Ube milk tea (Ube bubble tea)

Sweet, creamy, and vibrant, Ube Milk Tea (also known as Ube Bubble Tea) is a delightful treat that captures the essence of summer in every sip. With its unique purple hue and rich flavor, this drink is perfect for various occasions, whether you’re enjoying a relaxing afternoon or hosting a gathering. The combination of ube and coconut milk creates a refreshing beverage that stands out from traditional milk teas. Plus, adding tapioca pearls elevates it to an indulgent bubble tea experience.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe requires minimal effort and ingredients, making it accessible for everyone.
• Unique Flavor: The rich taste of ube combined with coconut milk offers a delicious twist on classic milk tea.
• Versatile: Enjoy it as a refreshing snack, breakfast drink, or dessert option.
• Customizable: Adjust sweetness levels or add toppings to suit your taste preferences.
• Eye-Catching: Its vibrant purple color makes it visually appealing for social media sharing.

Tools and Preparation

To make Ube Milk Tea efficiently, you will need a few essential tools. These items ensure you get the perfect texture and flavor in your drink.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Blender
• Saucepan
• Measuring cups
• Spoon
• Strainer

Importance of Each Tool

• Blender: A high-quality blender helps achieve a smooth consistency for the ube mixture.
• Saucepan: Essential for cooking the tapioca pearls correctly for that chewy texture.
• Measuring cups: Accurate measurements are crucial for balancing flavors and achieving the right sweetness.

Ingredients

For the Ube Base

• 226 g frozen ube, thawed (½ packet, frozen ube)
• 1 cup coconut milk (canned coconut milk)
• ½ cup sugar
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp ube extract

For the Milk Tea

• ½ – 1 cup milk or evaporated milk
• 2 cups of chilled milk (you can also use a plant-based milk)
• A few ice cubes

For Toppings

• ½ cup quick cook tapioca pearls
• Honey (optional)

How to Make Ube Milk Tea (Ube Bubble Tea)

Step 1: Prepare the Tapioca Pearls

1. Boil water in a saucepan according to package instructions for the tapioca pearls.
2. Add the pearls to boiling water and cook until they become soft and chewy.
3. Once cooked, drain them and rinse under cold water. Set aside.

Step 2: Make the Ube Mixture

1. In your blender, combine thawed ube, coconut milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and ube extract.
2. Blend until smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Assemble Your Drink

1. In a glass, add cooked tapioca pearls at the bottom.
2. Pour in the chilled milk over the pearls followed by the ube mixture.
3. Stir gently to combine all layers beautifully.

Step 4: Add Ice & Sweeten (Optional)

1. Add ice cubes to your glass for an extra chill factor.
2. Drizzle with honey if you prefer additional sweetness.

Now enjoy your refreshing Ube Milk Tea!

How to Serve Ube milk tea (Ube bubble tea)

Ube milk tea is a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. This vibrant drink not only tastes amazing but also adds a pop of color to your table. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your Ube bubble tea experience.

With Tapioca Pearls

• Adding tapioca pearls gives your Ube milk tea a chewy texture. These pearls soak up the delicious flavors and make each sip even more enjoyable.

As a Dessert

• Serve Ube milk tea in a tall glass with whipped cream on top for a dessert-like experience. A sprinkle of crushed ube or purple yam on the cream can add an extra touch.

Chilled with Ice

• For those hot summer days, serve Ube bubble tea over ice. The ice helps keep the drink refreshing and cool while enhancing its visual appeal.

In a Layered Glass

• Create a stunning presentation by layering the ube milk tea with coconut milk and regular milk. This will not only look beautiful but also offers different flavor profiles in each sip.

With Sweet Toppings

• Top your drink with sweet toppings like mini marshmallows or edible flowers for added flavor and aesthetics. These toppings can make your Ube bubble tea stand out at parties or gatherings.

