Milk Tea Base Recipes

Complete guide for making all milk tea drinks on our menu.

What is Milk Tea?

Milk tea is a tea-based drink mixed with milk (dairy or alternative) and typically sweetened. Our milk teas use powder bases from Mocha Boba for consistency and quality.

Our Milk Tea Menu

Based on our current menu, we offer these milk tea drinks:

Core Milk Tea Flavors

1. Classic Milk Tea - Traditional black milk tea
2. Thai Tea - Our signature orange-colored drink (See detailed recipe)
3. Taro - Purple sweet potato flavor
4. Matcha Latte - Japanese green tea
5. Brown Sugar - Rich molasses flavor
6. Mocha - Chocolate and coffee blend

Specialty Milk Teas

7. Osmanthus Oolong - Delicate floral Chinese tea
8. White Peach Oolong - Light peach with oolong tea
9. Rose Green - Floral rose with green tea
10. Jasmine Green - Fragrant jasmine tea
11. Blue Mountain Coffee - Premium coffee milk tea

Seasonal Milk Teas

12. Pumpkin Spice - Fall seasonal (Sept-Nov)

Standard Milk Tea Recipe

This base recipe applies to most milk teas. Adjust powder amounts per specific flavor.

Equipment Needed

• Shaker or mixing cup
• Measuring scoops/spoons
• Ice scoop
• Cup (Regular 16oz or Large 20oz)
• Wide boba straw
• Thermometer (for hot drinks)

Base Ingredients

For Large (20oz) Milk Tea:

• Powder: 3-4 tablespoons (varies by flavor)
• Hot water: 4-6 oz (for dissolving)
• Ice: 3/4 cup full
• Milk: 6-8 oz (to fill)
• Sweetener: 1.5-2 oz simple syrup (100% sweet)
• Boba: 3-4 oz (if ordered)

Step-by-Step Process

1. Prepare Cup

• If boba ordered: Add cooked boba to cup first
• Set cup aside

2. Dissolve Powder

• Add powder to shaker
• Add hot water (not boiling, ~180°F)
• Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds
• Ensure no lumps remain

3. Add Sweetener

• Add simple syrup based on sweetness level:
  • 0% = none
  • 25% = 0.5 oz
  • 50% = 1 oz
  • 75% = 1.5 oz
  • 100% = 2 oz
  • 125% = 2.5 oz

4. Add Ice

• Fill cup with ice to 3/4 full
• Adjust based on customer preference:
  • Light ice = 1/2 full
  • Regular = 3/4 full
  • Extra ice = to top

5. Combine

• Pour powder mixture over ice in cup
• Add milk to 1" from rim
• Leave room for lid

6. Mix

• Seal with lid or cover
• Shake gently to combine
• Or use long spoon to mix

7. Serve

• Wipe outside of cup
• Insert boba straw
• Call customer name

Sizing Adjustments

Size	Powder	Hot Water	Milk	Ice	Sweetener (100%)
Regular (16oz)	2-3 tbsp	3 oz	4-5 oz	1/2 cup	1.5 oz
Large (20oz)	3-4 tbsp	5 oz	6-8 oz	3/4 cup	2 oz

Specific Flavor Recipes

Classic Milk Tea

Powder: Black milk tea powder Characteristics: Traditional, balanced, not too sweet Popular with: First-timers, regulars Recommended Sweet Level: 75-100%

Recipe:

• Follow standard milk tea recipe
• Use 3 tbsp powder for Large (20oz)
• Best with whole milk
• Recommend 75% sweet

Taro Milk Tea

Powder: Taro powder (purple) Characteristics: Sweet, creamy, purple color Popular with: Kids, dessert lovers Recommended Sweet Level: 50-75%

Recipe:

• Follow standard milk tea recipe
• Use 3.5 tbsp powder for Large (20oz)
• Naturally sweet - less sweetener needed
• Best with whole or oat milk
• Beautiful purple color

Note: Taro is naturally sweet, so customers often prefer 50-75% sweet vs. 100%.

