This Instant Pot mango bubble tea is a refreshing, tropical twist on the classic boba drink. I love how the sweetness of ripe mango blends perfectly with the creaminess of milk tea and the chewy texture of tapioca pearls. It’s the perfect drink to cool me down on a hot day, and I can make it right at home with just a few simple steps.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I like this recipe because it combines my favorite fruit, mango, with the fun and chewy texture of tapioca pearls. Using the Instant Pot makes cooking the pearls easy and fuss-free. The drink tastes just like something I would buy at a bubble tea shop, but it’s fresher, customizable, and much more affordable.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Ripe mangoes or mango puree

• Tapioca pearls (boba)

• Black tea or green tea

• Milk or non-dairy milk of choice

• Sugar or sweetener

• Ice cubes

Directions

1. I start by cooking the tapioca pearls in the Instant Pot until they’re soft and chewy.

2. While the pearls are cooking, I brew my tea and let it cool slightly.

3. In a blender, I puree the mango with sugar until smooth.

4. I combine the mango puree with milk and brewed tea to make the mango milk tea base.

5. Once the tapioca pearls are done, I drain them and rinse under cold water.

6. To assemble, I scoop pearls into a glass, pour the mango milk tea over, add ice cubes, and stir well.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 2 servings. The tapioca pearls cook in around 15–20 minutes in the Instant Pot, and the overall drink comes together in about 30 minutes.

Variations

I sometimes switch things up by using coconut milk instead of regular milk for a tropical flair. If I want it creamier, I add a little condensed milk. For a lighter version, I replace milk with green tea only, which makes it taste more fruity. I can even experiment with other fruits like peach or passion fruit instead of mango.

Storage/Reheating

I prefer to drink bubble tea fresh because the tapioca pearls tend to harden over time. If I need to store it, I keep the mango milk tea in the fridge for up to 24 hours and cook the pearls fresh before serving. If I have leftover pearls, I store them in a sugar syrup at room temperature for up to 4 hours to keep them soft.

FAQs

How do I keep the tapioca pearls soft?

I find that storing them in a sugar syrup helps keep them chewy for a few hours, but they taste best when eaten right after cooking.

Can I make this drink dairy-free?

Yes, I like using almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk instead of regular milk for a dairy-free version.

Do I need an Instant Pot for this recipe?

No, I can also cook tapioca pearls on the stovetop, but the Instant Pot makes the process quicker and more consistent.

Can I make this ahead of time?

I usually prepare the tea and mango mixture ahead of time and chill it in the fridge, but I always cook the pearls right before serving.

What type of tea works best for mango bubble tea?

I prefer black tea because it gives a stronger flavor, but green tea or jasmine tea also pair beautifully with mango.

Conclusion

Making Instant Pot mango bubble tea at home is a fun and rewarding way to enjoy one of my favorite drinks. I love how refreshing, fruity, and creamy it tastes, and I can easily adjust it to suit my mood or dietary needs. Once I tried making it myself, I realized I didn’t need to buy it from a shop anymore—I could have a perfect glass of bubble tea right in my kitchen.