Bubble tea has become a favorite treat worldwide, and adding lychee jelly can take it to a new level. With its exotic lychee flavor and refreshing jelly-like texture, lychee jelly complements the creamy, sweet bubble tea beautifully. Let’s dive into how you can make this delicious lychee jelly for bubble tea at home, step-by-step!

What Is Lychee Jelly?

Lychee jelly is a popular fruit jelly used in bubble tea shops. Made from lychee juice, agar agar powder, and sometimes lychee syrup for extra flavor, lychee jelly has a clearish white color with a light pinkish tinge that looks as good as it tastes. Unlike boba pearls, which are chewy, lychee jelly has a jelly-like texture that melts in your mouth, adding a sweet and refreshing layer to your drink.

Origin and Popularity of Lychee Jelly in Bubble Tea

The tropical fruit native to Southeast Asia, lychee, has long been enjoyed in Asian desserts and teas. Its unique taste has made its way into the world of bubble tea, where it’s now a common topping option. Lychee jelly is especially popular because it’s easy to make, has a long shelf life when stored properly, and adds a nice twist to traditional boba tea.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This lychee jelly bubble tea recipe is an easy homemade recipe that will make your bubble tea taste just like the ones from boba shops. Whether you’re a fan of fruit tea, iced tea, or classic milk tea, adding lychee jelly can make it even better. Plus, you can control the addition of sugar and ensure that you’re using fresh ingredients without added sugar or artificial flavors.

How To Make Lychee Jelly For Bubble Tea

Equipment Needed

• Small saucepan
• Tea filter
• Airtight container
• Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients for Lychee Jelly

• 1 cup lychee juice (or juice from canned lychee)
• 2 tsp agar-agar powder
• 1-2 tbsp lychee syrup for extra sweetness
• 1 cup water
• Optional: 1/4 tsp citric acid (to add a slightly tart flavor)
• Optional: 1 tbsp white sugar

Preparation Steps

1. Prepare the Agar Mixture

In a small saucepan, add 1 cup of lychee juice, 1 cup of water, and agar-agar powder. Stir well to dissolve the agar powder completely before turning on the heat.

2. Heat on Medium

Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Stir continuously to prevent clumping and to dissolve the agar powder fully.

3. Add Sweetener

If you like your lychee jelly on the sweeter side, add lychee syrup or white sugar and a pinch of citric acid for a hint of tang. This step will give the jelly a balanced sweetness with a slight tartness, making it perfect for bubble tea.

4. Let It Set

Pour the mixture into a container and let it sit at room temperature until it sets. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s firm and has a slight jiggle.

5. Cut the Jelly

Once set, cut the jelly into small, cube-like pieces. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge until you’re ready to use them.

Making Bubble Tea with Lychee Jelly

Ingredients for Bubble Tea

• 1/2 cup brewed green tea or black tea
• 1/2 cup milk or coconut milk (for lychee milk tea)
• 1-2 tbsp simple syrup or brown sugar syrup
• 1/4 cup lychee jelly cubes
• 1/4 cup tapioca pearls (optional)
• Ice cubes

Step-By-Step Bubble Tea Assembly

1. Brew the Tea

Brew a strong tea concentrate using tea bags or loose leaf tea. Traditional options include green tea, black tea, or brew Assam. Cool the tea to room temperature.

2. Add Sweetener

Mix in simple syrup or brown sugar syrup to sweeten the tea. If you prefer a fruitier flavor, you can even add a dash of rose syrup.

3. Add Lychee Jelly and Tapioca Pearls

Place lychee jelly cubes and tapioca pearls in the bottom of your glass.

4. Pour in the Tea and Milk

Pour the cooled tea over the jelly and pearls, then add your choice of milk (regular, coconut milk, or almond milk for a vegan option).

5. Add Ice and Serve

Top with ice cubes, give it a stir, and enjoy!

Pro Tips for Making Lychee Jelly Bubble Tea

Adjust Sweetness – Taste the tea and jelly to adjust the addition of sugar as per your preference.

Store in a Dry Place – Keep any leftover jelly in a dry place in an airtight container to retain freshness.

Avoid Excessive Heat – Lychee jelly is best enjoyed cold, so avoid hot liquids that might melt it.

Experiment with Add-Ons – Try other toppings like nata de coco, coconut jelly pairs, or even grass jelly for variety.

Use Fresh Lychees When Possible – Fresh lychees add a natural coconut gel flavor, but canned lychee works just as well if fresh lychees aren’t available.

Nutritional Content (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	150
Carbohydrates	35g
Sugars	20g
Fiber	1g
Protein	1g

Why This Lychee Bubble Tea Recipe Is a Must-Try

This recipe not only satisfies a bubble tea order craving but also brings out the lychee flavor pairs beautifully with boba tea. The jelly-like morsels add texture, while the exotic lychee flavor enhances the tea’s natural taste.

Conclusion

With this easy homemade recipe, you can create a refreshing, authentic lychee bubble tea right in your kitchen. Whether it’s for a summer treat or a unique twist on tea, this lychee jelly is sure to become a favorite way to enjoy bubble tea.

FAQs

1. How long does lychee jelly last in the fridge?

Stored in an airtight container, lychee jelly can last up to a week.

2. Can I use agar-agar powder instead of gelatin?

Yes, agar-agar powder is perfect for creating a jelly-like texture without animal products.

3. What other fruits can I use in bubble tea?

You can use sweet fruits like mango, strawberry, or even nata de coco for a similar effect.

4. Can I make lychee jelly without added sugar?

Yes, simply skip the addition of sugar for a less sweet jelly.

5. Where can I find lychee syrup or lychee juice?

Most grocery stores carry lychee products, especially in the international or canned fruit aisle.

Printable Recipe Card