This video provides detailed instructions for brewing the perfect cup of milk tea, using precise techniques and tips to achieve the best flavor and texture. Whether you’re preparing a classic milk tea or a bubble tea variation, this guide will help you master the art of milk tea preparation.

By Peaceful Cuisine

Learning Objectives:

  • Students will learn how to brew a strong tea concentrate suitable for bubble tea.
  • Students will understand the importance of proper tea-to-water ratios, steeping times, and temperatures for different types of tea.
  • Students will develop the skills to create a visually appealing and well-balanced bubble tea.

Step-by-Step Guides:

  1. Prepare the Tea Concentrate:
    • Measure Tea Leaves:
      • For black tea: Use 6.5 grams of tea leaves.
      • For jasmine tea: Use 6 grams of tea leaves.
      • For oolong tea: Use 6 grams of tea leaves.
    • Heat Water:
      • For black and oolong tea: Heat water to 180°F (82°C).
      • For jasmine tea: Heat water to 165°F (74°C).
    • Steep the Tea:
      • Pour 100 grams of hot water over the tea leaves.
      • Steep black and oolong tea for 8 minutes.
      • Steep jasmine tea for 4 minutes.
    • Strain and Cool:
      • Strain out the tea leaves.
      • Pour in 80 grams of cold water to cool the tea and dilute the concentrate slightly.
      • The resulting tea concentrate should measure about 160 grams (~3/4 cup).
  2. Cook the Tapioca Pearls:
    • Boil Water:
      • Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Use at least 5-6 cups of water per cup of tapioca pearls.
    • Add Tapioca Pearls:
      • Slowly add the tapioca pearls to the boiling water, stirring gently to prevent sticking.
      • Wait until the pearls float to the surface (about 2-3 minutes).
    • Simmer the Pearls:
      • Reduce the heat to medium and let the pearls simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
    • Rest the Pearls:
      • After cooking, turn off the heat and let the pearls sit in the hot water for an additional 15-20 minutes.
    • Drain and Rinse:
      • Drain the pearls and rinse them under cold water. Optional: Toss the pearls in simple syrup to add sweetness.
  3. Mix the Bubble Tea:
    • Ingredients:
      • ¾ cup tea concentrate
      • ½ cup milk (choose a milk where the cream flavor isn’t too strong)
      • 40 grams simple syrup (adjust for desired sweetness)
      • Cooked tapioca pearls
      • Ice
    • Combine Ingredients:
      • Pour the simple syrup into the milk and stir well.
      • Add cooked tapioca pearls to the bottom of a glass.
      • Add ice to the glass.
      • Pour in the milk and syrup mixture.
      • Gently pour the tea concentrate on top to create a layered effect.
  4. Optional: Shaking for Texture:
    • For a frothier texture, shake the entire mixture in a cocktail shaker before serving.
  5. Serve and Enjoy:
    • Stir the drink well before consuming to blend the flavors.
    • Serve with a wide straw to enjoy the tapioca pearls, and enjoy your perfectly balanced and refreshing bubble tea.

Tips for Brewing the Perfect Bubble Tea:

  • Tea Strength: Adjust the tea-to-water ratio, steeping time, and temperature to fine-tune the flavor of your tea concentrate.
  • Pearl Texture: Ensure the tapioca pearls are cooked to the desired level of chewiness.
  • Presentation: If visual appeal is important, avoid shaking the drink and instead gently layer the ingredients for a striking gradient effect.

Instructions:

  1. Read the Guide: Students should thoroughly read the guide to understand each step involved in brewing the perfect bubble tea, including the preparation of tea concentrate and cooking tapioca pearls.
  2. Practice Brewing: Encourage students to practice brewing bubble tea on their own, following the detailed steps provided in the guide to ensure they achieve the desired flavor and texture.
  3. Reflect and Experiment: After brewing, students should reflect on the process and experiment with different variations, adjusting ingredients and techniques to create their own custom bubble tea recipes.

Readings/Videos/Podcasts:

By SarapChannel