As we find ourselves confined, I find myself rummaging through the pantry in search of what I can do to spice things up a bit.

I came across pantry milks: UHTA, sweetened condensed, evaporated … I am reminded of Thai tea.

A mouthwateringly sweet creamy iced blend traditionally made with Ceylon (think Lipton) tea, sweetened with condensed milk, or flavored simple syrups, stirred, then poured over ice and topped with thick milk of choice.

I love the combination of my fruity Ascot and Bluebelle teas prepared as a sweetened iced tea with the additional of half and half … almond, or creamy coconut or oat milk. I tend to prefer fruit flavored teas if I am making sweet milky tea. I developed these recipes years ago for my tearoom clients who wanted to offer Boba or Bubble tea but while you are home, rummaging through your cupboards if you find fruity black teas that might need using up, here are some ideas! When my children were younger, they loved making these fun drinks and sipping them though colorful straws.

This recipe can be adapted in many ways.

The addition of large cooked Black Tapioca balls (these can be ordered online) transforms this beverage into “Boba” or Bubble tea. Source your Tapioca from a reputable U.S. Manufacturer to avoid unwanted compounds from foreign suppliers.

Simply, start with a simple syrup, chill and top with half and half, cream or if using a sweetened or Condensed milk simply make a strong brew omitting the sugar.

Enjoy!

Thai Iced Tea

**Make half-liter of tea syrup, or 4 servings of Thai tea**

Place sugar and tea in filter, add boiling water

Layer ice, half and half/cream/evaporated milk and tea

3 TBS. Ascot, Bluebelle or any flavored Ceylon based tea OR 4–6 teabags
Measure loose tea into filter
Measure 1/3 cup Sugar (if using) into bottom of pitcher
Place filter or teabags in pitcher, fill with just boiling water and steep for 5 mins.
Strain, stir well to dissolve sugar and chill.
In an ice packed glass, pour the tea syrup to halfway
Top with half and half, evaporated or other milk of choice.
Stir and enjoy!

Bluebelle Boba

**6 TBS Bluebelle or other Berry Tea leaves. OR 8 Teabags fruit flavored tea**
**1/3- 1/2 cup raw, cane sugar or equivalent sweetener**
**1 liter boiling water**
**Half and half or cream**
**2 TBS. Prepared Tapioca balls and syrup- prepared to manufacturer's directions**

Prepare tea as a tea syrup:

Measure 6 TBS. tea leaves into large filter
Place 1/2 cup sugar in bottom of liter jug or pitcher, place tea filter or teabags in jug and pour boiling water over top. ( As shown above)
Steep 10 to 15 minutes
Strain and stir and chill
Prepare Tapioca Balls: Bring 4 cups water to boil. Stir in 1/4 to 1/2 cup Tapioca balls, stir, cover and simmer 15 to 45 mins. stirring occasionally. When chewy, strain, reserving 1/4 cup of the water. Stir in 1/4 cup white or brown sugar and enough tea syrup to cover the balls. Allow to steep a few minutes. These can be cooled and stored in fridge tightly sealed for 3 days.

To Serve:

Place 1–2 tablespoon prepared tapioca balls and 1–2 TBS of tapioca syrup to tall glass
Add 4 oz tea syrup
Pour 3 to 4 ounces of half and half or cream
Add ice and stir
Sip through a wide straw

Makes 8 servings of Boba or Bubble tea

Playing with Tea and Pantry Milk