Matcha Latte

Powder: Matcha powder (green) Characteristics: Earthy, slightly bitter, vibrant green Popular with: Health-conscious, matcha lovers Recommended Sweet Level: 75-100%

Recipe:

• Use 2-3 tbsp matcha powder for Large (20oz)
• Matcha is bitter - needs sweetness
• Recommend 75-100% sweet
• Oat milk complements well
• Can be made hot or iced

Hot Matcha Latte:

• Steam milk separately
• Mix matcha with hot water
• Combine matcha and hot milk
• No ice

Brown Sugar Milk Tea

Powder: Brown sugar powder Characteristics: Rich, molasses flavor, dark color Popular with: Trendy drink lovers Recommended Sweet Level: 50-75%

Recipe:

• Use 4 tbsp brown sugar powder for Large (20oz)
• Very sweet naturally
• Recommend 50-75% sweet max
• Can drizzle brown sugar syrup on cup walls for aesthetic
• Best with whole milk for creaminess

Tiger Stripes:

• Optional: Drizzle brown sugar syrup inside cup before adding drink
• Creates "tiger stripe" aesthetic
• Instagram-worthy!

Mocha Milk Tea

Powder: Mocha powder (chocolate + coffee) Characteristics: Rich chocolate and coffee blend Popular with: Coffee and chocolate lovers Recommended Sweet Level: 75-100%

Recipe:

• Use 3.5 tbsp mocha powder for Large (20oz)
• Can be made hot or iced
• Popular as hot drink in winter
• Whole milk recommended
• Can add extra espresso shot for more coffee flavor

Osmanthus Oolong

Tea Base: Osmanthus oolong tea (brewed or powder) Characteristics: Delicate floral, light, refreshing Popular with: Tea purists, health-conscious Recommended Sweet Level: 25-50%

Recipe:

• Brew oolong tea concentrate or use powder
• Very light flavor - don't over-sweeten
• Recommend 25-50% sweet
• Can be made without milk (fruit tea style)
• With milk: Use oat or almond milk (lighter than whole)

Rose Green Tea

Tea Base: Green tea with rose powder/syrup Characteristics: Floral, light pink, refreshing Popular with: Floral flavor fans Recommended Sweet Level: 50-75%

Recipe:

• Green tea base + rose powder/syrup
• Light pink color
• Delicate flavor
• Best with light milk (oat or almond)
• Can make as fruit tea (no milk)

Jasmine Green Tea

Tea Base: Jasmine green tea Characteristics: Fragrant, floral, light Popular with: Tea lovers Recommended Sweet Level: 25-50%

Recipe:

• Brew jasmine green tea strong
• Very fragrant
• Light sweetness only
• Can be milk tea or fruit tea style
• If milk tea: Use oat or almond milk

White Peach Oolong

Tea Base: Oolong tea with peach powder Characteristics: Light, fruity, refreshing Popular with: Fruit tea lovers Recommended Sweet Level: 50-75%

Recipe:

• Oolong tea base + peach powder
• Light, refreshing
• Can be milk tea or fruit tea
• If milk tea: Light milk (oat/almond)

Blue Mountain Coffee Milk Tea

Base: Coffee (Blue Mountain blend) Characteristics: Premium coffee, creamy Popular with: Coffee lovers Recommended Sweet Level: 75-100%

Recipe:

• Brew Blue Mountain coffee strong
• Mix with milk like milk tea
• Or use coffee powder
• Rich coffee flavor
• Best with whole milk
• Can add boba

Pumpkin Spice (Seasonal)

Powder: Pumpkin spice powder Season: September - November Characteristics: Warm spices, fall flavors Popular with: Seasonal drink lovers Recommended Sweet Level: 75-100%

Recipe:

• Available fall only
• Use 3.5 tbsp powder for Large (20oz)
• Warm spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger)
• Can make hot or iced
• Whipped cream topping optional
• Sprinkle cinnamon on top

Milk Options

Whole Milk (Default)

• Best for: Richest, creamiest milk teas
• Froths: Excellent
• Use for: All milk teas, especially Thai Tea, Taro, Mocha

Oat Milk

• Best for: Dairy alternative with creamy texture
• Froths: Very good
• Use for: All milk teas, especially Matcha, lighter flavors
• Most popular dairy alternative

