If you love a refreshing and playful drink that perfectly balances fruity sweetness and creamy goodness, let me introduce you to the Strawberry Milk Tea with Fresh Strawberry Syrup and Chewy Boba Recipe. This delightful beverage is the ultimate treat for warm afternoons or anytime you crave a burst of fresh strawberries combined with the comforting richness of milk tea and the fun texture of chewy boba pearls. Making it from scratch is easier than you might think, and the magic of homemade strawberry syrup elevates this drink to a whole new level of deliciousness you’ll want to share with everyone you know.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients in this recipe are simple, fresh, and purposeful. Each one plays a key role in bringing together the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and vibrant color that makes this drink so irresistible.
- Green or black tea bag: Provides a smooth, aromatic base with mild bitterness to contrast the sweetness.
- Boiling water: Essential for steeping the tea and extracting its full flavor.
- Strawberries (2 cups, hulled and sliced): The star ingredient that creates a natural, fresh fruit flavor and beautiful pink hue for the syrup.
- Granulated sugar (5 tablespoons): Balances the tartness of strawberries and enhances their natural sweetness in the syrup.
- Water (1 cup): Needed to gently simmer the strawberry syrup until thick and luscious.
- Quick cooking boba (⅛ cup): Adds that iconic chewy, fun texture everyone loves in milk tea.
- Milk (½ cup): Brings creaminess that rounds out the drink, giving it a velvety mouthfeel.
- Ice (handful): Cools the drink perfectly and keeps it refreshingly chilled.
How to Make Strawberry Milk Tea with Fresh Strawberry Syrup and Chewy Boba Recipe
Step 1: Brew and Chill the Tea
Start by steeping your tea bag in ½ cup of boiling water for 5 minutes. This allows the tea’s flavors to fully develop for a rich base. Once brewed, remove the tea bag and let the tea cool to room temperature before placing it in the fridge to chill completely. Chilled tea is key for that refreshing, cool sip later on.
Step 2: Create the Fresh Strawberry Syrup
While the tea chills, start your syrup by combining the sliced strawberries, 1 cup of water, and sugar in a medium pan over medium heat. Stir occasionally as the fruit breaks down and becomes mushy. Use a fork to mash the strawberries thoroughly, releasing their vibrant juices. Let the mixture gently simmer for about 5 to 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the syrup to thicken slightly. This careful simmering intensifies the strawberry flavor and creates a silky syrup you won’t find in a store-bought bottle.
Step 3: Strain the Syrup for a Smooth Texture
Once the syrup has slightly cooled, strain it through a fine mesh sieve. Press hard on the mashed strawberries to extract every drop of luscious syrup. You should get roughly ½ cup of this bright pink, flavorful syrup — this will be your strawberry sweetener and the heart of your drink.
Step 4: Cook the Chewy Boba Pearls
Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil and add the quick cooking boba pearls. At first, they’ll sink but will float to the top within 20 seconds – a sign they’re starting to cook through. Lower the heat slightly and simmer for 5 to 10 minutes for perfect chewiness. Once cooked, strain the pearls and rinse quickly under cold water to stop them from cooking further. Stir the cooled boba into your strawberry syrup to keep them soft, sticky, and deliciously coated in sweetness.
Step 5: Combine All the Elements
In a large glass or pitcher, mix the chilled tea with the creamy milk and the fruity boba-studded strawberry syrup. Add in a handful of ice to cool everything down instantly. Give it a good stir to evenly blend the layers of flavor, and your homemade Strawberry Milk Tea with Fresh Strawberry Syrup and Chewy Boba Recipe is ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Strawberry Milk Tea with Fresh Strawberry Syrup and Chewy Boba Recipe
Garnishes
To ramp up the presentation and flavor, add a few fresh strawberry slices on top or a sprig of fresh mint for a pop of green and a refreshing aroma. A colorful reusable straw or a clear glass showcases the beautiful pink layers and teases that chewy boba at the bottom — making every sip as delightful visually as it is taste-wise.
