can mix the tea and milks ahead of time and store them in the fridge, but add the ice and pearls just before serving.
How long do cooked pearls last?
Cooked tapioca pearls are best within 4 hours; after that, they tend to lose their chewy texture and become hard.
Can I serve this hot?
Yes, you can enjoy it warm by using hot brewed tea and skipping the ice, though it is traditionally served cold.
What size straw is needed?
You will need a wide bubble tea straw, also known as a boba straw, to allow the pearls to pass through.
Is this bubble tea gluten-free?
Tapioca pearls are naturally gluten-free as they are made from cassava, but always check the specific brand for additives.
Can I use green tea?
Absolutely; green tea or jasmine tea pairs exceptionally well with the tropical notes of coconut.
Does this drink contain caffeine?
Yes, because it uses brewed tea, it contains caffeine unless you specifically choose a decaffeinated tea base.
What can I substitute for pearls?
If you do not have pearls, you can try popping boba, fruit jelly, or even grass jelly.
Can I use coconut water?
You can use coconut water for a lighter, more hydrating version, but it will lack the creamy consistency of coconut milk.
Is this drink suitable for children?
Yes, it is a fun treat for kids, though you may want to use decaffeinated tea and be mindful of the pearls as a choking hazard.
Why shake the mixture?
Shaking the mixture for 10 seconds ensures the milks and tea are perfectly blended and creates a pleasant frothy top.
Can I make a larger batch?
Yes, you can easily double or triple the ingredients to serve a larger group.
How strong should I brew the tea?
It is best to brew the tea slightly stronger than usual since it will be diluted by the milk and ice.
Can I add fruit?
Adding pureed mango or pineapple chunks can enhance the tropical paradise theme of this drink.
What are Minute Tapioca Pearls?
These are a type of quick-cooking tapioca pearl designed to be ready in much less time than traditional dried pearls.
Can I use condensed milk?
Yes, using sweetened condensed milk can replace both the milk and the sugar syrup for an extra rich and sweet flavor.
How do I stop pearls from sticking?
After draining the cooked pearls, immediately toss them in a small amount of sugar syrup or honey.
Is rum extract mandatory?
It is not mandatory, but it provides a unique depth of flavor that defines the 'Paradise' aspect of the recipe.
What is the best glass to use?
A tall clear glass is best so you can see the pearls at the bottom and the beautiful creamy layers of the drink.
Where can I buy tapioca pearls?
They are commonly found in the international aisle of grocery stores, at Asian markets, or through online retailers.