Basil Seed Passionfruit Milk Tea
It’s sweet, creamy, fruity, and fun to drink.
You’re going to love this. It’s creamy, tropical, and has a little crunch from the soaked basil seeds. It’s like boba tea, but lighter and easier to make at home.
I love drinking this on a warm afternoon. It tastes fancy, but it only takes 15 minutes to make. Let’s go for it!
This drink is a must-have in my house. I first tried something like it at a Thai café near my house and couldn’t stop thinking about it. After a few tries, I finally got the homemade version right. Here’s why it works:
- The passionfruit adds a bright, tangy flavor.
- Creamy condensed milk gives it that silky sweetness.
- 🌱 When you eat basil seeds, they turn into little jelly balls that pop in your mouth.
- It tastes good, is cold, and is fun to drink with a straw.
What You Need
Makes enough for two big glasses.
Time to get ready: 10 minutes
Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients:
- Two cups of cold-brewed passionfruit tea (or passionfruit juice if you have to)
- 2 tablespoons of basil seeds
- 1/4 cup of hot water (for soaking the basil seeds)
- 4 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk
- One cup of ice cubes
- Honey or sugar to taste (optional)
Tools:
- Two tall glasses
- Small bowl (to soak seeds)
- Spoon
- Spoons and cups for measuring
- A wide straw works best!
Preparation
- Put the basil seeds in water
Put 2 tablespoons of basil seeds in a small bowl and add 1/4 cup of hot water. Soak them for 5 to 10 minutes, or until they get bigger and feel like jelly. - Make your tea and let it cool (if you aren’t using pre-made)
Put 2 passionfruit tea bags in 2 cups of hot water and let them sit for 5 to 10 minutes. Take out the tea bags and let it cool down. - Put the drink together
Put 2 tablespoons of the soaked basil seeds, 1/2 cup of ice, 1 cup of cold passionfruit tea, and 2 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk in each glass. Gently stir.
Basil seeds, which are also called sabja, soak up water quickly and form a gel-like coating, making a texture that is similar to chia seeds.
Condensed milk makes tea creamier and sweeter without making it curdle.
Cold brew or cooled tea keeps everything fresh and lets the flavors mix without making them bitter.
- Soak the basil seeds for 5 to 10 minutes, or until they are soft and jelly-like.
- Before putting it together, taste your tea. Add some honey or sugar if it’s not sweet enough.
- Make sure to chill your tea ahead of time so the ice doesn’t melt too quickly.
- For the best drinking experience, use a thick straw!
- Make two batches; this goes quickly.
Variations & Tips
- Change the passionfruit tea for mango, green, or jasmine tea.
- For a dairy-free version, use plant-based condensed milk.
- For a tropical twist, add a splash of coconut milk.
- If you can’t find basil seeds, you can use chia seeds instead. They have a similar texture but take longer to soak.
You can soak the basil seeds and chill the tea up to a day ahead of time.
For the best texture, mix everything right before serving.
Warnings & Troubleshooting
- Basil seeds that aren’t soaked long enough are hard and not fun to drink.
- Using hot tea will melt the ice and throw off the balance.
- If you add condensed milk before the tea cools, it might curdle or taste bad.
Frequently Asked Questions
- A: Can I use chia seeds in place of basil seeds?
- Sure! Soak them for at least 30 minutes longer.
- Q: What if I don’t have tea with passionfruit?
- Add a spoonful of passionfruit juice or syrup to regular green tea.
- Q: Is it really sweet?
- It has a little bit of sweetness, but you can add more or less condensed milk to taste.
Serving Suggestions
- Enjoy it best when it’s fresh!
- You can keep soaked basil seeds in the fridge for up to two days if you have any left over.
- If you want to save tea and condensed milk for later, keep them apart.
- Rice crackers or fruit salad are good light snacks.
- For a Vietnamese twist, try spring rolls or bánh mì.
- For dessert, mochi or coconut jellies.
- In the afternoon, eat with toast or a light wrap.
- Brunch table: Put this drink next to muffins, yogurt, and fruit.
- Serve after dinner instead of dessert for a sweet ending.
Making this Basil Seed Passionfruit Milk Tea is a lot of fun, and drinking it is even more fun. It’s a small glass of tropical comfort, whether you’re treating yourself or making it for someone special. Let me know how it went for you by leaving a comment or asking a question below!
Would you like me to make this into a recipe card that you can print out or add to your weekly drink rotation?