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Bubble tea with lychee jelly

How To Make Lychee Jelly For Bubble Tea

Bubble teawith lychee jelly is a refreshing, fruity twist on the classic boba drink,combining tea with chewy lychee jelly pieces for a fun texture. To make thisdrink, brew your choice of black or green tea, add milk and a sweetener likesimple syrup, then mix in tapioca pearls and lychee-flavored jelly. The lycheejelly adds a tropical, floral flavor and soft texture that pairs perfectly withthe tea. Serve over ice for a refreshing treat or customize with extra toppingslike nata de coco. Ideal for boba lovers, this easy recipe brings a taste ofSoutheast Asia home!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Dessert, Drinks
Cuisine Chinese
Servings 1
Calories 150 kcal

Equipment

  • Small saucepan
  • Tea filter
  • Airtight container
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons

Ingredients
  

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

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

Instructions
 

Preparation Steps for Lychee Jelly

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Add Lychee Jelly and Tapioca Pearls
    Place lychee jelly cubes and tapioca pearls in the bottom of your glass.
  • 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).
  • Add Ice and Serve
    Top with ice cubes, give it a stir, and enjoy!

Notes

Pro Tips for Making Lychee Jelly Bubble Tea
  1. Adjust Sweetness – Taste the tea and jelly to adjust the addition of sugar as per your preference.
  2. Store in a Dry Place – Keep any leftover jelly in a dry place in an airtight container to retain freshness.
  3. Avoid Excessive Heat – Lychee jelly is best enjoyed cold, so avoid hot liquids that might melt it.
  4. Experiment with Add-Ons – Try other toppings like nata de coco, coconut jelly pairs, or even grass jelly for variety.
  5. 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.

Nutrition

Calories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 1gFiber: 1gSugar: 20g
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