Name: Ube Milk Tea (Ube Bubble Tea)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Filipino
Ingredients: 226 g frozen ube, thawed (½ packet); 1 cup canned coconut milk; ½ cup sugar; 1 tbsp vanilla extract; 1 tbsp ube extract; ½–1 cup milk or evaporated milk; ½ cup quick cook tapioca pearls; ½ cup prepared ube base; 2 cups chilled milk (dairy or plant-based); A few ice cubes; Honey (optional, for sweetness)

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Ube Milk Tea, also known as Ube Bubble Tea, is a vibrant and creamy Filipino-inspired drink made with sweet purple yam, milk, and chewy tapioca pearls. Its beautiful purple color, rich flavor, and fun texture make it one of the most popular and eye-catching bubble tea variations.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Beautiful, naturally purple color that’s visually stunning
Creamy, sweet, and nutty flavor from the ube and coconut milk
Perfect balance of chewy boba pearls with smooth milk tea
Easy to prepare at home and customize with different milk options
A unique and refreshing twist on traditional bubble tea

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the ube base (enough for 8–10 drinks):
226 g frozen ube, thawed (½ packet frozen ube)
1 cup canned coconut milk
½ cup sugar
1 tbsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp ube extract
½–1 cup milk or evaporated milk

For the ube milk tea (2 drinks):
½ cup quick cook tapioca pearls (or homemade tapioca pearls)
½ cup of the prepared ube base
2 cups chilled milk (dairy or plant-based)
A few ice cubes
Honey (optional, for sweetness)

Directions

Make the ube base:
- Place thawed ube, coconut milk, sugar, and vanilla extract in a saucepan.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture boils and thickens enough to leave a trail when stirred.
- Stir in the ube extract.
- Add evaporated milk (about ½ cup, or more if needed) until the mixture is thick but pourable. Heat through for 1–2 minutes.
- Store the ube base in a jar in the refrigerator for up to 4–5 days.
Prepare the tapioca pearls:
- Cook quick cook pearls according to package instructions, or use homemade pearls if desired.
- Let them soak in warm water until the drink is ready, or coat with honey to prevent sticking.
Blend the milk tea:
- In a blender, combine ½ cup ube base, chilled milk, and a few ice cubes. Blend until smooth.
- Taste and add honey if additional sweetness is desired.
Assemble the drink:
- Divide the tapioca pearls between two glasses.
- Optional: Spread a thin layer of ube base along the glass walls for decorative purple streaks.
- Pour in the ube milk tea and serve immediately with wide boba straws.

Servings and timing

Servings: 2 drinks (ube base makes enough for 8–10)
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

Use almond, oat, or soy milk for a dairy-free option.
Add a layer of whipped cream or cheese foam on top for extra indulgence.
Mix in black tea for a more traditional milk tea flavor.
Sweeten with condensed milk instead of sugar for a creamier taste.
Turn it into an ube smoothie by blending with more ice.

Storage/Reheating

The ube base can be stored in the refrigerator for 4–5 days in an airtight container.
Tapioca pearls are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in a sugar or honey syrup for up to 24 hours.
Reheat pearls briefly in warm water before using if they harden.
Do not freeze the pearls, as they lose their chewy texture.

FAQs

What does ube milk tea taste like?

It has a sweet, nutty, and vanilla-like flavor with creamy coconut undertones.

Can I use fresh ube instead of frozen?

Yes, just peel, boil, and mash fresh ube before following the recipe.

Do I need ube extract?

Yes, it enhances both the flavor and the vibrant purple color.

Can I use regular milk instead of coconut milk?

Yes, but coconut milk adds extra creaminess and a richer taste.

How can I make it less sweet?

Reduce the sugar in the ube base and skip the honey.

Can I make this without boba pearls?

Yes, you can enjoy it as a simple ube latte without pearls.

How long do cooked boba pearls last?

They are best fresh but can last up to 24 hours when stored in syrup.

Can I double or triple the recipe?

Yes, just make extra pearls and prepare more milk tea at once.

Is ube milk tea vegan?

It can be made vegan by using plant-based milk and ensuring sugar is vegan-friendly.

Can I serve it hot?

Yes, simply skip the ice and use warm milk for a cozy ube latte.

Conclusion

Ube Milk Tea is a delicious, colorful, and refreshing drink that brings together the unique flavor of purple yam with creamy milk and chewy boba pearls. It’s easy to make at home, customizable, and guaranteed to impress with both taste and appearance. Whether you enjoy it chilled on a warm day or warm as a cozy treat, this recipe is a must-try for bubble tea lovers.

Ezabella