A fragrant, creamy drink that blends the floral notes of jasmine tea, the deep sweetness of wintermelon syrup, and the chewy texture of brown sugar boba. Popular across Asia, wintermelon milk tea is especially soothing when served cold during warm months — but equally comforting warm in the winter.

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📌 Ingredients (2 servings)

Wintermelon Syrup:

• 2 cups peeled and cubed wintermelon (also called ash gourd)

• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar

• 1 pinch kosher salt

• ½ cup water (for simmering)

Jasmine Tea Base:

• 2 tablespoons jasmine tea leaves (or 2 jasmine tea bags)

• 1 cup hot water (about 180°F or 82°C)

• 2 pinches kosher salt (optional but enhances floral notes)

Milk Tea Mixture:

• 1¾ cups milk (whole milk preferred, but oat, almond, or soy milk also work)

• Sweetener to taste (optional — depends on the sweetness of syrup and boba)

Brown Sugar Boba:

• ½ cup tapioca pearls (boba)

• Water for boiling

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar

• 1 tablespoon water (to help dissolve brown sugar)

To Serve:

• Ice cubes (optional, for a chilled version)

• Wide straws (for sipping the boba)

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🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

🥣 1. Make the Wintermelon Syrup

1. In a small saucepan, combine cubed wintermelon, ½ cup water, and a pinch of salt.

2. Simmer over medium heat for 20–25 minutes until the wintermelon becomes translucent and soft.

3. Mash lightly with a spoon or use an immersion blender for a smoother syrup.

4. Stir in 1 tablespoon granulated sugar and cook for another 5 minutes until thickened.

5. Strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to get a clear syrup. Let it cool to room temperature.

6. You can store this syrup in the fridge for up to 5 days in an airtight container.

🍵 2. Brew the Jasmine Tea

1. Heat 1 cup water to around 180°F (not boiling).

2. Add jasmine tea leaves or bags and steep for 3–5 minutes. Do not over-steep, as jasmine can become bitter.

3. Strain out the leaves or remove tea bags.

4. Let the tea cool, then stir in a pinch of salt to bring out the floral undertones.

🍬 3. Prepare the Brown Sugar Boba

1. Boil a small pot of water, then add the boba pearls.

2. Cook according to the package (usually 5–10 minutes). Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

3. Once the boba becomes soft and chewy, remove from heat and drain.

4. Rinse with cold water, then transfer to a small pan.

5. Add 2 tablespoons brown sugar and 1 tablespoon water to the pan with the boba.

6. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until a thick brown sugar syrup coats the pearls.

7. Keep warm or at room temperature until serving.

🧋 4. Assemble the Milk Tea

1. In two tall glasses, spoon the sweetened boba into the bottom.

2. Add a few cubes of ice (optional).

3. Add 2–4 tablespoons of wintermelon syrup to each glass (adjust to taste).

4. Pour in the cooled jasmine tea, then milk.

5. Stir gently to combine all layers into a rich, milky tea.

6. Serve immediately with a wide straw.

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💡 Tips & Notes:

• Flavor Balance: Wintermelon syrup brings a unique caramel-like sweetness. Adjust the amount depending on your preference.

• Jasmine Tea Substitutes: You can also use green tea or oolong if jasmine isn't available.

• Vegan Version: Use plant-based milk and check that your boba is vegan-friendly.

• Make it Iced or Hot: This recipe is best cold but can also be served warm—just skip the ice and gently heat the milk.

• Optional Add-ins: Add grass jelly, aloe cubes, or chia seeds for extra texture.

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🧊 Storage:

• Boba is best eaten fresh. If needed, keep in brown sugar syrup for up to 2 hours at room temp.

• Wintermelon syrup and brewed tea can be kept refrigerated separately and assembled when ready to drink.