How to Perfect Ube milk tea (Ube bubble tea)

To truly master the art of making Ube milk tea, consider these helpful tips. They can enhance both the taste and presentation of your drink.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for high-quality ube and fresh coconut milk to achieve the best flavor.
• Adjust Sweetness: Tailor the sweetness of your Ube milk tea by adjusting sugar levels according to personal preference.
• Chill Before Serving: Ensure all ingredients, especially the milk, are chilled for a refreshing drink.
• Experiment with Milks: Try using different types of plant-based milks like almond or oat for unique flavors.
• Blend Smoothly: Blend your ube mixture thoroughly to create a creamy texture without any lumps.
• Garnish Creatively: Use colorful garnishes such as edible flowers or colorful straws to add flair to your presentation.

Best Side Dishes for Ube milk tea (Ube bubble tea)

Pairing side dishes with your Ube milk tea can elevate your snack time or meal experience. Here are some delightful options that complement this sweet beverage perfectly.

1. Pancit Canton: A savory stir-fried noodle dish that balances well with the sweetness of Ube bubble tea.
2. Lumpiang Shanghai: Crispy spring rolls filled with meat and vegetables provide a satisfying crunch alongside your drink.
3. Bibingka: This traditional rice cake is slightly sweet and pairs well with the creamy notes of ube.
4. Turon: Fried banana rolls wrapped in spring roll wrappers add sweetness and crunch, perfect for dipping into Ube milk tea.
5. Puto: Soft steamed rice cakes that are mildly sweet complement the rich flavors of the ube perfectly.
6. Halo-Halo: A mixed dessert that includes shaved ice, fruits, and jellies, offering a refreshing contrast to the creamy drink.
7. Cheese Pandesal: These fluffy rolls filled with cheese provide an excellent salty-sweet combination when paired with your beverage.
8. Mango Sticky Rice: The sweetness of ripe mangoes along with sticky rice creates an indulgent side dish that works beautifully with Ube bubble tea.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Ube milk tea can be delightful, but there are common mistakes that can ruin your experience. Here are some mistakes to avoid for the perfect Ube bubble tea.

• Using the wrong ingredients: Be sure to use authentic ube and ube extract for the best flavor. Avoid substitutes that may alter the taste.
• Not measuring accurately: Ingredients like sugar and ube extract should be measured carefully. Too much or too little can affect sweetness and color.
• Ignoring steeping time: Letting your tapioca pearls soak for too long or not long enough can lead to undesirable textures. Follow the package instructions closely.
• Forgetting about ice: If you want a refreshing drink, don’t skip the ice cubes! They help keep your Ube milk tea chilled and enjoyable.
• Not blending properly: Blend the ube mixture thoroughly for a creamy consistency. Lumps can ruin the smoothness of your drink.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Ube milk tea in an airtight container.
• It can last in the fridge for up to 2 days before it starts losing flavor.

Freezing Ube milk tea (Ube bubble tea)

• Pour any leftover Ube milk tea into freezer-safe containers.
• It can be frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw it in the fridge before serving.

Reheating Ube milk tea (Ube bubble tea)

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm in an oven-safe dish until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring in between, until warm.
• Stovetop: Warm gently over low heat while stirring frequently to prevent burning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Ube milk tea (Ube bubble tea).

What is Ube milk tea (Ube bubble tea)?

Ube milk tea is a creamy beverage made with ube, coconut milk, and tapioca pearls. It’s known for its vibrant purple color and delicious taste.

Can I make Ube milk tea dairy-free?

Yes! You can substitute regular milk with plant-based options like almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version.

How can I customize my Ube bubble tea?

You can add different toppings such as fruit, whipped cream, or even coffee for a unique twist on this classic drink.

Is it difficult to make Ube milk tea at home?

Not at all! With just a few ingredients and steps, you can easily make this delightful drink at home.

Final Thoughts

This Ube milk tea recipe is refreshing and versatile. You can customize it with various toppings or adjust sweetness according to your taste. Enjoy this delightful drink any time of year!

Print