Indulge in the exotic flavors of Zhenzhu Naicha drink with this easy recipe. Combine 60 ml Baijiu Kaoliang East Coast, 70 ml tea, 30 ml rice milk, and 200 ml ice in a shaker and shake vigorously. Strain out large pieces using a strainer and pour the mixture into a highball glass. Top it off with 30 ml Tapioca Ball Blueberry and enjoy a refreshing drink! Perfect for beginners, this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to impress their guests with a unique and delicious drink.
Zhenzhu Naicha Ingredients
- 60 ml Baijiu Kaoliang East Coast
- 70 ml Tea
- 30 ml Rice Milk
- 200 ml Ice
- 30 ml Tapioca Ball Blueberry
Zhenzhu Naicha Equipment
- shaker with strainer - get rid of large pieces of ingredients (ex: fruit parts, seeds)
Zhenzhu Naicha Recipe
- fill a shaker half full with ice cubes so you can properly chill ingredients
- shake till perfectly chilled
- pour into Highball glass full with ice cubes
Recommend: serve in Highball glass
The highball (or hi-ball) and collins glasses have a lot in common. They can both be used for tall beverages and hold the same amount of liquid, which can range from 8 to 16 ounces.The Fascinating World of Zhenzhu Naicha
As a professional bartender, I've encountered countless cocktails and mocktails in my career. However, one drink that has caught my attention is Zhenzhu Naicha. This Taiwanese drink, also known as bubble tea, has a unique appearance and a rich history. In this article, we'll explore the popularity, ingredients, garnish, variations, and common mistakes when making Zhenzhu Naicha.
Popularity
Zhenzhu Naicha originated in Taiwan in the 1980s and has since become a global phenomenon. It is a mixture of tea, milk, and tapioca balls, which are also known as pearls or boba. The drink is famous for its chewy tapioca balls that burst with flavor when you bite into them, making it a fun and tasty drink.
In terms of appearance, Zhenzhu Naicha is served in a highball glass with a thick straw for sipping the tapioca balls. The drink's color varies depending on the type of tea used, but it's usually creamy and has a brown or greenish tint.
Ingredient Roles
The ingredients for Zhenzhu Naicha are simple and straightforward. The drink comprises four key ingredients: tea, milk, tapioca balls, and ice.
The tea is the base of the drink, and you can use any type of tea you prefer, including green tea, black tea, or fruit tea. The milk adds creaminess to the drink, and you can use any milk you like, including cow's milk, almond milk, or soy milk.
The tapioca balls are the unique ingredient in this drink. You can purchase them pre-made from Asian supermarkets or make them yourself. The tapioca balls are made from tapioca starch and water and are cooked in boiling water until they float to the surface. They are then soaked in a sugar syrup to give them flavor.
The ice is essential for cooling the drink and creating a refreshing beverage.
How to Garnish
Zhenzhu Naicha is not typically garnished, but you can add some flair to the drink by adding fresh fruit or herbs. For example, you can add sliced strawberries or mint leaves to the drink to give it a pop of color and a fresh taste.
Variations
One of the best things about Zhenzhu Naicha is that it's versatile and can be adjusted to suit different dietary needs. Here are some variations you can try:
Virgin/Mocktail Version
If you want to make a non-alcoholic version of Zhenzhu Naicha, you can omit the baijiu kaoliang east coast from the recipe and add more tea or milk to compensate for the lost volume. You can also add fruit juice, such as orange juice or pineapple juice, to give the drink a fruity flavor.
Gluten-Free Version and Ingredients
If you are gluten intolerant, you can use gluten-free tapioca starch to make the tapioca balls. You can also use gluten-free tea and milk to ensure the drink is entirely gluten-free.
Vegan Version
To make Zhenzhu Naicha vegan, use a plant-based milk such as almond milk or soy milk. You can also use agave nectar or maple syrup instead of honey to sweeten the drink.
Keto Version
To make a keto version of Zhenzhu Naicha, you can use unsweetened almond milk and replace the tapioca balls with chia seeds. Chia seeds have a similar texture to tapioca balls and are low in carbs.
Low-Calorie Version
To make a low-calorie version of Zhenzhu Naicha, use skim milk or a plant-based milk with fewer calories. You can also reduce the amount of sugar syrup used to sweeten the tapioca balls.
Common Mistakes When Making
One of the most common mistakes when making Zhenzhu Naicha is overcooking the tapioca balls. If you cook them for too long, they can become mushy and lose their chewy texture. Cook them for around 15 minutes, or until they float to the surface, and then soak them in sugar syrup.
Another mistake is not shaking the drink well enough. The tapioca balls tend to sink to the bottom of the glass, so it's essential to shake the drink vigorously to ensure they are distributed evenly.
In conclusion, Zhenzhu Naicha is a fascinating and delicious drink that has become a global phenomenon. The drink's popularity is due to its unique appearance, chewy tapioca balls, and versatility. With the various variations, you can adjust the drink to suit different dietary needs, making it the perfect drink for everyone. So why not give it a try and impress your friends and family with your bartending skills?
If you are going to order Zhenzhu Naicha in a bar, don’t forget to mention all the ingredients to the bartender. Zhenzhu Naicha can be served with different ingredients in different places.
