Iced Taro Milk Tea

Iced Taro Milk Tea is a refreshing and creamy beverage made with taro root or taro powder, milk, and sweetener, served over ice. This pastel-purple drink is a popular choice in bubble tea shops due to its unique nutty flavor, subtle sweetness, and vibrant color. Whether made with fresh taro or the convenience of taro powder, it’s a delicious treat that combines traditional Asian ingredients with modern tea culture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Iced Taro Milk Tea recipe is easy to make at home and perfect for warm weather. It offers a delightful combination of creamy milk, subtly sweet taro, and chewy tapioca pearls if you choose to include them. The naturally purple hue makes it visually appealing, while the comforting texture and unique flavor profile make it an enjoyable drink for all ages. Additionally, it’s highly customizable, whether you prefer dairy-free milk or want to adjust the sweetness to your liking.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Taro powder or cooked taro root, mashed

• Milk (dairy or non-dairy like almond, oat, or soy)

• Sweetener (such as simple syrup, honey, or sugar)

• Black tea or green tea (optional for a tea base)

• Tapioca pearls (optional)

• Ice cubes

• Water (for boiling tea or cooking tapioca)

directions

1. Prepare the tea (if using): Brew your black or green tea and let it cool. This will form the base of your milk tea.

2. Cook tapioca pearls (if using): Boil according to package instructions, usually around 5–10 minutes. Drain and soak in simple syrup to keep them from sticking.

3. Prepare taro: If using fresh taro root, peel, cube, and boil until soft. Mash or blend into a smooth paste. If using taro powder, mix with hot water until smooth.

4. Mix the drink: In a shaker or blender, combine the taro paste or powder mixture, milk, sweetener, and tea (if using). Shake or blend until fully mixed.

5. Assemble: Add cooked tapioca pearls to the bottom of a glass. Fill the glass with ice, then pour the taro milk mixture over the top.

6. Serve: Stir gently and serve with a wide straw.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes approximately 2 servings.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10–15 minutes (if using fresh taro or tapioca pearls)
Total time: 20–25 minutes

Variations

• Dairy-Free: Use plant-based milk such as coconut milk or oat milk for a vegan version.

• With Tea: Add a strong brew of black tea or jasmine tea for a richer flavor profile.

• No Tea: Omit the tea if you prefer a caffeine-free, creamier drink.

• Sweetener Options: Adjust the sweetness using honey, agave, or even flavored syrups like vanilla or lavender.

• Blended Version: Blend with ice for a smoothie-like consistency.

storage/reheating

Iced Taro Milk Tea is best enjoyed fresh. However, if needed:

• Storage: Store the taro milk mixture (without tapioca) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

• Tapioca Pearls: If using, keep them in simple syrup and consume within 24 hours for best texture.

• Reheating: Not recommended, as the drink is served cold. Simply stir well if the drink has separated in the fridge.

FAQs

What does taro milk tea taste like?

Taro milk tea has a sweet, nutty flavor with hints of vanilla and a creamy texture. If made with taro powder, it often has a smoother, sweeter taste compared to fresh taro.

Is taro milk tea caffeinated?

If made with tea, such as black or green tea, it will contain caffeine. Without tea, the drink is caffeine-free.

Can I use taro powder instead of fresh taro?

Yes, taro powder is a convenient alternative and commonly used in bubble tea shops. It also provides a consistent color and sweetness.

Where can I find taro powder?

Taro powder is available at Asian grocery stores or online retailers that sell bubble tea supplies.

Is taro milk tea healthy?

Taro contains fiber and some vitamins, but the drink can be high in sugar depending on how it’s made. Using less sweetener and opting for non-dairy milk can make it healthier.

Can I make this drink without tapioca pearls?

Yes, the pearls are optional. The drink is still delicious without them and can be enjoyed as a plain taro milk tea.

Can I make a hot version of taro milk tea?

Absolutely. Simply heat the milk and taro mixture and skip the ice. It becomes a comforting warm beverage.

Why is taro milk tea purple?

Taro root is light purple to white, but taro powder often contains food coloring to achieve the iconic purple shade. The final color may vary depending on the form of taro used.

What’s the difference between ube and taro?

Ube is purple yam and has a sweeter, dessert-like flavor. Taro is more nutty and starchy. They are not the same, though they are often confused.

How do I adjust the sweetness?

Add or reduce sweetener to taste. You can also use sweetened condensed milk for added richness.

Conclusion

Iced Taro Milk Tea is a deliciously creamy and refreshing beverage that’s easy to prepare at home. With its stunning purple hue and satisfying flavor, it’s a delightful treat for any time of year. Whether you’re a bubble tea enthusiast or new to taro, this drink is a must-try. Customizable and comforting, it brings a touch of tea shop luxury to your own kitchen

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