To make peach milk tea, brew black tea, mix in peach syrup or puree, add milk, stir well, and serve over ice for a refreshing drink.
Peach milk tea combines the sweetness of ripe peaches with creamy milk and robust tea for a refreshing drink. This guide will show you how to make it from scratch, including homemade peach syrup and perfect boba pearls.
Essential Ingredients for Peach Milk Tea
Gather these key components for an authentic peach milk tea experience:
- Tea base: Black tea works best (2 bags or 1 tbsp loose leaf)
- Peaches: 2 large ripe peaches or 1 cup frozen
- Sweetener: 1/4 cup brown sugar or honey
- Milk: 1/2 cup dairy or plant-based (best dairy-free options)
- Tapioca pearls: 1/4 cup dried boba
- Vanilla extract: 1/2 tsp (optional)
Choosing the Right Peaches
Select fragrant peaches that yield slightly to pressure. Underripe peaches won’t provide enough sweetness. For year-round availability, frozen peaches work well – thaw before using.
Step-by-Step Preparation
1. Make the Peach Syrup
- Peel and dice peaches (skin can be left on for more fiber)
- Combine with sweetener and 1/4 cup water in saucepan
- Simmer for 10 minutes until peaches break down
- Strain through fine mesh sieve or blend smooth
2. Prepare the Tea Base
Steep black tea in 1 cup hot water (195°F) for 3-5 minutes. Overbrewing makes tea bitter. For cold brew method, steep in cold water for 8-12 hours.
3. Cook the Boba Pearls
| Pearl Type | Cooking Time | Texture |
|---|---|---|
| Quick-cooking | 3-5 minutes | Softer |
| Traditional | 15-20 minutes | Chewier |
After cooking, immediately toss pearls in 1 tbsp of your peach syrup to prevent sticking.
Assembly and Serving
- Add 2 tbsp cooked boba to bottom of glass
- Pour in 1/4 cup peach syrup
- Add ice cubes (optional)
- Top with chilled tea
- Slowly pour in milk of choice
- Stir gently before serving
Pro Tips for Perfect Peach Milk Tea
- Use wide straws (12mm diameter) for boba
- Adjust sweetness by varying syrup amount
- For frothier texture, shake tea and milk in cocktail shaker
- Garnish with peach slices or mint leaves
Variations to Try
Tea Alternatives
- Jasmine green tea: Floral notes complement peach
- Oolong: Adds complexity with toasty flavors
- Rooibos: Caffeine-free option with nutty taste
Flavor Boosters
Enhance your peach milk tea with:
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon or ginger
- Splash of lemon juice
- 1 tbsp peach jam for intense flavor
- Drizzle of honey on top
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Peach syrup keeps refrigerated for 1 week. Cooked boba should be used immediately – they harden when stored. Tea concentrate can be refrigerated for 3 days.
For parties, set up a peach milk tea bar with:
- Pre-made peach syrup
- Variety of tea options
- Selection of milks
- Cooked boba in syrup
- Assorted toppings (jellies, fruit pieces)