Almond Milk

• Best for: Nut flavor complement, light drinks
• Froths: Good
• Use for: Lighter flavors (jasmine, rose, osmanthus)
• Note: Thinner texture

Soy Milk

• Best for: Dairy alternative
• Froths: Acceptable
• Use for: Any drink
• Warning: Can curdle with acidic ingredients

Sweetness Levels Explained

Help customers choose sweetness:

Level	Amount	Best For
0%	No sweetener	Customers who want pure tea taste
25%	Light sweet	Osmanthus, jasmine, light flavors
50%	Half sweet	Taro, brown sugar (already sweet)
75%	Standard sweet	Most milk teas, balanced
100%	Full sweet	Classic, mocha, matcha
125%	Extra sweet	Only if customer specifically requests

Recommendations:

• First-timers: 75% sweet
• Taro, Brown Sugar: 50-75% (naturally sweet)
• Matcha: 75-100% (balances bitterness)
• Thai Tea: 75-100% (traditional)

Ice Levels

Level	Amount	Notes
No Ice	None	Drink will be diluted, not cold
Light Ice	1/2 cup	More drink, less cold
Regular	3/4 cup	Standard, balanced
Extra Ice	Full cup	Very cold, less drink volume

Tip: Warn customers that "no ice" means warm/room temperature drink.

Hot vs. Iced

Most milk teas can be made hot or iced:

Hot Milk Tea:

1. Skip ice step
2. Use hot water to dissolve powder (more volume)
3. Heat milk separately (or add hot)
4. Combine in hot cup
5. Add hot drink sleeve
6. Warn customer drink is hot

Popular Hot Options:

• Matcha Latte
• Mocha
• Pumpkin Spice
• Classic Milk Tea

Adding Boba (Tapioca Pearls)

When to Add:

• Add cooked boba to cup FIRST (before anything else)
• Use 3-4 oz boba for Large (20oz) drink

Boba Temperature:

• Serve warm/room temperature boba
• Even in iced drinks (contrast is pleasant)
• Don't refrigerate cooked boba (gets hard)

See: Boba preparation guide (to be added)

Quality Standards

✅ Good Milk Tea:

• Powder completely dissolved (no lumps)
• Consistent color throughout
• Proper milk-to-tea ratio
• Correct sweetness level
• Fresh, not watery

❌ Poor Milk Tea:

• Undissolved powder lumps
• Separated layers (not mixed)
• Too weak or too strong
• Wrong sweetness
• Watery or overly diluted

Common Issues

Lumpy/Grainy Texture

Cause: Powder not dissolved Fix:

• Use hotter water
• Shake longer
• Ensure powder is fresh (not clumped)

Too Weak/Watery

Cause: Too much ice or milk, not enough powder Fix:

• Use less ice
• Use less milk
• Increase powder amount
• Mix more concentrated

Too Strong/Bitter

Cause: Too much powder, not enough milk Fix:

• Reduce powder
• Add more milk
• Increase sweetness

Wrong Sweetness

Cause: Miscommunication or measurement error Fix:

• Always confirm sweetness level with customer
• Measure sweetener accurately
• Offer to remake if wrong

Pro Tips

1. Dissolve First: Always dissolve powder in hot water before adding ice/milk
2. Shake Well: Vigorous shaking ensures complete mixing
3. Taste Test: When learning, taste your drinks to calibrate
4. Consistency: Use measuring tools, not "eyeballing"
5. Fresh Powder: Rotate stock, use FIFO
6. Temperature Matters: Hot water dissolves better
7. Customer Preference: Ask about sweetness and ice level

Training Checklist

New staff should practice making:

• ☐ Classic Milk Tea (foundation)
• ☐ Thai Tea (most popular, see detailed recipe)
• ☐ Taro (different texture/color)
• ☐ Matcha (requires balance)
• ☐ Brown Sugar (sweetness management)

Master these 5 and you can make any milk tea!

Related Pages

• Thai Tea Recipe - Our signature drink, detailed
• Drink Categories - Full menu overview
• Boba Tea Powders - Powder products and suppliers
• Quality Standards - Overall drink quality guidelines

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Questions? Contact [email protected] or ask your trainer