A milky iced matcha latte flavoured with a delicious brown sugar syrup with chewy bobas. This easy brown sugar boba matcha latte is made with simple ingredients and will save you money! [Dairy-free adaptable]
This brown sugar boba matcha latte is a chilled dessert drink made of matcha, milk, brown sugar syrup, bobas, and ice cubes. It's absolutely delicious and great for all the matcha-lovers!
Select bubble tea shops will serve this unique iced boba latte and it's so refreshing. The taste of the bouncy bobas with the smooth matcha latte is a wonderful combination of flavors and textures!
I love making this dessert beverage on hot summer days when I don't feel keen on coffee but would like something caffeinated and cold! It's also visually appealing and fun to make.
This drink can also be made dairy-free by simply substituting with a plant-based milk that you enjoy, such as oat milk or a nut milk so it's enjoyable for all.
Ingredients & Substitutes
Please scroll down to below recipe card for exact measurements.
- Matcha powder: I recommend Ceremonial matcha powder for best quality but this type is the most expensive. If you're shopping for matcha powder, Culinary matcha is the most affordable but lowest in quality giving it a more brownish-green color and is mainly used for baking but it can be used. Or spend a bit more money and get Everyday matcha powder which will work well for this recipe and will give you a more vibrant green matcha powder.
- Boba Tapioca Pearls: these are made of tapioca starch, brown sugar and water and shaped into 1-cm balls. They are brown in color. Most Asian grocery stores sell them dried in vacuum sealed packages. Or substitute with large white tapioca pearls and prepare them by boiling them for 30 minutes in water on medium heat, turn off the heat, cover and soak it in the hot liquids for another 30 minutes until chewy.
- Brown Sugar: light or dark brown sugar both work.
- Cold Water: to make the brown sugar syrup.
- Hot Boiling Water: to dissolve the matcha powder.
- Milk: or substitute with plain oat milk, almond milk, macadamia milk or soy milk. Avoid using coconut milk as it's too overpowering in taste.
- Ice cubes
Expert Tips
- Use a good matcha powder that you would enjoy.
- Don't skip the soaking process for the bobas as this will ensure they come out tender and chewy.
- Make sure to taste test the bobas to check if they're chewy enough.
- Rinse the cooked bobas off with cold water to remove excess starches.
- Strain out as much excess water in the bobas before adding to your glass.
- Constantly stir the brown sugar syrup or it will burn more easily.
Instructions
Below are step-by-step instructions on how to make brown sugar boba matcha latte:
- In a medium-pot filled with 4 cups or 1 litre of water, bring it to a boil on high heat. Add in the bobas, reduce to medium heat and simmer for 25 minutes uncovered, stirring occasionally. Then cover, turn off the heat and leave the pot on the heat source and let the bobas sit in the pot of water for another 20 minutes until chewy. Make sure to perform a taste test at this point. If the bobas are not to your desired texture, soak for another 5-10 minutes.
- Strain the cooked bobas in a colander and rinse them off with cold running water. Strain out excess water and set aside.
- In a small pot, whisk together brown sugar and cold water. Bring to a boil on medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer on medium heat until it becomes a thick syrup while constantly stirring. Remove off heat and cover to keep warm.
- In a small matcha bowl or measuring cup with a lip, sift matcha powder into it. Then add hot boiling water. Whisk together matcha powder and hot boiling water until frothy, about 30 seconds. Set aside.
- Spoon cooked bobas into the base of a tall drinking glass. Then using a spoon, pour some of the brown sugar along the edges of the glass. Add ice cubes on top of the bobas.
- Next pour in cold milk and lastly, pour the matcha liquid on top of the milk. Stir well and enjoy!
Storage
- This latte is best consumed immediately or same day.
- Leftover latte can last up to 2 days stored in an airtight container or mason jar in the refrigerator but please note the bobas will become harder in texture.
- Freezer-friendly? I don't recommend freezing this latte because the bobas will change in texture.
Pairing Suggestions
This brown sugar boba matcha latte serves well with:
- fresh fruit
- cakes, pastries, cookies or other baked goods and desserts
- sago desserts like Mango Sago Coconut Drink, Coconut Mango Sago, Strawberry Sago, or Mango Sago
- jelly desserts like Mango Coconut Jelly, Fruit Jelly Cake, Lychee Jelly, or Grass Jelly Brown Sugar Milk
- shaven ice, ice cream, popsicles or frozen yogurt
FAQ
Certain components of this brown sugar boba matcha latte can be prepared in advance. The bobas can be prepared as instructed, then after straining them, return the cooked bobas to the pot and cover it with 5 cups of water. Cover the pot and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Then on the day of serving, prepare the brown sugar syrup, milk and matcha liquid and assemble the drink.
Uncooked tapioca pearls that have been opened should be stored in an airtight contain in a dry and cool area and will last up to 6 days.
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📖 Recipe
Easy Brown Sugar Boba Matcha Latte
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup boba tapioca pearls
- ¾ cup milk or plant based milk for a dairy-free option
- 1.5 teaspoon matcha powder
- 4 tablespoon water boiling hot, to dissolve matcha powder
- 3 tablespoon brown sugar light or dark brown sugar both work
- 3 tablespoon water cold
- 6 ice cubes
Instructions
- In a medium-pot filled with 4 cups or 1 litre of water, bring it to a boil on high heat. Add in the bobas, reduce to medium heat and simmer for 25 minutes uncovered, stirring occasionally. Then cover, turn off the heat and leave the pot on the heat source and let the bobas sit in the pot of water for another 20 minutes until chewy. Perform a taste test at this point. If the bobas are not to your desired texture, soak for another 5-10 minutes.
- Strain the cooked bobas in a colander and rinse them off with cold running water. Strain out excess water and set aside.
- In a small pot, whisk together brown sugar and cold water. Bring to a boil on medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer on medium heat until it becomes a thick syrup while constantly stirring. Remove off heat and cover to keep warm.
- In a small matcha bowl or measuring cup with a lip, sift matcha powder into it. Then add hot boiling water. Whisk together matcha powder and hot boiling water until frothy, about 30 seconds. Set aside.
- Spoon cooked bobas into the base of a tall drinking glass. Then using a spoon, pour some of the brown sugar along the edges of the glass. Add ice cubes on top of the bobas.
- Next pour in cold milk and lastly, pour the matcha liquid on top of the milk. Stir well and enjoy!
Heidi | The Frugal Girls
That was a great tip for how to get the best results with uncooked boba. This is such a fun and festive drink!! ❤
Sherri
I love matcha lattes and this brown sugar boba version is a pure stunner! A perfect pick-me-up drink! 🙂
Leanne
Dessert in beverage form works for me. Beautiful presentation Christie, and I appreciate all the step by step photos!
Michelle | Sift & Simmer
You know I love everything matcha -- this brown sugar boba matcha latte looks incredible! Everything I love in a glass!
Never Ending Journeys
This matcha looks like such a refreshing treat, especially with brown sugar!