Homemade Kung Fu Tea

Name: Homemade Kung Fu Tea With Tapioca Pearls
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups brewed, chilled black tea; ½ cup canned coconut milk; 1 tablespoon powdered milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ cup black tapioca pearls, cooked; 2 tablespoon honey

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Homemade Kung Fu Tea is a creamy, chilled bubble tea drink made by combining brewed black tea, coconut milk, and powdered milk, then topped with honey-sweetened tapioca pearls. This recipe lets you customize your boba tea at home without artificial flavors or additives.

Total

5 min

Servings

2

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From Mocktail · by Mocktail_net

Ingredients

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6 Ingredients

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Instructions

1
Cook the black tapioca pearls according to the package directions. Run them under cold water and then place them in a small bowl. Toss the cooked, cooled tapioca pearls with the honey and then divide the sweetened pearls between two tall glasses.
2
In a small bowl (you can use the same one as you use to mix the honey), whisk together the child black tea, coconut milk, powdered milk and vanilla extract.
3
Pour the tea mix into the tall glasses, on top of the sweetened tapioca pearls.
4
Add ice and serve with a large bubble tea straw.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Run cooked tapioca pearls under cold water immediately after draining to stop the cooking process and prevent them from sticking together.
Toss the cooled pearls with honey while still warm so the sweetness adheres evenly; this also prevents clumping.
Whisk the tea mixture vigorously to combine the powdered milk and coconut milk smoothly without lumps before pouring.
Chill all components before assembly for the best texture; warm tapioca pearls will melt the ice too quickly.

Substitutions

Black tea → strong oolong tea or jasmine tea (changes flavor profile but maintains method)
Coconut milk → whole milk, oat milk, or almond milk (reduces creaminess depending on choice)
Honey → agave nectar or maple syrup (similar sweetness and texture)
Powdered milk → omit entirely for a lighter, less creamy version

Storage & make-ahead

Store cooked, sweetened tapioca pearls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; prepare the tea mixture fresh for each serving.

Equipment

bubble tea straw (large, ½ inch diameter or wider) · small bowl · whisk

Common Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes. Cook and sweeten the tapioca pearls up to 4 hours in advance, then store in the refrigerator. Prepare the tea mixture just before serving to keep it chilled and fresh.

What size straw do I need for tapioca pearls?

Use a large bubble tea straw (at least ½ inch diameter) to allow the cooked tapioca pearls to pass through without clogging.

Can I substitute the coconut milk?

Yes. Use whole milk, almond milk, or oat milk as 1:1 replacements. Coconut milk gives the richest, most authentic flavor.

How do I cook black tapioca pearls?

Follow the package directions exactly. Typically, bring water to a boil, add pearls, stir occasionally for 20–30 minutes until translucent, then drain and rinse under cold water.