Side Dishes
This strawberry milk tea pairs beautifully with light, sweet treats like buttery shortbread cookies, fluffy sponge cakes, or even a delicate mochi dessert. These complement the fruity richness without overpowering the balance you worked so hard to achieve.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving this at a party or just want to make it extra special, try layering the syrup, milk, and tea in a tall glass before stirring for a pretty ombré effect. You can also freeze some of the syrup into ice cubes to avoid dilution or serve in mason jars with playful labels to take the fun to the next level.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Refrigerate any leftover strawberry syrup in an airtight container for up to five days. The syrup can be used not only for more strawberry milk tea but also as a topping for pancakes or yogurt. Keep the cooked boba separate in syrup or water to prevent clumping, but consume it within 24 hours for the best texture.
Freezing
While the strawberry syrup freezes well in ice cube trays for easy future use, the boba pearls do not freeze well and will harden when thawed, losing their signature chewiness. It’s best to prepare boba fresh each time you make the drink.
Reheating
If your syrup or tea needs warming up, gently heat it on the stove or in the microwave. Avoid overheating the milk to prevent curdling. The boba should not be reheated; instead, enjoy it fresh for optimal texture.
FAQs
Can I use any type of tea for this recipe?
Absolutely! Both green and black tea provide a great base, but you can experiment with oolong or jasmine tea for unique flavor profiles that complement the strawberry syrup.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Yes, just swap out the milk for your preferred non-dairy milk like almond, oat, or coconut milk. Each will bring its own flavor twist while keeping the drink creamy and delicious.
How long does homemade strawberry syrup last?
Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, the syrup stays fresh for about 5 days. Always check for any signs of fermentation or mold before using if stored longer.
Can I use frozen strawberries for the syrup?
Frozen strawberries work just fine and can be a convenient option when fresh strawberries are out of season. Just thaw them before cooking to get the best consistency and flavor.
What is the best way to store leftover cooked boba?
Keep cooked boba submerged in a little syrup or water at room temperature and consume within 24 hours to retain its chewy texture. Refrigeration will make the boba harden and lose its signature softness.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend making the Strawberry Milk Tea with Fresh Strawberry Syrup and Chewy Boba Recipe enough — it’s a stunning blend of fresh fruitiness, creamy textures, and playful chewiness all in one glass. Once you try making it from scratch, you’ll see how satisfying and addictive it is, and everyone around you will be asking for seconds. So grab your ingredients and dive in; this drink is bound to become a new favorite way to brighten your day.
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Strawberry Milk Tea with Fresh Strawberry Syrup and Chewy Boba Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
Description
This refreshing Strawberry Milk Tea recipe combines the delicate flavors of green or black tea with a homemade strawberry simple syrup and chewy boba pearls. Perfectly chilled and slightly sweetened, it’s a delightful beverage ideal for warm days or any time you crave a fruity twist on traditional milk tea.
Ingredients
Tea
- 1 green or black tea bag
- 1/2 cup boiling water
Strawberry Simple Syrup
- 2 cups strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 5 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
Add-ins
- 1/8 cup quick cooking boba
- 1/2 cup milk
- Handful of ice
Instructions
- Make the tea: Add the tea bag to the boiling water and let it steep for 5 minutes. Remove the tea bag and allow the tea to cool to room temperature, then place it in the fridge to chill completely.
- Make the strawberry syrup: In a pan over medium heat, combine the strawberries, water, and sugar. Stir occasionally as the strawberries soften and become mushy. Use a fork to mash them thoroughly. Let the mixture simmer gently for 5-10 minutes.
- Strain the syrup: Remove the strawberry mixture from heat and let it cool slightly. Strain through a fine mesh sieve, pressing the mashed strawberries to extract around 1/2 cup of syrup. Set aside.
- Cook the boba: Bring a pot of water to a boil over the stove. Add the quick cooking boba; they will sink initially then float after about 20 seconds. Reduce heat and simmer for 5-10 minutes. Remove from heat, strain, and rinse under cold water for about a minute to cool. Stir the boba into the strawberry syrup to prevent clumping.
- Assemble the drink: In a serving glass, combine the chilled tea, milk, and the strawberry syrup with boba. Add a handful of ice, stir gently, and serve immediately.
Notes
- You can use either green or black tea depending on your preference.
- Adjust the sweetness of the strawberry syrup by adding more or less sugar to taste.
- Quick cooking boba is recommended for faster preparation.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the best texture of the boba pearls.
- For a creamier texture, substitute milk with evaporated milk or cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
