How to Make Brown Sugar Milk Boba at Home

If you love the classic Tiger Milk Brown Sugar Boba, now you can make it at home in just minutes! This easy recipe features True Boba’s one-ingredient 100% tapioca pearls, free from preservatives and additives, for a cleaner, guilt-free way to enjoy your favorite drink.

Ingredients (1 Serving)

To Make True Boba:

✔ 30g True Boba pearls
✔ ½ cup water
✔ 4 tbsp brown sugar

To Make Brown Sugar Syrup:

✔ ¼ cup (50g) brown sugar
✔ Up to 3 tbsp (45ml) water (added gradually)

To Make the Drink:

✔ Milk of choice
✔ Ice

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Prepare the Boba

1️⃣ Mix ½ cup water with 4 tbsp brown sugar until fully dissolved.
2️⃣ Place the boba into a dry cup.
3️⃣ Tilt the cup and slowly pour the syrup along the inner wall, allowing the liquid to rise from the bottom up until all pearls are fully submerged.
✨ Avoid pouring directly on top, as this can trap air bubbles and affect the boba’s texture.
4️⃣ Let the boba sit for 60 seconds to absorb the syrup. Set aside while you prepare the brown sugar syrup.

Need a visual guide? Watch this quick video to learn how to prepare True Boba.

Step 2: Make the Brown Sugar Syrup

1️⃣ Heat a small pan over medium heat and add ¼ cup brown sugar.
2️⃣ Slowly add water, starting with 1 tbsp at a time, stirring continuously until the sugar dissolves.
3️⃣ Simmer on low heat for 2-3 minutes, adding more water if needed until the syrup is thick and glossy, but still pourable.
4️⃣ Add the prepared boba to the pan and stir for 30 seconds until evenly coated. Then, remove from heat.

Step 3: Assemble the Brown Sugar Milk Boba

1️⃣ Transfer the coated boba into your serving cup.
2️⃣ Gently swirl the cup to spread the brown sugar syrup along the inner walls.
3️⃣ Pour a little extra syrup along the inner walls of the cup to create the signature tiger stripes.
4️⃣ Fill the cup with ice (if using), then pour in your favorite milk.

Pro Tips for the Best Brown Sugar Boba

✨ Boba Texture & Temperature – Tapioca pearls firm up in colder drinks, especially with ice. If you prefer softer boba, try adding them to warmer drinks. 

✨ Control Your Sweetness – Unlike most boba shop pearls that are pre-sweetened with tons of sugar, True Boba is naturally unsweetened, so you have full control over the sweetness level. Adjust the syrup to your preference!

✨ Perfecting the Brown Sugar Syrup – Cook the syrup until it’s moderately thick—it should be glossy and pourable, like caramel sauce. It will continue to thicken as it cools. If overcooked, it will become too thick to coat the cup properly, and the boba may turn hard.

✨ Use a Bubble Tea Straw – A wide (13mm) straw is essential for sipping boba smoothly. If you don’t have one, a spoon works too.

Enjoy Healthier Boba Anytime

Now you can skip the long lines, save money, and enjoy a healthier brown sugar boba—one that’s not only better for you but also quicker and more convenient to make at home.