Hot vs Iced Bubble Tea: How to Get the Measurements Right

As the weather cools down, many of us start to crave something warmer, especially when it comes to bubble tea. Iced drinks are great for summer, but once autumn arrives, it is all about the comforting hot versions.

If you have ever wondered how to adjust your recipes for hot bubble teas, the good news is that it is really simple. The only difference comes down to how you replace the ice.

Here is a quick guide to help you get it right.

Flavoured Milk Teas

These are the classic milk-based bubble teas such as taro, chocolate, honeydew and strawberry milk tea.

For iced bubble tea:
Use 200ml hot water to dissolve the powders and flavourings.
Mix well, then cool it down with 200g ice.

For hot bubble tea:
Use 400ml hot water from the start.
Mix everything together and serve warm.

It is the same recipe, just without ice. You are simply replacing the ice with extra hot water as the ice will add water too.

Classic and Brown Sugar Milk Teas

Classic and brown sugar milk teas use a tea base rather than just water, but the concept is exactly the same.

For iced classic milk tea or brown sugar milk tea versions:
Use 200ml brewed tea.
Add your creamer/milk and sweetner.
Finish with 200g ice to cool.

For hot classic milk tea or brown sugar milk tea versions:
Use 200ml brewed tea.
Add 200ml hot water instead of ice.
Add your creamer/milk and sweetner or brown sugar syrup.
Mix well and serve immediately.

Replacing the ice with hot water keeps the flavour and consistency balanced, just without cooling the drink down.

For Larger Servings

If you are making a large cup, simply scale it up by 100ml each.
Iced: 300ml water or tea with 300g ice.
Hot: 300ml water or tea with 300ml hot water.

It really is that straightforward.

Summary

When the temperature drops, hot bubble teas are the perfect way to stay warm while still enjoying your favourite flavours. Whether it is a rich brown sugar milk tea or a classic taro, you can easily switch from iced to hot by following one simple rule:

Replace your ice with the same amount of hot water.

That is all it takes for a perfectly balanced hot bubble tea that tastes just as good as your iced version. Simple, consistent and delicious every time.