Sweet, creamy, fruity, and fun to drink.
You’re gonna love this. It’s tropical, it’s creamy, and it’s got a little crunch from those soaked basil seeds. Think boba tea, but lighter and easier to make at home.
I love sipping this on a warm afternoon—it feels like a fancy treat but takes less than 15 minutes to throw together. Let’s do it!
🍹 Why I Love This Recipe
This drink has become a go-to in my house. I first tried something like it on a trip to a local Thai café and couldn’t stop thinking about it. After some experimenting, I finally cracked the homemade version. Here’s why it hits the spot:
- 🥭 The passionfruit gives it a bright, tangy kick
- 🧋 Creamy condensed milk adds that silky sweetness
- 🌱 Basil seeds puff up into little jelly balls that pop in your mouth
- 🧊 It’s cold, refreshing, and fun to drink with a straw
⏱️ Servings + Time
- Serves: 2 large glasses
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
🧠 Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
- Basil seeds (also called sabja) absorb water fast and form a gel-like coating, creating a fun texture similar to chia seeds.
- Condensed milk adds creaminess and sweetness without curdling in tea.
- Cold brew or cooled tea keeps everything refreshing and lets the flavors mix smoothly without bitterness.
🍽 What You’ll Need
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cold brewed passionfruit tea (or passionfruit juice if in a pinch)
- 2 tablespoons basil seeds
- 1/4 cup hot water (for soaking basil seeds)
- 4 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup ice cubes
- Optional: extra honey or sugar to taste
Tools:
- 2 tall glasses
- Small bowl (to soak seeds)
- Spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Straw (wide one works best!)
🧑🍳 Pro Tips
- Let the basil seeds soak fully—about 5–10 minutes—so they’re soft and jelly-like.
- Taste your tea before assembling. If it’s not sweet enough, add a bit of honey or sugar.
- Chill your tea ahead of time so the ice doesn’t melt too fast.
- Serve with a thick straw for the best sipping experience!
- Make a double batch—this goes fast.
🔁 Substitutions and Variations
- Swap passionfruit tea with mango, green, or jasmine tea.
- Use plant-based condensed milk for a dairy-free version.
- Add a splash of coconut milk for a tropical twist.
- Use chia seeds if you can’t find basil seeds (they’re similar in texture but take longer to soak).
⏳ Make Ahead Tips
- Soak the basil seeds and chill the tea up to 24 hours in advance.
- Mix everything just before serving for the best texture.
👨🍳 Instructions
1. Soak the basil seeds
In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of basil seeds with 1/4 cup hot water. Let them soak for 5–10 minutes until they puff up and turn jelly-like.
2. Brew and cool your tea (if not using pre-made)
Steep 2 passionfruit tea bags in 2 cups hot water for 5–10 minutes. Remove tea bags and chill until cold.
3. Assemble the drink
In each glass, add 2 tablespoons of the soaked basil seeds, 1/2 cup ice, 1 cup of cold passionfruit tea, and 2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk. Stir gently.
🧊 Leftovers & Storage
- Best enjoyed fresh!
- If you have leftover soaked basil seeds, store them in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Keep tea and condensed milk separate if saving for later.
🍴 What to Serve With
- Light snacks like rice crackers or fruit salad
- Spring rolls or bánh mì for a Vietnamese twist
- Mochi or coconut jellies as dessert
📅 Meal Plan Ideas
- Afternoon pick-me-up: Pair with toast or a light wrap.
- Brunch table: Add this drink alongside fruit, yogurt, and muffins.
- Sweet ending: Serve after dinner instead of dessert.
⚠️ Common Mistakes
- Not soaking basil seeds long enough—hard seeds aren’t fun to drink.
- Using hot tea—it’ll melt the ice and mess up the balance.
- Adding condensed milk before cooling the tea—it could curdle or taste off.
❓ FAQ
Q: Can I use chia seeds instead of basil seeds?
Yes! Just soak them longer (at least 30 minutes).
Q: What if I don’t have passionfruit tea?
Use regular green tea and stir in a spoonful of passionfruit juice or syrup.
Q: Is it very sweet?
It’s lightly sweet, but you can add more or less condensed milk to taste.
🧡 Wrapping It Up
This Basil Seed Passionfruit Milk Tea is so fun to make and even more fun to drink. Whether you’re treating yourself or making it for someone special, it’s a little glass of tropical comfort. I’d love to hear how it turned out for you—drop a comment or ask a question below!
Want me to turn this into a printable recipe card or add it to a weekly drink rotation?
